2012 CDBG funding approved
Photo by mensatic via MorgueFile.com
The 2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program project funds were approved at tonight’s meeting. Listed below are each of the project applicants, the dollar amounts requested, and the dollar amounts approved:
1) City of Kenosha, Police Department – Neighborhood Crime Intervention & Interdiction – requested $103,072; approved $0;
2) Kenosha Area Family & Aging Service, Inc. (KAFASI) – Volunteer Transportation Service – requested $5,000; approved $5,000;
Units responding to structure fire box alarm
Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com
At 7:48 p.m., multiple Kenosha County fire departments are responding to a box alarm at a trucking company in the 2100 block of Southeast Frontage Road in Racine County.
Departments responding with various requested pieces of equipment are Somers, Paris, Pleasant Prairie, Kenosha and Salem.
Motorcycle crash on 61st Street
Earlene Frederick photo
A motorcycle crash in the 2400 block of 61st Street, Kenosha on Tuesday saw one person transported from the scene by Flight for Life medical transport helicopter.
Kenosha police and firefighters responded to the scene.
Photos by Earlene Frederick
Earlene Frederick photo
Citations and arrests for Pleasant Prairie “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”
Pleasant Prairie Police officers made 11 drunken driving arrests, between Aug. 19 and Sept. 5, during the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
While intensifying their safety enforcement for “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” officers also issued citations and made arrests during traffic stops for the following:
Four KUSD committees met tonight
Tonight, four standing KUSD committee meetings were held: Planning/Facilities/Equipment, Personnel/Policy, Audit/Budget/Finance, and Curriculum Program. Here is a summary of the discussions:
Planning/Facilities/Equipment
- There was an emergency project for Bradford High School’s water main replacement in the amount of $15,213, the week prior to the start of school, which was funded by the available variance in the major maintenance budget. Continue reading
DNR monitoring air quality due to smoke from Minn. fire
The Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources and Department of Health Services released the following information regarding smoke that has been detectable throughout Kenosha County today:
The smoke is from the Pagami Creek Fire, which is burning about 15 miles east of Ely, Minnesota, in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. As of Tuesday morning, the fire was more than 60,000 acres in size. It grew 50,000 acres Sept. 12, the result of a 16-mile run in strong westerly winds. The fire started on Aug. 18 from a lightning strike and had grown to about 2,500 acres as of Sept. 10. Strong winds in the last few days have turned it into a significant fire with a large smoke column. It is expected to grow even more given strong northwesterly winds today.
Continue reading
Licensing & permit committee re-cap
A Licensing & Permit Committee meeting was held this morning. Chairman Ray Misner and Alderperson Anthony Nudo were not in attendance. Here is a re-cap:
- Twelve new bartender’s licenses were approved; one was denied due to a no-show. Two renewal bartender’s licenses were approved.
- Seven new taxi driver’s licenses were approved; four were denied, and two were deferred.
- La Quemada was approved for a beer/wine license. Apparently, they are “signing a contract with the city” so that they can obtain the license. Alderperson Lawrence Green moved to approve the license “subject to their opening as a restaurant.
United We Sing coverage
Kenosha Fire Capt. Alan Carr and Battalion Chief Matt Haerter sound the last alarm calling them home for the last time. /Earlene Frederick photo
New Image Chorus and the City of Kenosha presented “United We Sing,” a patriotic remembrance of 9/11, at the Sesquicentennial Band Shell Sunday afternoon.
The event included remarks by Kenosha Police Chief John Morrissey, Kenosha Fire Chief John Thomsen, and Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth. Musical groups performing were The Bugs, New Image Chorus, Holy Rosary Church Choir, and Kenosha Area Pipes and Drums.
Here are more photos from freelance photographer Earlene Frederick:
Continue reading
Pleasant Prairie fire rating upgraded
Following recent analysis by the Insurance Services Office, Inc., Pleasant Prairie was notified that its ISO rating would be raised to Class 3.
The ISO is an independent company serving insurance companies, communities, and regulators nationwide by providing information about risk related to property loss from structural fires. Based on expert analysis, the ISO assigns a Public Protection Classification for Fire Departments from 1 to 10, with Class 1 being the best possible rating.
According to the ISO, nationwide, only 3.4% of those evaluated receive a Class 3 or better. The ISO evaluates the Receiving and Handling of Fire Alarms (accounting for 10%), the Fire Department (including staffing, equipment and training – accounting for 50%), and Water Supply (accounting for 40%). A major factor behind the improved rating relates to the Village water supply, including the number, placement and condition of fire hydrants.
Information gained from the ISO analysis also offers communities additional insight when developing annual budgets and considering future improvements. It is possible that the improved ISO rating may offer a financial benefit to Pleasant Prairie residents and businesses. In the past, a majority of personal and commercial property insurance providers used ISO ratings while deciding whether or not to extend coverage and when determining premiums. A lower, or improved, ISO rating, could translate into a lower cost for property insurance. Though some insurance carriers, such as State Farm, no longer base their rates on ISO ratings, there may be some remaining insurance providers that do. Residents should directly contact their insurance providers to determine if they can receive any additional discounts related to the village’s improved ISO rating.
UW-Extension has pharmaceutical disposal program
In August, the University of Wisconsin-Extension launched a new pharmaceutical mail-back program in an effort to safely prevent unwanted medications from entering the Great Lakes or being abused in Wisconsin homes. Called “Get the Meds Out,” this program provides free postage-paid padded envelopes to participating pharmacies, senior centers, and county health departments in the 36 Wisconsin Great Lakes watershed counties, including Kenosha County. Residents can use the envelopes to mail unused prescription and over-the-counter drugs to a central location where they will be safely destroyed.
Wisconsin’s “Get the Meds Out” program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The program is scheduled to run through September, 2012.
NSI investigation completed
Photo by mensatic via MorgueFile.com
On August 2nd, an issue arose at a Finance Committee meeting having to do with the Neighborhood Services Inspection Department. This was reported in a previous article on KenoWi: http://www.kenowi.com/2011/08/02/finance-committee-meeting-notes/1463#more-1463. At the Finance meeting which was held on Wednesday night, an update was given to the committee on the investigation which was completed as a result of this earlier issue.
Pleasant Prairie fire chief to retire this Dec.
Fire Chief Paul Guilbert Jr./ Pleasant Prairie photo
Paul Guilbert Jr, Chief of Fire & Rescue for the Village of Pleasant Prairie, has announced that he will retire from his position with the department in early December this year.
Guilbert has served as Chief of Pleasant Prairie’s department since Oct. 13, 1986, spending 25 years as the community’s fire chief. Guilbert’s fire career has spanned more than 41 years in total.
Chief Guilbert’s official retirement date will be December 2, 2011. Guilbert served as Fire Chief through a period of rapid growth, occurring after the 1989 incorporation of Pleasant Prairie as a village.
Units responding for crash On Bain Station Road
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At 6:28 p.m., Pleasant Prairie Fire & Rescue is responding to a report of a motorcycle crash at the railroad tracks on Bain Station Road.
Units responding to crash at Sheridan Road and Highway E
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At 5 p.m., deputies are responding to a report of a crash at Highway E and Sheridan Road, Somers.
Dispatch reports that the cars are blocking traffic and a light pole or traffic signal may be down as well.
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Redistricting plan approved amid debate
At Wednesday night’s Common Council meeting, Alderperson Jan Michalski stated that, at a district meeting held a few weeks ago, his constituents gave him an “earful.” Their comments were that the redistricting plan was “outrageous” and “poorly done.” Michalski stated that “a student in a ninth grade civics class could have drawn a better map than the one that was submitted.”
Tremper boys volleyball upsets Central
Falcons and Trojans at attention during the National Anthem. /David Thoss photo
Story and photos by David Thoss — KenoWi.com contributor.
The Central Falcons traveled to Kenosha Tremper to start the boys volleyball season Thursday night.
You would not have known that this was an opener listening to the fans and the raucous cheers from both sides. The Falcons showed signs of a comeback, but the Trojans took energy from their home fans to prevail.
Fire Department and RSVP volunteers honored
At the Common Council meeting held last night, Alderperson David Bogdala remembered those who lost their lives ten years ago in the World Trade Center tragedy. He also recognized the men and women who are fighting overseas to protect us and to ensure that we have the freedom to debate.
Mayor Keith Bosman read a proclamation recognizing the week of September 5th through the 11th as “Kenosha Fire Department Week.” The year 2011 marks the 160th anniversary of the Kenosha Fire Department.
ADRC has Files of Life for seniors and people with disabilities
President Obama has declared September as National Preparedness Month. The Kenosha County Aging and Disability Resource Center would like to remind seniors and persons with Disabilities that Files of Life are available for free at its office in the Human Services Building at 8600 Sheridan Road, Entrance D, Kenosha.
Files of Life are magnetic pouches with a form on which you list prescriptions and other vital information for emergency responders. These are kept on your refrigerator for quick access.
Information is also available on how to prepare your own personal emergency plan and supplies. The ADRC is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m..
Arts Commission and Celebre Place approved by Common Council
Lemon Street Gallery.org
At last night’s Common Council meeting, two agenda items of concern to Kenosha citizens were approved unanimously. The first was the establishment of a City of Kenosha Commission on the Arts. The Mayor proposed an amendment to change the name of the commission from the “Mayor’s Commission” to the “City of Kenosha Commission.” Seven citizens spoke in favor of this item during the Citizens’ Comments portion of the meeting. Citizens in favor included: Joe Blineshine (Arts Commission), Debra Karp (Arts Wisconsin), Dean Yohnk (UW-Parkside’s interim dean of the College of Arts & Sciences), Bonnie Mirkiewicz (Forever Grateful), Angie Aker, Melanie Hovey (Lemon Street Gallery), and Maureen Cashin Bolog (Actor’s Craft).
Units responding to crash in Somers
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At 7:40 a.m., deputies and Somers Fire and Rescue are responding to a report of a crash in the 5900 block of Highway E, Somers.
County executive on household hazardous waste collection
If you are a Kenosha County resident that has some household hazardous waste to get rid of, County Executive Jim Kresuer has a message for you:
Here’s a link to the info in writing.
A word from our sponsors: Rustic Dairyland Antique Mall sponsoring flea market Sunday
There’s another outdoor flea market Sunday, Sept. 4 at Rustic Dairyland Antique Mall. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rustic Dairyland Antique Mall is located at 12009 53rd Place (Interstate 94 and Highway 158), Paris.
Rustic Dairyland Antique Mall also is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. featuring antiques, collectibles and gifts. Stop by!
View Rustic Dairyland Antique Barn in a larger map
Pinta video
The tall ship replicas Pinta and Nina are visiting Kenosha through Sept. 12.
Frequent KenoWi.com contributor Margie Gentner visited the Pinta earlier this week. Here’s a little video of what she saw:
Here’s some additional information about the ships and info about how to see them yourself.
A word from our Sponsors: Back to School Night this week at Wilmot Raceway
The Wilmot Raceway is hosting Back To School Family Night this Saturday night, Sept. 3, featuring the Tommy Homan Memorial.
Adult grandstand tickets are just $10, and kids 11 and under are free.
In addition to the big $553 to win Tommy Homan Memorial event for the RA Adams Enterprises Street Stocks, a full program of Don’s Auto & Machine Modifieds, Fec’s Place Mini Sprints, and Hawg Heaven Fearless 4′s will be contested. With just two point races remaining in the season-long championship point battle, there should some great racing as titles are on the line.
In addition to the increased winners share in Street Stock class, each car finishing 2nd through 12th will receive an additional $53 in honor of the car #53 Tommy Homan piloted so successfully in the Wilmot Street Stock division.
“Power of a Purse” fundraiser to return
The Women’s Fund of the Kenosha Community Foundation announces a return engagement of its “Power of a Purse” fundraising event in 2011.
Power of a Purse will take place Friday, Nov. 4, starting at 6p.m. at the Best Western Harborside Conference Center, 5125 Sixth Ave., Kenosha.
The sale of purses – fashion, one-of-a-kind, artist-designed, and hand-crafted…some filled with “surprises” – are the event’s highlight. Cocktails, including a wine and martini bar, food by local caterers and live entertainment will also be a part of the evening’s festivities. One of the event’s coordinators, Kathy Barth, said “Mark your calendars. ‘Power of a Purse’ promises to be another memorable and fun-filled evening of camaraderie with you and your galpals…and a bunch of great purses!”
Help Pleasant Prairie firefighters fill the boot this weekend
Members of the Pleasant Prairie Fire & Rescue Department will be participating in the 2011 “Fill-the-Boot” fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) during the first weekend in September.
Pleasant Prairie Fire & Rescue will collect loose dollars and change at two locations over three days during this year’s campaign. Firefighters will be collecting at the intersections of Highways 50 and H, and 93rd Street and 39th Avenue on the following days: Friday, Sept. 2, between 2 and 6 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 3, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 4, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Illinois State Police honoring fallen Kenosha road construction engineer
Illinois State Police are displaying orange ribbons on their squad cars this Labor Day weekend in honor of Illinois Department of Transportation construction engineer, Ryan Nichols, of Kenosha, who was struck Aug. 22 by a vehicle in a construction zone while Nichols was on the job, rrstar.com is reporting.
Units responding to vehicle fire
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At 3:06 p.m., Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue is responding to a report of a car fire in a parking lot at 75th Street (Highway 50) and 88th Avenue, Pleasant Prairie.
Duck Duck Goose record attempt in Kenosha is Sept. 3
Photo by Annika Banfield via stock.xchng
At least 1,635 participants are expected to line the streets of Downtown Kenosha on Saturday, Sept. 3, as they play “Duck Duck Goose.”
Remember playing “Duck Duck Goose” on the school playground? It’s not just for kids! Kids and adults alike will be here — determined to be part of a record-breaking event.
Kenosha is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the largest game of “Duck Duck Goose.” It’s quirky; it’s fun; it’s a must-see event!
