KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Jason Freitag, the longtime Kenosha County Highway Operations Superintendent, was effectively pushed out of county government late last year after a sustained pattern of complaints and internal concerns, a move some observers speculate was delayed until County Executive Samantha Kerkman knew she would face no opponent in her reelection bid before taking action.
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RANDALL, Wis. — A serious two-vehicle crash in the Town of Randall on Sunday afternoon left multiple people injured, including a 45-year-old man who suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Milwaukee trauma center. The crash occurred at approximately 2:17 p.m. in the 38500 block of County Highway F (87th Street), where Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue, the Town of Randall Fire Department, and
Johanna L. Gabourel, 39, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Pleasant Prairie woman is facing three felony cocaine delivery charges after Kenosha-area drug investigators say she repeatedly sold large amounts of cocaine to a confidential informant before being caught with nearly 29 grams of crack cocaine hidden in her underwear. Johanna L. Gabourel, 39, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s
KENOSHA, Wis. — A U.S. Navy veteran with more than a decade of experience assisting veterans and their families has taken over as Kenosha County’s new Director of Veterans Services. Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Wednesday that Robert Swanson is now leading the Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services
Eric Jamal Smith, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 39-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony strangulation charges and five additional domestic abuse-related charges after prosecutors say he attacked a woman during two separate incidents on back-to-back days, leaving her with bruises, bite marks, swelling, scratches
KENOSHA, Wis. — Keller Williams Thrive will celebrate the grand opening of its new Kenosha office later this month with a community event featuring live music, drinks, food, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new Keller Williams Thrive Kenosha office, located at 5525 Green Bay Road, Suite 200, will host its
Julio Cesar Marin-Garcia, 44, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of sexually assaulting a woman, choking her, stopping her from calling 911, and taking her vehicle posted $7,500 cash bail Friday after a warrant for his arrest remained active for several months. Julio Cesar
Ricardo Daniel Carranza, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of his sixth drunk-driving offense was ordered held on $20,000 cash bail Friday after prosecutors say he crashed into a parked vehicle, drove away, and later admitted to police that he drank “a lot”
Marcelis Butler, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Marcelis Butler, 18, of Kenosha, was charged with a felony drug offense and three counts of bail jumping after Kenosha Police say they found dozens of ecstasy pills and cocaine hidden inside his bedroom during the execution of a
RANDALL, Wis. — A serious two-vehicle crash in the Town of Randall on Sunday afternoon left multiple people injured, including a 45-year-old man who suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Milwaukee trauma center. The crash occurred at approximately 2:17 p.m. in the 38500 block of County Highway F (87th Street), where Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue, the Town of Randall Fire Department, and
Johanna L. Gabourel, 39, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Pleasant Prairie woman is facing three felony cocaine delivery charges after Kenosha-area drug investigators say she repeatedly sold large amounts of cocaine to a confidential informant before being caught with nearly 29 grams of crack cocaine hidden in her underwear. Johanna L. Gabourel, 39, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s
KENOSHA, Wis. — A U.S. Navy veteran with more than a decade of experience assisting veterans and their families has taken over as Kenosha County’s new Director of Veterans Services. Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Wednesday that Robert Swanson is now leading the Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services following the retirement of former Director Jennifer Blasi. “Jennifer has done an outstanding
Eric Jamal Smith, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 39-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony strangulation charges and five additional domestic abuse-related charges after prosecutors say he attacked a woman during two separate incidents on back-to-back days, leaving her with bruises, bite marks, swelling, scratches and other injuries. Eric Jamal Smith, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You
KENOSHA, Wis. — Keller Williams Thrive will celebrate the grand opening of its new Kenosha office later this month with a community event featuring live music, drinks, food, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new Keller Williams Thrive Kenosha office, located at 5525 Green Bay Road, Suite 200, will host its grand opening celebration on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. until 7
Julio Cesar Marin-Garcia, 44, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of sexually assaulting a woman, choking her, stopping her from calling 911, and taking her vehicle posted $7,500 cash bail Friday after a warrant for his arrest remained active for several months. Julio Cesar Marin-Garcia, 44, of Kenosha, is facing eight criminal charges, including three felonies, in
Ricardo Daniel Carranza, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of his sixth drunk-driving offense was ordered held on $20,000 cash bail Friday after prosecutors say he crashed into a parked vehicle, drove away, and later admitted to police that he drank “a lot” and “too much” before getting behind the wheel. Ricardo Daniel Carranza, 39, of
Marcelis Butler, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Marcelis Butler, 18, of Kenosha, was charged with a felony drug offense and three counts of bail jumping after Kenosha Police say they found dozens of ecstasy pills and cocaine hidden inside his bedroom during the execution of a search warrant. Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse set Butler’s cash bail at $2,000 Friday
Kenosha Police Department(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Steven M. Hunkins, 55, of Kenosha, was charged with felony Operating While Intoxicated Causing Injury – 2nd and Subsequent Offense after prosecutors say he caused a two-vehicle crash that sent another driver to the hospital. The case is assigned to Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Heather Iverson after being moved to coincide with a
Pleasant Prairie Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Oscar De Leon, 67, of Kenosha, was charged Thursday with felony fourth-offense operating while intoxicated after Pleasant Prairie Police say he crashed his Ford Focus, ended up trapped underneath the vehicle, and had to be pulled to safety by an officer. The Class H felony carries a maximum
Jared R. Lawson, 24, of Chicago(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Jared R. Lawson, 24, of Chicago, was taken into custody after missing court dates in his felony burglary case involving an allegedly stolen $12,000 Can-Am Ryker three-wheeled motorcycle. Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jodi L. Meier previously issued a $25,000 cash bench warrant after Lawson failed to appear for his June
Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Sean A. Braun, 18, of Kenosha, is facing two felony charges after prosecutors say he stole a Chevrolet Trailblazer, drove it recklessly through a Kenosha neighborhood, and crashed into two occupied homes, causing extensive damage. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.
Keanna R. Henley, 23, and Alexis E. Cannon, 29, Both of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Two Kenosha sisters accused by police of forcing their way into an apartment and attacking a woman were released from custody Thursday afternoon on no-cash bail by Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse. Keanna R. Henley Alexis E. Cannon You must be logged in to view the
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County residents and business owners who suffered damage during April’s severe storms and flooding may now apply for federal disaster assistance after Kenosha County was included in a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Wednesday that residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that struck Wisconsin from April 13 through April 23 are now
Milton S. Alvarado-Gomez, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man already facing a felony domestic violence case is back behind bars after prosecutors say he attacked and strangled his ex-wife outside a Kenosha bar — while he was under a court order to have no contact with her. Milton S. Alvarado-Gomez, 34, of Kenosha, was charged Thursday with
Christianna R. Topel, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 25-year-old Kenosha woman accused of driving drunk with a 1-year-old child in the back seat after allegedly crashing into a parked vehicle and fleeing was was allowed to remain free on a no-cash bail Thursday. Christianna R. Topel, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to
Naseem Ramez Hassan, 17, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is accused of possessing a handgun equipped with a 50-round drum magazine during a family altercation and later threatening to get another firearm and shoot his father, according to a criminal complaint filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court. Naseem Ramez Hassan, 17, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You
SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Many people move away from cities like Kenosha and into rural communities like Salem Lakes because they want more room, fewer restrictions, and the ability to enjoy their property. An RV parked near the house, a UTV, a four-wheeler, a dirt bike, farm equipment, trailers, or other items that may draw scrutiny in a city environment have long been
Aidan J. Hagerty, 18, and Tae’Angelo R. Adams, 23, Both of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A months-long investigation by the Kenosha County Drug Operations Group (KDOG) led to felony charges against two Kenosha men after detectives say they uncovered THC sales, illegal firearm transactions, and a “ghost gun” that was later connected through ballistic testing to two separate shootings. Aidan
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Congressman Bryan Steil (R-WI) joined Vice President JD Vance and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), in Wisconsin to discuss efforts aimed at eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse within federal programs. Steil and federal officials highlighted concerns about criminals exploiting taxpayer-funded programs, including Medicaid, which the U.S. Department of Justice says was targeted
Kyle M. Keehn, 40, of Genoa City(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — A Genoa City man was sentenced Wednesday to three years in prison by Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Heather Iverson after pleading guilty to his fourth OWI offense, a felony, stemming from a 2024 traffic stop in Salem Lakes. The prison sentence is a departure from the Kenosha judiciary’s
Emma P. Spencer, 17, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 17-year-old Kenosha woman is facing a felony child abuse charge after police say she struck her young daughter in the face and attacked her boyfriend during an argument involving their newly formed three-person relationship. Emma P. Spencer, 17, of Kenosha, was charged Wednesday with physical abuse of a child —
Marcos A. Rivas, 22, of Waukegan(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A 22-year-old Waukegan, Illinois man accused of causing a crash that injured seven people while driving under the influence, then allegedly running from the scene to hide a backpack containing a Glock pistol, ammunition, marijuana and alcohol, was released after posting only $800 cash bail. Marcos A. Rivas, 22, of Waukegan(Kenosha
Tyrone M. Jiles III, 25, of Zion(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 25-year-old Zion, Illinois man accused of waiting outside his former workplace, attacking a co-worker he blamed for getting him suspended, and taking the man’s phone was charged Wednesday with felony robbery and several misdemeanors. A court commissioner set his cash bail at only $750. Tyrone M. Jiles III, 25,
RANDALL, Wis. — A serious two-vehicle crash in the Town of Randall on Sunday afternoon left multiple people injured, including a 45-year-old man who suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Milwaukee trauma center. The crash occurred at approximately 2:17 p.m. in the 38500 block of County Highway F (87th Street), where Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue, the Town of Randall Fire Department, and
Johanna L. Gabourel, 39, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Pleasant Prairie woman is facing three felony cocaine delivery charges after Kenosha-area drug investigators say she repeatedly sold large amounts of cocaine to a confidential informant before being caught with nearly 29 grams of crack cocaine hidden in her underwear. Johanna L. Gabourel, 39, of Pleasant Prairie(Kenosha County Sheriff’s
KENOSHA, Wis. — A U.S. Navy veteran with more than a decade of experience assisting veterans and their families has taken over as Kenosha County’s new Director of Veterans Services. Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Wednesday that Robert Swanson is now leading the Kenosha County Division of Veterans Services following the retirement of former Director Jennifer Blasi. “Jennifer has done an outstanding
Eric Jamal Smith, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 39-year-old Kenosha man is facing two felony strangulation charges and five additional domestic abuse-related charges after prosecutors say he attacked a woman during two separate incidents on back-to-back days, leaving her with bruises, bite marks, swelling, scratches and other injuries. Eric Jamal Smith, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You
KENOSHA, Wis. — Keller Williams Thrive will celebrate the grand opening of its new Kenosha office later this month with a community event featuring live music, drinks, food, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new Keller Williams Thrive Kenosha office, located at 5525 Green Bay Road, Suite 200, will host its grand opening celebration on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. until 7
Julio Cesar Marin-Garcia, 44, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of sexually assaulting a woman, choking her, stopping her from calling 911, and taking her vehicle posted $7,500 cash bail Friday after a warrant for his arrest remained active for several months. Julio Cesar Marin-Garcia, 44, of Kenosha, is facing eight criminal charges, including three felonies, in
Ricardo Daniel Carranza, 39, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of his sixth drunk-driving offense was ordered held on $20,000 cash bail Friday after prosecutors say he crashed into a parked vehicle, drove away, and later admitted to police that he drank “a lot” and “too much” before getting behind the wheel. Ricardo Daniel Carranza, 39, of
Marcelis Butler, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Marcelis Butler, 18, of Kenosha, was charged with a felony drug offense and three counts of bail jumping after Kenosha Police say they found dozens of ecstasy pills and cocaine hidden inside his bedroom during the execution of a search warrant. Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse set Butler’s cash bail at $2,000 Friday
Kenosha Police Department(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Steven M. Hunkins, 55, of Kenosha, was charged with felony Operating While Intoxicated Causing Injury – 2nd and Subsequent Offense after prosecutors say he caused a two-vehicle crash that sent another driver to the hospital. The case is assigned to Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Heather Iverson after being moved to coincide with a
Pleasant Prairie Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Oscar De Leon, 67, of Kenosha, was charged Thursday with felony fourth-offense operating while intoxicated after Pleasant Prairie Police say he crashed his Ford Focus, ended up trapped underneath the vehicle, and had to be pulled to safety by an officer. The Class H felony carries a maximum
Jared R. Lawson, 24, of Chicago(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Jared R. Lawson, 24, of Chicago, was taken into custody after missing court dates in his felony burglary case involving an allegedly stolen $12,000 Can-Am Ryker three-wheeled motorcycle. Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jodi L. Meier previously issued a $25,000 cash bench warrant after Lawson failed to appear for his June
Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Sean A. Braun, 18, of Kenosha, is facing two felony charges after prosecutors say he stole a Chevrolet Trailblazer, drove it recklessly through a Kenosha neighborhood, and crashed into two occupied homes, causing extensive damage. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.
Keanna R. Henley, 23, and Alexis E. Cannon, 29, Both of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Two Kenosha sisters accused by police of forcing their way into an apartment and attacking a woman were released from custody Thursday afternoon on no-cash bail by Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse. Keanna R. Henley Alexis E. Cannon You must be logged in to view the
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County residents and business owners who suffered damage during April’s severe storms and flooding may now apply for federal disaster assistance after Kenosha County was included in a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Wednesday that residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that struck Wisconsin from April 13 through April 23 are now
Milton S. Alvarado-Gomez, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man already facing a felony domestic violence case is back behind bars after prosecutors say he attacked and strangled his ex-wife outside a Kenosha bar — while he was under a court order to have no contact with her. Milton S. Alvarado-Gomez, 34, of Kenosha, was charged Thursday with
Christianna R. Topel, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 25-year-old Kenosha woman accused of driving drunk with a 1-year-old child in the back seat after allegedly crashing into a parked vehicle and fleeing was was allowed to remain free on a no-cash bail Thursday. Christianna R. Topel, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to
38 Responses
Be a terrible boss walk out with severance pay??
Get your information correct he didn’t get a severance package
It literally says, “depart with severance.”
As opposed to figuratively?
Yep
So Jason Freitag was the problem? As I recall Greg Bolts name was mentioned just as often as his, and Greg bolt still has a job. Greg bolt also got a promotion and a $7,000 a year raise,
meanwhile four more employees have quit the highway department in the month of January alone after Jason was fired. But he was the problem?
Our insurance SUCKS. It’s easy to find nearby municipalities who have better benefits and pay.
Can’t blame people for leaving when Kerkman set the standard that the insurance is going to get worse every year. Hope the taxpayers aren’t too attached to good road conditions in the winter. Don’t worry, your taxes didn’t go up, but the quality of services is going down.
You can thank Scott Walker for that.
Walker has been on the Kenosha County Board for the past decade? Nope.
Your insurance “sucks” because the liberals on the County Board AND the City Council have screwed their fellow democrat employees by giving you insurance that “sucks”. But they STILL try to blame Walker for something he DID NOT DO. You dumb ass sheep are so gullible.
There are good roads around here? Could’ve fooled me. Your department is just like the medical and penal industries. They treat symptoms, not the underlying cause. Might as well not even have a job. As a matter of fact, that’s what I’ll say to you when I’m driving by, and you’re standing there with 5 other people watching 1 man work.
My guess is you live in the city and dont know the difference between city roads and county roads. But keep that energy up when you pass them running your next door dash order
Yeah maybe keep up with current events as the quality of just about all services, government and otherwise, has gone down markedly over the past decade, while the cost of the services in taxes has gone up.
But please, feel free to make it up as you go along
No one wants to work and the losers they put in charge have no experience or ability to lead but hey, they have a college degree so that makes them important.
Fish stinks from the head down
Our insurance is actually amazing. It’s also extremely affordable. I’m not sure what plan you are on but I’ve compared it to other places and nobody beats ours.
The roads in the County have been terrible this year. I’m not sure what has changed but it’s not for the better.
Sh*t can Billingsley next. She’s just as guilty.
I agree. I don’t think Jason was ever the issue. I know for a fact Jacob, the other superintendent, has been nothing but a problem. Hiring people with zero experience at way higher rates than current employees just for them to leave a few months later. Highway department needs new leadership and fast. The department is drowning.
Shows determination in the face of adversity.
And there’s a lot of that for her.
Aside that we have to now endure her for another 4 years because our Republican Party couldn’t find a replacement for her.
Not as dramatic as teachers but another example of not firing someone. Letting them survive their future job opportunities. I get it but at least a simple background check will pull up this story. Though other municipalities won’t care.
That’s just another way of saying she looks rough….
Her face ages about as well as Kenosha County roads….
Get use to it. Corruption is the merican way
This is what happens when a municipality is taken over by emotional women and feminine men. Absolutely brutal what has become of a once proud department.
Hard to tell the difference between emotional women and feminine men at all levels of government. Going to be hard times when the children they produce gain the throne of power due to a sense of entitlement.
Look at the nepotism on display at all levels of Kenosha government and services and declining level of services while taxes increase.
Does she not ever look in the mirror. She looks so rough
There is much to complain about with her, but no excuse for cheap shots on her looks. Shame on you.
Maybe they should start complaining about Karen Terry and Clara tappa maybe they’ll get fired….. oh wait nope
Them too!
It’s strange that all the bad seeds came from the City of Kenosha and one from Walworth County… Shelly, Greg, Karen, and Jake
In the real world, intentionally sabotaging/deleting a coworkers documents without asking/communicating would get you walked out immediately. They showed this dildo a lot of grace.
“ long time superintendent”
He wasn’t a superintendent that long!
Well, for Kenosha County Highway department standards. There was a long time considering the turnover rate is so extremely high.
You should really look into how many people have left Kenosha County highway department since Jason was promoted to superintendent.
Then you should look at how many highway department employees left since Samantha Kirkman got elected
“Pushed out” in the headline makes it sound like it wasn’t justified, but the article definitely sounds like it was not only justified but sorely overdue!
The two people that were complaining the most were doing it because people at the top needed the documentation to get Jason out. And how convenient one of them just so happened to slide right into Jason’s position. Maybe pull their personnel files and see all the shit they should have been fired for!
The comments made by individuals who didn’t read the article practically have a neon glow.
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I will admit that I have not read the entire article, but, I would like to comment on some of the comments. The county highway department started going down hill when kreuser was in office and when Scott walker signed Act 10. People are always bitching about the roads, but, the county cannot keep help. Who wants to get a call at 2 am to plow snow for low wage and crappy insurance? Those that complain should fill out an application.
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Fish stinks from the head down