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Kenosha County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Placed on Administrative Leave as Internal Investigation Underway

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Ryan Markowski(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A veteran lieutenant with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office has been placed on administrative leave while the agency conducts an internal investigation, according to the department’s second-in-command. Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Ryan Markowski(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Steil Campaign Reports $6.3 Million War Chest, Far Outpacing Challengers

JANESVILLE, Wis. — U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil’s campaign says it has built a sizable financial advantage heading into the 2026 election cycle, reporting more than $6.3 million cash on hand — a total the campaign says is more than 35 times the combined cash reserves of all three of his opponents. According to a campaign news release issued Friday, Steil also raised more than $165,000 during the pre-primary reporting period for his campaign committee, Steil for Wisconsin. The campaign said that total is roughly twice the combined fundraising reported by his opponents during the same period. “I’m grateful for the continued grassroots support we receive from Wisconsin families,” Steil said in a statement. “I remain focused on the issues that matter most to Wisconsin families. That means lowering costs for

Kenosha County Begins Work on New Five-Year Community Health Improvement Plan

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Public Health has begun developing a new five-year Community Health Improvement Plan, a state-required roadmap that will help guide local health priorities through the end of the decade. The updated plan is being created through the Kenosha County Thrive initiative following a countywide community health survey conducted last year. The Thrive initiative is a community-guided effort led by Kenosha County Public Health with support from Aurora Health Care and Froedtert South. The new plan will replace the county’s most recent Community Health Improvement Plan, which was completed in 2023. Health Officer Ricky Ferrari Traner said the county is moving from a three-year planning cycle to a five-year plan to give community partners more time to implement meaningful improvements. “Our objective is for it to be

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$150,000 Cash Bail Set for Kenosha Man Charged With 15 Child Pornography Felonies

Andrew Marcus Doss, 23, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 23-year-old Kenosha man is being held on a $150,000 cash bond after prosecutors charged him with 15 felony counts of possession of child pornography, a bail amount that appears to be roughly five to 10 times higher than what is typically imposed in Kenosha County for similar cases. Andrew Marcus Doss, 23, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Steil Campaign Reports $6.3 Million War Chest, Far Outpacing Challengers

JANESVILLE, Wis. — U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil’s campaign says it has built a sizable financial advantage heading into the 2026 election cycle, reporting more than $6.3 million cash on hand — a total the campaign says is more than 35 times the combined cash reserves of all three of his opponents. According to a campaign news release issued Friday, Steil also raised more than $165,000 during the pre-primary reporting period for his campaign committee, Steil for Wisconsin. The campaign said that total is roughly twice the combined fundraising reported by his opponents during the same period. “I’m grateful for the continued grassroots support we receive from Wisconsin families,” Steil said in a statement. “I remain focused on the issues that matter most to Wisconsin families. That means lowering costs for

Kenosha County Begins Work on New Five-Year Community Health Improvement Plan

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Public Health has begun developing a new five-year Community Health Improvement Plan, a state-required roadmap that will help guide local health priorities through the end of the decade. The updated plan is being created through the Kenosha County Thrive initiative following a countywide community health survey conducted last year. The Thrive initiative is a community-guided effort led by Kenosha County Public Health with support from Aurora Health Care and Froedtert South. The new plan will replace the county’s most recent Community Health Improvement Plan, which was completed in 2023. Health Officer Ricky Ferrari Traner said the county is moving from a three-year planning cycle to a five-year plan to give community partners more time to implement meaningful improvements. “Our objective is for it to be

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Kenosha Woman Accused of Crashing Into Pole at More Than Double the Legal Limit, Seriously Injuring Teen; Court Commissioner Sets only $750 Cash Bail

Sarina N. Acosta, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Sarina N. Acosta, 18, of Kenosha, is accused of driving at more than double the legal alcohol limit before crashing her car into a utility pole, leaving a 16-year-old passenger with a fractured femur that required surgery. Despite the serious felony allegation, Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse set only $750 cash bail during Acosta’s initial appearance Friday. Sarina N. Acosta, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Crash Scene(Submitted Photo) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Trevor Man Accused of Punching 4-Year-Old Child in Face; Commissioner Sets $10,000 Cash Bail

Brian G. Vedder Jr., 24, of Trevor(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Brian G. Vedder Jr., 24, of Trevor, is facing a felony charge after prosecutors allege he intentionally punched a 4-year-old child in the face, leaving the boy with a swollen, bruised eye and other injuries. Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse set a $10,000 cash bail Friday during Vedder’s initial appearance. Brian G. Vedder Jr., 24, of Trevor(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Salem Lakes Postal Worker Accused of Threatening to Kill Co-Workers, Dogs

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Scott E. Belott, 47, of Salem, has been charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after prosecutors allege he threatened to kill a fellow postal employee, other post office staff, and his own dogs during a phone call while intoxicated. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Longtime Kenosha Public Library Employee, 62, Passes Away of Natural Causes; All Library Branches Closed Friday as Staff Mourn

Edmund “Ed” Godula, 62, Right KENOSHA, Wis. — Edmund “Ed” Godula, 62, a longtime Kenosha Public Library employee who worked for the library system for more than 20 years, passed away of natural causes after coworkers became concerned when he failed to report to work for several days. Kenosha Northside Library(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Wisconsin Awards $14,500 Tourism Grant To Promote Upcoming Keys to Kenosha Event

KENOSHA, Wis. — The upcoming Keys to Kenosha event received a boost this week after the Wisconsin Department of Tourism awarded organizers a $14,500 marketing grant to help promote the community celebration. The grant was formally presented Wednesday during a ceremony on the steps of the Simmons Neighborhood Library. Mayor David Bogdala thanked the Wisconsin Department of Tourism for supporting the event, which is intended to showcase Kenosha’s attractions and encourage tourism throughout the city. Among those attending the presentation were Wisconsin Department of Tourism Development Specialist David Spiegelberg, Kenosha Public Library Director Sarah Townsend, Simmons Library Branch Manager Justin Keberlein, Community Development Specialist Abby Huff, City Development Director Tim Casey, Visit Kenosha President Dennis DuChene, Visit Kenosha Marketing Director Laura Gregorski, Kenosha Area Business Alliance Marketing Director Becky Noble,

Massive Multi-Agency Water Rescue Ends After No Victim Found In Kenosha Harbor

UPDATE (8:35 p.m.): The Kenosha Fire Department said Thursday evening that after an extensive multi-agency search, responders determined no one was missing and no victim was located. KENOSHA, Wis. — A man is presumed dead after witnesses reported seeing him jump into Lake Michigan from a ladder along the North Pier in the Kenosha Harbor Thursday afternoon, triggering a massive multi-agency water rescue that quickly transitioned into a recovery operation. Kenosha police were dispatched to the North Pier at 2:09 p.m. after a caller reported seeing a man wearing a shirt and white-and-black shorts jump into the water and never resurface. As officers responded, dispatchers notified the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Coast Guard while Kenosha Fire Department began assembling an extensive water rescue response. Witnesses directed

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Racine Man Charged In Two Kenosha Rooftop Burglaries That Targeted ATMs; Already Held In Racine County Jail In Similar Case

Kevantae Jordan Oliver, 35, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Kevantae Jordan Oliver, 35, of Racine, has been charged in Kenosha County with six felony counts alleging he carried out two rooftop burglaries targeting ATMs at Kenosha businesses. Oliver is currently being held in the Racine County Jail after authorities arrested him in Racine County during what prosecutors describe as another attempted rooftop burglary. Kevantae Jordan Oliver, 35, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

National Night Out Events Planned At Six Locations Across Kenosha County On Aug. 4

KENOSHA, Wis. — Residents across Kenosha County will have six opportunities to celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with neighborhood events designed to strengthen community relationships and promote crime prevention through community engagement. Kenosha County Gang Prevention will host its annual National Night Out event from 5 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot outside the county’s new Human Services Building, located at 3500 52nd St. The building is expected to open soon. Other National Night Out events scheduled throughout the county include:   National Night Out is held annually on the first Tuesday in August and takes place in more than 15,000 communities across all 50 states. The nationwide initiative is intended to build neighborhood camaraderie while fostering positive relationships between residents and law enforcement through community

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Kenosha County DA Charges Six With Failing To Submit DNA Samples; Arrest Warrants Sought

Top row (left to right): Jakob G. Dowling, 25; Marcellus M. Starks, 30; George H. Osorio, 54Bottom row (left to right): Desirae F. Lovett, 23; Jordan A. Bailey, 22, (Not pictured: Roxanne R. Diaz, 41, of Milwaukee(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday charged six people with intentionally failing to submit a biological specimen, alleging they failed to provide DNA samples required under Wisconsin law. Prosecutors also asked judges to issue arrest warrants for all six defendants. As of Thursday afternoon, arrest warrants had been issued for two defendants, several requests remained pending, and one request was denied. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Felon Accused Of Dealing More Than 280 Grams Of THC, Possessing 75 Hydrocodone Pills Gets $750 Cash Bail

David E. Young II, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — David E. Young II, 43, of Kenosha, a convicted felon who prosecutors say is on state parole for prior drug trafficking and firearm convictions, is accused of possessing more than 280 grams of THC products with intent to deliver, illegally possessing 75 hydrocodone pills prescribed to another person, carrying a concealed knife, and obstructing police during a traffic stop. Court Commissioner Lisa Bouterse ordered $750 cash bail during Young’s initial appearance Thursday. David E. Young II, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Woman Accused Of Attacking Boyfriend After Finding Him In Bed With Another Woman Posts Cash Bail

Stephanie Vargas, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Stephanie Vargas, 25, of Kenosha, posted a $650 cash bail Thursday and was released after prosecutors charged her with misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct, both with domestic abuse enhancers, stemming from a confrontation that allegedly began when she found her boyfriend in bed with another woman. Stephanie Vargas, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Woman Accused Of Smashing More Than $100 Worth Of Liquor Bottles After Refund Dispute

Chasity N. Johnson, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Chasity N. Johnson, 29, of Kenosha, has been charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property after prosecutors say she entered a Kenosha liquor store and intentionally knocked bottles of alcohol from displays following a dispute over a declined card payment. Chasity N. Johnson, 29, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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18-Year-Old Accused Of Shooting At Two Students Arrested More Than Two Months After Warrant Issued; Case Remains Sealed

Dewayne L. Wright, 18, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Dewayne L. Wright, 18, of Kenosha, was arrested July 28 on a warrant that had been issued May 15 after prosecutors charged him with two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety while using a dangerous weapon. As of Thursday, any bail determination and other details of his custody remain unknown because Kenosha County Circuit Judge Dougvillo has not yet unsealed the case. Dewayne L. Wright, 18, 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, 17, Given $10,000 Cash Bail On Felony Allegations Of Possessing Fentanyl And Heroin With Intent To Deliver

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Justin J. Sumeland Jr., 17, of Kenosha, was given a $10,000 cash bail Wednesday after prosecutors charged him with two felony drug offenses and two misdemeanor weapons charges after police allegedly found a loaded handgun on him during a traffic stop and later discovered heroin and fentanyl packaged for distribution in his bedroom. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

City of Kenosha Posts City Administrator Opening About Nine Days After Announcing John Morrissey’s Retirement

KENOSHA, Wis. — About nine days after announcing that City Administrator John Morrissey will retire at the end of the year, the City of Kenosha has officially begun recruiting his replacement, posting the position with a salary range of $168,492 to $251,184 annually. The opening was recently posted on the city’s employment website and will remain open for approximately three weeks. The posting comes after Mayor David Bogdala announced on July 15 that Morrissey, a longtime public servant who has served as Kenosha’s chief of police, director of inspections, city administrator and is also a member of the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors, plans to retire after decades of service. A city spokesman later clarified that Morrissey’s final day with the city will be Dec. 31, 2026. The city is

City Of Kenosha Invites Public To Help Shape New Zoning And Sign Codes At Aug. 5 Open House

KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha is inviting residents, business owners and other community stakeholders to help shape the future of development in the city by attending a public open house on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, as officials begin a comprehensive rewrite of the city’s Zoning Ordinance and Sign Code. The open house will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kenosha Innovation Center, 5522 26th Ave. The event will be conducted in an open-house format, allowing attendees to stop by at any time during the two-hour period. There will be no formal presentation. The city is partnering with consulting firms von Briesen and GRAEF on the project, which officials say is intended to modernize zoning and sign regulations that have been in place for more

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$10,000 Cash Bail Set For Twin Lakes Man Accused Of Spitting On Officers, Injuring Officer During Domestic Disturbance

Erik Tapia Barradas, 22, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Erik Tapia Barradas, 22, of Twin Lakes, is being held on a $10,000 cash bail after prosecutors allege he assaulted his girlfriend, violently resisted police, injured an officer, and twice spat on law enforcement officers responding to a domestic violence call. Court Commissioner Alexandra Smathers set the bail Wednesday, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 7. Erik Tapia Barradas, 22, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Sisters Charged After Prosecutors Say Loaded Rifle, Marijuana Were Left Accessible To Toddlers; One Held On $2,000 Cash Bail

Deashanti N. Wright, 24, and Jada N. Wright, 20, both of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Sisters Deashanti N. Wright, 24, and Jada N. Wright, 20, both of Kenosha, were charged Wednesday after prosecutors alleged two toddlers were left in a home where a loaded rifle and marijuana were easily accessible. Deashanti Wright faces two felony child neglect charges and was ordered held on a $2,000 cash bail, while Jada Wright faces two misdemeanor child neglect charges and was released on a no-cash bail. Jada N. Wright Deashanti N. Wright You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha CNA Charged With 15 Felony Identity Theft Counts After Prosecutors Allege He Stole Nearly $1,800 From 88-Year-Old Nursing Home Resident

Brandon A. Merlos, 23, of Kenosha(facebook.com) KENOSHA, Wis. — Brandon A. Merlos, 23, of Kenosha, has been charged with 15 felony counts of unauthorized use of an individual’s personal identifying information and one misdemeanor count of theft after prosecutors allege he stole nearly $1,800 from an 88-year-old resident of Crossroads Care Center, where he worked as a certified nursing assistant. In a separate criminal case filed the same day, Merlos is also charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property for allegedly acting as a lookout during the slashing of eight tires on four vehicles. Prosecutors allege the damage case involved two co-defendants, Jeremy P. Westplate and Ian N. Brzozowski, who are accused of participating in the same vandalism incident. Brandon A. Merlos, 23, of Kenosha(facebook.com) You must be logged in

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Judge Sentences Man To 60 Days In Jail With No Work Release After Guilty Plea In Third-Offense Drunk Driving Case

Luis A. Hernandez-Bahena, 47, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Judge Heather Iverson on Wednesday sentenced Luis A. Hernandez-Bahena, 47, of Kenosha, to 60 days in the Kenosha County Jail with no work release after he pleaded guilty to a third-offense operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration charge stemming from a January traffic stop in Pleasant Prairie. Luis Hernandez-Bahena Luis Hernandez-Bahena You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Twin Lakes Man Accused Of Choking Wife Twice During Domestic Violence Incident Given $1,500 Cash Bail

Erich M. Schwertfeger, 46, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Erich M. Schwertfeger, 46, of Twin Lakes, was charged Wednesday with felony strangulation and suffocation, misdemeanor battery, and disorderly conduct after prosecutors allege he attacked his wife during a domestic violence incident earlier this month. Erich M. Schwertfeger, 46, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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