Public speaks out on streetcars
Streetcar 4617, recently donated at no cost to Kenosha Transit, is towed by one of the city’s existing streetcars. /Earlene Frederick photo
At Monday afternoon’s Transit Commission, Ron Iwen, transit director, and other members of the Transit Department heard from the public on their views on the proposed streetcar expansion. The city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes $10.2 million for the proposed expansion of the streetcar over the next two years. The project, which would have all but $2 million of its costs covered by federal funding, could extend the streetcar through downtown with a track going south on Eighth Avenue and north on Sixth Avenue from 50th Street to Library Park.
Several people were concerned about traffic congestion and traffic jams which might be caused by the slow movement of the streetcars in the traffic lane of the street. Iwen said that “mass transit hauls more people faster than cars. At Bradford High School, it took 68 seconds to dump 70 students. This will not cause congestion.”
Units responding to report of robbery
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At 3:25 p.m., Kenosha Police officers are responding to a report of a robbery at a credit union in the 5000 block of 60th Street, in Kenosha.
Units responding to restaurant for medical call
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At 12:07 p.m., Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and village police are responding to a medical call at a restaurant in the 10400 block of Corporate Drive, in Pleasant Prairie.
Units responding to crash in Kenosha
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At 11:44 a.m., Kenosha Fire Department units and city police officers are responding to a report of a crash at 50th Street and 13th Court, in Kenosha.
Stay safe on Black Wednesday
Stay safe on Black Wednesday. Shop with a discount on Black Friday at Forever Grateful Resale Boutique and Art Gallery, 5000 Seventh Avenue, and help the Hope Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.
Please help spread the word!
Stay safe on Black Wednesday, one of the biggest party nights of the year. College students are back from college, and the roads are not safe the night before Thanksgiving.
Parents, don’t let your underage youth drink. “Kids will be kids” is not the appropriate answer to underage drinking. Let kids live to be adults.
Police and Fire Commission call for internal investigation
At the Police and Fire Commission meeting held earlier this morning, the commission voted unanimously, after over an hour in closed session, to direct Police Chief John Morrissey to conduct an internal investigation into the incident that happened on July 7, 2012, involving Officer Brian Ruha. Morrissey is to provide his report to the commission no later than ninety days from today.
Attorney Denise Hertz-McGrath read a statement to the commission at the beginning of the meeting. She stated that she is a 12-year attorney, a former police officer and a prosecuting attorney. She said that “law enforcement’s function is to keep the justice system operable and just. It needs to be truthful in the administration of justice, and not preconceived on race, creed, etc.” During her investigation, she found that the use of violence on a citizen didn’t match up with the police squad video. The two, the police report and the police surveillance video, were contradictory. The officer exited the squad car and walked up to a man and tasered him. The man “went down like a tree.”
Lightin’ up downtown Kenosha and city tree lighting
http://www.downtownkenosha.org
The city of Kenosha kicks off the holiday season on Friday, November 23rd, 2012. Enjoy magical lights and holiday cheer as downtown shops stay open late with family-friendly activities, special holiday entertainment, and fabulous gifts you won’t find at those other Black Friday sales.
Event Schedule
4 to 5 pm – Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Civil War Museum, 5400 First Avenue. Join Mayor Keith Bosman and Santa Claus in a holiday celebration featuring music by Laura Kaeppeler, Miss America 2012, and the jazz band, Synergy. Two lucky children will be selected to join Santa and the mayor to light the outdoor tree.
5 to 9 pm – Visit Santa on the Streetcar. Board the Kenosha streetcar, decked in holiday style, for pictures with Santa. Be sure to bring your wish list and your own camera. Rides are FREE from 5 to 9 pm. Streetcar stops are on 54th and 56th Streets in downtown.
5 to 9 pm – Lightin’ Up Downtown. Watch downtown lightin’ up. Activities, carolers, entertainment, promotions, and specials are the bright side of this Black Friday.
Transit Commission defers action on fare increase
At this afternoon’s Transit Commission, the commissioners decided to defer action on the fare increase to the next meeting. Next Tuesday and Wednesday night, the Common Council will conduct their final budget hearings. The commission wanted to wait and see what was approved at those meetings first.
There were several members of the public who spoke during the public hearing portion of the meeting. Several were from the Congregations United to Support Humanity (CUSH), a couple were residents of Library Park, and another was a resident/business owner in the downtown area. They wanted to know how much it would cost to increase the Saturday bus service back to an hourly schedule, and transit director Ron Iwen said that it would cost approximately $90,000. Roughly 53.2% of that amount could come from state and Federal funding, leaving approximately $40,000 that would have to be paid by the city. The 2013 operating budget was submitted assuming the fare increases.
Car strikes viaduct along 60th Street in Kenosha
/Earlene Frederick photo
A car struck the support on the east side of the 60th Street viaduct at 13th Avenue in Kenosha last night.
Kenosha Fire Department units and police officers responded at 2:19 a.m.
Dispatch reported that the driver was conscious and breathing, but initially trapped in the vehicle. The first unit on the scene reported some smoke from the vehicle and that driver appeared to be out of the vehicle.
/Earlene Frederick photo
Driver ejected from vehicle on 39th Avenue in Pleasant Prairie; dead at the scene
/Earlene Frederick photo
A car ran off 39th Avenue in the 12100 block in Pleasant Prairie this morning ejecting the driver, who died at the scene.
From a press release from Pleasant Prairie Police (more photos from freelance photographer Earlene Frederick below):
Lou Rugani croons at the KAA event last night
/Photo by Margaret Heller
The Pat Crawford Big Band and Lou Rugani provided the entertainment last night at the Southport Beach House for the Kenosha Art Association (KAA) holiday art auction and dance. About 100 people were in attendance who enjoyed the refreshments, the music, and who bid on the silent auction items that were donated by members and friends of the KAA. There was also a 50/50 raffle. Sincere thanks from the KAA was expressed to all who gave donations to this year’s auction.
Thanks to chairperson Pat Koesser, co-chairpersons Francisco Loyola and Dorothy Thompson, and the dedicted Art Auction Committee, the Pat Crawford Big Band for the great music, Lou Rugani for his crooning, the emcee, Michael Kruger, the kitchen volunteers, and all those who donated food. It takes a lot of people behind the scenes to make the auction a success. And, thanks to all who attended.
Proceeds from last night’s auction will be used for community enrichment of the arts, the KAAleidoscope Art Gallery, 5615 – 7th Avenue, in downtown Kenosha, and to offset the cost of adult education classes which allows the KAA to continue to keep class fees competitive.
Units responding to crash along state line
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At about 10:15 p.m., Pleasant Prairie Rescue and village police are responding to a report of a crash in the 4700 block of 128th Street, in Pleasant Prairie.
Units responding to crash on I-94
Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com
At 7:15 p.m., units from Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue, Bristol Fire and Rescue and Newport Fire Department along with sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash in the 10400 block of I-94, southbound lanes.
Judge Kerkman named champion of adoption
Judge Chad Kerkman (center) is presented with the Governor’s Champion of Adoption Award by DCF Secretary Eloise Anderson (left) and Fredi Ellen Bove, Administrator of DCF’s Division of Safety and Permanence. /Submitted photo
Judge Chad Kerkman, Kenosha County Circuit Court, received the 2012 Champion of Adoption Award at the annual presentation ceremony of the Governor’s Outstanding Adoptive Parent Awards at the State Capitol last week.
The ceremony was held in the Assembly Chamber and hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). DCF Secretary Eloise Anderson presented awards to individuals and families who have dedicated themselves to supporting adoptions in Wisconsin. Jockey International was instrumental in the success of the event, presenting backpacks to all the children and offering the closing remarks.
Units responding for possible structure fire in Kenosha
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At about 10:23 p.m., Kenosha Fire Department units are responding to the 1500 block of 54th Street, in Kenosha, for a report of a possible fire.
Units responding to report of crash at Green Bay and Highway 50
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At about 7:43 p.m., Kenosha Fire Department units and city police officers are responding to a report of a crash at Green Bay Road and Highway 50 (75th Street) ,in Kenosha.
Units responding to crash on Sheridan Road in Kenosha
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At 5:54 p.m., Kenosha Fire Department units are responding to a report of a crash at 54th Street and Sheridan Road, in Kenosha.
Units responding to report of possible fire in Kenosha
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At about 4:55 p.m., Kenosha Fire Department units are responding to a report of a possible fire in a home in the 7300 block of Pershing Boulevard,in Kenosha.
UPDATE 4:59 p.m. — Dispatch reports that caller says a fire was seen in the oven. Occupants were evacuating. First units on scene report no signs of fire or smoke showing from the outside.
UPDATE 5:03 p.m. — Most units clearing the scene.
Units responding to crash on Washington Road
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At about 3:15 p.m., Kenosha Fire Department units are responding to a report of a crash in the 2800 block of Washington Road, in Kenosha.
Units responding to gas main break at I-94 and Highway 50
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At about 3 p.m., Kenosha Fire Department units are responding to a report of a gas main break at I-94 and Highway 50, in Kenosha.
Units responding for three-vehicle crash in Somers
At about 12:20 p.m., Somers Fire and Rescue units and sheriff’s deputies are responding to a report of a crash at Highways A and Y, in Somers.
Fire destroys shed, boat on Harrison Road
/Earlene Frederick photo
A fire Thursday night destroyed a large shed and a boat in the yard of a home in the 4500 block of Harrison Road, in Kenosha.
Kenosha firefighters responded at 11:06 p.m. to a report of the fire called in by a bystander, Battalion Chief Matthew Haerter said during a briefing given to media at the scene. The fire originated in a large detached shed. A boat in the yard also caught fire. Residents of the two most affected homes were not aware of the fire initially, but were evacuated by Kenosha police officers and firefighters. A second wave of flames was caused by the gas in the boat and gas cylinders on the property. Damage to the two nearest homes was minimized by firefighters to the point that residents were eventually allowed back into their homes. The cause is under investigation by the police and fire departments.
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Units responding to crash on Green Bay Road in Pleasant Prairie
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At 10:10 a.m., Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and village police officers are responding to a report of a crash in the 9500 block of Green Bay Road, in Pleasant Prairie.
Two Civil War Museum programs on Saturday
The Civil War Museum is hosting two free programs on Saturday, November 17th. The museum is located at 5400 First Avenue, in downtown Kenosha.
The first is “Minnesota’s Other Civil War: The Dakota Conflict of 1862.” It starts at 1 pm, and it’s being presented by Stephen Osman. The Dakota War of 1862 was the single most important event in Minnesota’s 154-year history. In six tragic weeks, the western half of the state was depopulated. Minnesota’s Dakota people were evicted from the state, leaving scars that remain to this day. Learn about the causes, visit the battlefields, and consider the legacy of the Dakota War.
Osman recently retired as senior historian with the Minnesota Historical Society. He managed Historic Fort Snelling for over three decades and actively researches, speaks, and writes about Minnesota’s role in the Civil War and the Dakota War.
Kenosha Art Association holiday art auction and dance
The Kenosha Art Association (KAA) is hosting its annual Holiday Art Auction and Dance on Saturday, November 17th, at the Southport Beach House, located at 7825 First Avenue, at Southport Park. The hours are from 6 to 9 pm. There will be a silent auction, refreshments, and live music by the Pat Crawford Big Band. Silent auction items include donated artwork, including paintings and sculptures by local artists, gift certificates, and gift baskets. The suggested donation is $10.
The KAA was founded in 1950 by a group of Kenosha art lovers united to aid in further development of art and art appreciation in the community. They are a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote art, art education, and art appreciation in the greater Kenosha area.
Get your tickets by calling (262) 654-0065. Their website is: www.KenoshaArtAssociation.org.
Bragados Banquets on tap for revocation of cabaret license
At a Licensing & Permit Committee meeting held last Friday, on November 9th, a complaint was heard which was filed by Police Chief John Morrissey against the establishment, Bragados Banquets, located at 4820 – 75th Street, in Kenosha. Most recently, there was an issue which precipitated this complaint, early on Sunday morning, October 28th.
There was a police chase, shots fired in the parking lot, bleeding, at least two injured persons, broken glass inside the building, loaded guns, gang and drug activity, and complete chaos. The crowd was a little less than 400 people that night. Apparently, it was a planned gun shooting in retaliation for another shooting that took place in Waukegan. There were 16 of 18 Kenosha police officers that responded to the incident that night, plus 5 officers from the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, an additional two from Pleasant Prairie, and three Kenosha Fire Department rescue squads.
Units responding to smoke coming from house in Kenosha
Photo by kconnors with morgueFile.com
At 8:39 a.m., Kenosha Fire Department units are responding to a report of black smoke coming from a house at the corner of 59th Street and 34th Avenue, in Kenosha.
Strawberry Creek Park neighborhood meeting
http://www.strawberrycreekclub.com
Earlier tonight, nine people met at the Nash Elementary School, 6801 – 99th Avenue, to discuss the issues related to Strawberry Creek Park. Alderperson David Bogdala, former alderperson of the district, and Alderperson Jesse Downing, current alderperson of the district hosted the meeting. One other alderperson was present to show his support, Alderperson Steve Bostrom. Also in attendance was County Board Supervisor Boyd Frederick of the 14th district. Bogdala stated that the mayor and members of the Parks Commission were invited, but they were not in attendance.
Bogdala gave some history behind the origin of the separate fund for the creation of the park. When the subdivision was created, the developer and other local businesses donated funds for the park. Two grants have been applied for and awarded. Last year, some preliminary work started on the park. Up until this year, the park was included in the city’s 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). When Bogdala saw that the park was excluded, he questioned the Parks Commission and the mayor at the Parks Commission meeting on October 29th. To read the article on this meeting, click here: “Strawberry Creek Park Not in CIP.”
Units responding to crash on I-94
Photo by kconnors via morgueFile.com
At about 12:50 p.m., Somers Fire and Rescue is responding to a report of a crash in the northbound lanes of I-94 at Highway 158, in Somers.
Travelogue: Burma and Cambodia
The Kenosha Public Museum is presenting the 76th annual travelogue season. The second in the series is Friday night, November 16th, with the presentation of “Burma and Cambodia” by Buddy Hatton at the Reuther Auditorium, 58th Street and Sheridan Road, in Kenosha. Doors open at 6:15 pm, and the program begins at 7 pm. Admission is free, and seating is unreserved.
Other upcoming travelogues for the 2012-2013 season include:
December 7, 2012 – Ghost Towns of the Wild West, presented by Gray Warriner
