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GTC President Authorized Mass Employee Payouts Weeks Before Stepping Down
Ritu Raju (D) – President, Gateway Technical College KENOSHA, Wis. – Just weeks before her planned departure, Gateway Technical College President Dr. Ritu Raju authorized

Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Placed on Leave Again After Second Domestic Incident
Emil J. Ortiz, 41, of Somers, WI(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — A Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy who was previously arrested in April for

GTC President Authorized Mass Employee Payouts Weeks Before Stepping Down
Ritu Raju (D) – President, Gateway Technical College KENOSHA, Wis. – Just weeks before her planned departure, Gateway Technical College President Dr. Ritu Raju authorized a large-scale payout to all regular employees—an expenditure some estimated could cost taxpayers between $1 million and $2 million. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Salem Lakes Administrator Leaving Amid Scandals—Board Still Signals Support for Contract Renewal
SALEM LAKES, Wis. – Cassandra Hiller, the embattled Village Administrator of Salem Lakes, is preparing to leave her position after a tenure filled with controversy, public backlash, and strained government relations. But in a move that has left many residents baffled, Village officials—including President Rita Bucur—reportedly knew she was planning to depart and still expressed support for renewing her contract. Hiller has not formally announced her resignation to the public or the full Village Board. However, several board members, including Bucur, are believed to have been aware of her intentions but chose not to inform taxpayers. Her updated LinkedIn profile confirms she is “open to work” and seeking new full-time executive positions, with a flexible start date and interest in roles across Wisconsin and Illinois. Trustee Pete Poli—the board’s lone

Extra Prosecutors, Tax Cuts, and Dunes Protection: What Kenosha Gets in the New State Budget
MADISON, Wis. – The recently signed 2025–27 Wisconsin state budget includes several key wins for Kenosha County—ranging from added muscle in the District Attorney’s Office to millions in environmental preservation and taxpayer relief. State Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R–Pleasant Prairie) touted the package as a hard-fought, Republican-led effort that delivers tax cuts, education investments, UW System reforms, and funding for local priorities long championed by her office. “This budget puts Wisconsin families first,” said Nedweski, who played a central role in securing major provisions for Kenosha County. “We delivered a $1.5 billion tax cut, reformed the bloated UW System, and protected one of our county’s most cherished natural areas—without new taxpayer spending.” Prosecutor Positions a “Critical Investment in Law and Order” Among the most impactful wins for Kenosha is the addition

Parking and Traffic Restrictions Announced for Kenosha’s July 4 Festivities
KENOSHA, Wis. — As thousands prepare to celebrate Independence Day in Kenosha, city officials are warning of major traffic changes and parking restrictions that will span from June 29 through July 5. The festivities kick off June 29 with the Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade presented by Snap-on, and continue with the Celebrate America festival July 4–5 near the Southport Marina. The Festival Foods Fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on July 4. Parade Closures Begin June 29 Streets along the parade route will be shut down between noon and approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 28. Staging area closures begin at 9 a.m. but access to the 10 a.m. Mass at the bandshell will remain open. The parade travels south on Seventh Avenue from Washington Road, cuts through Sixth

Opinion: Cover-Ups, Intimidation, and Lost Trust in the Sheriff
I’ve known Sheriff David W. Zoerner for more than a decade—he’s my friend. I supported him when he lost. I supported him when he won. I believed in him. But today, I’m disappointed—and I have an obligation to say so. Before this publication even existed, I stood by Zoerner through two failed campaigns for Sheriff. I believed he was the right man for the job. I still believe that good men can lose their way—but only if people stop holding them accountable. That’s not something I’m willing to do, even for a friend. I quit drinking in 2010, but if I were driving drunk and got pulled over, Zoerner wouldn’t order a deputy to let me go—and rightfully so. He has a job to do. I do too, however. I

Kenosha Man Arrested After Allegedly Bringing Victim to His Own Court Hearing
Alan Jared Munoz, 18, of Kenosha Being Arrested Tuesday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — When you’re out on bond for allegedly strangling your girlfriend, and the court orders you to stay away from her, there’s one thing you probably shouldn’t do: show up to court with her. Kenosha Police made that point painfully clear this week — by arresting the man immediately after his hearing. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha County Board Tours Site of Future Human Services Hub
KENOSHA, Wis. — Members of the Kenosha County Board toured the future Human Services Building site this week, getting an up-close look at progress on a major redevelopment project funded in part by a nearly $10 million state grant. The facility, located at 3500 52nd St. in the Sun Plaza shopping center, will ultimately consolidate multiple county services under one roof. It is being developed through a public-private partnership between Kenosha County and Bear Development. When complete, it will house the divisions of Aging and Disability Services, Behavioral Health Services, Public Health, Veterans Services, Children and Family Services, and Workforce Development. Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman described the project as “state-of-the-art” and said it will bring essential services “to the center of the populations we serve.” The facility includes 68,000

Top Five Reasons to Celebrate German Culture at Das Fest Wisconsin 2025
WILMOT, Wis. — Das Fest Wisconsin returns to the Kenosha County Fairgrounds this summer with a three-day celebration of German heritage, community spirit, and high-energy entertainment. Scheduled for July 18–20, the festival promises fun for all ages — and for just $2 admission. Here are the top five reasons organizers say it belongs on every summer calendar: 1. A Musical Lineup That Goes Beyond Oom-PahDas Fest will host 18 bands across three stages, blending traditional German sounds with Americana, jazz, soul, and bluegrass. Headlining both Saturday and Sunday is Grammy-nominated accordionist Alex Meixner, known for his eleven-language vocal repertoire and his wild polka rendition of “Crazy Train.” The Blooze Brothers Band will make a grand entrance Saturday afternoon, and Sunday’s shows include Copper Box and The Jimmys. Visitors can also

Kenosha Man Accused of Church Burglary, Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud
Victor Daniel Martinez-Rodriguez, 28, of Kenosha in Court Yesterday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) BRISTOL, Wis. — A 28-year-old Kenosha man is facing four criminal charges after authorities say he broke into a church, stole a violin and WiFi device, and used someone else’s credit card to make fraudulent purchases. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Salem Man Accused of Knife Threats and Domestic Terror Set to Face Trial
Ascencion D. Obregon, 43, of Salem Lakes In Court Tuesday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Salem man accused of threatening to kill his longtime partner with a dagger, confining her against her will, and assaulting her during a violent series of events earlier this year remains in custody as the case moves closer to trial. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha Teen Now Facing Adult Charges After Knife Incident at School
Indian Trail High School & Academy(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha teenager is facing adult criminal charges after allegedly bringing a knife into Indian Trail High School and Academy while he was still 17 years old, prompting a police response and raising safety concerns among school staff and students. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Wisconsin Natural Resources Board Tours Kenosha, Spotlighting Environmental Progress and Partnerships
KENOSHA, Wis. — County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Mayor David Bogdala welcomed the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board to Kenosha on Tuesday as the board began a day of presentations, discussions and site tours throughout the city and county. “What’s happening in the City of Kenosha is amazing, and you see the transformation that’s happening all across the city,” Bogdala said, highlighting key partnerships with Kenosha County, the Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “It’s an honor to have you all here today — leaders and partners from across our state who understand the importance of balancing growth, stewardship and innovation,” Bogdala said. “I want to thank the Natural Resources Board and the Wisconsin DNR for your continued partnership and for holding this meeting here

Kenosha Man Accused of Threatening, Spitting at Officers in Basement Standoff
Stefano J. Roberts, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 26-year-old Kenosha man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly threatening to shoot and stab police officers who responded to his mother’s 911 call about a domestic disturbance Tuesday morning. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha’s Joyful Preacher of the Median: Derek Thompson Shares His Message of Hope
KENOSHA, Wis. — If you’ve driven past the busy intersection of Highway 50 and 118th Avenue near Woodman’s Market in recent months, you’ve likely seen him: a man in a wheelchair, blasting gospel rap, waving at cars, and smiling with the joy of someone who seems to have not a single care in the world. His name is Derek Thompson—and he’s quickly becoming a local legend. Thompson, 47, originally from Chicago, has been in Kenosha since last October. Most days, he can be found in the median at that bustling intersection, chalking Bible verses onto the pavement, dancing to Christian music, and waving at drivers. While sitting down with Kenosha County Eye for an interview on a recent afternoon, dozens of cars honked in support. One driver pulled over to

Somers Man Accused of Repeated Sexual Assaults on Children Held on $200,000 Bail
Charles E. White, 68, of Somers in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) SOMERS, Wis. – A 68-year-old man is being held on $200,000 cash bail after he was charged Tuesday with multiple counts of sexually assaulting two young girls over a span of several years at a mobile home park in the Town of Somers. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha Woman Charged with Child Neglect and Animal Abuse After Filthy Apartment Discovery
KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha mother is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police discovered three young children and a dog living in squalid conditions inside her apartment. Micaela Elaine Davis, 29, was formally charged Tuesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with three counts of child neglect and four animal cruelty-related offenses. Prosecutors allege Davis allowed her twin 3-year-olds and a 5-year-old child with a disability to live in an apartment filled with feces, urine, garbage, and insect activity—posing serious risks to their health. Police were called to Davis’ 22nd Avenue apartment on June 23 to investigate suspected animal neglect. Upon arrival, officers noted overwhelming foul odors, piles of garbage and diapers, and feces smeared throughout the apartment—including the children’s bedroom and bunk beds. Investigators found bugs swarming the

Three Juveniles Charged in Sexual Assault of Inmate at Kenosha County Jail
Dajuan D. Brown-Thames Jr., 17, Jamereion J. Myles, 17, and Zjekahri D. Strong, 16, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photos by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Three teenage inmates at the Kenosha County Jail were formally charged Tuesday in connection with the repeated sexual assault and intimidation of another juvenile inmate, according to criminal complaints filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha Man Charged with Fourth OWI After Allegedly Crashing While High and Fleeing Scene
KENOSHA, Wis. — A 56-year-old Kenosha man is facing six new criminal charges after police say he crashed into a parked car early Tuesday morning while under the influence, fled the scene, and admitted he wasn’t supposed to be driving. George E. Malone Jr. appeared in court Tuesday and was ordered held on a $5,000 cash bond. He is charged with fourth offense OWI—a felony—along with misdemeanor counts of operating while revoked, failure to install an ignition interlock device, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of misdemeanor bail jumping. According to a criminal complaint, Kenosha Police responded to the 4700 block of 42nd Avenue just after 2 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, after a silver Chevrolet Impala struck a parked Nissan Rogue and a tree. A tow truck driver who

Child Sex Offender Charged Again After Allegedly Brandishing Gun in Kenosha
Jesse L. Miracle, 46, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 46-year-old convicted child sex offender is facing new felony charges after allegedly confronting a man with a handgun outside his residence early Monday morning. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Man Formally Charged in 2023 Child Sex Crime Allegations After Being Extradited from Prison
Seth A. Geyer, 39, of Mt. Pleasant, Wis. in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) RANDALL, Wis. – A Mount Pleasant man was formally charged in Kenosha County Circuit Court on Monday in connection with a disturbing 2023 incident involving a child. He had been extradited from state prison to face the charges, which were first filed in October of last year. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Wheatland Man Accused of Pointing Shotgun at Passing Motorcyclist
WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 61-year-old Wheatland man is facing three misdemeanor charges after allegedly pointing a shotgun at a passing motorcyclist while under the influence of alcohol on Memorial Day. Lance Lee Lameer was charged Tuesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with disorderly conduct, pointing a firearm at another, and possession of a firearm while intoxicated—all with dangerous weapon enhancers. He appeared in court on a summons, and Commissioner William Michel II ordered his previously posted $1,150 cash bail continued. A pretrial hearing is set for July 11. According to the criminal complaint, deputies responded around 5:11 p.m. on May 26 to a report that a man had aimed a shotgun at a motorcyclist in the Wheatland Estates mobile home park. The caller said the man, later identified as Lameer,

19-Year-Old Killed in Early Morning Crash in Randall
RANDALL, Wis. – A 19-year-old man was killed early Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle crash along County Highway P in Randall, according to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded around 6:16 a.m. to the 11000 block of CTH P/Richmond Road, just south of 110th Street, where a vehicle traveling southbound failed to negotiate a curve, left the road, struck a utility pole, and continued through a farm field before colliding with several trees. The driver, who was the only person in the car, was fully ejected during the crash and pronounced dead at the scene by the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office. His name has not been released pending family notifications. Because of the severity of the incident, the Kenosha County Major Crash Assistance Team was called in to

Kenosha Detectives Warn Over 50 Attendees About Sophisticated Scams at Fraud Awareness Event
KENOSHA, Wis. – More than 50 people gathered at Ruffolo’s II on Monday evening as three Kenosha Police Department officers delivered a sobering, and at times startling, presentation about the explosion of fraud and scam activity targeting local residents. The presentation, led by Detective Chad Buchanan, Crime Prevention Officer John Wenberg, and fraud division newcomer Detective Tommar Franklin, offered real-life examples of scams that have devastated Kenosha residents—ranging from romance cons and fake tech support alerts to cryptocurrency fraud and “grandparent” scams. Wenberg opened the discussion by explaining how the initiative began after repeated calls from concerned citizens. “Every time I went to a neighborhood watch meeting, people brought up scams,” he said. “So I reached out to Chad, and we asked ourselves what more we could do.” Buchanan, a

Former Racine Prison Official Pleads Guilty to Reduced Charges in Inmate Sex Case
Jacqueline Heidt, 39, of Racine(Racine County Sheriff’s Office) RACINE, Wis. — A former corrections supervisor who once faced more than 800 years in prison for carrying on a sexual relationship with a prison inmate has pleaded guilty to five reduced charges in a deal struck with prosecutors Monday morning. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Full Parade Lineup Announced for 2025 Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade
KENOSHA, Wis. – The lineup is set for this year’s Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade, which will step off Sunday, June 29, 2025, in downtown Kenosha. Presented by Snap-on, the annual tradition honors the region’s veterans while showcasing dozens of community organizations, marching bands, local leaders, and first responders. The parade will feature five themed divisions and a robust pre-parade segment, with entries ranging from color guards and car clubs to stilt walkers and tumbling teams. This year’s event again highlights a strong presence from military groups, youth performers, and local businesses. Pre-Parade Salute to Service and Safety Before the main parade officially kicks off, spectators will enjoy a motorcade of veteran motorcycle riders, law enforcement vehicles, and fire departments from across the region. Notable entries include: . Division 1: Local

Kenosha Man Accused of Severely Beating Elderly Wife When He Was Confronted Over Not Showering in Two Months
Michael R. Navrotsky, 67, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 67-year-old Kenosha man, and former corrections Sergeant is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly assaulting his elderly wife during a dispute that began when she asked him to take a shower for the first time in two months. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha Man Accused of New Offenses Days After Release on Drug and Threat Charges
Ryan M. Phillips, 40, of Kenosha in Court(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – Less than 48 hours after posting bail on felony drug and threat charges, a Kenosha man is back in court facing new allegations that he violently confronted a roommate over a demand for a ride to buy crack cocaine. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha County Board Tours Site of Future Human Services Hub
KENOSHA, Wis. — Members of the Kenosha County Board toured the future Human Services Building site this week, getting an up-close look at progress on

Top Five Reasons to Celebrate German Culture at Das Fest Wisconsin 2025
WILMOT, Wis. — Das Fest Wisconsin returns to the Kenosha County Fairgrounds this summer with a three-day celebration of German heritage, community spirit, and high-energy

Kenosha Man Accused of Church Burglary, Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud
Victor Daniel Martinez-Rodriguez, 28, of Kenosha in Court Yesterday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) BRISTOL, Wis. — A 28-year-old Kenosha man is facing four

Salem Man Accused of Knife Threats and Domestic Terror Set to Face Trial
Ascencion D. Obregon, 43, of Salem Lakes In Court Tuesday(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Salem man accused of threatening

Kenosha Teen Now Facing Adult Charges After Knife Incident at School
Indian Trail High School & Academy(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha teenager is facing adult criminal charges after

Wisconsin Natural Resources Board Tours Kenosha, Spotlighting Environmental Progress and Partnerships
KENOSHA, Wis. — County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Mayor David Bogdala welcomed the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board to Kenosha on Tuesday as the board began

Kenosha Man Accused of Threatening, Spitting at Officers in Basement Standoff
Stefano J. Roberts, 26, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 26-year-old Kenosha man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly threatening to shoot

Kenosha’s Joyful Preacher of the Median: Derek Thompson Shares His Message of Hope
KENOSHA, Wis. — If you’ve driven past the busy intersection of Highway 50 and 118th Avenue near Woodman’s Market in recent months, you’ve likely seen

Somers Man Accused of Repeated Sexual Assaults on Children Held on $200,000 Bail
Charles E. White, 68, of Somers in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) SOMERS, Wis. – A 68-year-old man is being held on

Kenosha Woman Charged with Child Neglect and Animal Abuse After Filthy Apartment Discovery
KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha mother is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police discovered three young children and a dog living in squalid

Three Juveniles Charged in Sexual Assault of Inmate at Kenosha County Jail
Dajuan D. Brown-Thames Jr., 17, Jamereion J. Myles, 17, and Zjekahri D. Strong, 16, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photos by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Kenosha Man Charged with Fourth OWI After Allegedly Crashing While High and Fleeing Scene
KENOSHA, Wis. — A 56-year-old Kenosha man is facing six new criminal charges after police say he crashed into a parked car early Tuesday morning

Child Sex Offender Charged Again After Allegedly Brandishing Gun in Kenosha
Jesse L. Miracle, 46, of Kenosha in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 46-year-old convicted child sex offender is

Man Formally Charged in 2023 Child Sex Crime Allegations After Being Extradited from Prison
Seth A. Geyer, 39, of Mt. Pleasant, Wis. in Court Today(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) RANDALL, Wis. – A Mount Pleasant man was

Wheatland Man Accused of Pointing Shotgun at Passing Motorcyclist
WHEATLAND, Wis. — A 61-year-old Wheatland man is facing three misdemeanor charges after allegedly pointing a shotgun at a passing motorcyclist while under the influence

19-Year-Old Killed in Early Morning Crash in Randall
RANDALL, Wis. – A 19-year-old man was killed early Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle crash along County Highway P in Randall, according to the Kenosha

Kenosha Detectives Warn Over 50 Attendees About Sophisticated Scams at Fraud Awareness Event
KENOSHA, Wis. – More than 50 people gathered at Ruffolo’s II on Monday evening as three Kenosha Police Department officers delivered a sobering, and at

Former Racine Prison Official Pleads Guilty to Reduced Charges in Inmate Sex Case
Jacqueline Heidt, 39, of Racine(Racine County Sheriff’s Office) RACINE, Wis. — A former corrections supervisor who once faced more than 800 years in prison for

Full Parade Lineup Announced for 2025 Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade
KENOSHA, Wis. – The lineup is set for this year’s Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade, which will step off Sunday, June 29, 2025, in downtown Kenosha.

Kenosha Man Accused of Severely Beating Elderly Wife When He Was Confronted Over Not Showering in Two Months
Michael R. Navrotsky, 67, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 67-year-old Kenosha man, and former corrections Sergeant is facing multiple felony charges after

Kenosha Man Accused of New Offenses Days After Release on Drug and Threat Charges
Ryan M. Phillips, 40, of Kenosha in Court(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. – Less than 48 hours after posting bail

Kenosha Man Charged with Fourth OWI After Allegedly Driving Drunk Through McDonald’s Drive-Thru
William G. Wood, 52, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 52-year-old Kenosha man is facing a felony drunk driving charge after allegedly attempting

Salem Lakes Man Accused of Punching Elderly Wife, Faces Felony Abuse Charges
SALEM LAKES, Wis. — A 60-year-old man was charged Monday with felony elder abuse and misdemeanor disorderly conduct after allegedly punching his wife in the

Kenosha Police to Host First-Ever Community Day and Movie Night at Tremper High School
KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Police Department will host its inaugural Community Day and Movie Night on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Tremper High School,