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
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 heart scanned. It took about 7 minutes, but could take longer, but not much. I’m only 40, but I’m a big boy. Better safe than sorry. This non-invasive scan does not require injections, needles or contrast dye. With the scan results, you and your doctor will be able to determine the best approach for reducing the risk of heart attack or other heart problems. Who Should Get a heart scan? Anyone, with a note from your Doctor, but here are the conditions that suggest who should get one: Unfortunately, I had a couple friend pass away recently that were seemingly cardiac-related and it shook me
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 comment, as it is a personnel issue, KCE is told that the investigation is work-performance related and isn’t related to any use-of-force or other similar misconduct. KCE isn’t naming the detective, as he or she has not been disciplined. If he or she receives discipline that is severe, we will get the information and report back. The investigation could take weeks or months. . . . . . . . . .
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 election will occur on February 18, 2025 and the general election will be held on April 1, 2025. “Today, I am officially announcing my candidacy for reelection as Salem Lakes Village President. Serving our community has been an honor and I am proud of the progress we have made together over the past term. I am eager to continue my contribution to our Village and build on the foundation we have worked on together and am grateful to those who have offered their ideas and time,” said Bucur in a statement to KCE. Bucur took over in April of 2023 when she defeated the long
Kenosha Police Officer Resigns In Lieu Of Termination For Using Position To Get Dates, Other Misconduct
A brand new Kenosha Police Officer has resigned on October 16, 2024. This comes days before he was allegedly going to be fired for conduct unbecoming of an officer and other policy violations. Christopher Henley was with the Kenosha Police Department less than a year and had barely finished training when he resigned in lieu of termination. According to an internal affairs investigation obtained by KCE, Henley violated at least five department policies including: According to disciplinary documents: In the summer of this year, Officer Henley investigated a complaint regarding an incident where a woman was the victim. Just 13 days after Officer Henley concluded the investigation, he used the TIME system and ran the woman’s name. He claimed to have done this to check the status of the investigation
Kenosha District Attorney To Spend Thousands To Retry Marijuana Mistrial
The Kenosha County District Attorney’s office today announced that they intend to retry a 25-year-old Milwaukee man for a minor marijuana case. The trial is expected to cost up to or more than $10,000. The first trial of Ruben Mizrain-Aguilar was a hung jury, with 5 jurors voting “not guilty” and 7 voting “guilty.” Outgoing District Attorney Michael Graveley (D) made the decision to put Mizrain-Aguilar through another trial. Everyone in the room -, the prosecutors, public defender, judge, deputies, and even the jury will be paid with tax dollars. Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Drew Lehman told the court the case was being retried due to “new evidence” making the case stronger. He failed to disclose what the new evidence was in open court today. The Incident On May
Indian Trail Student Makes Threat, Brings Gun To School, School Resource Officer Misses It During Pat Down
At about 6:00 p.m. last night, an automated message from Indian Trail and Academy Principal Scott Kennow went out to ITA parents about a student who “snapped” a threat involving a gun saying something to the effect of “I’m going to take care of business.” Kennow, in his statement stated that KUSD did not believe that there was a credible threat: Good evening, Indian Trail families. This is Principal Kennow calling to share that today we were made aware of a threatening social media post depicting a student with a weapon. Upon learning of this, we immediately notified the Kenosha Police Department. The individual was quickly identified, detained, and full disciplinary procedures will be implemented. While we do not believe that students and staff are in danger, Kenosha Unified takes
Drug Charges From 1996 Resurface For Possible Expensive And Difficult Trial
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 and one count of Possession Of Cocaine. He faced 21 years in the Wisconsin Prison System. This, however, was
Kenosha Man Holding On $10,000 For Shooting Gun Inside Home, Violence
A violent confrontation between a Kenosha man and his roommate almost turned deadly Sunday evening after a violent melee and a gunshot. Robert B. Parise, 53, of Kenosha was charged today with Felony First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety, Felony Possession Of A Firearm By A Felon, Possession Of A Firearm While Intoxicated, Obstructing An Officer, Domestic Abuse Battery and Domestic Abuse Disorderly Conduct. The Kenosha DA’s office did not include any drug charges or felony strangulation and suffocation charges even though Kenosha Police found evidence of such. Parise faces almost 25 years in prison if convicted of all charges. The incident called for a response for a hostage negotiator to be summoned to the scene and a very large police presense. According to the criminal complaint: On December 1, 2024,
Update: Martel Lee Released From Jail Just Before 4:00 p.m.
Just before 4:00 p.m. today, Martel Lee is out of custody, after more than eight months behind bars. He was greeted by his little brother, 12-year-old Cameron, and his mother, Jenifer. “It’s a long time coming,” said Jones. “My baby is home and I’m so excited he will be home for the holidays,” she added. Earlier today, a Kenosha Judge has ordered the release of 16-year-old Lee. In a courtroom filled to capacity last week, Judge Dougvillo vacated a guilty verdict for 16-year-old Martel D. Lee. On August 15, 2024, Lee was found guilty of second degree sexual assault. The assault allegedly occurred at Indian Trail High School earlier this year. Lee was supposed to be sentenced on October 28, 2024, but three jurors sent letters to the Judge, expressing remorse for
Partners With Paws Donates Therapy K-9 To The Kenosha Police Department
For years the Kenosha Police Department has heavily focused on mental health awareness within our ranks. The Kenosha Police Department’s PEER Support Team is a well-trained team of officers who provide support to their fellow officers. We also have Kristen, our Mental Health and Wellness Clinical Advisor, who meets with officers when needed and conducts yearly one on one check-ins with all of our sworn staff. We believe that keeping our officers well ensures that we can provide the highest level of service to our community. To build upon that commitment, Lt. Adam Jurgens has been working with Mya Masse from Partners with Paws to expand our PEER Support Team. Thanks to Partners with Paws, the Kenosha Police Department will be getting a therapy K-9 to enhance officer wellness. As you can
Judge Orders 16-Year-Old Martel Lee Released Pending Possible New Trial
A Kenosha Judge has ordered the release of 16-year-old Martel Lee this morning. In a courtroom filled to capacity last week, Judge Dougvillo vacated a guilty verdict for 16-year-old Martel D. Lee. On August 15, 2024, Lee was found guilty of second degree sexual assault. The assault allegedly occurred at Indian Trail High School earlier this year. Lee was supposed to be sentenced on October 28, 2024, but three jurors sent letters to the Judge, expressing remorse for agreeing to a verdict that they did not believe in. In court today, outgoing Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Smathers (D) stuck to her “win at all costs” approached and asked for Lee to be kept in custody for another year or two, until a possible second trial occurs. Since she plans to
KCE, Father Sue Mukwonago Area School District For Concealing Allegations Of Inappropriate Touching, Grooming
KCE Editor Kevin Mathewson and a parent at Mukwonago Area School District filed suit today in Waukesha County Circuit Court. In the lawsuit, the duo is requesting a judge to force MASD and its Superintendent Joseph Koch to release records involving alleged inappropriate touching and grooming of a then-14 year old by a teacher named Steve Telkamp. On March 14, 2024, Sallee’s daughter made a complaint to the school district and her parents then got involved. An investigation ensued and concluded. Sallee and his wife were never informed about the results of the investigation. The school told Telkamp not to have contact with their daughter at school. Three days later, the girl’s mom says, Telkamp violated this directive. On April 3, 2024, the school district started a second investigation into
Kenosha Police Officer Resigns In Lieu Of Termination For Using Position To Get Dates, Other Misconduct
A brand new Kenosha Police Officer has resigned on October 16, 2024. This comes days before he was allegedly going to be fired for conduct
Kenosha District Attorney To Spend Thousands To Retry Marijuana Mistrial
The Kenosha County District Attorney’s office today announced that they intend to retry a 25-year-old Milwaukee man for a minor marijuana case. The trial is
Indian Trail Student Makes Threat, Brings Gun To School, School Resource Officer Misses It During Pat Down
At about 6:00 p.m. last night, an automated message from Indian Trail and Academy Principal Scott Kennow went out to ITA parents about a student
Drug Charges From 1996 Resurface For Possible Expensive And Difficult Trial
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
Kenosha Man Holding On $10,000 For Shooting Gun Inside Home, Violence
A violent confrontation between a Kenosha man and his roommate almost turned deadly Sunday evening after a violent melee and a gunshot. Robert B. Parise,
Update: Martel Lee Released From Jail Just Before 4:00 p.m.
Just before 4:00 p.m. today, Martel Lee is out of custody, after more than eight months behind bars. He was greeted by his little brother,
Partners With Paws Donates Therapy K-9 To The Kenosha Police Department
For years the Kenosha Police Department has heavily focused on mental health awareness within our ranks. The Kenosha Police Department’s PEER Support Team is a
Judge Orders 16-Year-Old Martel Lee Released Pending Possible New Trial
A Kenosha Judge has ordered the release of 16-year-old Martel Lee this morning. In a courtroom filled to capacity last week, Judge Dougvillo vacated a
KCE, Father Sue Mukwonago Area School District For Concealing Allegations Of Inappropriate Touching, Grooming
KCE Editor Kevin Mathewson and a parent at Mukwonago Area School District filed suit today in Waukesha County Circuit Court. In the lawsuit, the duo
Accused Child Rapist Catches Second Felony Sex Case In Racine County
Today, 33-year-old Anna Marie Crocker, 33, of Paddock Lake, was charged with five new felony child sex crimes. The now-fired school staffer at Riverview School
Retired Pleasant Prairie Judge Charged With Misdemeanor Solicitation/Pandering A Prostitute
A joint investigation of the City of Milwaukee Police Department Human Trafficking Task Force and Sworn Law Enforcement Investigators with the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s
Embattled Outgoing District Attorney Mike Graveley Makes Suspicious Promotion Ahead Of New Administration
Kenosha County’s outgoing District Attorney, Mike Graveley (D), made some strange moves in the last couple of days. He demoted failed candidate Carli McNeill (D)
