Jim Kreuser

Kenosha, WI – Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser on Wednesday said he was pleased to hear Governor Jim Doyle’s commitment to job creation in the State of the State Address.

Doyle called for bi-partisan support for job creation efforts and Kreuser agreed.

“I know and respect people on both sides of the aisle and both parties see the obvious need to put into place legislation that will help facilitate job creation in the state,” Kreuser said.

Kreuser served in the Assembly for 15 years before being elected Kenosha County Executive in June 2008. He attended Doyle’s eighth and final address in Madison Tuesday.

“I had seen all of the Governor’s State of the State addresses and I wanted to see the final in the series,” Kreuser said.

Posted @ 12:01 p.m.

Roberta Gassman

Kenosha, WI – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman said today Governor Doyle’s Clean Energy Jobs Act will help create thousands of employment opportunities, including jobs building and maintaining wind turbines to generate power and gain energy independence.

“Under Governor Doyle’s Clean Energy Jobs Act, we can power economic growth with clean energy generated by wind turbines,” Secretary Gassman said. “Building and maintaining them will mean new, family-supporting jobs. Governor Doyle’s Clean Energy Jobs Act is a winner for working families, our businesses, and environment.”

Governor Doyle’s Clean Energy Jobs Act implements recommendations of his Global Warming Task Force to address climate change and grow the state’s green economy. The comprehensive package would:

- Require use of renewable energy sources for 20 percent of Wisconsin’s needs by 2020 and 25 percent by 2025. This will ensure more energy dollars remain in the state. Wisconsin currently spends $16 billion per year on imported energy to heat homes and fuel cars and trucks.

- Increase energy efficiency and conservation efforts with graduated statewide electricity savings goals, leading to a 2 percent reduction in energy use by 2015 and annual reductions thereafter.

- Create 15,000 jobs by 2025, including more than 1,800 in the first year, many of them construction jobs, according to new industry-recognized research. Economists and policy analysts estimate the package will create 800 to 1,800 new construction jobs per year through 2025 and more than 2,000 manufacturing jobs once the energy act provisions are fully implemented.

Secretary Gassman highlighted the clean energy package while visiting Gateway Technical College’s Horizon Center for Transportation Technology. In partnership with Snap-on Tools, Gateway developed a training course to provide the wind industry with a skilled workforce. Gateway’s 16-hour torque certification course is being replicated at Lakeshore Technical College in Wisconsin and a number of technical colleges across the country.

According to RENEW Wisconsin, more than 306 wind turbines have been built in Wisconsin in the last decade and 22 wind farms have been proposed. The Public Service Commission recently approved the Glacier Hills wind farm in Columbia County. As planned, the project would include 90 turbines producing 400 million kilowatt hours of clean energy, making it the state’s largest wind farm.

To view the economic assessment of the clean Energy Jobs Act, visit:
http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=18757

Posted @ 4:45 p.m.

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $2,335,265 project. The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $583,816, will be provided through a combination of funds from the state of Wisconsin and Kenosha County. Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) administers the HMGP program.

“Mitigation projects such as these benefit residents and communities affected by disasters,” said Janet M. Odeshoo, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “These acquisitions in Kenosha County will reduce future structural losses and lessen the financial impact on individuals and governments following a disaster.”

HMGP funds will be used to remove these homes from the floodplain, returning the area to open space in perpetuity. HMGP projects like this are the cornerstone of disaster prevention efforts, and illustrate the importance of governments working together for the benefit of citizens.

“We continue to deal with the after effects of the devastating 2008 flooding,” said WEM Administrator Ed Wall. “This funding will help many families impacted by the floods in Kenosha County to start over.”

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Posted @ 10:11 p.m.

The Kenosha Police Department is advising citizens that these identification cards are not official and to be cautious. While the content of the advertisement might not necessarily be criminal in nature, it is misleading. The citizens should understand that these cards are not government sanctioned and would not have the same force of law that other forms of legitimate identification such as passports and visas would have. Anyone with concerns can contact the Wisconsin Department of Consumer Protection at datcp.state.wi.us.

Posted @ 3:00 p.m.

Kenosha. WI – In December of 2008, the Wisconsin Department of Justice opened an investigation into Kevin M. Derks following his purchase of a one-month membership into a known child pornography website through PayPal.

Subsequent investigation determined that Derks cancelled his Internet service in July of 2008, and told his Internet service provider, CoreComm, that he got rid of his computer and was not going to get another one.

On November 17, 2009, Special Agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force attempted a knock and talk investigation of Derks at his residence.

According to the criminal complaint, Derks agreed to be interviewed, but would not allow agents into his apartment.

Derks eventually suggested that the interview take place in the basement storage area of his apartment building.

During the interview, Derks made admissions about having a PayPal account at one time.

He also identified his personal information as captured by PayPal, including e-mail address, name, credit card number, and phone number.

After about 7 or 8 minutes of the interview, Derks fainted and fell to the ground.

He was advised to stay down, but refused and stood up.

He fainted a second time and again fell to the ground, hitting his face on the floor, resulting in bleeding from the forehead.

Agents called 911, and Kenosha Fire and Paramedics responded.

They transported Derks to the Kenosha Medical Center hospital.

The following day, November 18, Special Agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice obtained a search warrant with the assistance of District Attorney Delgado.

The warrant was executed at about 5:30 p.m.

Derks was still in the hospital. Several surveillance cameras were set-up in the apartment, which were later learned not to be functional, but used as a deterrent by Derks for possible unwanted visitors, such as apartment maintenance workers.

Following the search, the Special Agents went to Derks’ hospital room and told him he was under arrest.

According to the criminal complaint, Derks waived his Miranda rights and confessed to obtaining child pornography from the Internet, including making all the DVD’s found during the search warrant. He also admitted to using binoculars with a telephoto camera to take hundreds of pictures of females, including underage girls, at beaches in Kenosha.

He denied sexual contact with any child; he said he never worked with or hung around children in any capacity.

A preview search of Derks’ computer hard drive found hundreds of beach photos, apparently taken on Kenosha beaches along Lake Michigan.

Several DVD’s are also labeled as having beach photos.

Following the interview, Kenosha Police placed leg irons on Derks in his hospital bed, and placed an officer outside his room.

Once he is discharged, Kenosha Police will book him into the Kenosha County Jail on 20 counts of possession of child pornography.

The following items were seized as a result of the search:

More than 100 DVD’s with images including child pornography, child erotica, and girls on Kenosha area beaches

Memory card from binocular camera

More than 100 DVD jackets with handwritten labels including “Kenosha Beach,” “World’s Most Beautiful 4-year-old girl nude & many others,” “Best 11 year old sweetie,” “Tiny Treasures,” “Breast Feeding,” “Little Girls Naked Having Fun With Each Other,” and “Underground Lolitas”

Two adult female mannequins

Two child mannequins with pubic hair glued to pubic areas of the child mannequins

1 hard drive

Various cameras

21 weapons, several of which were fully loaded; weapons include 5 shotguns, 4 rifles, and 12 handguns

1 large doll of a child approximately 3 years old, 1 infant baby doll with baby powder on it (dolls representative of many)

1 poster of celebrity children Mary Kate and Ashley Olson with handwriting on it

Numerous framed pictures of children in erotic poses or sexual poses

Dozens of computer generated pictures of children, including Elizabeth Smart

1 Hannah Montana lamp with handwriting on it including “Make Love to Me Mom”

Miscellaneous documents and papers with name and address of Derks

Derks was arrested and charged with 20 Counts of Possession of Child Pornography. A copy of the criminal complaint is available at http://www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/Derks-Kevin.pdf.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office.

A defendant enjoys the presumption of innocence. The prosecution must prove its allegations at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.

Posted @ 3:21 p.m.

Executive Jim Kreuser

Kenosha County, WI – Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser announced today “after office hours” sessions in the Village of Silver Lake and the Town of Salem.

Kreuser will be available to meet county residents:

· Wednesday, Nov. 4th, Silver Lake Village Hall, 113 South First St., Silver Lake, from 5:30 p.m. until the start of the Village Board of Trustees meeting at 7 p.m.

· Monday, November 9th, at the Salem Town Hall, 9814 Antioch Road (Hwy 83), starting at 6 p.m. until the start of the Town Board meeting at 7 p.m.

No appointments are necessary and all county residents are invited to meet with Kreuser to discuss any county-related topic during the “after office hours.”

Kreuser said the “after office hours” sessions are an effort to make county government accessible to all county residents by being available after the typical work day.

“I’m interested in hearing what the people of Kenosha County have to say and to talk about the issues that are important to them,” Kreuser said.

For more information, contact the County Executive’s office at 262-653-2600.

Posted @ 2:35 p.m.

Governor Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that 315 dislocated workers at the Chrysler engine plant in Kenosha are eligible to apply for additional re-employment and training services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program.

“This additional assistance will help these workers increase their job skills and find new employment,” Governor Doyle said. “The employment and training services now available to these workers will help them re-enter the workforce and support themselves and their families.”

The U.S. Department of Labor has determined that the workers, who built V-6 engines for the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, were displaced due to imports. The agency previously certified TAA assistance for workers at the Chrysler assembly plant in Sterling Heights, Mich. In reviewing the TAA petition on behalf of Kenosha workers, the department said the same factors apply. All workers totally or partially separated from employment on or after May 27, 2008, through September 2, 2011, are eligible to apply for assistance.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) will administer the federally funded services, which are available through local Job Centers. They include retraining and re-employment services tailored to meet the needs of individual workers. These workers can now apply for the following TAA services:

- Training for employment in another job or career,

- Income Support, known as trade readjustment allowances (TRA),

- Job Search Allowance to cover expenses seeking employment outside normal commuting areas, and

- Relocation Allowances for approved relocation expenses in moving to a new area of employment.

“These are services that we and our local partners can provide affected workers, to help connect them with employers in search of workers with the right skills,” DWD Secretary Roberta Gassman said.

In June, Governor Doyle announced that the U.S. Department of Labor expanded the amount of TAA funds available nationwide to $575 million from $220 million as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The additional funding will help states serve an increasing number of trade-affected workers. More information on the TAA program is available at http://www.doleta.gov.

Individuals interested in receiving re-employment assistance should contact a local Job Center or visit http://www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/directory/ to find a Job Center nearby. The nearest Job Center location also can be found by calling (888) 258-9966 toll free.

Posted @ 1:00 p.m.

County Executive Jim Kreuser

Kenosha County, WI. – County Executive Jim Kreuser has announced that $671,359 in Federal Economic Stimulus Funding for improvements to County Highway KD was endorsed by Gov. Jim Doyle and approved unanimously by the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance.

“This paves the way for the county to make KD park a reality,” Kreuser said. “The money allows for important safety improvements to be made so that families will be able to easily enter and exit the proposed park.”

The county highway was one of 66 local road and bridge projects, totaling $53.23 million in Federal Stimulus money, approved by the state committee.

The county portion of the total cost of the project, which is $682,275, will be about $10,000. The project involves reconstructing a segment of County Highway KD to current design standards and will include turning and passing lanes at what will be the entrance to the proposed park.

There is also a bike and pedestrian path component that will eventually connect the planned park to the Village of Twin Lakes. The bike and pedestrian path won’t be built as part as part of the Federal Stimulus portion of the project, but will be accommodated in the plans, Kreuser said.

Federal Stimulus money from the Workforce Investment Act’s Summer Youth Employment Program paid for a crew of young men and women to build two trail shelters and to level brush to create two and a half miles of trails at the proposed park site, Kreuser said. There are now more than three miles of completed trails at the KD site, he said.

Kenosha County purchased the former gravel pit on County Highway KD, between State Highway 50 to the north and County Highway F to the south in the towns of Wheatland and Randall, about eight years ago with the idea of transforming it into a public park. The project had been idle until Kreuser began working with the county Highway and Parks Committee, officials
from Twin Lakes and the Towns of Randall and Wheatland, and area residents, to revive the park plan.

County Board Supervisor Dennis Elverman, who is chairman of the Highway and Parks Committee, said the road improvements were the key to advancing the park plan.

“We’ve waited for this for years,” Elverman said. “Getting the money to get the entryway completed is what has been holding us back. This will actually let us open things up and get people in there a lot quicker than I thought we would.”

Kreuser said the county is exploring partnerships with the area school districts, and higher education officials, to potentially provide a focus on “green” recreational activities and sustainable living education at the proposed park.

“There are many exciting possibilities for the park and we will continue to work with area residents to get their input as plans move forward,” Kreuser said. “But, much depends on the availability of funding. We will work to secure grants and other possible Federal Stimulus money to help make the park a reality.”

Twin Lakes Village President Howard K. Skinner said he is pleased the road improvement will mean the park project is moving forward.

“County Executive Kreuser said this was a priority and he meant what he said. We’re looking forward to the park becoming a reality,” Skinner said. “I’m also pleased that the trails at the planned park will also interconnect with our already in place recreational trails. It’s going to be a great asset to Twin Lakes and Randall.”

Robert Stoll, Randall Town chairman, said the County Executive heard the excitement about the potential park project from area residents at a listening session held last year.

“County Executive Kreuser came to our listening session and obviously he had his ears open,” Stoll said. “This will be a wonderful addition for the residents of our area.”

Other local road projects approved by the Joint Committee on Finance on Thursday were: City of Kenosha, 80th Street, resurfacing; and Town of Somers, Sheridan Road, pavement replacement.

The Joint Committee on Finance also approved $4.2 million in Federal Stimulus money for nine transportation enhancement projects, which include: Village of Twin Lakes, East Main Street (Highway Z), streetscape and infrastructure improvements; and Town of Salem, State Highway
83 Pedestrian Access and Safety Project, sidewalk installation.

Posted @ 9:35 a.m.

Streets adjacent to schools are normally posted “No Parking, Stopping or Standing” during school hours. These parking restrictions are enforced by the Kenosha Police Department in order to reduce congestion, maintain traffic flow, and to assist students in a safe arrival and departure from school. Motorists should find a location near the school without these parking restrictions where they may drop off and pick up their children.

The posted speed limit in school zones is 15 mph when children are present. These limits will be aggressively enforced by officers. Motorists are always encouraged to proceed cautiously near schools and expect the unexpected.

Posted @ 8:30 a.m.

Kenosha, WI – Starting on August 22, 2009 the Kenosha Police Department will join thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies throughout the nation as they take part in the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest crackdown on impaired driving. The enforcement blitz will last through the Labor Day weekend.

Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. In 2007, nearly 13,000 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

The picture for motorcycle riders is particularly bleak. In fatal crashes in 2007, a higher percentage of motorcycle riders (27 percent) had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher than any other type of motor vehicle driver.

“Make no mistake. Our message is simple. If we catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses,” said Assistant Chief Thomas Genthner. We will be out in force to get more drunk drivers off the road—and save lives that might otherwise be lost.

“Driving with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal in every state. Yet we continue to see far a tragic number of people with debilitating injuries and deaths as a result of impaired driving. This careless disregard for human life must stop. To help ensure that happens, the Kenosha Police Department is dedicated to arresting impaired drivers wherever and whenever we find them,” said Assistant Chief Genthner.

“Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant,” said Assistant Chief Genthner. “Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses. So don’t take the chance. Remember, if you are caught over the limit, you will be placed under arrest.”

The national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. impaired driving crackdown is a program organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that focuses on combining high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through advertising and publicity.

This year’s effort is supported by $13 million in paid-national advertising to help put everyone on notice that if they are caught driving impaired, they will be arrested.

Posted @ 6:00 p.m.

The Final Decision and Order, approved by the BON at its July 23, 2009 meeting, stated that an audit of Roediger’s narcotic administration was initiated after a patient complained that they had not received their narcotics as prescribed. The audit showed the narcotics Roediger withdrew from her employers drug dispensing machine were frequently not documented as having been administered to a patient. The audit also showed multiple occasions where Roediger withdrew narcotics before a patient’s dose was due. During the months of June, July and August 2007, the audit found that Roediger dispensed the narcotic Dilaudid at a rate of six to eight times that of her fellow registered nurses on her unit.

When confronted with these issues, Roediger refused to discuss the situation and resigned her employment. The BON concluded Roediger’s actions constituted unprofessional conduct which warranted disciplinary action. “There must be accountability in our medical professionals who handle controlled substances,” said Secretary Jackson who said the disciplinary action protects the public.

Roediger could request a stay of the suspension from the BON if she was to enter a drug and alcohol treatment program, agree to drug and alcohol screens and meet other conditions spelled out in the BON order. Roediger agreed to the disciplinary action by the BON.

Posted @ 6:30 p.m.

The quarantine restricts the movement of products outside of the county borders that could transport any of the life stages of EAB. Products such as all species of hardwood firewood, ash logs or timber, and ash nursery stock cannot be moved outside of the county without state or federal approval. Certification for firewood movement is available to firewood dealers only.

The tree-killing emerald ash borer has been discovered so far in six Wisconsin counties: Brown, Crawford, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Vernon and Washington.

EAB quarantines currently exist in Crawford, Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Vernon and Washington counties. The quarantine for Brown and Kenosha counties will go into effect on Saturday, August 22, 2009.

Background information regarding EAB can be found on the web at www.emeraldashborer.wi.gov.

Posted @ 5:00 p.m.

Chris Ahmuty, the ACLU of Wisconsin’s executive director, said, “It is astonishing that Kenosha, after all the criticism of the arrest of Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates for shouting at a police officer, that Kenosha would even consider enacting such an obviously unenforceable ordinance.”

“This ordinance is plainly unconstitutional,” said Larry Dupuis, the ACLU of Wisconsin’s legal director. “As far back as 1974, the Supreme Court struck down a nearly identical ordinance that made it illegal to ‘curse or revile or to use obscene or opprobrious language toward or with reference to any member of the city police.’ In that case, Lewis v. City of New Orleans, the Court said, ‘The freedom of individuals verbally to oppose or challenge police action without thereby risking arrest is one of the principal characteristics by which we distinguish a free nation from a police state.’ As long as a person is not interfering with the police carrying out their duties, the rule for officers should be the same rule we all learned in preschool: ‘sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me.”

The ACLU further urges the Council to take the opportunity presented by the proposed amendment to repeal the existing provision of the ordinance, which forbids the use of “profane, vile, filthy or obscene language in any public place within the hearing of other persons.”

“It is equally clear that the government cannot prohibit public profanity,” continued Dupuis. “In Cohen v. California, decided in 1971, the Supreme Court threw out the disorderly conduct conviction of a man who wore a t-shirt that read ‘Fuck the Draft’ in a courthouse. In America, we don’t have ‘speech police’ deciding what language is inappropriate.

“As the Court in Cohen said, ‘[O]ne man’s vulgarity is another man’s lyric.’ The chairperson of the committee should understand this. He told the Kenosha News that the proposed ordinance would allow the police to arrest someone for ‘being a knob.’ Of course, some people consider the word ‘knob’ to be ‘vile, filthy and obscene.’ I doubt the chairperson would like to spend time in the Kenosha County jail for using that term in front of a reporter.”

The ACLU of Wisconsin is a membership organization dedicated to defending the civil liberties and rights of all Wisconsin residents.

Posted @ 10:50 a.m.

Attorney General J.B.Van Hollen

Madison, WI — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that on August 6, 2009, Kevin LeDoux, a Kenosha County resident was found to be a sexually violent person under Wisconsin’s civil commitment law (Chapter 980, Wis. Stats.) following a four‑day jury trial in Kenosha.

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Bruce E. Schroeder presided over the case.

Chapter 980 of the Wisconsin Statutes relates to the control, care and treatment of sexually violent persons. Under Wisconsin law, a person may be subject to a civil commitment when the person has been convicted of a sexually violent offense, has a mental disorder, and is dangerous to others because the mental disorder makes it more likely than not that he or she will commit further acts of sexual violence. A civil commitment is defined in Wisconsin law as commitment to the custody and care of the Department of Health Services for control, care, and treatment until the person is no longer considered sexually violent.

According to the petition, Mr. LeDoux was most recently convicted in 1988 in Kenosha County Circuit Court of First Degree Sexual Assault of a 4‑year‑old girl (Kenosha County Case No. 88‑CF‑156) and Second Degree Sexual Assault of an inmate (Kenosha County Case No. 88‑CF‑408).

Mr. LeDoux was scheduled for release on June 24, 2008.

LeDoux has now been committed to the custody of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for care and control and is expected to be housed at the Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center in Mauston, Wisconsin, for the purpose of receiving treatment.

Assistant Attorney General Michael Schaefer represented the state in this trial.

Posted @ 2:00 p.m.

Attorney General J.B.Van Hollen

Twin Lakes, WI – Powers Lake Construction Co., Inc., from Twin Lakes, has agreed to pay $85,000 to settle state claims brought for violations of Wisconsin’s environmental protection laws at a construction site in Fredonia, Ozaukee County.

Wisconsin law requires permits and the implementation of best management practices for land disturbance activities in, adjacent to or near wetlands and navigable waters, to ensure that state water resources are protected from pollution caused by erosion and storm water runoff.

According to the complaint, Powers Lake Construction Co., Inc., undertook land disturbance activities including grading, landscaping, erosion control, and excavation at a development site known as Village Green on property west of Highway 57 in the Village of Fredonia, Ozaukee County. The work was conducted without the proper erosion control best management practices required by the permits and state regulations, resulting in the discharge of sediments into Sauk Creek, Fredonia Creek and adjacent wetlands. The violations took place in late 2006 and early 2007.

The complaint also states claims against Regency Hills Development Corp., the owner and developer of the Village Green property, and those claims remain pending. Runoff pollution is the major source of polluted waters in Wisconsin. “Wisconsin law requires that contractors properly manage construction sites to protect state waters,” Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with the DNR to ensure that Wisconsin’s natural resources are protected through compliance with the law.”

Assistant Attorney General JoAnne F. Kloppenburg prosecuted the case. Ozaukee County Circuit Court Judge Tom R. Wolfgram approved the settlement.

Posted @ 8:00 a.m.

Julian Jerome Miller

Daniel Gonzalez

Kenosha,WI – An 18 year old male clerk and the 43 year old male manager of Shirl’s Drive In Restaurant, 7943 Sheridan Road, were shot during an armed robbery. They were both taken by Kenosha Fire Department rescue personnel to Kenosha Hospital and Medical Center. The 18 year old victim who has been identified as Robert W. Wilde was later pronounced dead. The manager was treated and released.

On July 26, 2009, at 9:39pm Kenosha Police Department Officers had responded to the restaurant in regards to an armed robbery where shots had been fired. The two masked suspects had entered through a back door as the employees were about to close. The suspects, one armed with a gun and the other a knife, demanded cash. After they shot the two employees and took money, they fled on foot in a southeasterly direction. Four other female employees all between the ages of 17 and 20 were not hurt.

The two suspects were described as male Hispanics 5’10” to 6’ tall. Suspect one had long hair, a tan parka, a blue shirt, camouflaged pants, and a black mask. Suspect two had a red or brown parka or sweatshirt, a green shirt, tan shorts, and a black mask.

Police Chief John Morrissey said today the suspects are 23-year-old Daniel Gonzalez of Illinois and 28-year-old Julian Jerome Miller of Kenosha.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Kenosha Police Department at 262-605-5210. Those wishing to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000 can call the Kenosha Area Crime Stoppers at 262-656-7333 or 800-807-8477.

Posted @ 1:38 p.m.

The first safety project will take place on June 15. Squads will be focusing their efforts in the downtown and lakefront areas and will be emphasizing zero tolerance in the enforcement of pedestrian and bicycle traffic law violations. The goal is not to issue more tickets but to increase public awareness and voluntary compliance with traffic safety laws.

Posted @ 1:08 p.m.

Governor Jim Doyle

Kenosha, WI – The University of Wisconsin-Parkside celebrates commencement during two separate ceremonies Saturday, May 16, 2009. The 10 a.m. program honors students receiving bachelor of science degrees while the 2:30 p.m. ceremony celebrates graduates who have earned bachelor of arts diplomas. The campus is located at 900 Wood Rd., Kenosha.

During the 10 a.m. program, graduates will hear from Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. Also during the morning ceremony, the university will present its Distinguished Alumni Service Award to Kenosha businessman Victor Misurelli and the Chancellor Award, given each year to UW-Parkside’s top graduating senior, will be presented to Biological Sciences major Saul Hernandez Jr.

The 2:30 p.m. program features Michael Morgan, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration. Earlier in the ceremony, the university’s Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is given to Dr. Mark Mullane.

A total of more than 400 students are eligible to collect their diplomas during the ceremony which is held in the De Simone Gymnasium of the Sports and Activity Center. Each program is followed by a reception for students, families, and friends in Main Place of Wyllie Hall.

Posted @ 11:30 a.m.

Williams, who was wanted on a felony warrant for a probation violation along with other charges stemming from an ongoing Kenosha Police Department investigation, fled a Kenosha Police Department Detective who was attempting to stop him in the area of 79th Street and 22nd Avenue. Williams fled south on 22nd Avenue pursued by the KPD Detective. During the pursuit, the occupants of the vehicle were observed throwing items of drug paraphernalia out the window of the car.

Williams drove south on 22nd Avenue at a high rate of speed and entered Pleasant Prairie at the 8900 block. He continued southbound but lost control of the vehicle in the curve at the 2200 block of Springbrook Road. The car then crossed the centerline and struck a utility pole. The two other occupants of the vehicle have been identified as Andrea M. Prevost, 32 of Kenosha and Rhianna L. Karls, 22 of Kenosha. Both were treated for non life threatening injuries at Kenosha Hospital and Medical Center. None of the occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.

An autopsy was performed Thursday morning by the Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office. Toxicology results are pending and may take several weeks.

Posted @ 8:00 a.m.

A preliminary investigation indicates that a Kenosha Police Department Detective was attempting to stop a vehicle in the 7900 block of 22nd Avenue in the City of Kenosha when the driver who was believed wanted on a felony warrant and other charges fled south on 22nd Avenue. A short pursuit of the vehicle ensued but was subsequently terminated by the Kenosha Officer in the 8900 block of 22nd Avenue once the vehicle left the City of Kenosha.

The Kenosha Police Department Detective drove south through the curve in the 2200 block of Springbrook Road and came upon the accident scene. The Detective did not witness the accident.

The vehicle was being driven by a 37 year old Kenosha man. He was apparently thrown from the car after he was unable to negotiate the curve while southbound in the 2200 block of Springbrook Road. It appears that the driver lost control of the car, crossed the center line and slid sideways into a WeEnergies pole located along the east side of the roadway, snapping it in half. The man was transported to Kenosha Hospital and Medical Center by Pleasant Prairie Fire & Rescue Personnel where he was later pronounced dead. The vehicle was occupied by two other persons. Both were transported to Kenosha Hospital and Medical Center with what appear to be non-life threatening injuries.

A complete technical investigation of this accident is underway. Pleasant Prairie Police Department Traffic Accident Investigators are working with the Wisconsin State Patrol Accident Reconstruction Team in that effort.

The names of the victim and the occupants of the vehicle are being withheld pending the notification of family.

Pleasant Prairie Detectives continue to investigate.

Posted @ 12:00 p.m.

Governor Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today sent a letter to President Barack Obama saying Chrysler should amend its bankruptcy plan to keep the Kenosha location. As recently as Thursday afternoon, Chrysler had not informed Wisconsin officials that the Kenosha plant was not in the company’s future plans. The Governor has been working on an incentive plan with Chrysler and continues to push to keep the plant open.

“Taxpayers understand being asked to loan Chrysler $12 billion to help them survive this economic downturn,” Governor Doyle wrote. “But Wisconsin workers will not understand having to sacrifice their jobs to a foreign plant. Given the important role that the United States government and taxpayers are playing in supporting Chrysler, we believe Chrysler should prioritize its two United States Phoenix/Pentastar sites over any foreign locations.”

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser and Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman were co-signors on the letter.

Posted @ 5:00 p.m.

On April 25, 2009, officers will be assigned to an “Alcohol Enforcement” project. The goal is to increase voluntary compliance with traffic safety laws and reduce the number of impaired drivers on the roadways in the City of Kenosha to make them safer for all of us. This is a zero tolerance enforcement crackdown that is not only for impaired drivers but also for drivers and passengers who violate Wisconsin’s seatbelt and child restraint seat laws.

The Kenosha Police Department takes the safety of the citizens very seriously.

Posted @ 7:00 p.m.

Jensen’s Towing was called to help lift the truck while Police personnel stood by. Jensen’s was able to get the truck upright however the boom arm with the basket for workers to stand in was still extended. JASON STANKUS (08/24/77) of KENOSA, who is employed by Lakeside Tree Service, was lowering the arm when it fell in an awkward manner back towards him and hit him. Pleasant Prairie Rescue Personnel were dispatched and transported STANKUS to St. Catherine’s Hospital with what is believed to be potentially life threatening injuries. He was later taken by helicopter to Froedert Hospital.

OSHA was contacted and will conduct their own investigation into the accident.

Posted @ 1:00 p.m.

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For additional information, contact the Office of Superintendent of Schools at 653-6320.

Posted @ 10:00 a.m.

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Under Wisconsin’s sexually violent person law, a person may be subject to a civil commitment when the person has been convicted of a sexually violent offense, has a mental disorder, and is dangerous to others because the mental disorder makes it likely he will commit further acts of sexual violence.  A civil commitment is defined in Wisconsin law as commitment to the custody and care of the Department of Health Services for control, care and treatment until the person is no longer considered sexually violent.

According to the Department of Justice’s petition, which was filed on September 18, 2008, Threlkeld was convicted by the Kenosha County circuit court in 2000 of second degree sexual assault of a 13–year old boy.  The petition alleged that Threlkeld has sexually assaulted other young boys in Wisconsin and elsewhere.  The petition further alleged that Threlkeld suffers from a mental condition that predisposes him to engage in acts of sexual violence and that he is dangerous to others because his mental disorder makes it likely that he will engage in future acts of sexual violence.

At a hearing held on October 2, 2008, Judge Milisauskas previously found probable cause to believe Brian Threlkeld meets the criteria for commitment as a sexually violent person under Chapter 980 and that Threlkeld should be held for trial.  Threlkeld’s admission in court today means that no trial is necessary.

Assistant Attorney General Paul L. Barnett represented the state.

Posted @ 2:00 a.m.

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Kenosha, WI – On March 26, UAW workers in Kenosha will host a rally to express outrage at corporations who created the house-of-cards economy and who are seeking rewards at the taxpayers’ and shareholders’ expense.

“We are renegotiating our modest middle-class contracts in order to save our industry.  Meanwhile, corporate executives are cashing in,” said Glen Stark, President of UAW Local 72.  “It’s time that working people and our families win the real right to bargain for a better future.”

As a symbolic visual gesture, participants will tear-up a gigantic, novelty “blank check” from taxpayers to Corporate America.

Workers who have had hours, benefits, and wages cut will call on corporations to do the same and be responsible to the American people.  Participants will also call for solutions that create an economy that works for everyone, like the freedom of workers to bargain with their employers through forming unions and quality healthcare for all.

What: Kenosha Rally for Corporate Accountability

Who:  UAW Workers, Retirees, and Community Supporters

When: March 26, 2009 at 10AM

Where: UAW Hall, 3615 Washington Road; Kenosha, WI 53144

Posted @ 8:00 a.m.

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Kenosha County, WI -A 24-year-old Waukegan man, whose name wasn’t released, was driving north on I-94 about 4:40 p.m. in a Maserati, according to the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department. He was stopped by a deputy near Highway C for a minor traffic violation, pulled over then fled from the traffic stop.

Deputies briefly lost sight of the man during the high-speed chase, and later saw him exiting at Highway 158 shortly after the pursuit was terminated  The police located the Maserati in the parking lot of the new YMCA building located at 7101 53rd St about 10 minutes later.

The Kenosha Police assisted in surrounding the building and a K-9 unit also responded. The man was arrested after a brief foot chase and was detained behind the building.

Posted @ 9:00 a.m.

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Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser

Kenosha – Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser will host “after office hours” sessions in the following Kenosha County municipalities:

· Monday, March 23rd, at the Wheatland Town Hall, 34315 Geneva Road, starting at 5 p.m. until the start of the Town Board meeting at 6:30 p.m.; and

· Tuesday, March 24th, at the Paris Town Hall, 16607 Burlington Rd., starting at 5:30 p.m. until the start of the Town Board meeting at 7 p.m.

No appointments are necessary and all county residents are invited to meet with Kreuser to discuss any county-related topic during the “after office hours.”

Kreuser said the “after office hours” sessions are an effort to make county government accessible to all county residents by being available after the typical work day.

“I’m interested in hearing what the people of Kenosha County have to say and to talk about the issues that are important to them,” Kreuser said.
Kreuser will be scheduling “after hours office hours” in all of the Kenosha municipalities.

Additional “after office hours” will be announced as they are scheduled.

Posted @ 11:00

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The general hours at the golf courses through April will be 7 a.m. until dusk and will be adjusted as daylight hours increase. “We have smiling faces ready to serve you,” Drier said. “We are committed to providing a good experience for our golfers.”

Starting Monday, Dave Hassel will begin as the new golf course conditions supervisor for Kenosha County Golf Courses. Hassel’s most recent golf assignment was at Strawberry Creek Golf Course.

“The greens came through the winter in good shape and are ready for play,” Drier said. The golf courses have thawed out and are ready to play. Some of our membership rates are also lower this year and provide better value, Drier said.

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser said Drier has been working diligently to get the golf courses ready to open while reorganizing the entire operations. Kreuser said the public will be pleased with the results. “I’m looking forward to getting out on the courses and seeing the results of changes that have been made under Dan’s direction,” Kreuser said.

For tee times and rate information, call the Petrifying Springs Golf Course at 262-552-9052, and Brighton Dale Links at 262-878-1440. Also, see the Kenosha County website, www.co.kenosha.wi.us, for additional information.

Posted @ 7:00 a.m.

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On March 20, 2009, officers will be assigned to a “Speed Enforcement” project. The patrols will be assigned to areas with a history of, or a high potential for, speed related crashes. The intention of this project is to aggressively enforce speed laws as well as to remove impaired drivers from the roadways and to enforce Wisconsin’s seatbelt and child restraint seat laws.

The Kenosha Police Department takes the safety of the citizens very seriously.

Posted @ 1:42 p.m.