RACINE, Wis. — The Kenosha-Racine News Guild is publicly accusing Lee Enterprises of refusing to agree to what it calls a livable wage for reporters at the Kenosha News and Racine Journal Times after six months of contract negotiations. In a public statement circulating online this week, the union detailed what it described as severe financial struggles facing local journalists, including reporters delaying turning on their heat during winter months, relying on parents for grocery money, driving damaged vehicles, and working second jobs to survive. The Guild said Lee Enterprises has “not demonstrated meaningful movement toward fair pay” despite months of bargaining. According to the statement, reporters currently earn about $20.55 per hour on average across the two newspapers. The Guild cited an MIT living wage calculation estimating a single

KENOSHA, Wis. — As warmer weather returns and vegetation begins growing rapidly across the city, Kenosha officials are reminding residents of their responsibilities to maintain private property, sidewalks, and alleyways in accordance with city ordinances. In a media release issued Wednesday, the City of Kenosha said property owners are responsible for maintaining areas from the street to their property line, including public right-of-ways and the portion of alleyways extending to the midpoint behind their homes. City officials said residents are required to keep grass trimmed below 8 inches, remove weeds from yards and sidewalk cracks, and clear trash, debris, tires, limbs, and other materials from their properties. Alleyways must also remain clear of overgrowth and debris to allow access for emergency responders and city service crews. The city additionally reminded

KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha is once again warning residents and business owners that it is illegal to place advertising signs, banners, decorations, and other displays in public right-of-ways without permission from the city, according to a new press release issued Wednesday by the Department of Public Works. The city reminded the public that the grassy area between sidewalks and roads is considered public right-of-way and that signs placed there without permits are prohibited under General Ordinance 5.045. The city said the rule applies to feather signs, business advertisements, political signs, garage sale signs, grand opening signs, and other displays. Under the enforcement policy outlined by the city, illegally placed signs will first be removed and held by city staff, with a warning letter sent to the owner.

KENOSHA, Wis. — A busy intersection on the city’s west side will be closed for several weeks later this month as crews complete sanitary sewer improvements, forcing drivers to detour and adjust their routines. The intersection of 75th Street and 96th Avenue is scheduled to close beginning May 18 as part of a sanitary sewer lining project along 75th Street between 99th Avenue and 94th Avenue, according to city officials. The closure is expected to last about three weeks, during which time access between 75th Street and 96th Avenue will be fully restricted. Motorists will not be able to pass through the intersection in any direction. City officials say 94th Avenue will remain open throughout the project and should be used as the primary alternate route for drivers needing to

KENOSHA, Wis. — Motorists traveling through one of Kenosha’s busiest intersections will see some relief this week as the city reopens a lane at 30th Avenue and Washington Road to allow eastbound and westbound traffic to pass through during ongoing construction. The change is expected to take effect Wednesday afternoon and is aimed at easing congestion that has built up during the improvement project. City officials say the adjustment is intended to improve overall traffic flow while crews continue working on the intersection. The project remains active, and drivers should still expect some delays and shifting traffic patterns in the area. The work is being carried out in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the project contractor, with a focus on maintaining access and minimizing disruptions for residents