Kenosha County Primary Results: Kerkman and Matoska-Mentink Both Advance to General Election in April For County Executive Post

Copied!
Samantha Kerkman addressing Supporters Tuesday Night
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson)
Rebecca Matoska-Mentink

County Executive

Paid Advertisement

Out of three candidates for Kenosha County Executive, two remain – Kenosha Clerk of Courts Rebecca Matoska-Mentink and State Representative Samantha Kerkman. The two women received more than 80% of the votes and were separated by only 901 votes. Outgoing County Board Member Jerry Gulley came in a distant third place, being eliminated from the race. Kerkman, when asked via phone, had a one-word response when asked for a message for her supporters – “Thank you!”

Paid Advertisement

Reached by email, Matoska-Mentink had the following to say:

Paid Advertisement

“I want to thank the voters of Kenosha County for the confidence that you showed in me last night- as you have for the last 16 years. 

Paid Advertisement

Kenosha County deserves a leader who will unite, lead, and create results for all people. I appreciate the faith you have in my experience, my education, my passion and my dedication in moving Kenosha forward. 

Paid Advertisement

Thank you again to everyone who came out in the primary. “

Paid Advertisement

Gulley issued the following statement.

Paid Advertisement

County Board District 16

Paid Advertisement
Amanda Nedweski looks at the election results with her younger brother, Matt Nedweski (left) and her partner, Norm Pratt (right) (Photo by Kevin Mathewson)

County Board District 16 was also on the ballot for a primary. Political new-comer Amanda Nedweski of Pleasant Prairie took first place in a 3-way primary with LaVerne Jaros trailing by 10 points. Nedweski and Jaros will face each other in the April 5 general election.

LaVerne Jaros


Alderman District 6

Brandi Ferree

Dave Paff

Voters in Kenosha’s 6th Aldermanic District will have two options on April 5 – Dave Paff(i) and Brandi Ferree. Ferree had a slight lead over incumbent Paff. Ryan Havron took a distant third place and was eliminated from the race.

Ryan Havron

Bristol School District Board

Out of five candidates, four will advance to the general election. Tina Elfering, Stephen Grimm, Danielle Whitaker, and Lauren Zimmer will advance. JoDee Hale-Schmid was eliminated.

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Twin Lakes Man On The Run After Alleged Drunken, Near-Deadly Crash Captured On $30K Warrant, Faces More Than 90 Years In Prison

RANDALL, Wis. — A 19-year-old Twin Lakes man accused of drunkenly swerving a vehicle before causing a near-deadly rollover crash that seriously injured multiple passengers—and then fleeing the scene—was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after Court Commissioner William Michel II had already ordered a $30,000 cash bail following felony charges.

Meet The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss: Opinion

KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the most powerful figures in Kenosha County government is stepping down, and the person stepping in looks less like change and more like continuity. County Executive Samantha Kerkman has announced that longtime Human Services Director John Jansen will retire after 37 years with the county, including 18 years leading the department. In his place, Kerkman has appointed Rebecca

MORE TOP STORIES
Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused Of Leaving Infant Alone, Swinging Bat At Family Member Gets Break As ‘Bargain Bail Billy’ Slashes $10K Warrant To $1,000

Jada S. Tyler, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of leaving an infant unattended and later attacking a family member with a bat is back in custody after Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II dramatically reduced a previously issued arrest warrant,

Categories
Archives
Authors

4 Responses

  1. Rebecca Matoska- Mentink a long time establishment Kenosha official.
    Hmm, I’m sure she is nothing but trustworthy, non- corrupt and above board.

  2. Congratulations, Amanda! A fresh take on things is exactly what Kenosha county needs! Too bad all of the County Exec candidates are nothing more than career politicians.

Add a Comment

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

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Twin Lakes Man On The Run After Alleged Drunken, Near-Deadly Crash Captured On $30K Warrant, Faces More Than 90 Years In Prison

RANDALL, Wis. — A 19-year-old Twin Lakes man accused of drunkenly swerving a vehicle before causing a near-deadly rollover crash that seriously injured multiple passengers—and then fleeing the scene—was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after Court Commissioner William Michel II had already ordered a $30,000 cash bail following felony charges.

Meet The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss: Opinion

KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the most powerful figures in Kenosha County government is stepping down, and the person stepping in looks less like change and more like continuity. County Executive Samantha Kerkman has announced that longtime Human Services Director John Jansen will retire after 37 years with the county, including 18 years leading the department. In his place, Kerkman has appointed Rebecca

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Child Neglect After Baby Exposed To Fentanyl, Court Commissioner Sets $8,000 Cash Bail

Anthony J. Martinez, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of exposing a baby to fentanyl was ordered held on $8,000 cash bail Thursday by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II following his initial appearance. Anthony J. Martinez, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused Of Leaving Infant Alone, Swinging Bat At Family Member Gets Break As ‘Bargain Bail Billy’ Slashes $10K Warrant To $1,000

Jada S. Tyler, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of leaving an infant unattended and later attacking a family member with a bat is back in custody after Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II dramatically reduced a previously issued arrest warrant, though she remains behind bars after failing to post bail. Jada S. Tyler,

Plus +

Felony Charge Filed Against Kenosha Woman After Suspended-License Crash Injures Grandfather, Children Near Somers Elementary

Amanda L. Frump, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A 35-year-old Kenosha woman who was already out on bond in multiple pending cases is now facing a felony charge after prosecutors say she caused a serious crash near Somers Elementary School while driving on a suspended license. Amanda L. Frump, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged

Plus +

Mom Accused Of Leaving 4-Year-Old In Hot Car At Uline Vanishes For Nearly 3 Years, Then Released On No-Cash Bail

Shayla D. Henderson, 42, of Little Rock, Arkansas(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II on Wednesday lowered a previously issued $1,500 arrest warrant to a no-cash bail and released Shayla D. Henderson, 42, of Little Rock, Arkansas, just one day after she was taken into custody for a felony child neglect case she had

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Kicking In Door, Strangling Girlfriend, Ripping Out Weave During Violent Domestic Attack

Arthur L. Custard, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of kicking in a door, strangling his girlfriend, and ripping out her weave during a violent domestic attack is being held on $7,500 cash bail after appearing before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II, according to newly filed charges. Arthur L. Custard, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Firing Gun During Dog Dispute, Threatening Neighbor With Firearm

Michael F. Rivecco, 56, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing multiple criminal charges after police say he fired a handgun during a neighborhood dispute involving a loose dog and then allegedly threatened a neighbor while armed. He is scheduled to appear April 29 at 1 p.m. before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II for

Wisconsin Marathon Returns To Downtown Kenosha Saturday, Bringing Road Closures And Thousands Of Runners

KENOSHA, Wis. — Thousands of runners are expected to flood downtown Kenosha this weekend as the Wisconsin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K return Saturday morning, bringing widespread road closures and heavy foot traffic along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The races will begin near the Civil War Museum at the corner of Ring Road and Fisherman Drive, with an early start at 6:35 a.m.

Plus +

KUSD Hired Staffer With Felony Drug Conviction And Prison Time, Fired Him For Lying Instead Of His Alleged Grooming Behavior

Jesse I. Franklin, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Updated 4-22-2026 at 5:09 p.m. with Dr. Weiss’s comments KENOSHA, Wis. — A former Tremper High School staff member accused of making inappropriate comments to a student was ultimately fired by the Kenosha Unified School District—not for that conduct, but for lying on his job application, according to district officials, a decision that is

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged With Possession Of Child Pornography After Cyber Tip, Police Seize Phone

Ronny Bryan Sanchez Pingos, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing a serious felony charge after an investigation tied to an online tip, but as of publication time Wednesday afternoon, it was unclear whether he had appeared in court or what bail, if any, had been set. Ronny Bryan Sanchez Pingos, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s

Plus +

Burlington Man Accused of Meth, Bail Jumping, and Multi-Vehicle OWI Crash That Injured Four

Austin Riley Prinn, 28, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Burlington man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he caused a violent multi-vehicle rollover crash while allegedly under the influence and in possession of methamphetamine, all while out on bond in two separate cases. Austin Riley Prinn, 28, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must

Plus +

135 MPH I-94 Chase, Lights Off, Gun In Car: Waukesha Man Held on $25K Cash Bail

Najee Deon Baham, 28, of Waukesha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) BRISTOL, Wis. — A Waukesha man is being held on a $25,000 cash bond after authorities say he led Wisconsin State Patrol on a high-speed chase reaching 135 mph on Interstate 94, drove with his headlights off at times, and had a passenger armed with a handgun inside the vehicle. Court Commissioner William “Bargain

Plus +

Drunken Punch Leaves Man With Facial Fractures; Kenosha Man Charged With Felony Battery

Robert J. White, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of violently punching a friend during a late-night visit is now facing a felony charge after appearing before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II, who set bail following arguments from both prosecutors and defense. Robert J. White, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You

Plus +

Illinois Woman Accused of High-Speed Police Chase, Drug Possession After Twin Lakes Stop

Kenzey L. Cooke, 21, of Antioch, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A 21-year-old Illinois woman is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say she fled from a traffic stop, sparked a late-night police search, and was later found hiding inside her apartment with drugs and paraphernalia. Kenzey L. Cooke, 21, of Antioch, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must

Plus +

Illinois Man Accused Of $42,000 Rampage Through Kenosha Apartment Complex, Smashing Gates And Dog Park Fencing

Dustin Tyler Lewis, 32, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 32-year-old Illinois man is facing a felony charge after prosecutors say he tore through a Kenosha apartment complex with his pickup truck, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance May 21 before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel

Plus +

Thanksgiving Fire Horror: Father Charged After Three Children Died in Kenosha Blaze, Complaint Alleges He Left Them in Burning Apartment, Faces 75 Years in Prison

Rylee Levi Kannin, 10, Joshua P. Kannin, 39, Connor Liam Kannin, 9 and Alena Ellen Kannin, 7 Graphic details below. KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha father whose three young children died in a horrific Thanksgiving night apartment fire last November has now been charged with three felony counts of neglecting a child causing death after investigators concluded he failed to protect the children

Nordigian Wins County Board Chairmanship After Tie Vote, Political Horse Trading Alleged

KENOSHA, Wis. — Supervisor Mark Nordigian was elected chairman of the Kenosha County Board Tuesday night after a dramatic and unusual vote that many insiders say was decided by behind-the-scenes political dealmaking. The night began with outgoing Chair Monica Yuhas officially leaving the board after eight years of service. Supervisors gave Yuhas a standing ovation as she concluded her tenure. Vice Chairman Daniel

Kenosha Aldermen Sworn In as New Common Council Begins Two-Year Term

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha’s aldermen officially took office Tuesday night during the Common Council’s organizational meeting, beginning a new two-year term for the city’s legislative body. The meeting featured the swearing-in of representatives from all 17 districts across the city following the recent spring election. Julia Metallo was the only truly new member of the council. Daniel Prozanski also joined the council this

Monica Yuhas Leaves County Board After Eight Years of Service

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Monica Yuhas will chair her final Kenosha County Board meeting Tuesday night, bringing an end to eight years on the board and the last two as its chairwoman. Before joining the County Board, Yuhas served as a trustee in the Village of Pleasant Prairie. Over the years, she became known as a steady and generally low-key presence in county

Nordigian Could Capitalize on Absences in Surprise County Board Chair Race

KENOSHA, Wis. — A pair of expected absences at Tuesday night’s Kenosha County Board organizational meeting could create an unexpected opening for Supervisor Mark Nordigian to become the next chairman, despite Democrats maintaining a strong majority on the board following the April election. According to multiple sources familiar with behind-the-scenes discussions, Supervisors Laura Belsky and William “Bill” Grady are both expected to be

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of 80 MPH Chase With No Headlights Refuses to Appear in Court as Michel Sets $10,000 Cash Bond

Riley M. Hansler, 31, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of leading police on a dangerous nighttime chase through city streets at speeds reaching 80 miles per hour refused to leave his cell for court Tuesday, prompting Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II to adjourn the hearing until later this week while setting a $10,000

Gateway’s Sabrina Morgan Honored as Distinguished Alumnus at Leadership Kenosha Graduation

KENOSHA, Wis. — Leadership Kenosha will celebrate its 2026 graduating class next month while also honoring one of the community’s most active and respected leaders, Gateway Technical College’s Sabrina Morgan. The annual Leadership Kenosha Graduation Celebration is scheduled for May 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Circa on Seventh in downtown Kenosha. The event will recognize the 2025-2026 cohort, made up of

Plus +

Man Charged With Sexual Assault Released on $400 Cash Bond by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II

Charles L. Jimenez, 33, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of forcing a woman to strip and touching her without consent was allowed to remain free Tuesday after Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II continued a $400 cash bond, despite prosecutors asking for much more. Charles L. Jimenez, 33, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Twin Lakes Man On The Run After Alleged Drunken, Near-Deadly Crash Captured On $30K Warrant, Faces More Than 90 Years In Prison

RANDALL, Wis. — A 19-year-old Twin Lakes man accused of drunkenly swerving a vehicle before causing a near-deadly rollover crash that seriously injured multiple passengers—and then fleeing the scene—was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after Court Commissioner William Michel II had already ordered a $30,000 cash bail following felony charges.

Meet The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss: Opinion

KENOSHA, Wis. — One of the most powerful figures in Kenosha County government is stepping down, and the person stepping in looks less like change and more like continuity. County Executive Samantha Kerkman has announced that longtime Human Services Director John Jansen will retire after 37 years with the county, including 18 years leading the department. In his place, Kerkman has appointed Rebecca

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused Of Child Neglect After Baby Exposed To Fentanyl, Court Commissioner Sets $8,000 Cash Bail

Anthony J. Martinez, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of exposing a baby to fentanyl was ordered held on $8,000 cash bail Thursday by Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II following his initial appearance. Anthony J. Martinez, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this

Plus +

Kenosha Woman Accused Of Leaving Infant Alone, Swinging Bat At Family Member Gets Break As ‘Bargain Bail Billy’ Slashes $10K Warrant To $1,000

Jada S. Tyler, 19, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman accused of leaving an infant unattended and later attacking a family member with a bat is back in custody after Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II dramatically reduced a previously issued arrest warrant, though she remains behind bars after failing to post bail. Jada S. Tyler,

Plus +

Felony Charge Filed Against Kenosha Woman After Suspended-License Crash Injures Grandfather, Children Near Somers Elementary

Amanda L. Frump, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A 35-year-old Kenosha woman who was already out on bond in multiple pending cases is now facing a felony charge after prosecutors say she caused a serious crash near Somers Elementary School while driving on a suspended license. Amanda L. Frump, 35, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged

Plus +

Mom Accused Of Leaving 4-Year-Old In Hot Car At Uline Vanishes For Nearly 3 Years, Then Released On No-Cash Bail

Shayla D. Henderson, 42, of Little Rock, Arkansas(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II on Wednesday lowered a previously issued $1,500 arrest warrant to a no-cash bail and released Shayla D. Henderson, 42, of Little Rock, Arkansas, just one day after she was taken into custody for a felony child neglect case she had

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Kicking In Door, Strangling Girlfriend, Ripping Out Weave During Violent Domestic Attack

Arthur L. Custard, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of kicking in a door, strangling his girlfriend, and ripping out her weave during a violent domestic attack is being held on $7,500 cash bail after appearing before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II, according to newly filed charges. Arthur L. Custard, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Firing Gun During Dog Dispute, Threatening Neighbor With Firearm

Michael F. Rivecco, 56, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing multiple criminal charges after police say he fired a handgun during a neighborhood dispute involving a loose dog and then allegedly threatened a neighbor while armed. He is scheduled to appear April 29 at 1 p.m. before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II for

Wisconsin Marathon Returns To Downtown Kenosha Saturday, Bringing Road Closures And Thousands Of Runners

KENOSHA, Wis. — Thousands of runners are expected to flood downtown Kenosha this weekend as the Wisconsin Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K return Saturday morning, bringing widespread road closures and heavy foot traffic along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The races will begin near the Civil War Museum at the corner of Ring Road and Fisherman Drive, with an early start at 6:35 a.m.

Plus +

KUSD Hired Staffer With Felony Drug Conviction And Prison Time, Fired Him For Lying Instead Of His Alleged Grooming Behavior

Jesse I. Franklin, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Updated 4-22-2026 at 5:09 p.m. with Dr. Weiss’s comments KENOSHA, Wis. — A former Tremper High School staff member accused of making inappropriate comments to a student was ultimately fired by the Kenosha Unified School District—not for that conduct, but for lying on his job application, according to district officials, a decision that is

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged With Possession Of Child Pornography After Cyber Tip, Police Seize Phone

Ronny Bryan Sanchez Pingos, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing a serious felony charge after an investigation tied to an online tip, but as of publication time Wednesday afternoon, it was unclear whether he had appeared in court or what bail, if any, had been set. Ronny Bryan Sanchez Pingos, 24, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s

Plus +

Burlington Man Accused of Meth, Bail Jumping, and Multi-Vehicle OWI Crash That Injured Four

Austin Riley Prinn, 28, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Burlington man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he caused a violent multi-vehicle rollover crash while allegedly under the influence and in possession of methamphetamine, all while out on bond in two separate cases. Austin Riley Prinn, 28, of Burlington(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must

Plus +

135 MPH I-94 Chase, Lights Off, Gun In Car: Waukesha Man Held on $25K Cash Bail

Najee Deon Baham, 28, of Waukesha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) BRISTOL, Wis. — A Waukesha man is being held on a $25,000 cash bond after authorities say he led Wisconsin State Patrol on a high-speed chase reaching 135 mph on Interstate 94, drove with his headlights off at times, and had a passenger armed with a handgun inside the vehicle. Court Commissioner William “Bargain

Plus +

Drunken Punch Leaves Man With Facial Fractures; Kenosha Man Charged With Felony Battery

Robert J. White, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of violently punching a friend during a late-night visit is now facing a felony charge after appearing before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II, who set bail following arguments from both prosecutors and defense. Robert J. White, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You

Plus +

Illinois Woman Accused of High-Speed Police Chase, Drug Possession After Twin Lakes Stop

Kenzey L. Cooke, 21, of Antioch, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A 21-year-old Illinois woman is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say she fled from a traffic stop, sparked a late-night police search, and was later found hiding inside her apartment with drugs and paraphernalia. Kenzey L. Cooke, 21, of Antioch, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must

Plus +

Illinois Man Accused Of $42,000 Rampage Through Kenosha Apartment Complex, Smashing Gates And Dog Park Fencing

Dustin Tyler Lewis, 32, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 32-year-old Illinois man is facing a felony charge after prosecutors say he tore through a Kenosha apartment complex with his pickup truck, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance May 21 before Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

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