Public assistance programming delivery to merge in Kenosha and Racine counties
The New Year will bring a new opportunity for delivering public assistance programming in Kenosha and Racine counties as the two entities join together for a regional approach to service delivery effective Jan. 1, 2012.
County Executive Jim Kreuser announced that the two counties will form Wisconsin’s Kenosha Racine Partners (WKRP) consortium in an effort to provide effective and efficient Income Maintenance (IM) services for residents living in both counties. Income Maintenance programs include FoodShare, Badgercare, Badgercare CORE, and a variety of other Medical Assistance programs.
The WKRP consortium is one of 10 regional consortia that have been formed across the State under Wisconsin Statute 49.78 that was passed into law in the 2011-13 State biennial budget.
“As demands for services increase and funding levels decrease, we have to look at creative ways to combine our limited resources and continue providing the exceptional level of service that our customers have come to expect,” Kreuser said.
County Human Services representatives from both counties have been working together over the last several months to design and merge the two IM delivery systems so that they meet the needs of both communities. Beginning in January, 2012, individuals can access Income Maintenance services in person at either the Kenosha or Racine location, or by dialing a Call Center phone.
The Kenosha locations are the Job Center/Human Services Building, 8600 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, or the Kenosha County Center, 19600 75th St., Paddock Lake; and the Racine location is the Human Services Department, 1717 Taylor Ave., Racine. The Toll-Free Call Center phone number is: 1-888-794-5820. The Toll-Free Fax Number for Verifications is: 1-855-293-1822.
Santa at dog parks rained out
The Santa at the Kenosha County Dog Parks event scheduled for today has been cancelled due to rain, according to the Facebook page of one of the Friends of the Dog Parks movers and shakers.
The status says whether the event will be rescheduled has not been decided yet.
Mark Modory, co-chairperson of the friends group, said if supporters would still like to make a donation they can make checks out to Kenosha County Dog Parks and mail or drop off at Kenosha County Center 19600-75th St, Bristol WI 53104
Santa to visit county dog parks
Santa and his helpers will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for dogs and their humans to have their pictures taken at two of the county’s three dog parks.
Santa will be at the Warren Close Park Bark Park, 35610 89th St, Twin Lakes, and at the Carlisle Family Dog Park, 4700 Hwy JR, Kenosha. Bring your own camera. A $5 donation is requested.
The money raised will go toward maintaining and improving the off-leash dog parks.
The event is being sponsored by the Friends of the Kenosha County Dog Parks and Kenosha County Parks.
For more information, call (262) 857-1869 or visit http://dogparks.kenoshacounty.org.
County seeking local photos for website redesign
Kenosha County is seeking photographs that represent scenes, activities, events and life all across the county to be used in the redesign of its website.
“We are looking for images that highlight and characterize all of the wonderful things that make Kenosha County a great place to live, work, play and raise a family,” County Executive Jim Kreuser said.
Kreuser said the county is looking for photos that embrace Kenosha County’s architecture, landscapes and cityscapes, people and activities, nature and animals, culture and art.
Portion of trail to close during utility work
(Click for larger view)
A portion of Kenosha County’s North Bike Trail will be closed for a week due to utility construction, County Executive Jim Kreuser’s office announced.
WE Energies will be conducting the work from Nov. 15 to 23 from 14th Place to 18th Street. People are asked to use caution and to avoid that portion of the trail during the project.
County executive proposing 1.88 percent increase in tax levy for 2012
Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser unveiled his 2012 Budget Plan — which includes a 1.88 percent tax levy increase — at Tuesday night’s County Board meeting.
The following is from a statement released by Kreuser’s office:
“Included in this budget are difficult choices – and changes – that will ultimately make our community stronger in the years ahead,” Kreuser said. “This budget is designed to make the necessary cuts, but avoid unnecessary pain. That is not to say that people won’t experience waiting lists or experience some modest change in service.”
Kreuser’s proposal seeks significant health care changes for county employees. Under the proposal, employee health care contributions would increase 50 percent. The change will impact more than half of county employees in 2012 – non-classified employees and those whose labor contracts have expired. Nearly all of the remaining employees would be moved to the new plan in 2013.
Flu vaccine now available from county Health Dept.
The Kenosha County Division of Health will now be offering the annual flu vaccine at their “Nurse of the Day” locations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Kenosha County Division of Health recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone six months and older as the single best way to protect against influenza.
County Detention Center death being investigated
The Tuesday death of a man being held at the Kenosha County Detention Center is being investigated by a neighboring county’s sheriff’s department.
From a statement released through Sgt. Bill Beth, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department spokesman:
Continue reading
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..
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.
Kreuser names new medical examiner
County Executive Jim Kreuser has announced the appointment of Patrice Hall as county medical examiner.
Hall, of Brookfield, is currently a deputy medical examiner in the Waukesha County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Hall has a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and is a certified death investigator through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mortuary Science and has a Post Bachelor Certificate in Forensic Investigation. She also is a licensed funeral director in Michigan and has previously worked as an autopsy assistant. In addition to her work in Waukesha County, Hall worked in the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office in Mount Clemens, Mich., and as an intern in the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office in Detroit, as well as at the Michigan State Police Crime Lab.
“Ms. Hall brings a wealth of experience, but what impresses me the most is her enthusiasm and her commitment to expanding her knowledge and experience,” Kreuser said. “The public will appreciate her professionalism and commitment to an ME’s office which responds to the needs of our clients as well as area funeral homes, law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Court System.”
Hall said, “I’m looking forward to this new endeavor and serving the residents of Kenosha County.”
The appointment also needs to be approved by the County Board. Hall is expected to begin her duties on Sept. 6.
After Dark in the Park set for Aug. 26
Kenosha County Parks is hosting an “After Dark in the Park” at Petrifying Springs park, Parking Area 3, on Aug. 26.
The movie for the night is ”Tangled.”
Three Kenosha schools to host National Night Out
National Night Out will be celebrated at three Kenosha locations from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2.
The locations for the event will be:
- McKinley Elementary School, 5520 32nd Avenue;
- Brass Community School, 6400 15th Avenue; and
- Wilson Elementary School, 4520 33rd Avenue.
“Knowing your neighbors IS gang prevention” will be the theme of the event, said Donna Rhodes, gang intervention supervisor for the county’s Division of Children and Family Services. The free event is being sponsored by the Kenosha County Division of Children and Family Services and the Kenosha Unified School District.
Outdoor movie and camping set for Petrifying Springs Park
County Executive Jim Kreuser and Kenosha County Parks invite you out to Petrifying Springs County Park to enjoy camping and a movie outdoors on Friday, July 22, at 8 p.m.
“How to Train Your Dragon” (Rated PG), will be screened rain or shine.
Event admission is $5 per person. Admission includes one complimentary soda and box of popcorn. Children ages 6 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the event. Be sure to bring lawn chairs, blankets, flashlights, and bug spray.
Campers may set up tents at 5 p.m. in the designated areas and must leave by 9 a.m. the following morning.
All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
This is wholesome family entertainment. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Concessions will be available.
DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon” rolls fire-breathing action, epic adventure and laughs into a captivating and original story. Hiccup is a young Viking who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, the unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds in this “wonderful good-time hit!” (Gene Shalit, Today).
For information, call 857-1989, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Brighton Dale Links to host Men’s County Open
Photo by ppdigital via morgueFile.com
Brighton Dale Links will play host to the 2011 Kenosha County Men’s Open Golf Tournament, July 29 through July 31.
They will kick things off with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 29, on the White Birch course. On Saturday, July 30, they will shotgun again at 7 a.m. on the Blue Spruce Course. And finally, on Sunday, July 31, they will start at 7 a.m. with straight tee times on the White Birch Course.
Storm press conference coverage
A split tree on the lawn in front of the Kenosha County Courthouse.
Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman and representatives of the fire, police and county government held a press conference a little after midnight at the Civil War Museum concerning the storm that hit eastern Kenosha County Thursday evening.
An intense thunderstrom about 10 miles out over Lake Michigan, combining with another weather system caused the damaging
City and county officials meet with the press regarding Thursday evening's storm: (from left) Jennie Tunkieicz, assistant to County Executive Jim Kreuser; Kenosha Police Lt. Thomas Hamm; Kenosha Fire Department Chief John Thomsen; and Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman.
winds, estimated to be between 70 and 80 mph.
The storm did result in one fatality. Lt. Thomas Hamm, spokesman for the Kenosha Police Department, said a motorcyclist was killed when he was hit by a falling tree in the 7600 block of 25th Avenue. The 31-year-old man from Kenosha was not identified.
Two people who suffered injuries from fallen power lines were not seriously injured, said fire Chief John Thomsen. The fire department also responded to eight roof fires and one structure fire.
Some 22,000 people were reportedly without power, said Jennie Tunkiewicz, assistant to County Executive Jim Kreuser.
Most of the fallen trees, branches and electrical wires were east of 30th Avenue. Bosman said some 70 plus public works employees were working tonight to clean up.
Bosman could not give a firm estimate of how long that work might last.
“We’re assessing the damage,” Bosman said. “It’s something that has to be done, the clean up has to be done.”
Downed wires can be very hazardous, officials warned.
“Be patient, but be very cautious,” Bosman said.
Citizens are being urged to stay away from downed power lines. Call WE Energies at 1-800-662-4797 for assistance with power lines.
The officials said no requests for shelter had been received so far.
Here is video from the press conference:
Rods for a Reason to benefit Make-A-Wish
The Rods for a Reason Car and Motorcycle Show will take place on July 10 (rain date July 17) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Petrifying Springs Park, Area #3.
There will be a $10 entry fee; admission is free to spectators. Registration will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Awards will be at 4 p.m.
There will be 11 classes, two trophies per class, cash award for first place in each class.
Participant voting ballots need to be in by 2 p.m. Two best of show trophies and the Park Director’s Choice Trophy will also be awarded.
In total, there will be $1,500 worth of door prizes.
Revolutionary War re-enactment coming to Fox River County Park
Rebels and Redcoats on the Fox, a Revolutionary War re-enactment will be coming to Fox River County Park on July 9 and 10.
The event is open to the public. Hours on Saturday will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The re-enactment will include various demonstrations and shows including: Morning Formation/Colors, Tea Protest, Artillery Demonstration, Skirmish, Band of Music, Military Skits, Military Fashion Show, Civilian Fashion Show, Tomahawk Competition, Artillery Demonstration, Battle and more. A full schedule is available here.
The event is being sponsored by Community State Bank and Kenosha County Parks.
The park is located south of Highway F, just west of Silver Lake.
Outdoor movie set for Petrifying Springs this Friday
County Executive Jim Kreuser and Kenosha County Parks invite you out to Petrifying Springs Park to enjoy a movie outdoors on Friday, June 24, at 8 p.m.
The screening of Toy Story 3 (Rated G) will be in Petrifying Springs Park, Parking Area 3, and take place rain or shine.
Event admission is $5 per person, which includes one complimentary soda and box of popcorn. Children 6 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the event.
Be sure to bring lawn chairs, blankets, flashlights, and bug spray. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
This is wholesome family entertainment. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages will be allowed. Concessions will be available.
Highway KR work to begin Monday
The Kenosha County Department of Public Works has scheduled work to resurface a segment of highway KR and improve the Canadian Pacific Railroad crossing located on Highway KR, one half mile east of Highway H, in Somers.
The Canadian Pacific Railway Company will be reconstructing the existing crossing on Trunk Highway “KR”. The project is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 13, and be completed on Friday, June 17.
It’s time to build heat awareness
Photo by Vaughn Willis vis stock.xchng
Did you realize that Thursday was Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day?
Probably not, based on the temperatures that battled to reach 60 degrees. But remember earlier in the week when the heat index was pushing 100? Believe it or not, those temps will be back and the county wants you to know how to stay healthy when they are here again.
Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser joined with Governor Walker in proclaiming June 9, 2011, as Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day.
“This is a good time to review how heat and humidity affects you,” Kreuser said. “Heat is America’s Number One Weather related killer. Knowing what you can do to stay cool can save your life.”
“Per the National Weather Service, between 1982 and 2010, Kenosha County experienced 17 Heat Wave events representing 61 Heat Wave Days resulting in four deaths,” stated Lt. Ed Van Tine, Director, Kenosha County Emergency Management.
“People who are most vulnerable to heat-related illness and death are the elderly, infants, young children, people with chronic heart or lung problems, people with disabilities, overweight people, those who work outdoors or in hot settings, users of some medications, especially those taken for mental disorders, movement disorder, allergies, depression and heart or circulatory problems. Other vulnerable people are those who are isolated and don’t know when or how to cool off or when to call for help,” Van Tine said.
Warning siren use explained
Were you suprised by the sounding of the county’s outdoor warning sirens yesterday given that no tornado was being forecast?
The Emergency Management division of the Sheriff’s Department has found itself explaining that a lot today. Here’s the explanation offered by Sgt. Bill Beth, KCSD public information officer.
Outdoor warning sirens are activated for three conditions : 1) A tornado has been sighted by trained spotter/law enforcement 2) The National Weather Service sees rotation and believes the formation of a tornado is highly possible and/or 3) Severe Thunderstorm Warning with Hurricane Force Winds (winds at or in excess of 74 mph).
Yesterday, we had a situation of Severe Thunderstorms with winds in excess of 74 mph. The sirens are re-activated if there is an extension of the warning.
The sirens are not only used for tornadoes. If anyone is thinking that the sirens should not have been used yesterday because there were no tornado warnings, they are not fully understanding the use of the sirens.
Cooling centers activated
Photo by Vaughan Willis via stock.xchng
The Kenosha County Health Department has issued the following press release regarding the heat and activation of cooling centers:
The Kenosha County Division of Health is advising everyone to check on relatives and neighbors who may be at risk of heat exhaustion and to take the following precautions:
- Slow down and avoid exertion.
- Drink plenty of water and non-alcohol, non-caffeine beverages.
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing.
- Take a cool shower or bath. Water cools the body 25 times faster than cool air.
- Visit an air-conditioned facility such as a mall, theater or restaurant.
All area hospitals: Kenosha Hospital, St. Catherine’s Hospital, Aurora Hospital and Burlington Memorial Hospital are activated as cooling centers 24 hours/day. Persons needing to cool off can check in at the hospital lobby and be directed to the cooling center area. During normal business hours, Randall Town Hall, Twin Lakes Village Hall, and the Kenosha County Center are also available as cooling centers. If you need transportation to a cooling center, shelter or assistance please call the Adult Crisis number at (262) 657-7188 or the Aging & Disability Resource Center at (262) 605-6646.
Petrifying Springs Golf Course celebrating 75th birthday this week
Petrifying Springs Golf Course is celebrating its 75th year in operation with some special activities this week, May 9 to 13.
The celebration includes the following:
- $.75 per hole green fees & $.75 per hole cart fees (Must make tee time for these rates). At these rates the cost for 9 holes would be $6.75 walking and $13.50 riding. At these rates the cost for 18 holes would be $13.50 walking and $27.00 riding. These rates will be valid at both courses from opening to 2 p.m., when twilight rates become available.
- $.75 hot dogs, candy bars, bags of chips, fountain sodas, bottled water and free popcorn.
- All week, all American meal specials with American food items at the bar and grills will be offered.
- A participation prize for all golfers will include coupons for a discount on a future round of golf (current local coupon), the driving range at Brighton Dale (buy one bucket get one free), 10% off future lessons, food and beverage at the clubhouse ( buy an entrée and get a free appetizer) and 25% off golf shop apparel.
On Friday, there will be a one-day celebration party that will include:
Safe haven for crime victims and witnesses unveiled
Crime victims and witnesses who are participating in trials now have a place of their own in the Kenosha County Courthouse where they will not have to confront friends and family members of defendants.
Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser and Kenosha County District Attorney Robert D. Zapf today unveiled the space dedicated as a safe haven.
“When I learned there were no safe places for crime victims and witnesses to wait during court hearings and trials, I knew we had to take quick action to address that,” Kreuser said.
District Attorney Zapf said that, too often, crime victims and witnesses felt intimidated by friends and family members of the defendants as they waited in hallways or in the courtroom.
“We don’t want to re-victimize people who are taking the brave action to report a crime and to participate in court,” Zapf said. “This new space allows them to take a break from court proceedings in a safe and relaxed atmosphere.”
Here’s some video of Kreuser, Zapf and other explaining why the room is important and how it came about:
The area was furnished through the generous donations of Kenosha County businesses. The donations were:
- Grand TV and appliance donated a 32″ LCD flat screen TV and 18 cubic-foot refrigerator.
- Ashley furniture donated all the furniture, wall art and rug.
- Wal-Mart donated $500 worth of toys, games, movies and a DVD player.
“Rather than fill the space with discarded second-hand furniture from other county departments, these businesses helped to create a comfortable space for crime victims and witnesses. We are truly grateful to all of them,” Kreuser said.
No county dollars were used to renovate the space, which was made available in the lower level of the courthouse when the county Division of Information Technology moved to renovated space at the Kenosha County Public Safety Building. Minor cleaning of the space was provided by the county Public Works-Facilities Division employees.
County executive on household hazardous waste
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 text version of info on the county’s household hazardous waste disposal program.
This is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week
NOAA stock photo /public domain
April 11 to 15 has been proclaimed Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week, by Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser and Gov. Scott Walker.
During this time a statewide tornado drill is scheduled for Thursday, April 14 (Note: I’m checking on this to see whether this day or date is correct since Friday is April 15 Corrected day now — DH).. At approximately 1 p.m., a mock tornado watch will be issued for the entire state and at approximately 1:20 p.m., a mock tornado warning will be issued for all of Southeast Wisconsin, which will include the sounding of Kenosha County’s Outdoor Warning sirens. The drill will conclude at 2 p.m. If severe weather should be present in the state on Thursday, April 14, the mock tornado drill will be cancelled.
As part of Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week, Kenosha County will be sponsoring a free Advanced Tornado Spotter’s Class on Thursday April 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Kenosha County Center (Highways 45 and 50). Though the class is free, people need to RSVP to Kenosha County Emergency Management at 605-7900 to reserve a spot. A Basic Tornado Spotter’s Class is required prior to taking the Advanced Class.
“The Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week and the mock tornado drill offer opportunities for schools, businesses and families to discuss and practice for severe weather activities. It’s important that everyone regardless of where they are at when severe weather strikes, know what to do and where to go,” Kreuser said.
“The purpose of Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week, is to get people thinking about not only tornadoes and what one needs to do to protect themselves, their families and their property, but other types of severe weather as well,” said Lt. Ed Van Tine, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department and director, Kenosha County Emergency Management. “People need to be aware of the dangers of severe thunderstorms/lightning which cause an average of 93 deaths and 300 injuries per year nationwide; flash floods/floods which kill nearly 140 people per year nationwide and cause millions of dollars in damages.”
County Health Department publicizes services during public health week
Raising awareness nationally and locally of public health’s critical role in ensuring a healthy America is the focus of National Public Health Week, which was this week.
The week long celebration, started by the American Public Health Association in 1996, educates the public, policy-makers, and public health professionals about issues important to improving the health of all Americans.
The Kenosha County Division of Health would like residents to know that “Public Health is Everywhere.” From the food you eat, the water you drink, the home you live in, and the way you get to work every day. Public health is all around us – protecting your health by safeguarding the places where you live, work, and play.
If you can answer “yes” to any of the questions below, the Kenosha County Division of Health (KCDOH) may be able to help you.
Medicine Collection Day is April 16
Photo by foxumon via stock.xchng
A Medicine Collection Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 16.
Kenosha County residents can take their prescription medications, over the counter medications, ointments, sprays, inhalers, creams, vials, pet medications to Kenosha County Job Center, Entrance D, 8600 Sheridan Road, Kenosha. Put all medication in a sealed bag.
County Executive: Tough financial decisions ahead
County Executive Jim Kreuser
Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser delivered his state of the county address tonight, preparing the County Board for a tough look at its spending in the wake of the governor’s budget message also delivered today.
Said Kreuser:
We do not know the full impact of Governor Scott Walker’s budget, but we know it will require us to make extremely tough choices. I also know – and this County Board knows – that we are up for the challenge.”
It will likely be late this month before his office will know the full impact of the governor’s budget on the county, Kreuser said.
