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Serious Three-Vehicle Crash In Kenosha Leaves Multiple People Seriously Injured, One Person Trapped In Vehicle

Serious Crash Friday Afternoon(Photo by BC) KENOSHA, Wis. — A serious three-vehicle crash in Kenosha’s inner city Thursday afternoon left multiple people injured, including two people whose injuries were considered immediately life-threatening or otherwise required the highest priority for emergency treatment, according to emergency radio traffic reviewed by Kenosha County Eye. Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) Investigators Friday Afternoon(Photo by BC) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Multiple Callers Report Bullets Flying Over Strawberry Creek Golf Course, Golfers Hit The Ground

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Multiple people reported gunfire and bullets apparently flying over Strawberry Creek Golf Course Saturday afternoon, prompting a response from the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement. At about 1:40 p.m. Saturday, multiple callers reported hearing shots in the area of Strawberry Creek. People who contacted Kenosha County Eye and said they were at the golf course reported that bullets could clearly be heard flying from the direction of a farm north of the course and traveling toward or over the golf course. Some golfers reportedly dropped to the ground for safety after hearing bullets fly past them. The incident occurred near Hole No. 15. The suspected source of the gunfire was believed to be one of the farm properties off 60th Street, a considerable

Dear KUSD – I Told You So: KCE Reporting Helped Trigger Investigation That Led To Teacher’s Firing For Grooming-Like Behavior

KENOSHA, Wis. — An Indian Trail High School student who had read Kenosha County Eye’s reporting about former KUSD math teacher Steven Edward Telkamp wrote an op-ed about the allegations that followed him from the Mukwonago Area School District. That student’s writing made its way to school administrators, who learned of a connection between the student author and a female student at Bradford High School. Bradford Principal J.J. Kotarek was then directed to investigate whether Telkamp was engaging in inappropriate contact with that student. What followed was an expanding investigation, statements from students, corroborated allegations of inappropriate behavior toward female students and, ultimately, Telkamp’s firing. It is a striking conclusion to a story KCE and Mukwonago father Ken Sallee began warning Kenosha Unified School District about nearly two years earlier.

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“Double Trouble” Was In Trouble On Lake Michigan Saturday Morning: Five Aboard Sinking Boat Make It Safely To Kenosha

KENOSHA, Wis. — A boat appropriately named “Double Trouble” found itself in some serious trouble on Lake Michigan Saturday morning when it began taking on water with five adults aboard, prompting a large response from emergency crews and numerous boaters who tried to help. Kenosha Fire Department Deputy Chief Scott Krueger told Kenosha County Eye Saturday afternoon that there was initially considerable confusion about exactly where Double Trouble was located. Numerous boats were attempting to assist, and latitude and longitude information being relayed to emergency crews was ambiguous. Ultimately, Krueger said authorities determined Double Trouble was 6.5 miles due east of 52nd Street in Lake Michigan. The confusion over the location can be heard in Kenosha Fire Department radio traffic. Fire personnel initially searched from the harbor and reported looking

Multiple Callers Report Bullets Flying Over Strawberry Creek Golf Course, Golfers Hit The Ground

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Multiple people reported gunfire and bullets apparently flying over Strawberry Creek Golf Course Saturday afternoon, prompting a response from the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement. At about 1:40 p.m. Saturday, multiple callers reported hearing shots in the area of Strawberry Creek. People who contacted Kenosha County Eye and said they were at the golf course reported that bullets could clearly be heard flying from the direction of a farm north of the course and traveling toward or over the golf course. Some golfers reportedly dropped to the ground for safety after hearing bullets fly past them. The incident occurred near Hole No. 15. The suspected source of the gunfire was believed to be one of the farm properties off 60th Street, a considerable

Dear KUSD – I Told You So: KCE Reporting Helped Trigger Investigation That Led To Teacher’s Firing For Grooming-Like Behavior

KENOSHA, Wis. — An Indian Trail High School student who had read Kenosha County Eye’s reporting about former KUSD math teacher Steven Edward Telkamp wrote an op-ed about the allegations that followed him from the Mukwonago Area School District. That student’s writing made its way to school administrators, who learned of a connection between the student author and a female student at Bradford High School. Bradford Principal J.J. Kotarek was then directed to investigate whether Telkamp was engaging in inappropriate contact with that student. What followed was an expanding investigation, statements from students, corroborated allegations of inappropriate behavior toward female students and, ultimately, Telkamp’s firing. It is a striking conclusion to a story KCE and Mukwonago father Ken Sallee began warning Kenosha Unified School District about nearly two years earlier.

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Wilmot High School Volunteer Charged With 11 Felonies After Alleged Sexual Relationship With 16-Year-Old, Child Porn Found In Snapchat

Austin Carl Scaletta, 19, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) TWIN LAKES, Wis. — A 19-year-old Twin Lakes man who volunteered at Wilmot High School is facing 11 felony charges after investigators say they uncovered sexually explicit Snapchat conversations, videos and photographs involving a 16-year-old girl, along with evidence that the two had sex. Austin Carl Scaletta, 19, of Twin Lakes, was charged Friday with nine counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of exposing a child to harmful material. Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum set Scaletta’s cash bail at $100,000 Friday afternoon and ordered him to have no contact with the alleged victim or children and prohibited him from using an internet-capable device. The nine child-pornography charges are Class D felonies, each

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Twin Lakes Man Charged With Felony 4th OWI, Gets No-Cash Bail From Kellum

Cory K. Wilson, 21, of Twin Lakes(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) TWIN LAKES, Wis. — Cory K. Wilson, 21, of Twin Lakes, was charged Friday with felony fourth-offense operating while intoxicated after prosecutors say his growing OWI record transformed a March 2025 second-offense case into a felony fourth offense. Despite Wilson’s recent history of OWI cases, allegedly repeatedly driving while revoked, multiple bail-jumping charges, a domestic-abuse case and an allegation that he drove 100 mph in a 45 mph zone while already on bond in three cases, Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum released him Friday on no-cash bail. Earlier Friday, Kellum ordered $40,000 cash bail for a defendant charged in an unrelated property-crime case. Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum (D) Cory

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Genoa City Man Charged With Two Felonies After Allegedly Fighting Deputies, Kicking One of Them In Ribs

Kenneth Gordon Thilmont, 48, of Genoa City(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) TOWN OF RANDALL, Wis. — Kenneth Gordon Thilmont, 48, of Genoa City, is facing two felonies and three misdemeanors after prosecutors say he barricaded himself inside his home during a mental-health investigation and later violently fought with Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office deputies, injuring two of them. Thilmont was arrested on a warrant Thursday, August 20, posted $10,000 cash bail Friday and was released with a court date. He is scheduled to appear September 2 before Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum for a return on warrant and initial appearance. Kenneth Gordon Thilmont, 48, of Genoa City(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Illinois Man Charged With Four Felonies After Allegedly Fleeing Kenosha County Deputies At 119 MPH

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) BRISTOL, Wis. — Lawrence D. Griffin Jr., 54, of Gurnee, Illinois, was charged Thursday with four felonies after prosecutors say he led Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a dangerous high-speed pursuit through the Village of Bristol and onto I-94, reaching approximately 119 mph while weaving through traffic and repeatedly driving into oncoming lanes. Griffin faces felony fleeing or eluding an officer, first-degree recklessly endangering safety and two counts of second-degree recklessly endangering safety. Combined, the charges carry a maximum possible sentence of 38½ years in prison and $85,000 in fines. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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$40,000 Cash Bail Set For Kenosha Man Accused Of Stealing $47,000-Plus In Heavy Equipment

Leonard D. Taylor, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 37-year-old Kenosha man accused of stealing a Caterpillar excavator and concrete breaker worth more than $47,000 was ordered held Friday on $40,000 cash bail. Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum set the unusually high bail for Leonard D. Taylor, who is charged with felony theft of movable property valued between $10,000 and $100,000. The Class G felony carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Leonard D. Taylor, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum (D) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Pleasant Prairie Cold-Case Defendant Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Homicide by Negligent Handling of a Dangerous Weapon

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kevin R. Siler, 42, of Kenosha, was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison for homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon in connection with the 2019 shooting death of his friend, Joseph Christol, 35, inside Christol’s Pleasant Prairie home. Kenosha County Circuit Judge Jason Rossell sentenced Siler to five years of initial confinement followed by five years of extended supervision — the maximum sentence available for the Class G felony. Siler received credit for 724 days already spent in custody. Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis and defense attorney Natalie Wisco jointly recommended the maximum sentence, and Rossell followed their recommendation. Siler apologized in court to Christol’s family, his own family and the court. “I would never intentionally do anything to hurt Joey,” Siler said.

Kenosha Joins Abbott/Big Ten Blood Drive To Help Wisconsin Defend Title, Win $1 Million

KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha is asking residents to roll up their sleeves and help the University of Wisconsin-Madison defend its championship in the Abbott and Big Ten Conference’s annual “We Give Blood Drive” competition, with a $1 million prize on the line for the winning university. The nationwide competition, now in its third year, combines Big Ten rivalry with an effort to combat the country’s ongoing blood shortage. The University of Wisconsin won last year’s competition, and Kenosha officials are hoping local residents will once again help put the Badgers on top. Blood donations made between Aug. 12 and Dec. 4 can count toward the competition. The Big Ten university with the most donations will receive a $1 million grant from Abbott to support community or student

Wanted Fugitives Ram Squad, Lead Deputies On Two Simultaneous High-Speed Pursuits Through Kenosha County: Video

KENOSHA, Wis. — Three suspects are behind bars after authorities say a confrontation near the Somers Walmart erupted into two simultaneous high-speed pursuits, with one suspect allegedly ramming a marked Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office squad and another crashing into an uninvolved vehicle. Ace Leo Frank, 34, of Elkhart, Indiana; Cody Luigi Frank, 22, of Hudson, Wisconsin; and Sable Russell, 34 were all taken into custody following the pursuits. Ace Frank and Cody Frank are wanted on out-of-state felony warrants, while Russell faces a lengthy list of recommended Wisconsin charges, including seven counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety and first-degree reckless injury. The incident began Wednesday morning, August 19, when detectives with the Kenosha Drug Operations Group received information that a wanted person was near the Walmart in the Village of

Federal Reversal on California Casino Raises New Questions for Kenosha’s Off-Reservation Project

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Menominee Tribe is hoping for a quick approval of its proposed Kenosha casino, but recent decisions by the U.S. Department of the Interior and Bureau of Indian Affairs are raising new questions about how the federal government will approach off-reservation casino projects. The Department of the Interior recently withdrew approval for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ California casino project, forcing the tribe to close its casino just days after opening and placing its larger development plans in jeopardy. In a written decision, Assistant Secretary William H. Kirkland III concluded that although the tribe had satisfied certain requirements, it had failed to establish a significant historical connection to the property. “Upon reconsideration, I conclude that, although the Band has satisfied the ‘modern connections’ and ‘temporal

Internet Troll, Career Criminal Gets Probation For Felony 4th OWI After .156 Breath Test

KENOSHA, Wis. — Matthew J. Mortensen, 49, of Burlington, an internet troll who Kenosha County Eye has seen trolling people across the internet and a repeat criminal offender with multiple prior convictions, was given probation Wednesday by Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge David Hughes for a felony fourth-offense OWI. Mortensen faced up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine on the felony OWI alone, but Hughes sentenced him to three years of probation and one year of conditional jail, granted work-crew privileges and did not prohibit electronic monitoring, meaning Mortensen can potentially serve that time on electronic monitoring rather than sitting behind bars. The sentence continues what Kenosha County Eye has repeatedly criticized as the Kenosha judiciary’s very soft approach to crime, this time involving a man convicted

Kenosha, Milwaukee Police Unions Endorse Bryan Steil for Reelection

KENOSHA, Wis. — Congressman Bryan Steil has picked up endorsements from two major southeastern Wisconsin law enforcement organizations as he campaigns for reelection to Congress. The Kenosha Professional Police Association Board and Milwaukee Police Association announced their support for Steil, citing his record on law enforcement and public safety. “The men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” Steil said. “I will continue to stand with law enforcement and make sure they have the resources and support needed to protect Wisconsin families.” Steil said he was grateful to both organizations for their endorsements. Kenosha Professional Police Association President Rusten Sheskey said Steil has demonstrated his support for officers and understands the needs of law enforcement. “Congressman Steil has shown

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Kenosha Man Charged With Felony Stalking After Allegedly Threatening to Kill Woman, Her Sisters and Her Children

Joseph L. Woodward, 33, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Joseph L. Woodward, 33, of Kenosha, was charged Thursday with felony stalking and four additional criminal counts after prosecutors say he engaged in a months-long campaign of unwanted contact against a woman, allegedly culminating in threats to kill her, her sisters and her children. Woodward, who was already out on bail in a separate Racine County criminal case during the alleged conduct, has been ordered to appear before Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum on Sept. 15. Joseph L. Woodward, 33, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Domestic Abuse Repeater Accused Of Punching Woman Five Times, Barricading Himself From Police; Taser Malfunctions During Arrest

Willie J. Brown, 45, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Willie J. Brown, 45, of Kenosha, is facing five criminal charges after prosecutors say he punched his ex-girlfriend in the face five times, took away her phone when she tried to call 911 and then barricaded himself inside a Kenosha home before a tense confrontation with police. Brown, who prosecutors allege is a repeat domestic abuser, appeared in court Thursday, where Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum set a $5,000 cash bond. Brown faces roughly 18½ years behind bars if convicted on all counts and maximum repeater enhancements are imposed consecutively. Willie J. Brown, 45, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Recent Westosha Central Graduate, Wrestler Charged With Biting Deputy, Spitting on First Responders After Salem Lakes Crash

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — Lucas Sandrik, 19, of Salem, a recent Westosha Central High School graduate and wrestler, is facing three felony charges after prosecutors say he crashed an SUV into a parked vehicle and retaining wall in Salem Lakes, then became violently combative with deputies and rescue personnel, biting a Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office deputy hard enough to break the skin and repeatedly spitting on emergency workers. Lucas Sandrik Lucas Sandrik You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Woman Accused Of Biting, Scratching And Spitting On Kenosha Cops Gets No-Cash Bail From Kellum

Rolexsea N. Curtis, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 25-year-old Kenosha woman accused of biting one police officer, scratching another until he bled and then spitting directly into the officer’s face was released on no-cash bail Thursday by Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum, further underscoring Kellum’s soft-on-crime approach to bail — even for defendants accused of physically harming law enforcement officers. Rolexsea N. Curtis is charged with three Class I felonies, one Class H felony and two Class A misdemeanors, carrying a combined maximum exposure of 18 years behind bars. Even more notably, prosecutors allege Curtis committed the new crimes while already out on bail in a pending felony strangulation case. Rolexsea N. Curtis, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) Liberal Activist Court Commissioner Daniel Kellum

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Kenosha Man Accused Of Posting Butthole Photo Online, Throwing Soda Can At Sister, Sprinting From Police

Kelvin Andrew Smith, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing criminal charges after police say a confrontation with his sisters over a photo he posted of his butthole on the internet escalated into him throwing things inside their home and then taking off in a “dead sprint” when a Kenosha Police officer arrived. Kelvin Andrew Smith, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Wedding Crasher Chaos: Uninvited Woman Put Bride In Headlock, Bridesmaid Allegedly Dragged Her Down By Her Hair

Kenosha Police Department(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — What was supposed to be a wedding reception at The Vault in Downtown Kenosha erupted into a massive brawl involving an estimated 20 to 30 people after an allegedly uninvited woman showed up and attacked the bride, according to newly filed criminal complaints. Angela Wright, 38, and Rita N. Wright, 45, both of Racine, are now each charged with misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct in connection with the November 1, 2025 melee. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Career Criminal Charged With OWI-3rd Told Cop “I’m Fucked Already”; Skips Court, $1,500 Cash Warrant Issued

Jonathan L. Cox, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 40-year-old Kenosha man with a lengthy criminal history allegedly told a police officer “I’m fucked already” during an OWI investigation this week, and then failed to show up for his first court appearance Thursday. Jonathan L. Cox, 40, of Kenosha, was charged Thursday with operating while intoxicated-third offense as a repeater. When Cox failed to appear for his mandatory initial appearance Thursday afternoon, Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum authorized a warrant for his arrest and set $1,500 cash bail, ordering that Cox must post the money or be held for court. Jonathan L. Cox, 40, 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 Charged With OWI-3 As Repeater After Allegedly Admitting She ‘Shouldn’t Have Drove’; Kellum Releases Her On No-Cash Bail

Laura Marie Coleman, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 40-year-old Kenosha woman accused of driving drunk for the third time and charged as a repeat offender was released Thursday on no-cash bail by newly appointed Kenosha County Court Commissioner Daniel E. Kellum. Laura Marie Coleman, 40, of Kenosha, is charged with OWI-3rd Offense as a repeater, which carries a maximum exposure of two years behind bars because of her prior criminal convictions. Laura Marie Coleman, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

KCE Editor’s John Doe Petition Leads To Two Felony Charges Over FLOCK Abuse Against Former Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputy; McGrath Faces 3 Years In Prison

KENOSHA, Wis. — A John Doe petition filed more than five months ago by Kenosha County Eye Editor Kevin Mathewson has now resulted in criminal charges against former Kenosha County Sheriff’s Deputy Frank D. McGrath. Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis formally charged McGrath Wednesday with two felony counts of misconduct in public office for allegedly using powerful law-enforcement surveillance systems, including FLOCK and Polaris, to surveil a fellow deputy who broke up with him. Each Class I felony carries a maximum sentence of 3½ years in prison and a $10,000 fine, meaning McGrath faces a combined maximum of seven years in prison and $20,000 in fines. The charges represent the culmination of a process that began publicly on March 6, when Mathewson filed a John Doe petition asking a

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