David Smetana is new Pleasant Prairie Police chief
David Smetana has been selected as the new chief of the Pleasant Prairie Police Department, the village announced in a statement today.
Smetana, most recently with the Racine Police Department, was the choice from a field of 34 applicants. He is reporting for duty today.
Here is the rest of the statement:
Tips to Pleasant Prairie Police lead to drug arrest and charges
The Kenosha County District Attorney’s office released the following statement regarding a drug arrest and charging of a suspect:
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Fire in Pleasant Prairie damages home and sends two to hospital
The Pleasant Prairie Fire Department released the following statement regarding a house fire on 39th Avenue this morning:
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Units responding to crash in Pleasant Prairie
At about 8:40 a.m., Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue units and a village police officers are responding to a report of a crash at Springbrook Road and 104th Street in Pleasant Prairie.
Somers responding with mutual aid to Racine County fire
At 9:31 a.m., Somers Fire and Rescue is responding to a box alarm call for mutual aid from the South Shore Fire Department for a structure fire in the 6800 block of Durand Avenue in Racine County.
Power outage in Pleasant Prairie
At about 9:20 a.m., Pleasant Prairie Police and Fire Dispatch is reporting a power outage in the area of and including the RecPlex.
Crash in Pleasant Prairie takes out railroad signal
A two-vehicle crash at about 12:30 am Friday in Pleasant Prairie took down a railroad signal.
Slippery conditions on I-94 cause multiple crashes; one driver critically injured

/Earlene Frederick photo
Slippery conditions on I-94 caused multiple crashes this morning on I-94 near Highway C.
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department released the following statement on the situation, including one crash that resulted in critical injuries to one man:
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Patriots Swim Team results from COHO Swim Club IMX Challenge
Pleasant Prairie RecPlex and the Patriots Swim Team have issued the following press release regarding the COHO Swim Club IMX Challenge, held earlier this month:
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Units responding to crash in Pleasant Prairie
At about 5:15 p.m., Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue units and village police are responding to a report of a crash at 94th Street and Wilmot Road, in Pleasant Prairie.
Terri Harold appointed to Police and Fire Commission
From the Pleasant Prairie village government:
During a Monday, December 17th, meeting, the Pleasant Prairie Village Board appointed Terri Harold to the Village Police and Fire Commission. Harold has been appointed to serve upon the retirement of Robert Ramsdell from the Commission after 42 years. Harold is currently employed at United Hospital System’s St. Catherine’s Medical Center Campus as the Emergency Department Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Marquette University. She has also served on the Kenosha County Suicide Prevention Coalition; the Kenosha County Falls Coalition; various KUSD committees, including Personnel, Finance, Strategic Planning and Curriculum; Southeastern Wisconsin and Lake County, Illinois Trauma Organizations; and on various United Hospital System Committees, in addition to performing other community service activities.
Harold will take the seat of former Commissioner Robert A. Ramsdell who recently announced his retirement from the Commission after 42 years. The Village Board presented Ramsdell with a resolution honoring him for his many years of distinguished service during the same meeting. “Robert effectively helped to ensure that Pleasant Prairie’s Police and Fire and Rescue Departments were staffed with competent individuals who were dedicated to protecting the safety and well being of the community,” explained John P. Steinbrink, Village President. “Ramsdell took his responsibilities as a citizen most seriously, and his efforts have made the Village a safer and better community. For this, we owe him a deep debt of gratitude.” “We are so pleased to have Ms. Harold join the Commission,” added Steinbrink. “She brings a similar, strong sense of dedication to the community to the Commission, and her background will be a strong asset when helping to maintain the integrity of public safety personnel in Pleasant Prairie.”
Units responding to crash on I-94
At noon, units from Bristol Fire Department, Pleasant Prairie Fire Department and Newport Fire Department are responding to a report of a crash on I-94 on the southbound off-ramp to Highway 165.
Roepke named Pleasant Prairie assistant chief of fire & rescue
Craig Roepke is the new Pleasant Prairie Assistant Chief of Fire & Rescue, the village announced today.
The press release follows:
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Kerkman to retain leadership roles on Joint Audit and Ways and Means committees
State Rep. Samantha Kerkman (R-Randall) said that she has received her committee chairmanship assignments for the upcoming legislative session. Kerkman will serve as Assembly Co-Chair of the Joint Audit Committee and Vice-Chair of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. The 2013-2014 legislative session will mark Kerkman’s seventh term in the State Assembly and as a member of both the Joint Audit and Ways and Means Committees.
Kerkman’s district includes Western Kenosha County, except for Wheatland, along with much of Pleasant Prairie and part of Somers.
“I look forward to continuing to lead the Joint Audit Committee as we work to ensure efficiency in state government spending and operations,” said Kerkman.
Units responding to crash on Sheridan Road in Pleasant Prairie
At about 4:13 p.m., Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue is responding to a report of a crash in the 11600 block of Sheridan Road, in Pleasant Prairie.
Units responding to crash on Green Bay Road in Pleasant Prairie
At about 6:25 p.m., Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue and village police officers are responding to a report of a three-vehicle crash at Green Bay Road and Highway 165, in Pleasant Prairie.
Units responding to restaurant for medical call
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.
Driver ejected from vehicle on 39th Avenue in Pleasant Prairie; dead at the scene
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):
Units responding to crash on I-94
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.
Units responding to crash on Green Bay Road in Pleasant Prairie
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.
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.
Transit Department holds two public hearings
Today, the Transit Department held two public hearings on the proposed bus fare increases. Only nine people attended the morning session, and three people attended the evening session. Most of the dialogue exchange discussed in this article happened at the morning session. Check our previous article for details on the proposed fare increases: Public Hearings on Bus Fare Increase.
Ron Iwen, transit director, said that no route changes are planned, just the rate increases. They are also proposing leaving the Saturday service the same as it is now. Currently, four buses run on Saturday. Iwen stated that the department experienced a loss of funding from the state last year.
Pleasant Prairie to host Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 10
“All are invited to recognize and honor the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans, past and present,” commented John Steinbrink, Jr., director of public works for the Village. “We appreciate the continued participation of our local veterans’ organizations and would love to see more members of the community come out to show their support for our veterans.”
Veteran’s Day events
There are several events planned later on in the week in remembrance of Veteran’s Day, which is on Sunday, November 11th.
- On Wednesday, November 7th, at the Christian Life School, 10700 – 75th Street, veterans and the general public are invited to a presentation honoring their military service. The event starts at 8:15 am and ends at 9 am. Coffee and baked goods will be provided for veterans and their families afterward.
- On Thursday, November 8th, at the Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Boulevard, in Pleasant Prairie, a veteran’s day remembrance service will include Kenosha VFW Chaplain Ken Powers, music by Beth and Tom Kneesel, and the presentation of colors and rifle volley by Kenosha Vietnam Veterans Honor Guard. The event starts at 6 pm. Board member Sheryl Mueller will be mistress of ceremonies, and board vice president Michael Langendorf will play taps. Refreshments will follow.
Meijer acquires Supervalu facility
The village of Pleasant Prairie made the following announcement regarding Meijer, Inc. acquiring the Supervalu Midwest Distribution Facility in Pleasant Prairie.
Supervalu is working to keep regional office jobs that were located at the facility here, the press release says.
Here’s the whole statement:
Units responding to alarm at hospital
At 1:31 p.m., Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue units are responding to an activated fire alarm at St. Catherine’s Hospital, in Pleasant Prairie.
Pleasant Prairie Police seeking info on burglary
From the Pleasant Prairie Police Department:
On Tuesday, October 30th, Pleasant Prairie Police responded to a residence in the 3400 block of Springbrook Road for a report of a burglary. A caller reported that, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m., an unknown person had entered the home and had taken property without consent. One of the items taken was a 55” flat screen television. No one was home at the time of the incident. Pleasant Prairie Police are now investigating the matter. Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Pleasant Prairie Police Department at (262) 694-7353, or the Kenosha Area Crime Stoppers at (262) 656-7333.
Light pole down in Pleasant Prairie
At about 11:10 a.m., Pleasant Prairie Police are responding to a report of a down light pole at 95th Street and Green Bay Road in Pleasant Prairie.












