News Flash

Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission application deadline extended

The application deadline for people interested in filling vacant seats on Kenosha County’s Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission is now extended through this Friday, March 24, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today.

Three seats are curre...

New pact allows for Kenosha County mental health detentions at nearby Lake County facility

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman today signed into effect an intergovernmental agreement that enables Kenosha County and its local law enforcement agencies to send involuntary mental health detentions to a nearby facility in Illinois.

This will al...

Applications, nominations sought for 2 seats on county’s Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission

The Kenosha County Executive’s Office is now accepting applications and nominations of individuals to fill two vacant seats on the county’s Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission.

These appointments are to fill out a term that expires Dec....

Kerkman announces appointees to Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman today announced her appointees to fill two vacant seats on the county’s Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission.

A. Brian Gonzales and Xavier Solis will serve three-year terms on the commission, pending confi...

Kerkman appointed to National Association of Counties committee on public safety

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman has been appointed to serve as a member of the National Association of Counties’ Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee, Kerkman announced today.

As a member of the committee, Kerkman will participa...

Kerkman statement on Feb. 22-23 ice storm response

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman released the following statement today, regarding the ongoing response to this week’s ice storm:

“Thank you to everyone on our team at Kenosha County, to the municipal governments and fire departments, to the utili...

Kenosha County extends deadline to take internet speed test

Kenosha County officials today announced the extension of the deadline for County residents and businesses to take a broadband speed test to help gather data on internet speeds across the county. 

Kenosha County residents and businesses are encour...

Kenosha, Racine county executives issue joint proclamation celebrating food bank partnership

The county executives from Kenosha and Racine counties are hailing a recent decision by the Kenosha County Food Bank to officially co-locate its operations at the Racine County Food Bank’s headquarters.

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Racine ...

Next ‘Coffee and Cocoa with Kerkman’ event is Feb. 18

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman will hold her next Coffee and Cocoa with Kerkman event from 2 to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Civil War Museum, 5400 First Ave., Kenosha.

This informal office hours event is an opportunity for residents to ...

Wisconsin insurance commissioner tours Kenosha County flood mitigation efforts

Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Nathan Houdek joined County Executive Samantha Kerkman and other local officials Monday on a tour of Kenosha County’s flood mitigation efforts. 

Houdek’s visit coincided with the start of Flood ...

Kerkman announces creation of Kenosha County Broadband Advisory Committee

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman today announced the establishment of a committee tasked with enhancing efforts to improve access to broadband internet service throughout the county, particularly in areas that are now underserved by high-speed in...

Kerkman statement on governor’s State of the State address

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman today released the following statement regarding the State of the State address that Gov. Tony Evers delivered to the Wisconsin Legislature Tuesday evening:

 “I appreciate Gov. Evers’ a...

Kenosha County Household Hazardous Waste Program 2023 Collection Event is May 20

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman today is announcing this year’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, which will be held on May 20.

“This FREE Kenosha County Household Hazardous Waste Program provides a great opportunity...

Next ‘Coffee and Cocoa with Kerkman’ event is Jan. 21

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman will hold her next Coffee and Cocoa with Kerkman event from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at Pleasant Prairie Fire Station No. 1.

This informal office hours event is an opportunity for residents to share their co...

Kenosha County Parks apparel now available for purchase

A new online store is available to help people display their support for Kenosha County Parks on the clothes they wear, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today.

The Kenosha County Parks store includes T-shirts, sweatshirts and fleece jackets in m...

Bristol residents recognized for heroism in response to fiery crash

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Town of Paris Chairman John Holloway presented awards to a Bristol man and his stepson for their Good Samaritan response to a dangerous situation last month.

On Dec. 9, Ronald Meigs happened upon a car fire whi...

Kerkman announces formation of Opioid Settlement Advisory Panel

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman today announced the formation of a committee charged with developing recommendations for the use of opioid settlement funds that the county is receiving from pharmaceutical companies.

The Opioid Settlement Advisory...

Municipal leaders issue call to action: Take online speed test

Municipal leaders throughout Kenosha County are encouraging residents and business owners to take a brief online speed test to help secure investments for faster local internet service. The test is available through the end of the year and is available to...

Coalition announces multi-disciplinary response to targeted school violence prevention

The School Threat Assessment Coalition of Kenosha held a press conference today to announce its work in establishing a systematic approach to violence prevention.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul joined local leaders in announcing a strategy that is in...

County Executive announces wintertime ‘Coffee and Cocoa with Kerkman’ office hours

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman today announced an indoor, wintertime answer to the Saturdays in the Park with Sam office hours that she held in Kenosha County parks throughout the summer and fall.

Coffee and Cocoa with Kerkman events are schedul...

Kenosha County urges residents, businesses to take internet speed test

Kenosha County officials are encouraging residents and business owners to take an online speed test to help gather data on internet speeds across the county. The test is available now through the end of the year for Kenosha County residents at www.kenosha...

Park roads dedicated for former Rep. Cloyd Porter, Karow family

The two roads that lead into the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park are no longer nameless. 

A ceremony was held Monday to dedicate the Highway KD entrance into the park as Porter Parkway, in honor of former state Rep. Cloyd Porter. 

Mi...

County Executive's statement on County Board adoption of 2023 budget

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman released the following statement after the County Board’s Wednesday night vote to adopt the 2023 county budget:

“I appreciate the County Board’s support and collaboration on a budget t...

Kenosha County buildings to display green lights in honor of veterans during week of Nov. 7

Kenosha County government buildings will be illuminated in green during the evening hours throughout the week of Nov. 7, as part of a national campaign to show support for veterans.

The county is participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans, an effo...

Applications, nominations sought for 2 seats on county’s Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission

The Kenosha County Executive’s Office is now accepting applications and nominations of individuals to fill two seats on the county’s Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today.

These appointme...

Kenosha County Veterans Honor Portal a one-stop shop for information, resources

County Executive Samantha Kerkman recently announced the launch of the Kenosha County Veterans Honor Portal, an online tool that provides easy access to an array of information of interest to veterans and others in the community.

“We set out to c...

Next Saturdays in the Park with Sam is Oct. 15 at Bristol Woods Park

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman will host her next Saturdays in the Park with Sam event this Saturday, Oct. 15, at Bristol Woods Park.

Saturdays in the Park with Sam is an opportunity for residents to share ideas and comments with the county exec...

Kerkman emphasizes partnerships in 2023 budget address

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman presented her 2023 budget proposal to the County Board on Tuesday, stressing the importance of partnerships and fiscal responsibility.

Specifically, Kerkman noted partnerships that she and the county have worked to...

Petrifying Springs Park and Biergarten to host Flannel Fest, Jockey Undie Run on Oct. 8

Calling all local lumberjacks, and those who merely wish to be like Paul Bunyan: Flannel Fest is returning to Kenosha County’s Petrifying Springs Park on Saturday, Oct. 8.

This day of festivities sponsored by Jockey International Inc. and hosted ...

Habush Habush & Rottier donates $100,000 for restoration of Kenosha County's Ceremonial Courtroom

Habush Habush & Rottier, has pledged $100,000 toward the restoration of the historic Ceremonial Courtroom in the Kenosha County Courthouse, the firm announced today.

“Our firm has represented Kenosha County residents since our founding in 193...

Next Saturdays in the Park with Sam is Sept. 24 at Petrifying Springs Park

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman will host her next Saturdays in the Park with Sam event this Saturday, Sept. 24, at Petrifying Springs Park.

Saturdays in the Park with Sam is an opportunity for residents to share ideas and comments with the count...

Oktoberfest returns to Petrifying Springs Biergarten this Friday-Sunday, Sept. 16-18

Petrifying Springs Biergarten, in partnership with Kenosha County Parks, will celebrate Oktoberfest this Friday through Sunday, Sept. 16-18.

The weekend of festivities will include live music, authentic German food and beer, food trucks from area vendors, ...

Brighton Dale Links to mark 50th birthday with Oct. 5 outing

Kenosha County’s Brighton Dale Links golf course is celebrating its 50th year in 2022 with a special outing next month, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today.

The outing will be held Wednesday, Oct. 5, beginning with a noon shotgun start.

Player...

12th Annual Oktoberfest celebration returns to Old Settlers Park on Sept. 10

The 12th Annual Old Settlers Oktoberfest will be held noon to 8 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 10, at Old Settlers Park, 24100 75th St., in Paddock Lake.

The festivities will include authentic German food and beverages, live music and dancing, a classic car sho...

Kenosha, Racine County executives partner on Overdose Awareness Day event

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave joined together Wednesday, Aug. 30, on International Overdose Awareness Day to highlight the tragic impact that opioids have had on both counties, as well as the acti...

Picnic in the Park at Petrifying Springs Park rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27

Kenosha County Parks has rescheduled its annual Picnic in the Park celebration for this Saturday, Aug. 27 at Petrifying Springs Park, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced.

The event, which was to have been held Aug. 20, was postponed due to a threat...

Kenosha County government to offer services, executive office hours at County Fair

Kenosha County government is going on the road to the County Fair, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today.

Kerkman, along with representatives of various county divisions, will be available to meet with the public during office hours throughout ...

Picnic in the Park returns to Petrifying Springs Park Saturday, Aug. 20

Kenosha County Parks will host its annual Picnic in the Park celebration this Saturday, Aug. 20 at Petrifying Springs Park, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced.

The day will be filled with family-friendly activities including live music, interactiv...

Kenosha County maintains Triple A bond rating

Kenosha County has maintained the highest bond rating achievable from Standard & Poors (S&P) for a second consecutive year, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today. 

“Maintaining our fiscal health has been a priority fo...

Kenosha County’s Summer Youth Employment Program marks another season of success

Some put their paychecks in the bank to save up for necessary life expenses as they become adults. Others help their families to get by. And, of course, some like to use their hard-earned money to treat themselves a bit.

No matter how they approach it, par...

Kenosha County to mark National Night Out with events on Tuesday, Aug. 2

National Night Out will be celebrated at four Kenosha locations 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today.

The locations are:

• The Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha, 1330 52nd St.
• St. Paul’s Lutheran Chur...

Joint statement on water safety in the City and County of Kenosha

Following the second drowning of a child in Kenosha County in a week, County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Mayor John Antaramian are joining together in reminding the community to be alert and exercise caution while swimming — no matter where t...

Statement from Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman today released the following statement upon her signing of an amendment to 2011 Resolution 63, allowing for the lawful carrying of concealed weapons in some county facilities and properties:

“The measure ...

Shelly Billingsley appointed as Kenosha County Public Works Director

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman today announced she is appointing Shelly Billingsley to fill the now-vacant position of county Public Works director.

Billingsley will succeed Ray Arbet, who retired July 1. She will begin serving in the position i...

Next Saturdays in the Park with Sam is July 9; new ‘How To’ website tool announced

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman’s next Saturdays in the Park with Sam office hours will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. July 9 at the Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park.

Kerkman will be available during that time to talk with constituents and share...

Sgt. Christopher Hannah appointed to serve as Kenosha County Emergency Management director

Kenosha County Sheriff’s Sgt. Christopher Hannah is being recommended to serve as the county’s Director of Emergency Management, County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Sheriff David Beth announced today.

Under an executive order signed t...

County Executive Kerkman to host monthly office hours in county parks

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman is hosting a new series of informal office hours to be held in county parks.

Saturdays in the Park with Sam is an opportunity for residents to share ideas and comments with the county executive. Information about c...

Brookside Care Center, Willowbrook Assisted Living offering employment incentives

Kenosha County is now offering increased wages and employee referral bonuses in an effort to fill vacant positions at Brookside Care Center and Willowbrook Assisted Living, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today.

Under a plan studied over recent...

Blue Ribbon Committee seeking private support for historic Ceremonial Courtroom restoration

A Blue Ribbon Committee of community leaders is now actively working to raise private donations for a proposed restoration of the historic Ceremonial Courtroom in the Kenosha County Courthouse, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today.

The committ...

Kenosha County Bike-to-Work Weeks are June 4-18

Kenosha County and the City of Kenosha’s annual Bike-to-Work Weeks are returning June 4-18, County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Mayor John Antaramian announced today.

As in other recent years, the festivities will be bookended by two community ...

Kenosha County Communications Manager Joe Potente receives Excellence Award

Kenosha County Communications Manager Joe Potente was recently recognized for Excellence in Public Health Media by the Wisconsin Public Health Association for providing up-to-date, critical information during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Potente accepted the awa...

UPDATED LOCATION: Public invited to Inauguration Ceremony for County Executive Kerkman

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman invites the public to join her at a swearing-in ceremony at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, at the Twin Lakes Village Hall Community Center.

PLEASE NOTE: The location has been changed from the Kenosha County Veterans Mem...

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 ...

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.

&...

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 ...

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...

Brighton Dale Links. Petrifying Springs Golf Course to open for 2022 season

Kenosha County’s Brighton Dale Links and Petrifying Springs Golf Course will open for play, weather permitting, on Wednesday, March 16, County Executive Jim Kreuser announced today.

“If you’re looking for another sign of spring, here it i...

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 Household Hazardous Waste Program 2022 Collection Event is May 7

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser today is announcing this year’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, which will be held on May 7. 

“The Kenosha County Household Hazardous Waste Program is a FREE program and a great ...

Kenosha County Tree Program now taking orders for spring 2022

Kenosha County’s annual tree and shrub program is now taking online orders for seedlings to be picked up in spring 2022.

Items may be purchased through an online store that is simple to use and includes full-color images and descriptions of the t...

Kenosha County celebrates completion of Highway S expansion

County Executive Jim Kreuser joined other local, county and state officials today in celebrating the completion of the largest county trunk highway project in Kenosha County’s history.

The Highway S expansion project, now substantially complete, ...

Kenosha County cuts ribbon on newly rebuilt Highway H in Pleasant Prairie

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser and others cut the ribbon today on a recently revamped section of Highway H in Pleasant Prairie.

The nearly-mile-long reconstruction of Highway H (88th Avenue) between 93rd Place and Bain Station Road included the addit...

Ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate completion of Pike River Phase II Restoration Project

The completion of the Pike River Phase II restoration project in Kenosha County’s Petrifying Springs Park will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Friday, Oct. 15, County Executive Jim Kreuser announced today.

Members of the public ...

Ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark completion of new amenities at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser invites the community to celebrate the completion of new amenities at Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Attendees are invited to attend and listen to remark...

Kreuser proposes 2022 budget aimed at continuation of Kenosha County’s AAA success

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser presented his 2022 budget proposal to the County Board on Tuesday, celebrating the county’s recent upgrade to top-tier AAA bond status while laying a path to continue this success.

The proposed budget for next...

Kenosha County’s Summer Youth Employment Program marks another season of success

Providing at-risk youth with a productive way to spend their time today, while teaching valuable work skills for the future.

That has been the mission of Kenosha County’s Summer Youth Employment Program since its inception in 2009, and this summe...

Kenosha County to host Fall Wheel Ride on Saturday, Sept. 25

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser invites bike riders of all ability levels to participate in the annual Fall Wheel Ride to Petrifying Springs Park from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, Sept. 25.

“Fall is a beautiful time of the year in Kenosha C...

County Board confirms Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission appointees

The Kenosha County Board voted Wednesday, Sept. 15, to confirm the nine individuals appointed to serve on the county's newly formed Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission.

The commission's mission is to realize greater racial and ethnic equi...

10th Annual Oktoberfest celebration returns to Old Settlers Park on Sept. 11

The 10th Annual Old Settlers Oktoberfest will be held noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Old Settlers Park, 24100 75th St., in Paddock Lake.

The festivities will include authentic German food and beverages, live music and danc...

Kenosha County Suffrage Celebration rescheduled for Sept. 8

Kenosha County’s celebration of 101 years of the women’s right to vote, delayed by inclement weather last month, is now rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 8.

The festivities will run from 7 to 9 p.m. on the lawn outside the Anderson Arts ...

Picnic in the Park returns to Petrifying Springs Park this Saturday, Aug. 21

Kenosha County Parks will host its annual Picnic in the Park celebration this Saturday, Aug. 21, at Petrifying Springs Park.

The day will be filled with family-friendly activities including live music, interactive kids' activities, food trucks, fireworks, ...

Kenosha County’s bond rating achieves highest level

Kenosha County has received a bond rating upgrade to Triple A (AAA), the highest possible, from Standard & Poor's, County Executive Jim Kreuser announced today.

“A Triple A bond rating was a goal for me since I took office in June of...

Kreuser announces appointments to Kenosha County’s new Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser today announced the seven applicants he is recommending to serve on the county’s new Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission.

Kreuser interviewed and selected these individuals from a field of 35 individuals who a...

UPDATED: Kenosha County Suffrage Celebration postponed due to weather

*UPDATE: This event has been postponed due to inclement weather. It will be rescheduled for a date to be announced.

Kenosha County invites the public to celebrate 101 years of the women’s right to vote at a special event on the evening of Tuesday...

Kenosha Pops Concert Band to feature salute to women’s suffrage

The Kenosha County Suffrage 100 Committee and the Kenosha Pops Concert Band are collaborating on a celebration of the centennial of the women’s right to vote, to be featured at the band’s Wednesday, July 21 concert.

The event will begin...

Jeffris Family Foundation awards challenge grant to support Ceremonial Courtroom restoration

The Jeffris Family Foundation will provide a $675,000 challenge grant to help fund the restoration of the Ceremonial Courtroom in the Kenosha County Courthouse, provided additional funds can be raised locally, County Executive Jim Kreuser announced today....

Rainbow Pride flag to fly outside Kenosha County Courthouse throughout month of June

County Executive Jim Kreuser today ordered that the Rainbow Pride flag will be displayed among the other flags in front of the Kenosha County Courthouse throughout the month of June, LGBTQA+ Pride Month.

“Kenosha County recognizes and honors the ...

2021 Bike-to-Work Weeks begin with June 5 Bike Rodeo

Kenosha County and the City of Kenosha’s annual Bike-to-Work Weeks will kick off with a Bike Rodeo event for families on Saturday, June 5, County Executive Jim Kreuser and Mayor John Antaramian announced today.

During Bike-to-Work Weeks, June 5-1...

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...

County Board approves resolution creating Kenosha County Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission

The establishment of Kenosha County’s Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission will move forward after the County Board’s approval Tuesday night of a resolution outlining the group’s structure and responsibilities.

As stated in the...

Kenosha County Administration Building to reopen 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 ci...

Dr. Rita Ventura honored as 2021 Connie Reyes Award winner

A driving force behind the Kenosha County Child Advocacy Center since its inception is the recipient of the 2021 Connie Reyes Award for Excellence in Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention.

Dr. Rita Ventura received the honors during a celebration held virtual...

Kreuser hails county employees’ efforts in 2021 State of the County address

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser delivered his 2021 State of the County Address to the County Board Tuesday evening, highlighting the remarkable work of the county’s staff amid the challenges of the past year.

“Even after a year-plu...