Breaking News
Riverport Chorus Diva Quest 2025 Finals Show Set For January 25
The Diva Quest 2025 vocal music scholarship finals show will take place on Saturday, January 25, at 3 pm, at Journey Church in Kenosha. All 10 Diva Quest finalists will perform live (collectively and as soloists), evaluated by a panel of judges in front of a live voting audience. The program will also feature The Naturals of Marquette University, Riverport Chorus, and 2024 Diva Quest Winner Ana Pucetti. Diva Quest finalists for 2025 are: Avery Meachaum, Tremper High School,
Riverport Chorus Diva Quest 2025 Finals Show Set For January 25
The Diva Quest 2025 vocal music scholarship finals show will take place on Saturday, January 25, at 3 pm, at Journey Church in Kenosha. All 10 Diva Quest finalists will perform live (collectively and as soloists), evaluated by a panel of judges in front of a live voting audience. The program will also feature The Naturals of Marquette University, Riverport Chorus, and 2024 Diva Quest Winner Ana Pucetti. Diva Quest finalists for 2025 are: Avery Meachaum, Tremper High School, Kenosha, Wisconsin Brieana Kazort, Wilmot Union High School, Wilmot, Wisconsin Elle Kinney, Wilmot Union High School, Wilmot, Wisconsin Emily Self, Antioch Community High School, Antioch, Illinois Emma Robers, Elkhorn Area High School, Elkhorn, Illinois Isabelle Nicholson, Round Lake High School, Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Congressman Steil Announces Listening Sessions
Menominee’s Bad Bets on Democrats Catch Up To Them
Former Rogue Prosecutor Appointed Family Court Commissioner – She Has No Experience
Alexandra Smathers (D) recently quit the Kenosha County DA’s Office as a prosecutor becuase she didn’t want to work for a Republican. She has a history of unethical behavior like writing a false letter that led to the firing of a beloved sexual assault nurse. She was also demoted when she worked as a prosecutor in Sheboygan County. She will soon wear a robe and make life-altering decisions in family cases. She has been appointed as the new Kenosha County Family Court Commissioner. Smathers was hired by former DA Mike Graveley (D) in August of 2021. She lost many serious sexual assault cases and made several questionable decision while acting as the sexual assault prosecutor. When she abruptly quit, she left behind many upset victims. Former family Court Commissioner Elizabeth
Congressman Steil Announces Listening Sessions
Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) announced he will be holding four listening sessions in Wisconsin on Friday, January 10, 2025. The listening sessions are free and open to the people of Wisconsin’s First Congressional District. Residents are encouraged to attend to discuss issues pending in Congress or to request assistance dealing with federal agencies. Individuals needing additional assistance or special accommodations should contact the Office of Congressman Steil at 608-752-4050 in advance. “My top priority is to be available and accessible to Wisconsin families. I’m looking forward to hearing directly from you about the issues facing our community, our state, and our country,” said Steil. 9:30am – 10:20am Janesville Listening Session
Drug-Using Former Foster Mom, Counselor To Plead Guilty To Weapons Crime
A Kenosha-area professional counselor and former foster mom was in court today, charged with operating a firearm while intoxicated. Jacqueline P. Niccolai, 37, of Kenosha, is ready to plead guilty and her attorney asked a judge to set a new hearing so she can take a plea deal. Niccolai has admitted that she has recently used illegal drugs. A friend of Niccolai’s also told KCE that she also enjoys cocaine and threesomes. Also, according to her friend, while on bail for this case, she was ignoring her bond conditions by going to the bar and drinking frequently while this case was pending. KCE first wrote about Niccolai’s arrest on May 29, 2024. This made Niccolai furious and she went on to conduct some very odd and scary behavior. She sent KCE 18
City Of Kenosha Honors Local Man With Citizen’s Lifesaving Award
The City of Kenosha honored a local man Tuesday morning with the Citizen’s Lifesaving Award for his heroic actions the evening of September 2, 2024. Brandon G. Horswell, 31, received his award during the Police and Fire Commission meeting inside the Kenosha Public Museum. On September 2 at about 5 p.m., Kenosha police and fire personnel responded to Eichelman Park, 6125 Third Ave., for a medical call. Kenosha County Joint Services advised of a struggling swimmer in the water. Upon arrival, the swimmer was located on the sand conscious and breathing. It was determined that fellow beach-goer Horswell had observed the swimmer struggling in the water and took it upon himself to aid her. Horswell entered the water and swam about 100 yards to reach the struggling swimmer who was
Indian Trail High School Teacher Removed From School – Classroom Searched
A KUSD art teacher was removed from his classroom last week by district staff, and hasn’t been back since, according to a source within the school. Odin D. Cabal II, 39, of Kenosha, had his classroom searched by school personnel last week and he was removed from the school. He has had a substitute teacher in his classroom at Indian Trail And Academy High School ever since. According to a post made the next day on Cabal’s LinkedIn, he is “Currently looking to get out of education and find a new career path[.] [A]ny ex teachers with advice out there[?]” He is seemingly going to be fired, or is going to resign, based on this post. “Mr. Cabal is on administrative leave effective 12/12/24. I cannot share further details as
Jury Seated In Repeated Sexual Assault Allegations Against Kenosha Pastor
A jury has been chosen and was seated today in the prosecution of local pastor Monroe Mitchell III. Mitchell, lead pastor at Agape Love Christian Church here in Kenosha, will stand trial in front of a jury of his peers beginning tomorrow December 13, 2024. The trial had previously been delayed to to late evidence from the prosecution. Mitchell was charged with one count of “Repeated Sexual Assault Of A Child” and two counts of “Attempted Fourth Degree Sexual Assault.” If convicted, Mitchell faces over 40 years behind bars, meaning he would likely be spending the rest of his life in prison. In court today were Sharmain Harris, his wife Tameka Harris and other supporters.. Tamika told me that I was “thirsty for an article” and I should “find a less dangerous
Drug Charges From 1996 Dismissed – Kenosha County DA Graveley Set Prosecutor Up For Failure: Defense Attorney
Two felony charges and one misdemeanor charge were dismissed today in court against 56-year-old Jorge B. Trujillo, of Mexico. Over 28 years ago, when Jorge B. Trujillo was 28-years-old, he allegedly sold cocaine to undercover law enforcement officers and a confidential informant in Kenosha County. For the controlled buys, a state agent and local police posed as drug users and met up with him on two occasions and Trujillo allegedly sold $150 worth of cocaine on April 30, 1996, and $300 worth on June 25, 1996. A warrant was issued and he was pulled over and arrested on December 17, 1996. He was allegedly in possession of a “small amount of cocaine” on this date. On December 18, 1996, he was charged with two counts of Felony Delivery Of Cocaine
Kenosha County’s New District Attorney Optimistic And Confident, Despite Mass Exodus Of Liberal Prosecutors
For the first time in many decades, Kenosha County has a conservative Republican at the helm of the DA’s office. Prosecutors in the office, staffed by mainly liberal Democrats, have been giving notice of their resignations. Eight have officially given notice that they will be leaving the office. Several more have been rumored to be leaving. When the smoke clears, the office will have about half (or less) of the prosecutors left upon the commencement of the Solis administration. Under District Attorney Mike Graveley (D), all prosecutors had near-full autonomy over their cases with little to no oversight. This led to over generous plea deals, political prosecutions, and giving political allies big breaks. Solis, during his campaign, pledged change. He promised to end the political charging decisions. Solis’ vision for
“America’s Judge”, Bruce E. Schroeder Has Official Portrait Revealed This Afternoon
Wisconsin’s longest-serving judge, Bruce E. Schroeder has his ceremonial portrait revealed today just after 4:00 p.m. Many members of the legal community, including prosecutors, defense attorneys, elected officials and other dignitaries attended the standing-room-only event today in the ceremonial courtroom. The portrait, commissioned by the Kenosha BAR, was painted in oil colors by Sergei Chernikov, a russian-born artist. This portrait required Judge Schroeder to stand still for “what felt like an eternity.” The painting was completed in about a month’s time. Please enjoy some photos of today’s ceremony:
Kenosha School Board Advanced Measure To Let Boys Play In Girls’ Sports, Use Girls Locker Room
The majority-liberal Kenosha Unified School Board voted yes on the first reading to allow boys and young men in the district to play sports in the girls’ league. The board is made up of five Democrats, an Independent, and a Conservative. The five that voted in favor of the first reading are Yolanda Santos-Adams (D), Todd Price (D), Rebecca Stevens (D), Sabrina Landry (D), and Mary Modder (D). Members Bob Tierney and Kristine Schmaling voted against the measure and both spoke in opposition to the two policies. “Again, I’m really troubled about some things that are in this policy…I just feel like this could be a slippery slope for many things… I really feel like we need to protect women and girls’ rights in sports and I think that this
Jack Musha Out As Bristol School District Administrator
Jack Musha is out as the district administrator for Bristol School District #1. This follows a months-long investigation into him and his ex-wife, a former teacher at the one and only district school. KCE was told by parents that lawyers/investigators were in the school in the past few months asking questions about alleged misconduct by the Mushas. Allegations were made that Stephanie Musha wasn’t performing her duties in line with policy. Her ex-husband, Jack Musha, was allegedly shielding her from any discipline. She resigned during the investigation. Jack Musha has been absent from the first week or so of school for the last two or three years. He hasn’t been to school one day this school year. He began leave on the first day of school and hasn’t been to
KUSD Bilingual Community Liaison, And Former School Board Member Terminated, Facing Criminal Charges
A Kenosha Unified School District “Bilingual Community Liaison” and former School Board Member Tony Garcia was terminated by the Kenosha School District from his job at Indian Trail High School. On November 14, 2024, he was placed on administrative leave. KCE is told that Garcia was allegedly acting very inappropriately with a minor high school girl. “Tony Garcia was terminated effective Nov. 22, 2024,” said Tanya Ruder, KUSD’s Chief of Communication. KCE also learned that the Kenosha Police Department was contacted and initiated an investigation. A Kenosha Police Detective found probable cause that a crime occurred and referred at least one criminal charge to the Kenosha DA’s office. KCE contacted Mike Graveley (D), Kenosha County’s outgoing DA. We asked him if his office will be charging this case, or if
Kenosha Bartender Charged With Seven Counts Of Possession Of Child Pornography
A 30-year-old Kenosha bartender named Karly J. Ashmus was charged yesterday with seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography. The Kenosha woman, who bartends at Lucci’s and Final Inning, made her first appearance in court yesterday. Each count carries with it a minimum prison sentence of three years and a maximum sentence of 25 years. She faces up to 175 years behind bars. Although the mandatory minimum is three years, most Kenosha judges run multiple sentences concurrently, so the minimum is three years prison, regardless of how many convictions. In court yesterday, Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Dreh Lehman made the following statement: “The court set a temporary bond of $75,000 on Friday. I believe that that should continue as cash bond in this case with conditions to include no
Double Homicide Defendant Appears In Court – $2 Million Bail Ordered
A 26-year-old Kenosha man made his initial court appearance after allegedly murdering a woman and her unborn child on September 6, 2024. He was captured in Texas on November 11, 2024 in Plano, Texas by the United States Marshal Service after a 66-day manhunt. A court commissioner set bail at $2 Million cash. A then-25-year-old Lawrence G. Franklin, Jr. was charged on September 9, 2024, with two counts of 1st Degree Intentional Homicide, both as Repeaters and with the Dangerous Weapon Enhancers. Franklin was also charged with Possession of a Firearm By a Felon as a repeater, and four counts of Felony Bail Jumping, all as repeaters. He faces a mandatory minimum of life in prison, but a judge may allow for parole in 20 years. The Indicent On September
Kenosha Police Department, Fire Department Investigate Fatal Fire From Yesterday – Second Fire At This Home In Three Years
The Kenosha Police and Fire Departments are investigating a fatal fire from yesterday. At about 3:37 p.m. yesterday, Kenosha Fire and Police were summoned to the 7900 block of 39th ave for a report of a structure fire. The Kenosha Fire Department arrived and noticed smoke coming from the ranch. A deceased male was later discovered in the basement. Flight for life was called, but later canceled. The Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to retrieve the man’s remains. There was a fire at this home in February of 2021, and a man sustained injuries, but survived. According to Lieutenant Josh Hecker, the fire, although doesn’t appear suspicious, is still being actively investigated by KPD and PFD. Kenosha Police is not releasing the name of the decedent. KCE is also
Drug Charges From 1996 Dismissed – Kenosha County DA Graveley Set Prosecutor Up For Failure: Defense Attorney
Two felony charges and one misdemeanor charge were dismissed today in court against 56-year-old Jorge B. Trujillo, of Mexico. Over 28 years ago, when Jorge
Kenosha County’s New District Attorney Optimistic And Confident, Despite Mass Exodus Of Liberal Prosecutors
For the first time in many decades, Kenosha County has a conservative Republican at the helm of the DA’s office. Prosecutors in the office, staffed
“America’s Judge”, Bruce E. Schroeder Has Official Portrait Revealed This Afternoon
Wisconsin’s longest-serving judge, Bruce E. Schroeder has his ceremonial portrait revealed today just after 4:00 p.m. Many members of the legal community, including prosecutors, defense
Kenosha School Board Advanced Measure To Let Boys Play In Girls’ Sports, Use Girls Locker Room
The majority-liberal Kenosha Unified School Board voted yes on the first reading to allow boys and young men in the district to play sports in
Jack Musha Out As Bristol School District Administrator
Jack Musha is out as the district administrator for Bristol School District #1. This follows a months-long investigation into him and his ex-wife, a former
KUSD Bilingual Community Liaison, And Former School Board Member Terminated, Facing Criminal Charges
A Kenosha Unified School District “Bilingual Community Liaison” and former School Board Member Tony Garcia was terminated by the Kenosha School District from his job
Kenosha Bartender Charged With Seven Counts Of Possession Of Child Pornography
A 30-year-old Kenosha bartender named Karly J. Ashmus was charged yesterday with seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography. The Kenosha woman, who bartends at
Double Homicide Defendant Appears In Court – $2 Million Bail Ordered
A 26-year-old Kenosha man made his initial court appearance after allegedly murdering a woman and her unborn child on September 6, 2024. He was captured
Kenosha Police Department, Fire Department Investigate Fatal Fire From Yesterday – Second Fire At This Home In Three Years
The Kenosha Police and Fire Departments are investigating a fatal fire from yesterday. At about 3:37 p.m. yesterday, Kenosha Fire and Police were summoned to
Give Your Heart A Hug With A $49 Scan – I Did It And You Should Too, It Could Save Your Life
The two hospitals in Kenosha offer “Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring” tests, both for $49. No insurance? No problem. Yesterday, I paid $49 and got my
Long-Time Kenosha Police Detective Placed On Leave, Under Investigation
A long-time Kenosha Police detective has been placed on administrative leave. KCE was tipped off and we confirmed with a KPD spokesman. Although KPD can’t
Salem Lakes Village President Announces Bid For Re-Election – “Let’s keep building a village that we can all be proud of.”
Rita Bucur, the Village of Salem Lakes’ president announced today that she is seeking re-election to the Village’s top elected spot. If needed, a primary
