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City to Offer Curbside Pickup for Storm Debris Following Severe Weather

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents dealing with fallen branches and storm debris after Thursday night’s severe weather will be able to take advantage of curbside pickup services offered by the City of Kenosha. City crews from the Department of Public Works and Parks Department are expected to begin surveying impacted neighborhoods in the coming days following the April 2 storms. Residents are being asked to place branches and brush debris neatly at the curb, while making sure not to block sidewalks, roads or storm drains. The city said crews will collect the material as scheduling allows. Officials said non-brush debris should be placed separately. Separate collection for non-brush debris is expected to begin early next week. The city is also preparing to reopen its seasonal Compost/Brush Drop-Off Site at 4071 88th

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Press Conference: Marckus Plaza In Custody After 30-Hour Manhunt; Who Put The Handcuffs On Him Will Surprise You

Kenosha Police Chief Pat Patton at Press Conference this Evening(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Warning: The details in this case are disturbing and may be graphic for some readers. KENOSHA, Wis. — Police held a press conference at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Kenosha Public Museum, where they laid out new details about the murder of Makayla Plaza, the nearly 30-hour manhunt for her husband, Marckus Plaza, and the dramatic arrest that ended it. One of the most surprising details to emerge was who actually put the handcuffs on Plaza. Marckus L.A. Plaza, 33, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Illinois Man Already Facing Attempted Homicide Charges Accused of Secret Jail Calls With Salem Woman

KENOSHA, Wis. — Jake C. Wenzel, 30, of Antioch, Illinois, was charged Tuesday with four new counts of felony bail jumping and four counts of violating jail rules after prosecutors say he repeatedly communicated with Salem woman Savannah Lee Burm while both were locked up in the Kenosha County Detention Center. Wenzel is already facing two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide and numerous other felony charges stemming from the Nov. 16 shooting in Salem Lakes and subsequent fleeing and eluding allegations. He is due back in court on April 6 for a preliminary hearing. According to the new criminal complaint, Wenzel and Burm allegedly used third parties and intermediary phone numbers to secretly communicate multiple times in December while both were in custody. Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy”

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Deputy On Leave Accused Of Misusing Police Databases To Track Coworker Could Face Firing And Criminal Charges

Deputy Frank McGrath, 44, of Salem Lakes(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) WAUKEGAN, Ill. — A well-liked Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputy who is currently on administrative leave is now at the center of a serious misconduct investigation after a fellow deputy, a 31-year-old woman who lives in Illinois, filed for a Stalking No Contact Order in Lake County. The petition alleges he repeatedly misused law-enforcement databases — including Flock and Polaris — to track her movements and refused to stop making contact. If substantiated, the allegations make his termination almost certain and could expose him to criminal prosecution under Wisconsin law. Deputy Frank McGrath, 59, of Salem Lakes(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Flock Camera in Kenosha County(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You

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Man Found Guilty Of Killing Kenosha Man After $20 Dispute; Jury Rejected Self-Defense Claim

Stephon K. Hawthorne, 38(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha County jury today at about 10 a.m. found Stephon K. Hawthorne, 38, guilty on all counts, including first-degree intentional homicide, felon in possession of a firearm, and felony bail jumping, for the killing of 41-year-old Carl Vines Jr. The verdict concluded a tense and emotional three-day trial marked by repeated courtroom disruptions, contested testimony, and crucial surveillance footage. Stephon K. Hawthorne, 38(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Woman Ejected in Bassett Road Crash Dies From Injuries

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) RANDALL, Wis. — This publication has independently confirmed that the woman who was critically injured in the November 28 crash on Bassett Road has died from her injuries. She has been identified as 40-year-old Jennifer A. Saldivar of Kenosha. 40-year-old Jennifer A. Saldivar of Kenosha(facebook.com) 40-year-old Jennifer A. Saldivar of Kenosha(facebook.com) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Waukesha Man Gets Mani-Pedi, Walks Out Without Paying, Prosecutors Say

Central Sam Schultz, 30, of Waukesha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SOMERS, Wis. — If you want to get your toenails and fingernails “did,” you have to pay right? An out-of-county man didn’t do so, according to police. Central Sam Schultz, 30, a Waukesha man, was in court and formally charged Thursday after deputies say he walked out of a Somers nail salon without paying for a $67 manicure and pedicure, leading to retail theft, disorderly conduct and misdemeanor bail jumping charges, all as a repeater. Central Sam Schultz, 30, of Waukesha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha Public Museum Unveils ‘The World of Sharks’ Exhibit, Promising a Deep Dive Into the Ocean’s Most Misunderstood Predators

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Public Museum is inviting residents to explore one of the most expansive and immersive exhibitions it has hosted in years: The World of Sharks, a major new showcase that opens Saturday, December 13, and aims to illuminate the biology, diversity, and environmental importance of sharks, creatures that are older than dinosaurs yet far more threatened than most people realize . The exhibit—packed with striking specimens, interactive stations, large-scale models, and dramatic high-definition video displays—was organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York with support from Fundación Coppel A.C. Warner Brothers Discovery Inc. also contributed significant backing, and Discovery’s Shark Week provided select video content featured throughout the galleries . Museum officials say the goal is simple: bring visitors face-to-fin with a species

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Rockford Man Hit With New Felony Charges After Internet Sting; Liberal Activist Commissioner Tracey Braun Sets $15,000 Bail

Daniel J. Renteria, 25, of Rockford(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A Rockford, Illinois man already facing serious felony charges from last month’s Internet Crimes Against Children sting in Twin Lakes was hit with two additional felonies Wednesday after investigators say a forensic search of his phone uncovered child pornography. Daniel J. Renteria, 25, of Rockford(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Racine Man Already Facing Major Drug-Dealing Allegations Now Charged in 2024 Hit-And-Run That Injured Kenosha Man

Cody J. Bostic, 37, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 37-year-old Racine man already awaiting trial in three separate drug-trafficking cases was charged today in connection with a violent hit-and-run that occurred more than a year ago on June 14, 2024. Cody J. Bostic, who is currently incarcerated at Dodge Correctional Institution, has been ordered to appear in court on January 15 for his initial appearance. Cody J. Bostic, 37, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Philadelphia Trio Charged With Counterfeit Scheme At Pleasant Prairie Outlets Now Wanted After Low Bail Warrants

Pleasant Prairie Police(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Three Philadelphia residents — Gary G. Thompson, 30, Angel K. Winns, 25, and Desean A. Young-Connor, 26 — were all charged today in Kenosha County with participating in what prosecutors describe as a coordinated counterfeit-currency scheme at the Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets. Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey Braun issued arrest warrants for each of them for only $1,000, despite all three living in Philadelphia. They are now wanted by law enforcement. Pleasant Prairie Prime Outlets(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Man Accused of Threatening to Kill Deputies After Loaded Gun Found During OWI Stop

Kenneth S. Grandow, 73, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Kenneth S. Grandow, 73, of Kenosha, was in court and charged today after deputies say he threatened to kill two Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies during and after an OWI investigation Wednesday night. Grandow, who was also cited for OWI–First Offense, appeared for his initial appearance where Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracy Braun set his bail at $5,000 cash. He is due back in court on December 18 for a preliminary hearing. Kenneth S. Grandow, 73, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Rep. Amanda Nedweski Leads Push To Block Evers’ ‘400-Year’ Veto Tactic With New Constitutional Amendment

MADISON, Wis. — State Rep. Amanda Nedweski on Wednesday took the lead in unveiling a constitutional amendment designed to stop future governors from repeating what she called Gov. Tony Evers’ notorious “400-year” partial veto — a maneuver that turned a two-year school funding provision into a mandate lasting until the year 2425. Nedweski, who authored and introduced the amendment, said Wisconsin cannot afford to leave open a constitutional loophole that allows a governor to strike individual letters and numbers to create tax increases or spending authorizations the Legislature never approved. Her proposal would prohibit the partial veto from increasing any tax or fee, closing the door on the kind of creative editing Evers used. Evers’ 2023 veto sparked national headlines after he manipulated specific characters in the budget to extend

Kenosha County Eye’s Naughty and Nice List — December 10, 2025

KENOSHA, Wis., — December is here, and that means another round of Kenosha County Eye’s Naughty and Nice Lists — our ongoing, twice-weekly rundown of who’s helping this community shine and who’s giving residents a migraine. Nominations continue pouring in by email, text message, and our anonymous tip form, and as always, we publish them exactly as submitted. Love it or hate it, this list belongs to the people of Kenosha County. Below are today’s picks. NAUGHTY LIST • Kenosha County Prosecutors Who Left Due to PoliticsSeveral courthouse sources say these prosecutors didn’t walk away because of workload, burnout, or family obligations — they walked away because of politics. And in doing so, they forgot why this job exists. As one person put it: they forgot the “why.”They forgot that

Kenosha County Eye Covers Inspirational Treatment Court Graduation Filled With Tears and Triumph

KENOSHA, Wis. — On Wednesday afternoon in Judge David Wilk’s courtroom, Brittany Taylor stood at the podium with tears in her eyes, her three daughters seated only feet away, and delivered a powerful, heartfelt graduation speech that captured the attention and emotion of everyone in the room. After nearly two years of intensive work, setbacks, accountability, and personal breakthroughs, Taylor graduated from the program she once believed would be an easy way out. When treatment court was first explained to her, Taylor admitted she misunderstood what it truly was. She believed it would spare her from jail without fully appreciating the level of commitment and introspection required. That changed early on when someone asked her a question that altered her entire perspective: If your airplane was making an emergency landing,

Detective Pete Deates Celebrated At Retirement Party After 23 Years Of Service

KENOSHA, Wis. — Detective Pete Deates was celebrated today at the Kenosha Police Department, where dignitaries, judges, attorneys, friends, family, and colleagues gathered to honor one of the city’s most respected and admired officers as he prepares to retire at the end of the year. Deates, who was hired on September 3, 2002, promoted to detective on February 1, 2011, and will officially retire on December 31, 2025, was met with emotional applause, heartfelt speeches, and even a surprise phone call from a member of Congress. The celebration also recognized Iris, Deates’s electronic-detection K-9, who is retiring alongside him. Iris became a critical addition to the ICAC team, using her specialized training to detect hidden electronic devices—phones, SD cards, thumb drives, and other media that offenders try to conceal. Her

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Kenosha Man Already Held on $200,000 Bail Hit With New Felony Child-Sex Charges

Matthew H. Nielson, 45, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office SOMERS, Wis. — A 45-year-old Kenosha man already facing a major child-sex prosecution was hit with a new set of felony charges today while he remains jailed on a $200,000 cash bond. Matthew H. Nielson, 45, briefly appeared in court this afternoon but had no attorney present, so he is scheduled to return for his initial appearance tomorrow at 1 p.m. Matthew H. Nielson, 45, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Salem Lakes Man Gets 10 Days in Jail for Third OWI After Culvert Crash

Alexander M. Salerno, 24, of Salem Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) SALEM LAKES, Wis. — A 24-year-old Salem Lakes man was sentenced Wednesday to 10 days in jail — plus 170 days of work release — after pleading guilty to his third-offense OWI stemming from a June crash in which he drove off the road and into a culvert while intoxicated and carrying alcohol, THC gummies, mushroom gummies and a vape. Alexander M. Salerno, 24, of Salem Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Man Charged With Felony Strangulation After Violent Domestic Attack

Dylan E. Forrest, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — In court and charged today, 25-year-old Kenosha man Dylan E. Forrest was given a $5,000 cash bond by Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey Braun after police say he violently beat and strangled his wife during a late-night domestic incident inside their apartment. His preliminary hearing is set for December 17. Dylan E. Forrest, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Judge Allegedly Fires Bailiff After He Shared Kenosha County Eye Articles On Facebook

KENOSHA, Wis. — A longtime Kenosha County bailiff says he was abruptly fired Wednesday afternoon, and he believes the decision came directly from Judge Chad Kerkman because he shared Kenosha County Eye articles on Facebook. West Jacobs, 75, a Salem Lakes resident and U.S. Air Force veteran, was terminated at approximately 2:43 p.m. on December 3rd. Jacobs spent 25 years in the military, serving in Vietnam, Operation Just Cause, and Desert Storm/Desert Shield, and also completed a leadership parachute program at the U.S. Air Force Academy. After retiring, he worked at a couple Harley Davidson’s and then he transitioned into courthouse security and has served the community for roughly four years. Jacobs said he was informed he was being terminated by courthouse supervisor Patrice “Patty” Scypta, who told him she

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New Search Warrant Reveals Disturbing Details In Case of Kenosha Teen Accused of Renewed School Shooting Threats

Roosevelt School KENOSHA, Wis. — Donavon J. Castillo, now 15 years old, the same Kenosha teen first charged at age 14 for allegedly planning a school shooting, has been arrested again — and during this most recent arrest, he allegedly attempted to disarm a police officer, later telling officers to “just shoot me.” According to a newly filed search warrant affidavit and federal communications, Castillo appeared to be targeting December 16th, the anniversary of the Abundant Life Christian School shooting, as the intended date for a second attempt. The FBI and Kenosha Police Department intervened before he could carry out any action. Donavon J. Castillo (Years Old Photo) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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New Prosecutor Assigned After Conflict; Documents Sealed as Kenosha Investigators Build Case Against Repeat Killer

3309 24th Avenue Kenosha(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Prosecution of the November 21 homicide of Christian Davis behind 3309 24th Avenue has been transferred out of Kenosha County. The case is now being handled by Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney, who will oversee all charging decisions moving forward. The Late Christian Davis(facebook.com) The reassignment was formalized on November 26 when Judge Chad Kerkman signed an order appointing Toney as special prosecutor. According to a source familiar with the investigation, the transfer became necessary because a relative of a Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office employee witnessed the homicide. That connection is considered a conflict of interest under Wisconsin ethics rules and cannot be waived. Because that witness may need to testify, the case

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Reality TV Participant Hits Sixth Criminal Case in Just Nine Months After Fifth Arrest — Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey Braun Sets Just $750 Bail

Nicole Marie Lehman, 42, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Former Bar Rescue cast member Nicole Marie Lehman, 42, was arrested again Friday night, marking her fifth arrest and now sixth active criminal case in just nine months. Despite the escalating pattern of alcohol-related domestic incidents, police calls, and repeated violations of court-ordered bond conditions, Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey Braun set her bail at just $750 cash during her appearance today and allowed her to walk free once again. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Admitted Child Predator Released After Posting Bail, Neighbors Concerned

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man facing multiple serious felony charges related to the alleged long-term abuse of a child has been released from custody after posting a $50,000 cash bail. Court records show Greg R. Douma, 58, was released at 11:13 a.m. today and returned to his home shortly after. Douma is accused of repeated sexual assault of a child, multiple counts of first-degree child sexual assault, and incest. If convicted, the charges carry a combined potential maximum sentence of up to 280 years in prison. He has not yet been convicted and remains presumed innocent under the law. However, according to the criminal complaint, after being read his Miranda rights during a recorded interview with Pleasant Prairie Police, Douma admitted to the conduct described by the minor, stating

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Kenosha Man Charged With Felony OWI Injury Now Wanted After Skipping Court

Amir M. Farhan, 21, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of causing a serious crash while allegedly drunk and with a minor in the vehicle is now considered wanted after failing to appear in court for his initial appearance Tuesday afternoon. Amir M. Farhan, 21, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Man Accused of Firing Gun Inside Home Given Just $150 Bail

Cody Bruce Nelson, 33, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man accused of repeatedly firing a gun inside a home during emotional outbursts and scaring those he lived with was given an extremely low bail today — just $150 cash — despite serious safety concerns documented in a newly filed criminal complaint. Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner David Hughes set the cash bail at only $150, the same statutory amount the defendant had already posted on December 8. Cody Bruce Nelson, 33, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Man Accused Of Repeated Domestic Violence Given Just $150 Cash Bail Across Two New Cases

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man with a documented history of domestic violence convictions was back in court today on two new domestic abuse-related criminal complaints — and walked away owing just $150 cash bail total despite the allegations. The first complaint stems from a December 4, 2025 incident where prosecutors say 32-year-old Thomas F. Verborg threatened the victim, threw food at her, and told her she “needed to bow down” to him because she was a woman. He allegedly threatened to “beat her ass,” and the victim told police she feared him because he has been violent in the past. Police say Verborg admitted to consuming multiple double-shot alcoholic drinks and driving recklessly before the fight. His breath test registered .176, more than twice the legal limit. Verborg posted

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