News Flash

Kenosha County collects over 1,800 pounds of medication during Drug Take Back Day

The local efforts of National Drug Take Back Day on April 30, 2022, helped collect 1,883 pounds of medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today. 

The events, held at five locations ac...

CDC classifies Kenosha County as High Community Level for COVID-19 transmission

On Thursday, May 12, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its COVID-19 Community Levels with new local data that place Kenosha County in the High category.

The Community Levels are a tool for monitoring COVID-19 and its impact on co...

Long-term closure on Highway K to begin week of May 9

A long-term closure of Kenosha County Highway K (60th Street) between 94th Court and the Union Pacific Railroad crossing west of Indian Trail High School and Academy is set to begin during the week of May 9, continuing through fall.

The closure is to accom...

Kenosha County Public Health and partners to host COVID-19 mobile vaccination clinics

Three COVID-19 mobile vaccination clinics are scheduled for this month, with $25 Visa gift card incentives offered to all who receive a dose, Kenosha County Public Health announced today.

The clinics will be offered at the following times and locations:

• Sun...

Kenosha County Public Works Director Ray Arbet to retire

Kenosha County Public Works Director Ray Arbet will retire effective July 1, Arbet and County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today.

Arbet, who has served on and off in county government since 1982, said he made his decision to retire prior to former ...

New Kenosha County Center arboretum showcases tree diversity

Extension Kenosha County marked Arbor Day on Friday with the debut of a new feature on the Kenosha County Center grounds, aimed at educating the public about the importance of tree diversity and the many species that can survive and thrive in our climate....

Kenosha County Public Health now providing fentanyl test strips along with Narcan training

Kenosha County Public Health is now supplying fentanyl test strips to people who receive Narcan training, Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit announced today.

The county this week accepted delivery of a supply of 2,000 test strips that it ordered recently, aft...

Boundless Adventures in Bristol Woods Park now open for 2022 season

The Boundless Adventures aerial adventure park within Kenosha County’s Bristol Woods Park is now open with spring schedule hours, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced.

Through June 12, the park will be open for climbing from 3 to 8 p.m. each Friday ...

Free Warrior Poet Yoga Series kicks off in May

Following the success of the free Traveling Yoga Series from last year, yoga teacher Steve Willis will be presenting Warrior Poet Yoga again this year, Kenosha County Parks announced today.

The weekend series beings May 7 and runs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. ...

Medical examiner warns of dangers of drug use after 3 suspected overdose deaths in 4 days

The Kenosha County Medical Examiner’s Office has responded to three suspected overdose deaths in four days, renewing concerns about the dangers of illegal drugs that may be laced with fentanyl and other deadly substances.

Medical Examiner Patrice Hall said...

Chairman Nudo announces 2022-’24 County Board committee assignments

New Kenosha County Board Chairman Gabe Nudo on Thursday night announced his committee assignments for the new board term, which will continue until April 2024.

Nudo was elected by his board colleagues on Tuesday to serve as the chairman for the new term. S...

Samantha Kerkman takes oath of office as Kenosha County Executive

Samantha Kerkman took the oath of office as Kenosha County Executive early Monday evening.

With that, Kerkman became Kenosha County’s fifth elected executive since the office was established 40 years ago, and the first woman to hold the post.

“I’m excited t...

County, City of Kenosha adopt agreement on Health Department funding, road transfers, other issues

The City and County of Kenosha have adopted a wide-ranging intergovernmental agreement that will be of long-term benefit of both units of government, County Executive Jim Kreuser and Mayor John Antaramian announced today. 

The pact, negotiated ove...

Kreuser’s final State of the County celebrates county’s accomplishments, looks toward future

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser delivered his final State of the County address to the County Board tonight, providing an overview of the county’s accomplishments during his nearly 14 years in office.

While looking back, Kreuser also called on the boa...

Kenosha County announces hiring of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator

Kenosha County has selected a candidate for its new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator position, Human Resources Director Clara-lin Tappa announced today.

Kelsey Hubeler is expected to begin in the role on April 25, Tappa said.

Hubeler is currently...

Kenosha County, U.S. Army Corps sign off on Pike River South Branch project partnership

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser and others gathered today to mark the signing of a landmark agreement that will enable a transformative ecological restoration project.

The agreement formalizes a partnership between the Army Corps and Kenosha County, a...

Kenosha County unveils new apps showcasing parks, bicycling amenities

Two new web applications showcasing Kenosha County’s park and bike amenities are now available for the public’s use, County Executive Jim Kreuser announced today.

The Kenosha County Parks app may be accessed at https://www.kenoshacounty.org/parksapp.&n...

Kenosha County seeking seasonal park employees

Kenosha County Parks are actively recruiting for a host of seasonal job positions, with a $200 hiring bonus being offered to successful applicants, Parks Director Matthew Collins said today.

Available seasonal or part time positions include:

• Lifeguard (with...

Kenosha County treasurer promotes Help for Homeowners

Kenosha County Treasurer Teri Jacobson is encouraging homeowners with financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic to access a new state program that is providing assistance with mortgage payments, property taxes and utility bills.

The Wisconsin Help fo...

Gov. Evers announces major grant awards for Kenosha County Human Services relocation, KIN project

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers today appeared in Kenosha to announce Neighborhood Investment Fund grants that will support two major projects in Kenosha County.

$9.85 million was awarded to Kenosha County to support the relocation of its Human Services function...

Kenosha County ADRC reports new twist on old Medicare scam

There is a “new” Medicare scam circulating in Kenosha County. Again. Scammers have cleverly put a new twist on a scam that originated in 2020. 

The Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center recently received a call from a savvy consume...

Bridge reconstruction to close portion of Highway WG through mid-summer

Reconstruction of the Kenosha County Highway WG (128th Street) bridge over the Dutch Gap Canal in the Village of Bristol will close the roadway beginning the week of Feb. 21 and continuing through mid-summer.

The closure will include the portion of Highway...

Kenosha County Public Health modifies COVID-19 disease investigation procedures

In response to evolving needs and priorities in the ongoing COVID-19 response, Kenosha County Public Health has updated its disease investigation procedures, Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit announced today.

Public health staff will no longer attempt to con...

Kenosha County to make N95 masks available to residents

Kenosha County has received a supply of 440,000 N95 masks that will be distributed to residents in the coming days, Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit announced today. No ID or residency is required.

 Starting today, the masks will be distributed to ...

Amid local and national spikes in overdose deaths, life-saving resources remain available

Drug overdose deaths in Kenosha County increased by 57 percent during a recent 12-month period compared with the year prior, far surpassing a disturbing national trend, leaders of the Kenosha County Opioid Task Force announced today.

During the 12-month sp...

COVID-19 testing now available at Kenosha Unified headquarters

No out-of-pocket cost COVID-19 testing is now available weekdays at a kiosk located in the north parking lot of the Kenosha Unified School District’s Educational Support Center, 3600 52nd St., Kenosha.

Testing hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Pati...

UPDATED: County Board approves tentative 2021 redistricting plan

The Kenosha County Board on Sept. 15, 2021, voted to approve a tentative County Board district map, to take effect for the Spring 2022 election.

That map may be viewed here.

The redistricting process occurs every 10 years, to ensure equal representation on ...

Kenosha County Public Health answers frequently asked questions on COVID-19

In response to recent community questions about COVID-19 — particularly, the Delta variant and vaccine developments — Kenosha County Public Health is providing this Q&A reference for the public.

Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen...

Kenosha County Public Health recommends universal masking in schools, higher ed institutions

As school boards meet and prepare for the 2021-22 school year, Kenosha County Public Health is recommending the implementation of universal masking requirements for teachers, staff, students and visitors in all education systems, regardless of COVID-19 va...

Applications, nominations sought for new Kenosha County Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission

A process is now in place for community members to submit applications or nominations for appointments to the new Kenosha County Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission, County Executive Jim Kreuser announced today. 

The commission, created by the Cou...

Kenosha County Public Health to continue offering COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment only

Kenosha County Public Health’s COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinics are ending after this week, but this service will remain available — by appointment only — at two locations.

The final, no-appointment-needed clinic will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. this Friday,...

Kenosha County Public Health issues recommendations on mask wearing

In light of the recent change in CDC guidance and the upcoming May 27 expiration of the City of Kenosha’s mask requirement, Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit today issued a series of recommendations on the wearing of face coverings.

“The main ...

Kenosha County Administration Building now reopened to the public

The Kenosha County Administration Building will reopen to the public on Monday, May 10, County Executive Jim Kreuser announced today.

The facility has been closed to the public since late August, when its front doors and windows were damaged during the civ...

Medical examiner reports 2 more suspected overdose deaths since last week

Kenosha County has seen two more suspected overdose deaths in the past week, Medical Examiner Patrice Hall announced today.

This is the second straight week with two such cases and is the continuation of an unfortunate increase in what appear to be drug-re...

Kenosha County Kickstart addendum offers advisory COVID-19 guidance for events

A newly released addendum to last year’s Kenosha County Kickstart plan provides advisory guidance for event organizers with the intention of limiting the spread of COVID-19 as the pandemic continues, Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit announce...

COVID-19 vaccination clinic now operational in former Shopko building

As of Wednesday, March 10, Kenosha County Public Health’s expanded-capacity COVID-19 community vaccination clinic is now operational in the former Shopko building at 5300 52nd St. in Kenosha.

The former clinic site in the Kenosha County Job Center is no lo...

Kenosha County to open expanded COVID-19 vaccine clinic in former Shopko building

Kenosha County Public Health’s COVID-19 vaccine clinics are moving from the Job Center to a larger venue beginning next week.

Starting Wednesday, March 10, clinics will be held in the former Shopko building at 5300 52nd St. in Kenosha.

The new facility will...

First case of U.K. variant of COVID-19 detected in Kenosha County

Lab results received over the weekend confirmed that B.1.1.7, known as the U.K. variant of COVID-19, has made its first known appearance in Kenosha County, Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit announced today. 

The individual tested posi...

Kenosha County's 65+ vaccination rate hits 50 percent milestone

As of Wednesday, 50 percent of Kenosha County’s 65-and-over population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit announced.

Kenosha County reached this milestone in just three weeks since the State of Wisconsin...

Kenosha County offering expanded transportation services

Kenosha County is now offering expanded weekend hours and medical appointment trips on its Care-A-Van and Western Transit services.

Beginning in February, Care-A-Van’s Saturday hours will be 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and new Sunday service will also run 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ...

Kenosha County launches COVID-19 vaccine call center

A call center is now available for people who do not have access to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments online, the Kenosha County Division of Health announced today.

Those unable to access the links to providers on the county’s COVID-19 Response Hu...

Kenosha County COVID-19 website now lists links to vaccine providers

A list of local providers of the COVID-19 vaccine is now included on the Kenosha County COVID-19 Response Hub Website, Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit announced today.

The list, to be updated frequently, includes names and locations of provi...

Kenosha County to announce COVID-19 vaccine info as soon as it becomes available

With the State of Wisconsin’s announcement Tuesday that all adults 65 and over will be eligible to begin receiving the COVID-19 vaccine next week, the Kenosha County Division of Health looks forward to announcing more information about the local...

Tier 1a, 1b individuals may now sign up to receive COVID-19 vaccination info

Individuals and organizations that fall within Tiers 1a and 1b of the COVID-19 vaccination schedule are now urged to fill out an online form to help link them with a local vaccine provider, Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit said today.

Tier 1a...

DA's report on the officer-involved shooting of Jacob Blake

View the district attorney's full report here.

View a slideshow presentation of the district attorney's findings in PDF form here and in video form with audio and video features here.

View use-of-force expert Noble Wray's independent evaluation and report h...

KCHC moves COVID-19 testing site; Modern Apothecary testing continues

Two changes to the COVID-19 testing landscape in Kenosha County took effect recently.

The Kenosha Community Health Center moved its drive-thru testing facility from Gateway Technical College to the former Chase Bank drive-thru at 5506 Seventh Ave. in downt...

Division of Health receives, distributes early supply of COVID-19 vaccine

The Kenosha County Division of Health is now helping to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to frontline health care personnel, with an initial emphasis on emergency medical services workers, Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit said today.

Freiheit said Kenosha Count...

Medical examiner calls on community to stay home during the holidays

Citing a marked uptick in case volume in her office in recent months, Kenosha County Medical Examiner Patrice Hall is strongly urging people to stay home and avoid gatherings this holiday season as COVID-19 continues to claim lives.

“The numbers are stark,...

County collaborating with partners on COVID-19 vaccine distribution

The Kenosha County Division of Health is working actively with the Kenosha County Emergency Operations Center, health care providers and other partners to coordinate local distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Local health officials are following up on a p...

Friday COVID-19 testing site moving to Salem Lakes Fire Station 1 in Trevor

The Wisconsin National Guard’s weekly COVID-19 testing site in western Kenosha County is moving to a new location effective this Friday, Dec. 11.

Testing will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Salem Lakes Fire and Rescue Station No. 1, 11252 254th Court, Tr...

Dec. 12, 2020, COVID-19 Q&A

In response to community questions about COVID-19 quarantine protocols and testing processes, the Kenosha County Division of Health is providing the following Q&A reference for the community.

Kenosha County Health Officer Dr. Jen Freiheit reminds the c...

Community leaders call on community to follow COVID-19 safety recommendations

With cases of COVID-19 rising sharply in Kenosha County, local government and health leaders are imploring the community follow some fundamental health and safety recommendations.

As of Friday, Kenosha County had some 7,200 cumulative, confirmed cases of t...

Kenosha County food pantry needs as of Sept. 25

In response to numerous inquiries from community members on how they can help during the COVID-19 emergency, the Kenosha County Joint Information Center is periodically publishing a list of needs at local food pantries.

This list is compiled by Extension K...

Long-term closure on Highway KR to begin Sept. 8

Kenosha County Highway KR will be closed to through traffic between Highway H and Highway 31 beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8.

This long-term closure is to continue through fall 2022, while the Wisconsin Department of Transportation reconstructs and expands the ...

Kenosha County food pantry needs as of Aug. 28

In response to numerous inquiries from community members on how they can help during the COVID-19 emergency, the Kenosha County Joint Information Center is publishing a weekly list of needs at local food pantries.

This list is compiled by Extension Kenosha...

UW-Parkside staff member tests positive for COVID-19

A case of COVID-19 has been confirmed at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, the Kenosha County Division of Health and UW-Parkside announced jointly today.

One staff member tested positive and is presently in isolation, per Wisconsin Department of Health ...

Kenosha County food pantries list needs as of July 31

In response to numerous inquiries from community members on how they can help during the COVID-19 emergency, the Kenosha County Joint Information Center is publishing a weekly list of needs at local food pantries.

This list is compiled by Extension Kenosha...

Division of Health stresses importance of quarantining while waiting for COVID-19 test results

In light of a recent increase in COVID-19 testing locally, the Kenosha County Division of Health is reminding those who have been tested to self-quarantine until they receive their results.

A total of 1,992 people were tested Thursday through Saturday at a...

Statement from the Kenosha County Office of the Corporation Counsel regarding mask mandates

July 16, 2020, statement from the Kenosha County Office of the Corporation Counsel regarding a mask mandate:

In the wake of similar actions in Dane County and the City of Milwaukee, some individuals have asked whether Kenosha County would consider adopting...

Kenosha County food pantries list needs as of July 18

In response to numerous inquiries from community members on how they can help during the COVID-19 emergency, the Kenosha County Joint Information Center is publishing a weekly list of needs at local food pantries.

This list is compiled by Extension Kenosha...

Kenosha County food pantries list needs as of July 2

In response to numerous inquiries from community members on how they can help during the COVID-19 emergency, the Kenosha County Joint Information Center is publishing a weekly list of needs at local food pantries.

This list is compiled by Extension Kenosha...

Division of Health makes changes to Kenosha County Kickstart data dashboard

The Kenosha County Division of Health last week made changes to the COVID-19 data that it provides to the public, in an effort to better represent how the virus is affecting the community.

These changes were made to the Kenosha County Kickstart dashboard, ...

Kenosha County food pantries list needs as of June 26

In response to numerous inquiries from community members on how they can help during the COVID-19 emergency, the Kenosha County Joint Information Center is publishing a weekly list of needs at local food pantries.

This list is compiled by Extension Kenosha...

UW-Madison Division of Extension program “The Literacy Link” awarded $21,000 for new books

A new grant award to UW-Madison Extension aims to increase reading and literacy among children in Kenosha and Racine counties whose parents are involved in the justice system.

UW-Madison Extension’s Literacy Link project was selected to receive a...

Wisconsin National Guard to offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing in Kenosha June 23 and 24

The Wisconsin National Guard will return to Kenosha County to conduct two days of drive-thru COVID-19 testing for the public this Tuesday and Wednesday, June 23 and 24.

This round of testing will occur outside the Kenosha Municipal Building, 625 52nd St.

Te...

Kenosha County food pantries list needs as of June 12

In response to numerous inquiries from community members on how they can help during the COVID-19 emergency, the Kenosha County Joint Information Center is publishing a weekly list of needs at local food pantries.

This list is compiled by Extension Kenosha...

Some private nonprofits may apply for FEMA aid to cover COVID-19 costs

Certain private nonprofit organizations in the community are eligible to apply for funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program to help cover the costs of COVID-19 response efforts.

Lt. Horace Staples, direc...

UPDATED: Drive-thru COVID-19 testing center to operate June 4, 5 and 6 at Tremper High School

The Kenosha County Division of Health and the Wisconsin National Guard will offer another drive-thru COVID-19 testing site this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 4, 5 and 6, at Tremper High School in Kenosha.

Anyone ages 5 and up can be tested, regardles...

Wisconsin National Guard to provide COVID-19 testing June 1-6 at Westosha Central High School

The Kenosha County Division of Health, in partnership with the Wisconsin National Guard, will offer a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site during the week of June 1 at Westosha Central High School in the Village of Paddock Lake.

Anyone ages 5 and up can be tes...

45 positive COVID-19 cases, 3 deaths at Kenosha Estates Living and Care Center

Forty-five residents of a Kenosha long-term care facility have tested positive for COVID-19, with three fatalities, the Kenosha County Division of Health announced today.

These cases have occurred at Kenosha Estates Living and Care Center, a skilled nursin...

Positive cases of COVID-19 ID'd in seven local establishments

Known positive cases of COVID-19 have emerged at seven establishments in Kenosha County, the Division of Health announced today.

The Division of Health is disclosing the establishments in cooperation with the businesses, in an effort to slow the spread of ...

Kenosha County Joint Information Center COVID-19 FAQs, May 30, 2020

In the final installment of the Kenosha County Joint Information Center’s COVID-19 FAQ series, Kenosha County Division of Health Communicable Disease Supervisor Amanda Tuura summarizes the public guidance in the Kenosha County Kickstart plan, an...

Finalized Kenosha County Kickstart plan offers reopening guidance to businesses, organizations

The City and County of Kenosha, in partnership with the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, today released the final draft of a plan to help guide businesses through the process of restarting operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kenosha County Kickstart of...

Kenosha County food pantries list needs as of May 27

In response to numerous inquiries from community members on how they can help during the COVID-19 emergency, the Kenosha County Joint Information Center is publishing a weekly list of needs at local food pantries.

This list is compiled by Extension Kenosha...

Six COVID-19 fatalities reported at local long-term care facility

Six COVID-19-positive residents of a long-term care facility in the City of Kenosha have died in recent weeks, the Kenosha County Division of Health announced today.

The deaths occurred at The Bay at Sheridan Health and Rehabilitation Center, 8400 Sheridan...

Kenosha County Joint Information Center COVID-19 FAQs, May 23, 2020

This week’s COVID-19 FAQs from the Kenosha County Joint Information Center are a special edition, geared toward members of our Spanish-speaking community.

The questions were answered by members of the Kenosha County Division of Health and present...

Kenosha County food pantries list needs as of May 21, 2020

In response to numerous inquiries from community members on how they can help during the COVID-19 emergency, the Kenosha County Joint Information Center is publishing a weekly list of needs at local food pantries.

This list is compiled by Extension Kenosha...