Kenosha County Connection

July 10, 2026

Kenosha County Cleans Up After Severe Storms - Again

Another round of severe storms hit our area on Friday, July 3, and our first responders, utility crews, and other Kenosha County staff members again rose to the occasion to clear trees and wires from roadways and restore power service.


These storms hit Brighton Dale Links particularly hard, causing the golf course facility to close Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. Staff continue to work to get all 45 holes cleared of debris and reopened to play.


While no storm-related injuries were reported in Kenosha County, three children drowned when a boat capsized on Geneva Lake as the storm rolled in quickly. My prayers and sympathies to all who were affected by this tragic event.

Stay in the Know with Severe Weather Alerts

You can sign up to receive severe weather warnings and other emergency alerts from Kenosha County Emergency Management, delivered directly to you by text message or email.

Federal Assistance For April Weather Damage

Kenosha County residents affected by the severe weather in April may now apply for federal disaster assistance.


Kenosha is among the 19 counties included in a recent Presidential Disaster Declaration stemming from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred across Wisconsin April 13-23.

A Fantastic Fourth in Kenosha County!

Once the storms passed, it was a great weekend to celebrate Independence Day in Kenosha County! Kudos to all of the organizers of parades and other events, and to everyone who came out to celebrate America’s 250th birthday!

Battery Energy Storage Update

On June 22, Robin Energy Storage LLC filed plans with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission for a 200-megawatt battery energy storage facility in the Town of Wheatland.


This filing with the state comes as the County Board has approved a moratorium on county approval of battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities, which raise public health and safety concerns and have generated concerns among Wheatland residents.


While I am disappointed that Robin Energy has chosen to circumvent local control by filing with the state, the county will monitor the process while still working to enhance our county zoning ordinance.

NACo Rural Energy Academy

Last week, I had the opportunity to learn more about BESS and other energy challenges at the National Association of Counties’ Rural Energy Academy peer exchange in Joliet, Illinois.


It was a fascinating opportunity to hear from energy experts and colleagues from other communities around the nation. Some of the lessons learned will be incorporated into the BESS ordinance revision process that is now underway.

A Change of the Guard in Veterans Services

A change of leadership in Kenosha County Veterans Services took effect this week, as former Director Jennifer Blasi retired and former Assistant Director Robert Swanson was appointed Director.


Jennifer did an outstanding job of leading our Veterans Services Office over the last few years, and we wish her a long and happy retirement. But while we’re sorry to see her go, I’m confident Rob will carry on the office’s tradition of providing excellent service to veterans in our community.

An American Hero Turns 100

World War II veteran Max North, a regular at the weekly American Heroes Café at Festival Foods, recently marked a true milestone: his 100th birthday.


On June 26, I joined Mayor David Bogdala, Sen. Bob Wirch, Rep. Tip McGuire, and many others in celebrating Max at the café. It was my honor to proclaim it “Max North Day” in Kenosha County. Happy birthday, Max!

Touring County Government

Late last month, I welcomed members of the new Youth In Governance class to my office as they embarked on a daylong bus tour of county government facilities.


Coordinated by Extension Kenosha County, Youth In Governance is a youth empowerment program that affords local high school students the opportunity to serve as advisory members on County Board committees, helping to foster future leaders in our community.

Making the Grade

Hats off to our Kenosha County Workforce Development team for its work to ensure our region and the state remain below a federal threshold for error in the SNAP/FoodShare program.


We learned recently that the state will avoid paying up to $205.5 million in penalties because its statewide SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) error rate of 5.7% landed below the 6% federal benchmark. In Kenosha and Racine counties, which participate in a regional consortium, the error rate was just 3.55%


I thank our staff for their continued diligence in rooting out errors and fraud in the program.

Mourning the Loss of Paul Farrow

I was saddened to hear of the loss this week of my dear friend, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow.


I had the pleasure of serving with Paul in the Assembly and as County Executive. He inspired me in his public approach to his September 2024 cancer diagnosis, so willing to share his journey in the hopes it could make a difference in life of one person.


My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Amy, and his family during this difficult time.

 

Two Days for Dads

Kenosha and Racine counties are partnering on a free, two-day conference designed to help men — particularly non-custodial parents — to gain life skills, employment stability, and more.

Voter Information

With absentee voting in the August primary now under way, County Clerk Regi Waligora is reminding voters that, under Wisconsin election law, they must select candidates from just one political party.

 


Join Our

Kenosha County Team

Kenosha County has rewarding career openings that offer opportunities for upward mobility and an excellent suite of benefits, including:


  • Generous PTO and 12 paid holidays
  • Penson through WRS
  • Affordable Health Insurance
  • Paid Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement



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