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Congressman Tom Tiffany Meets With Law Enforcement Leaders In Kenosha: More I-94 Deputies, Mental Health Reform, Higher Prosecutor Pay Among Top Priorities

KENOSHA, Wis. — Republican gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Congressman Tom Tiffany brought his Safe Communities Tour to Kenosha on Friday morning, October 9, 2026, meeting with sheriffs, police chiefs, prosecutors and elected officials from southeastern Wisconsin to discuss public safety, law enforcement funding, mental health reform and staffing shortages. The roundtable, held at Birchwood Grill, included Congressman Bryan Steil, Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner, Walworth County Sheriff David Gerber, Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis and numerous other officials. Kenosha County Eye was invited to attend the gathering, where participants identified several priorities they would like Wisconsin’s next governor to address, including increased interstate patrols, competitive salaries for prosecutors and public defenders, and significant changes to Wisconsin’s mental health detention system. The discussion included concerns about the difficulty of recruiting

Kenosha Woman Found Guilty Of Animal Sanitation Violations For Filthy Conditions; Emotional Support Dog Left Outside During Storm While She Was Out Of State; Also Accused Of Abandoning Two Other Dogs

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 39-year-old Kenosha therapist was found guilty of two animal-related offenses after police discovered filthy conditions at her home, including chickens living among accumulated feces and a large emotional support dog reportedly left outside during a thunderstorm while she was out of state. Jacqueline Patricia Niccolai was ordered to pay $191.30 in forfeitures after an investigation revealed that her goldendoodle, Winston, named after former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, had reportedly been left outside without adequate shelter, food, or water during severe weather. Niccolai told police she was in Chicago when officers initially responded to complaints about the barking dog. When Winston was later brought back to the property, an officer observed that he was dirty, inconsistent with Niccolai’s explanation that he had been at a groomer.

Salem Lakes Trustee Angela Brooks Faces Criticism For Missing About Half Of 2026 Meetings While Receiving Full $9,000 Annual Stipend

SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Salem Lakes Trustee Angela Brooks (D) is facing criticism from residents after attending approximately half of the village meetings reviewed by Kenosha County Eye in 2026 while receiving her full $9,000 annual stipend. Residents who spoke with KCE acknowledged that the stipend is modest, but said Brooks should donate half or return it to the village because she has missed about half the meetings. After receiving complaints about Brooks’ repeated absences, Kenosha County Eye reviewed meeting videos and minutes and sought an explanation from both Brooks and Village President Rita Bucur. Neither responded to KCE’s inquiries. Brooks was elected April 1, 2025, receiving 2,446 votes and winning a two-year term running through April 2027. Her first meeting as a trustee was April 21, 2025, when Bucur

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Kansasville Man Gets 100 Days Of Work Release For Felony Fourth OWI; Judge Meier Allows Sentence To Be Served In Racine County

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jodi L. Meier (D) sentenced Dustin N. Willms, 52, of Kansasville, to 100 days of work release Friday, October 9, 2026, after he pleaded guilty to felony fourth-offense operating while intoxicated — a lenient sentence that underscores her soft-on-crime approach in this repeat drunk-driving case. Meier also authorized the sentence to be served in Racine County. Assistant District Attorney Vincent Kurta and defense attorney Benjamin L. Schwarz jointly recommended a 100-day sentence. Meier accepted that recommendation and separately granted work-release privileges. Dustin N. Willms Dustin N. Willms You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha Woman Found Guilty Of Animal Sanitation Violations For Filthy Conditions; Emotional Support Dog Left Outside During Storm While She Was Out Of State; Also Accused Of Abandoning Two Other Dogs

KENOSHA, Wis. — A 39-year-old Kenosha therapist was found guilty of two animal-related offenses after police discovered filthy conditions at her home, including chickens living among accumulated feces and a large emotional support dog reportedly left outside during a thunderstorm while she was out of state. Jacqueline Patricia Niccolai was ordered to pay $191.30 in forfeitures after an investigation revealed that her goldendoodle, Winston, named after former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, had reportedly been left outside without adequate shelter, food, or water during severe weather. Niccolai told police she was in Chicago when officers initially responded to complaints about the barking dog. When Winston was later brought back to the property, an officer observed that he was dirty, inconsistent with Niccolai’s explanation that he had been at a groomer.

Salem Lakes Trustee Angela Brooks Faces Criticism For Missing About Half Of 2026 Meetings While Receiving Full $9,000 Annual Stipend

SALEM LAKES, Wis. — Salem Lakes Trustee Angela Brooks (D) is facing criticism from residents after attending approximately half of the village meetings reviewed by Kenosha County Eye in 2026 while receiving her full $9,000 annual stipend. Residents who spoke with KCE acknowledged that the stipend is modest, but said Brooks should donate half or return it to the village because she has missed about half the meetings. After receiving complaints about Brooks’ repeated absences, Kenosha County Eye reviewed meeting videos and minutes and sought an explanation from both Brooks and Village President Rita Bucur. Neither responded to KCE’s inquiries. Brooks was elected April 1, 2025, receiving 2,446 votes and winning a two-year term running through April 2027. Her first meeting as a trustee was April 21, 2025, when Bucur

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Accused Kenosha Tavern Killer, Would-Be Cop Killer Appears In Wheelchair As $5 Million Cash Bail Is Continued; Police Chief, Top Brass And Officers Attend Court Hearing

KENOSHA, Wis. — Adam Scott Threlkeld, 45, of Milwaukee, the man accused of murdering Antero Medina III, 33, inside Shenanigan’s tavern and attempting to murder two Kenosha Police officers on Sept. 20, appeared in Kenosha County court Thursday afternoon in a wheelchair. Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey Braun formally set his cash bail at $5 million, continuing the amount previously imposed as temporary bail by Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum. Threlkeld, represented by defense attorney Zebulon Patek, did not contest the $5 million amount. The courtroom was attended by several of the Kenosha Police Department’s highest-ranking officials, including Chief Patrick Patton, Deputy Chief Brent Sagedal and Inspector Aaron Dilhoff. Kenosha Police Officer Samuel Gibbons, one of the two officers Threlkeld is accused of attempting to murder, was also present,

Teen Who Brought Loaded Gun To Kenosha School, Made Threats, Was Kept In Juvenile Court By Judge Kerkman (D) – Now Investigated In Connection With Shooting, Accused Of Fighting Police, Released On No-Cash Bail

KENOSHA, Wis. – When a 16-year-old brings a loaded gun into a high school and allegedly threatens to shoot others, should he be prosecuted as an adult? Not in Kenosha, at least not in the case of Jahheem P. Wright. In 2025, Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Chad Kerkman (D) rejected prosecutors’ efforts to have Wright tried as an adult, keeping him in the juvenile justice system. Now 18, Wright is once again facing criminal charges after allegedly fleeing from police and resisting arrest while officers were attempting to locate him in connection with a shooting investigation. On Thursday, October 8, 2026, Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey Braun set Wright’s bail at just $250 no-cash, meaning he did not have to post a single dollar to secure his release. The latest

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Kenosha Man Convicted Of Felony Aggravated Battery After Three-Day Jury Trial – Victim Permanently Blinded In One Eye

Jeffery T. Mayfield, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. – A Kenosha man was convicted Wednesday, October 7, 2026, of felony aggravated battery after a violent confrontation inside a Kenosha apartment building left another man permanently blind in his left eye. Jeffery T. Mayfield, 34, of Kenosha, was found guilty by a Kenosha County jury following a three-day trial prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Robert Pelegrin. The conviction for aggravated battery with intent to cause bodily harm is a Class H felony punishable by up to three years in prison, followed by three years of extended supervision. Following the verdict, Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge David O. Hughes revoked Mayfield’s $5,000 no-cash bail and ordered him taken into custody to await sentencing. Jeffery T. Mayfield, 34, of Kenosha(Kenosha

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Kenosha Woman Accused Of Drinking Four Tequila Shots Before Injuring Passenger In Crash Released On No-Cash Bail By Liberal Activist Court Commissioner

Daedra Monae Ellis, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 25-year-old Kenosha woman accused of drinking four tequila shots before crashing her SUV into another vehicle and injuring her own passenger was released on $1,000 no-cash bail Thursday, October 8, 2026, by liberal activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey Braun. Daedra Monae Ellis, 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 Man Accused Of Third OWI After Violent Motorcycle Crash Gets No-Cash Bail From Liberal Activist Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun

Michael T. Gilmore, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 37-year-old Kenosha man accused of driving drunk for the third time, crashing his motorcycle into a pickup truck, and being thrown from his bike was released Thursday on a $1,000 no-cash bail by liberal activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Tracey “Low-Bail” Braun. Michael T. Gilmore, who has two previous drunken driving convictions, faces up to one year of incarceration if convicted of his latest offense. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Braun did not require Gilmore to post any money to secure his release. Michael T. Gilmore, 37, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Judge Returns $7,500 Bail To Person Who Posted It, Orders 5th-Offense OWI Defendant With Violent Criminal Past Back Into Custody

Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Jason Rossell (D) and Richard A. Brandes(Photo of Judge, Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye – Brandes, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Every day in Kenosha County, parents, grandparents, spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends and other loved ones put up thousands of dollars of their own money to get someone out of jail. But posting cash bail comes with significant financial risks. Those who post the money are warned that it may ultimately be used to pay fines, court costs, restitution and other financial obligations. They also risk losing the money if the defendant violates certain court requirements. For someone facing a felony fifth-offense drunken driving charge, which ordinarily carries a mandatory minimum of 18 months of initial confinement upon conviction, those risks can be particularly

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How Many Chances Does She Get? Lenient Kenosha Judge Gives Repeat Offender Multiple Chances Despite Repeatedly Missing Court

Jennifer L. Quinonez, 56, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 56-year-old Kenosha repeat offender accused of stealing a package from someone’s porch and possessing crack cocaine paraphernalia is back in custody after repeatedly failing to appear in court, despite receiving multiple opportunities from Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge David O. Hughes to avoid arrest. Jennifer L. Quinonez has now missed two court appearances, had two bench warrants issued, and received multiple chances to voluntarily appear before warrants were enforced. Her latest arrest comes just four months after another court official disregarded a prosecutor’s request for cash bail and released her on no-cash bail. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kenosha Man Gets Only Seven Days In Jail, Then Work Release For Third OWI

Phillip M. Villegas, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 30-year-old Kenosha man convicted of his third drunk-driving offense was sentenced Thursday to 353 days of work release, and just seven days. Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Heather Iverson imposed the sentence on Phillip M. Villegas, who was represented by defense attorney Eric Olson. Villegas pleaded guilty to third-offense operating while intoxicated following a January crash in downtown Kenosha. He was taken into custody immediately after sentencing. Phillip M. Villegas, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Kenosha Paleontologist, Struggling Carthage College Dinosaur Program Take Center Stage In Nationally Premiering Documentary About T. Rex Fossils

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha paleontologist and his fight to preserve a local dinosaur research program will take center stage on a national platform next month when a Wisconsin-produced documentary makes its world premiere at DOC NYC, the largest documentary film festival in the United States. The New Extinction, directed by Milwaukee filmmaker Kyle Lloyd Arpke, follows renowned Tyrannosaurus rex expert Dr. Thomas Carr as he navigates financial pressures threatening the future of Carthage College’s paleontology program, while exploring a controversial multimillion-dollar industry in which dinosaur fossils are increasingly treated as valuable commodities rather than scientific discoveries. The 90-minute documentary will premiere November 15, 2026, at the historic Village East by Angelika theater in Manhattan, with another screening scheduled for November 17. The film has been selected for DOC NYC’s

Appeals Court Rejects Challenge From Kenosha Drunk Driver Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Killing Two Friends

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Pleasant Prairie man sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing two of his friends and seriously injuring two others in a horrific drunken-driving crash has lost his appeal challenging evidence obtained by police shortly after the deadly collision. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of Ajay Gregory Pierangeli, 24, who pleaded guilty to two counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle in connection with the July 28, 2023, crash that killed Dylan Zamora and Jenna Barrette. In a decision released Wednesday, October 7, 2026, a three-judge appellate panel rejected Pierangeli’s argument that police violated his constitutional rights when they ordered a blood draw at the hospital without first obtaining a search warrant. The decision leaves intact the circuit court’s ruling allowing

Republican-Appointed Judge Gives Racine County Deputy A Free Pass For Unauthorized Flock Searches, Refuses Criminal Proceedings Despite Finding He Exceeded His Authority

RACINE, Wis. — At a time when Wisconsin law enforcement officers are facing increasing scrutiny for abusing powerful surveillance tools such as Flock license plate readers, a Republican-appointed judge has declined to pursue criminal proceedings against a Racine County sheriff’s deputy despite expressly finding that he exceeded his authority when using law enforcement technology. In a final order issued Thursday, October 8, Walworth County Circuit Court Judge Kristine E. Drettwan rejected a John Doe petition filed by Kenosha County Eye seeking accountability for Deputy Emil J. Ortiz, 37, of Somers, who allegedly conducted 19 unauthorized Flock searches targeting his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend. Drettwan also refused to appoint a special prosecutor, leaving Ortiz without criminal charges despite a documented pattern of unauthorized database activity. The decision follows Racine County District Attorney Patricia

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Repeat Felon Accused Of Rape Gets Just $10,000 Cash Bail From ‘Catch & Release’ Kellum — Two Days After Kellum Slashed His $25,000 Warrant To $1,000

Marlon W. Sidney Jr., 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 22-year-old Kenosha repeat felon accused of forcibly sexually assaulting a woman while already out on bail in two felony cases was given just $10,000 cash bail Wednesday by Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum — only two days after Kellum slashed a $25,000 warrant in another pending felony case against the same man to $1,000 cash bail. Marlon W. Sidney Jr., 22, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Kellum Sets No-Cash Bail On Gun Charge, Only $5,000 Cash For Fugitive Linked To Waukegan Shooting Investigation

Deon Patrice Doby-Williams, 54, of Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — Deon Patrice Doby-Williams, 54, who is listed as homeless, received no-cash bail on a local concealed-weapon charge and only $5,000 cash bail in a separate fugitive case Wednesday after police stopped her vehicle during a Waukegan shooting investigation. Court Commissioner Daniel “Catch & Release” Kellum set both bail amounts during an October 7 appearance that lasted from 1:28 to 1:32 p.m. Deon Patrice Doby-Williams, 54, of Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office) You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

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Westosha Central Fires 22-Year-Old Assistant Football Coach After Alleged Snapchat Messages To 17-Year-Old Student

Former Assistant Football Coach Zachary Kazumura, 22, of Trevor (LinkedIn)Westosha Central High School (File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) Editor’s note: This story was corrected October 7, 2026, at 2:38 p.m., 6 minutes after publication. Kenosha County Eye made a mistake and inadvertently published the wrong coach’s name and photograph in an earlier version of this story, which was online for approximately six minutes. The coach incorrectly identified was not involved in this matter and is not part of the football coaching staff. Kenosha County Eye regrets this mistake and apologizes to him. Kazumura’s Information was added the same day at 4:52 p.m. PADDOCK LAKE, Wis. — Westosha Central High School terminated assistant football coach Zachary Kazumura, 22, Tuesday night after administrators learned of concerns involving Snapchat communications

KUSD Jazz Festival To Feature Phat Phunktion, Student Ensembles And Guest Musicians Nov. 5–7

KENOSHA, Wis. — A Bradford High School alumnus will return to Kenosha with his nine-piece funk, R&B and soul band as the Kenosha Unified School District presents its 2026 Jazz Festival weekend Nov. 5–7 at Tremper High School, 8560 26th Ave. The district, working in collaboration with Dave Sturino of Hansen’s Pool and Spa, will offer three days of concerts, student performances and educational opportunities. A donation from Hansen’s Pool and Spa is making this year’s festival possible. The weekend will open Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m. with a performance by Phat Phunktion, the Madison-based band founded by Bradford alumnus Al Falaschi, a saxophonist and songwriter. General admission tickets are $10. Student performance sessions with guest artists and clinicians will take place Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Members of

RecPlex Offers Free Personal Training For Cancer Patients And Survivors Through Living Well Scholarship

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. — Cancer patients and recent survivors can apply this month for a scholarship offering eight free personal training sessions at the Pleasant Prairie RecPlex. The Living Well Scholarship is available to the first 10 qualified applicants, and participants do not need a RecPlex membership. The program, part of the Haribo Scholarship Program, is open to people currently undergoing cancer treatment or who completed treatment within the past year. Physician clearance is required to participate. Selected applicants will receive eight one-hour sessions combining cardiovascular, strength and flexibility exercises. Training is tailored to each participant to help them safely begin or return to a regular exercise routine while working toward improved energy, strength, endurance and overall wellness. “The Living Well Scholarship program is in recognition of cancer awareness months,”

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Judge Finds Man Accused Of Trying To Kill Two People At Arbor Green Competent To Stand Trial

Anthony W. Neal, 54, of Kenosha in Court(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Zion, Ill., man accused of trying to kill two people by opening fire on an occupied vehicle at the Arbor Green Apartments has been found competent to stand trial, approximately one year after a judge found him incompetent and ordered him committed for treatment. Anthony W. Neal Anthony W. Neal You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

KUSD Reports Modest Gains In Reading And Math, But Most Tested Students Remain Below Benchmarks

KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Unified School District reported mixed results on its spring 2026 assessments Wednesday, with improvements in elementary and middle school English Language Arts and some high school math scores, alongside declines in other areas. Fewer than half of tested students met the reported proficiency levels or benchmarks in every category highlighted by the district. The largest improvement was on the Wisconsin Forward English Language Arts assessment for students in grades three through eight. The percentage meeting or exceeding proficiency rose from 43.4% to 45.6%, an increase of 2.2 percentage points. That leaves 54.4% below proficiency. Math results for those same grades changed little, increasing from 42.5% proficient to 42.6%, a gain of 0.1 percentage point. “We are encouraged by the growth we are seeing, particularly in early

How Common Is It for Wisconsin Lawyers To Be Temporarily Suspended for Missing Legal Deadlines?

KENOSHA, Wis. — Temporary suspensions for missing regulatory deadlines are a recurring part of Wisconsin’s lawyer licensing system. A Kenosha County Eye review of state BAR records identified 1,844 suspension entries involving 1,724 different Wisconsin-licensed attorneys on nine annual lists issued between 2016 and 2026, including 16 attorneys with Kenosha addresses. The records provide context for Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis’ approximately one-day suspension last month. His Wisconsin law license was suspended effective September 14 after he missed a deadline to provide information requested by the Office of Lawyer Regulation. It was reinstated September 15. The temporary suspension was procedural and did not determine whether the allegations underlying the agency’s investigations were true. Even Antioch, Illinois, Mayor Scott J. Gartner appears in the records. His Wisconsin law license was

Kenosha County Eye To Launch ‘Heroes Among Us’ In January, Seeks Local Business Sponsor To Honor First Responders

KENOSHA, Wis. Kenosha County Eye is launching a new monthly program in January 2027 that will recognize local first responders who go above and beyond while raising money for charities that matter to them. The program, called Heroes Among Us, will recognize one local first responder every month. KCE is currently looking for a local business interested in becoming the program’s exclusive sponsor and donating $500 each month to the honoree’s favorite charity. Kenosha County Eye will handle the rest. Each month, KCE will solicit nominations from police chiefs, fire chiefs and EMS leaders throughout Kenosha County. Departments will be asked to nominate someone who demonstrated exceptional service, courage, compassion or dedication to the community. One person will then be selected as that month’s Heroes Among Us honoree. Rather than

Kenosha County Teen Task Force Hosting Haunted House At Kemper Center Throughout October

KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha County Teen Task Force is inviting the community to get into the Halloween spirit with its Haunted House at Kemper Center, offering both a family-friendly experience for younger children and a scarier nighttime attraction. The Haunted House will be held Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24 in the Faulkner Building at Kemper Center, 6501 Third Ave. Kiddie Hour With The Lights OnFrom 6 to 7 p.m., younger guests can experience the Haunted House during “Kiddie Hour,” when the lights will remain on. This year’s Kiddie Hour theme is “Sanitarium.” Lights Out At 7 P.MFrom 7 to 10 p.m., the lights go out and the full Haunted House begins, with organizers warning visitors to “enter at your own risk.” The attraction is designed and operated by

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AI Disclosure: Kenosha County Eye may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with spelling, grammar, sentence structure, formatting, and other editorial functions. Reporting, editorial decisions, fact-checking, and published content remain under human oversight.

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