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Western Kenosha County

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2022

Fun at the Fair

The Kenosha County Fair commemorated 100 years in 2021 at the fairgrounds and brought in many organizations, groups, antique tractors and even former Fairest of the Fairs. The fair returned after a one-year layoff because of the COVID-19 pandemic. above: Kai Sauceda and Jordynn Dodge, both of Kenosha, enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel during last year’s fair. top right: Michael Noll, 7, of Trevor, smiles as he rides a teacup at the 2021 Kenosha County Fair. at right: The leading pigs approach a curve during a race presented by Pleasure Valley at the Kenosha County Fair last August.

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Glimmers of hope

dedication people have toward their craft. Aside from summer attractions, noteworthy milestones and the return of many traditions, Western Kenosha County also offers winter enthusiasts a chance to hit the ski slopes at Wilmot Mountain. As of early this spring, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to linger, but case rates have declined locally and nationally. It is with hope these trends continue, especially since 2021 did its best to bring the community back together and offered people opportunities to achieve a sense of a normal way of life again. Western Kenosha County, home to nearly 40,000 people, has something to offer residents and visitors alike seeking a variety of activities. Some of those qualities are highlighted in this annual Our Town edition, produced by Southern Lakes Newspapers’ Report Group, which spent time poring through hundreds of items from the past year. This annual edition also features a wealth of community information. Looking ahead, we will continue to make a concerted effort to highlight community events and residents and give well-deserved recognition to area students. We’re always willing to listen to what community members have to say. Please feel free to email me at jarndt@ southernlakesnewspapers.com.

– Jason Arndt EDITOR

Western Kenosha County

OUR TOWN A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers

1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 (262) 728-3411 www.mykenoshacounty.com Editor in Chief.............................Edward Nadolski Community Editor...............................Jason Arndt Creative/Production Director......... Heather Ruenz Graphic Designer..............................Jen DeGroot Advertising Director................... Vicki Vanderwerff FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES:

(262) 763-2575 above: Kayakers row in Lake Mary near Lance Park Beach in the Village of Twin Lakes during an unseasonably warm afternoon in late May of last year. on the cover: The Twin Lakes Aquanuts water ski show team had a banner year in 2021 when the squad captured its first state championship in 35 years at a tournament held in Wisconsin Rapids. The water ski show, among other annual events, returned after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. cover top: Ethan Shulda delivers an act before a crowd at Lance Park Beach during opening night of the Aquanuts 2021 season in Twin Lakes. cover bottom: Kailey Koehler and Grace Gurda smile before they start a swivel routine on last year’s opening night. JASON ARNDT PHOTOS Our Town

OUR TOWN 2022

estern Kenosha County saw the return of many annual events last year – including the Kenosha County Fair and Libertyfest – after a one-year layoff because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic, which caused many disruptions in 2020, brought other glimmers of hope in 2021 with many people flocking to outdoor recreational activities and celebrations of community milestones. People enjoyed the trails at Richard Bong State Recreation Area, explored Thompson’s Strawberry Farm for Sunflowers, or took in a simple, pleasant afternoon on Lake Mary in the Village of Twin Lakes. The area also features Silver Lake Park and Fox River Park. Western Kenosha County witnessed several high school teams make appearances at Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association state tournaments, ranging from the Wilmot softball and gymnastics teams to the Westosha boys volleyball and girls golf squads. The Wilmot Union High School Academic Decathlon continued its dynasty by winning another national championship. Additionally, the Twin Lakes Aquanuts brought home a state championship in 2021, marking the end of a 35-year drought. While this edition only covers a fraction of events and accomplishments, Western Kenosha County community members should take pride, considering the talent and

Celebrating German faire, community

by Jason Arndt EDITOR

People decked out in Lederhosen enjoyed authentic German food, live music and dancing as well as taking in the ever popular Dachshund Dash during the 10th annual Old Settlers Oktoberfest in Paddock Lake last September. Old Settlers Oktoberfest, presented by a nonprofit group with the same name, returned after a one-year layoff in 202 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and in doing so, brought together a community in need of renewed camaraderie. Rebecca Lancour, president of Old Settlers Oktoberfest, felt uplifted by community members showcasing smiles. “It is amazing, it really is, it reminds me of the reason that it started,” said Lancour, who paused and reflected on memories of event founder Heidi Schuerstedt. Schuerstedt, according to Lancour, envisioned hosting an annual community event when the former business owner operated Heidi’s Bakery in Paddock Lake. Schuerstedt, who passed away from leukemia in 2017, originally planned to hold an event on her property before village officials and local businesses stepped forward to expand on her vision.

Zach Fuchs and Jackie Seitz, both members of D’Oberlanders, entertain the crowd at the 2021 Old Settlers Oktoberfest event in Paddock Lake. JASON ARNDT Our Town

Since then, the event has become a community gathering and includes a fundraiser to finance a band shelter at Old Settlers Park. “Heidi would be very happy,” Lancour said. “It is all about community.” As for the band shelter, the project was

Lake, Wis.

SPRING AHEAD:

LEASE EXTENDED:

Common Council on The March 1 decided to move forward with a plan to allow the Burlington Senior Activity Center a three-year rent-free to hold lease instead of the typical annual renewal. The Senior Center, 587 State St., has been operatedE. by a nonprofit organization city-owned facility sincein a 2018 when the city began allowing the group to not pay rent. The Senior Center serves residents 50 and older from Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties. – Page 3

PANEL TALK: “What Would George Washington Do?” That question will be posed and discussed during a virtual panel discussion scheduled for Tuesday, March 15 at the University of WisconsinParkside. The discussion will explore the nation’s first president’s multi-facete career and his legacies d as a political leader, diplomat, businessman, and cultural figure, and the relevance of his accomplishments in 2022. – Page 3

The Wisconsin National Guard traces its history days before Wisconsin to the achieved statehood, andhad as Wisconsin evolved just and developed over the years, too the Wisconsin Nationalso Guard transformed into something quite different from its humble origins. – Page 4

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SPRING AHEAD:

Delivering a song

The Westosha Central Saxophone Choir school cafetorium . The Westosha Central plays a song in the participated in and hosted the Wisconsin High School Band ciation District Solo School Music Assobands had 45 events and Ensemble Festival Feb. 27. The CHS entered in the Festival. Of those events,

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Evers announces grants to county, city of Kenosha

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on March 3 appeared in Kenosha to announce Neighborho od Fund grants that will Investment support two major projects in Kenosha A $9.85 million grant County. ed to Kenosha County was awardthe relocation of its to support vices functions from Human Serthe Job Center building at 8600 Sheridan to a facility to be developed Road in the Sun Plaza shopping center at 52nd Street and 30th Avenue. A $15 million grant By Jason Arndt will aid the City of Kenosha ates, Inc. to perform EDITOR in its planned an Echo Lake Kenosha Innovation Bob Grandi, of District Dam Removal Park Master While a decision on the Neighborhood 2, strongPlan for ly encouraged Echo Lake $64,000, Dam won’t be made Ayres Associates to (KIN) redevelopment of the former for months the March which could come during a include Chrysler manufactur Burlington Common more 15 meeting. information ing site. about enCouncil continhancements related to “I Peter ues to explore options dam modifi- Evers want to thank Governor leading up to a works, Riggs, director of public cation and his team for helping such as new potential November referendum. told the Common Council to at launches, among kayak and canoe strengthen this project a March 1 Committee The council, which other entities. of the much-needed funds,” with these “I want to see us coming an official position on has not taken meeting the contract includesWhole Kenosha out better County the matter, has tailed a de- for this,” he Executive Jim been discussing the structure’s conceptual said. long- removal restorationplan for post-dam of the county award. Kreuser said, term fate over the last “This and park sult in bringing our Human will representations of dam year through opment for the 70-acre lakebed.devel- Early opposition Services modification closer to thousands The proposed resolution, “The scope includes options and well as potential and thousands meanadditional removal of people we serve, while, drew modeling to achieve compliance and it will be from the state of dam to understand the impacts last week’s opposition well before a boost to Department of Natural area businesses and Committee of the Whole removal on the White Resources. the River whole meeting. and Honey Creek in neighborhood around However, while it.” the The Kenosha grants Members of Save Echo would retain the status modification ment area and upstream impoundwere Lake and nounced of the im- Dam, a quo, the Com- poundment in a news conference anmon Council looks to grassroots group supporting area,” Riggs wrote. held stand the total impact better under- scope of service will also explore“The modifying the dam and preserving at the Kenosha Human Developof removing enhancemen park the structure and restoring ts that could accompany the lake, immediately jumped to con- ment Services headquarters, next door to the future Human clusions on River and Honey Creek the White a dam modification and/or Services to their natu- project.” dredging page arguing the group’s Facebook Building site. ral state. the city has The its mind on removing made up of Riggs, however, said To garner further clarity, the structure nearly grants were a portion of most $213 million in Neighbormon Council could considerthe Com- study would focus on designingof the even though the Common Council park endors- improvemen ing a contract with ts for the dam removal recently endorsed a grant application hood Investment Fund grants anAyres Associ- option. nounced statewide. City of Burlington officials continue removal and modificatio to explore options ED NADOLSKI The related to the Echo Report n, with the decision Lake Dam, including likely to come later total this year.

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City poised for furthe r study of Echo Lake

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Vol. 46 No. 16

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Delivering a song The Westosha

Central Saxophon e Choir school cafetorium . The Westosha Central plays a song in the participated in and hosted the Wisconsin High School Band ciation District Solo School Music Assobands had 45 events and Ensemble Festival Feb. 27. The CHS entered in the Festival. Of those events,

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Report

22 earned performan will be May 7 at the ces at the State Solo and Ensemble , which University of Wisconsin 14 solos, four duets -Parkside. A total and Jazz Central, of phone Ensemble Brass Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble Saxoformances. earned state per-

Evers announces grants to county, city of Kenosha

The Senior Center, 587 State St., has been operatedE. by a nonprofit organization city-owned facility sincein a 2018 when the city began allowing the group to not pay rent. The Senior Center serves residents 50 and older from Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties. – Page 3

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Waterford, WI

HOURS: Mon.-Fri.

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Common Council on The March 1 decided to move forward with a plan to allow the Burlington Senior Activity Center a three-year rent-free to hold lease instead of the typical annual renewal.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on March 3 appeared in Kenosha to announce Neighborho od Fund grants that will Investment support two major projects in Kenosha A $9.85 million grant County. ed to Kenosha County was awardthe relocation of its to support Human Services functions from the Job Center building at 8600 Sheridan to a facility to be developed Road in the Sun Plaza shopping center at 52nd Street and 30th Avenue. A $15 million grant By Jason Arndt will aid the City of Kenosha ates, Inc. to perform EDITOR in its planned an Echo Lake Kenosha Innovation Bob Grandi, of District Dam Removal Park Master While a decision on the Neighborhood 2, strongPlan Echo for Lake (KIN) ly encouraged Ayres $64,000, redevelopment of the Dam won’t be made Associates former for months the March which could come during a include Burlington Common more information about to Chrysler manufacturing site. 15 meeting. Council continenhancements related to “I Peter ues to explore options dam modifi- Evers want to thank Governor leading up to a works, Riggs, director of public cation and his team for helping such as new potential November referendum. told the Common Council to at launches, among kayak and canoe strengthen this project a March 1 Committee The council, which other entities. of the much-needed funds,” with these “I want to see us coming an official position on has not taken meeting the contract includesWhole Kenosha out better County the matter, has tailed a de- for this,” he Executive Jim been discussing the structure’s conceptual said. long- removal restorationplan for post-dam of the county award. Kreuser said, term fate over the last “This and park sult in bringing our Human will representations of dam year through opment for the 70-acre lakebed.devel- Early opposition Services modification closer to thousands The proposed resolution, “The scope includes options and well as potential and thousands mean- of people additional while, drew removal modeling to achieve compliance we serve, opposition to understand and it will be well before the impacts last week’s from the state of dam Department of Natural Committee of the Whole a boost to area businesses and the removal on the Resources. whole neighborhood and Honey Creek in White River meeting. However, while around it.” the The Kenosha grants Members of Save Echo would retain the status modification ment area and upstream impoundwere Lake and nounced of the im- Dam, a quo, the Com- poundment in a news conference anmon Council looks to grassroots group supporting area,” Riggs wrote. held stand the total impact better under- scope of service will also explore“The modifying the dam and preserving at the Kenosha Human Developof removing enhancemen park the structure and restoring ts that could accompany the lake, immediately jumped to con- ment Services headquarters, next door to the future Human clusions on River and Honey Creek the White a dam modification and/or Services to their natu- project.” dredging page arguing the group’s Facebook Building site. ral state. the city has made up of The its mind on removing Riggs, however, said To garner further clarity, the structure nearly grants were a portion of most $213 million in Neighbormon Council could considerthe Com- study would focus on designingof the even though the Common Council park endors- improvemen ing a contract with ts for the dam removal recently endorsed a grant application hood Investment Fund grants anAyres Associ- option. nounced statewide. City of Burlington officials continue removal and modificatio to explore options ED NADOLSKI The related to the Echo Report n, with the decision Lake Dam, including likely to come later total this year.

Fleshing out the options

City poised for furthe r study of Echo Lake

If you need eyewear right & fast, we are Wisconsin’s LARGEST independent eyeglass store.

Dam alternatives

See DAM, Back Page •

“A little out of the way quite a bit out of the ordinary”

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– Page 5

Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 13, at 2 Readers are reminded a.m. to set their clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night. Daylight saving time continues until the first Sunday in November. Wisconsin Emergency Management officials remind residents that the annual time change is a good opportunity to check and change batteries as needed in smoke detectors and other home safety devices.

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Westosha Central’s Anderson and his Wyatt basketball teammates will toward sectionals look week after capturing this a regional champion ship.

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in its final stretch with $135,000 raised entering the 2021 event. Lancour initially forecasted $100,000 for the band shelter, however, figures rose to $150,000 because of rising construction industry costs. “We did intend to build this spring, but with the cost of lumber, we had to cancel that plan and we are going to revisit it next year to see if we can build next spring,” Lancour said. “We are close. If the prices go down, I think we should be there next year.” Lancour also commended Mindy Cooling, of Mindy Cooling State Farm, for assisting with organizing the event. “We could not do this without Mindy Cooling. She is the force behind us getting the donations and organizing the 9/11 memorial,” Lancour said. “She helped with the raffle prizes (and) she handles the vendors. She does an unbelievable amount of work to get this event together.” Cooling, in remembering Schuerstedt, said she believes the 2021 Oktoberfest event fulfilled Heidi’s vision. “Heidi was such a special person,” she said. “She wanted to have this event, not to build a bandshell, but she wanted to have this event to bring the community together and see all of her neighbors together smiling and having a good time.”

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STATE CHAMPS

Aquanuts showcase long elusive hardware in front of home crowd by Jason Arndt EDITOR

top: The Aquanuts ballet line performs along Lake Mary in Twin Lakes during a 2021 water ski show. above: Assistant show director Kailey Koehler and show director Dan Boerman showcase the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation state championship trophy during an awards presentation held last July in Twin Lakes. Koehler earned honors as female Most Valuable Skier. JASON ARNDT PHOTOS Our Town

The Aquanuts edged out show skiing powerhouses the Rock Aqua Jays, of Janesville, and Madison’s Mad-City team, by earning 1,869.48 total points. Co-show announcer Justin Mushel called it redemption for long-time Aquanut team members, some who have decades of experience. “For me, personally, it was great to see the people who have been on the Aquanuts their entire lives and never experienced a state championship to have that moment,” Mushel said.

‘SKI JAM’ In 2021, the Aquanuts performed to the theme of “Ski Jam,” taking a page from the

Looney Tunes flick “Space Jam.” Ski Jam, according to a team program, was based on an alien invasion of the Looney Tunes World. “The evil aliens are looking for a new attraction on their planet and want to take the Tunes back for their entertainment,” the show program states. “The Tunes challenge them to a water ski competition to decide their fate and recruit the help of the Aquanuts to give the aliens some stiff competition,” according to the program. The Aquanuts perform 6 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday on Lake Mary in Twin Lakes from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

OUR TOWN 2022

Aquanut Water Shows, of Twin Lakes, captured the Division 1 Wisconsin State Water Ski Tournament title for the first time in 35 years in 2021 at Red Sands Beach in Wisconsin Rapids. A few days later, at the Lance Park Amphitheater on the shores of Lake Mary, show directors Dan Boerman and Kailey Koehler hoisted the once elusive trophy in front of a large home crowd. Boerman said he didn’t initially realize the Aquanuts last state championship was back in 1986, however, he acknowledged that last year’s team possessed the talent to snap the long drought. “It feels great, I didn’t even realize how long it has been since we last won, but we came into the season strong and we knew we had a great group of people,” he said. The Aquanuts, which claimed multiple individual honors, also had the top ballet line, barefoot skiing act, jump skiing act and pyramid act as well as best pick up boat drivers at the state competition. In all, the Aquanuts took first place in five of eight categories, as well as top finishes from individual team members Ethan Shulda, Koehler and Jared Meyer. Shulda, who hails from Twin Lakes, won the Most Valuable Skier Award while Koehler collected the female Most Valuable Skier Award. Meyer earned the first place award for top trick skier. “Honestly, we did really well in several acts. We were awarded top barefoot act, top pyramid, top jump act, top ballet,” Boerman said. “We really had a full team effort to secure the win.” Shulda achieved the top individual jump act on the first day of the 2021 competition while teammate Cody Coffey placed sixth.

Honeycrisp reigns at Brightonwoods

The orchard also offers other choices for harvest time visitors by Jason Arndt

varieties, from Braeburn to Golden Delicious, up to the second floor.” and Granny Smith to Pazazz. Stone said second and third generation While visitors cannot pick their own children of customers have been known to Brightonwoods Orchard boasts hundreds come and spend time in the tree house. of apple varieties on its property near Richard apples, they are free to explore the familyowned orchard and there is no charge for “It is a lot of fun... they make a mess Bong State Recreation Area in the Town of admission. sometimes,” Stone joked. Brighton. Stone said Brightonwoods Orchard does Customers, as in previous years, were still But, according to owner Bill Stone, most not offer a pick-your-own apples feature welcome to explore the orchard for free. people gravitate to the Honeycrisp, simply because the property grows more than 100 “We let people walk in the orchard – that because the apple offers the features many varieties, which can create confusion. is very popular. We don’t charge admission,” are looking for. “Not all apples get ripe at the same time,” he said. “I’d say Honeycrisp is probably the he said. “We start to pick ripe apples in July most popular,” he said last fall. “People like Family-owned and every week a different one comes in.” crunchy and juicy apples. Honeycrisp meets Irving Puntenney, Stone’s father-in-law, Inside the barn, the orchard offers apple all of those criteria.” began Brightonwoods Orchard in 1950 as a cider, apple butter, jams and mixes, honey, Stone said the Honeycrisp typically stores weekend retreat. Glas All Natural Products and wine from the well in the refrigerator and could last up to Initially a hobby orchard, it grew from onsite AEppelTreow Winery and Distillery. six months, unlike other varieties. three to about 16 acres with thousands of Brightonwoods’ other features include The University of Minnesota apple dwarf and semi-dwarf trees. the return of the tree house, which is popular breeding program developed the Honeycrisp Stone, who married Irving’s daughter, among visitors who bring children. from a 1960 cross of Macon and Honeygold, Judith, began helping Irving in 1977 around Paula Puntenney, Stone’s sister-in-law and according to Minnesota state history. the time he was a practicing oncologist a co-owner, said they decided to close the “The original seedling was planted in seeing patients in the Burlington, Racine and tree house in 2020 because of the pandemic. 1962,” the State of Minnesota website states. Kenosha areas. “We had a lot of sad children ... but they “Today, millions of Honeycrisp apple trees For more information, including operating are happy it is back,” she said. “It has little are grown across the U.S. and Canada and as hours for 2022, visit brightonwoodsorchard. tables and chairs for kids, a little kitchen, the far away as South Africa and New Zealand.” com or follow the orchard on Facebook. little girls like it a lot. The boys like to climb /TheSharingCenterSEWI Brightonwoods Orchard also has other EDITOR

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Asistencia De Empleo Westosha Head Start is a Voucher Resources Senior Services:

Housing •• Diapers • Diapers Children’s Services: Housing & Homeless Services Food Pantry: • Holiday Gifts

federally funded, school readiness preschool • WIC on Go! the Go! WIC on the • Diapers Diapers • Senior Resource Senior Resource Specialist • Stock Box: Extra Pantry Staples Alojamiento Y Specialist Servicios The Center Also Offers: • Emergency & Utility Assista • Featuring Healthy Food Options •• Stock Box: Extra Pantry Staples Para Rent • on Car Seats Car Seats • WIC&on the Go! for children • FREE Bus Transportation Food Delivery WIC the Go!Supplies • Cleaning Rent & Energy Assistance • Senior Resource Specialistof all abilities between • Senior Resource Specialist Personas Sin Hogar Veteran’s Services: Veteran’s Services: •• School Supplies School Supplies • Car Seats • Computer & Internet Access ‘No Wrong Door’ Homelessness P • Pet Food Car Seats the ages of 3-5. • Through a• partnership with Kenosha County • Mental Through aServices: partnership with Kenosha County Veteran’s Services: •Veteran’s Health Advocacy • Holiday Holiday GiftsGifts • Hygiene Items School Supplies Domestic Violence Services School Supplies Asistencia De Alquiler Y • Applications for Food Share / Food Stamps Federal Guidelines Apply Veterans Administration Veterans Administration • Through a partnership with Kenosha County • Holidaywith GiftsKenosha County • &Through a partnership Household & Clothing Closet: • Food Holiday Gifts Food Pantry: Pantry: Energy Assistance For Men & Women Energía Veterans Administration • Gently Used Clothing & Household Administration The Center Also Offers: TheVeterans Center Also Offers: • Featuring Healthy OptionsItems • Featuring Healthy FoodFood Options Food Pantry: Food Pantry: • Diapers Like our Facebook page • FREE Bus Transportation & Food Delivery • FREE Bus Transportation & Healthy Food Delivery The Center Also Offers: • Cleaning Supplies • Mental Cleaning Supplies • Featuring Food Options Health Advocacy Servicios De Violencia The organization CenterinAlso Offers: TheHealthy Sharing Center is a community supported, 501(c)3 non-profit Trevor, Wisconsin. Our mission is • Featuring Food Options Computer &environment Internet https://facebook.com/westoshaheadstart • Computer &inInternet Access • FREE Bus Transportation & Food Delivery provide basicWIC needs and empower people in their transition to•independence, an ofAccess respect and on the Go! •• Pet toFood • Pet Food • Cleaning Supplies • FREE BusKenosha Transportation & Food Doméstica Para Hombres Y • Cleaning dignity. Supplies Its extensive programs regularly serve 3500 residents of Western County. Your donations keep Delivery • Mental Health Advocacy • Mental • Computer & Internet Access • Hygiene Items • Online Hygiene Items Ordering • Advocacy Pet Food warm and housed, learning new job skills, and springboard themHealth to a & new life of financial independence. • Computer Internet Access • Pet Foodfamilies • Car Seats Mujeres • Applications for Food Share / Food Stamps • Applications for Hygiene Food Share / Food Stamps • Mental Health Advocacy Options: Items • Mental Health•Advocacy Household & Clothing Closet: & Clothing Closet: • Household Hygiene Items & Energy Assistance & Energy Assistance • Applications for Food Share / Food Stamps FREE Bus Transportation &ItemsItems• Applications School Supplies for Food Share & /Mental Food StampsCloset: •• Gently Clothing & Household • Gently UsedUsed Clothing & Household Household Clothing Defensa De La Salud Full Assistance Day Half Day 4k Partners & Energy Household & Clothing Closet: & Energy Assistance Food Delivery • Gently Used Clothing & Household Items • Holiday Gifts • Gently Used Clothing & Household Items Preschool for a Full Day Preschool Pedidos En Línea

Children’s Services:

www.thesharingcenter.net

The Sharing Center is a community supported, 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Trevor, Wisconsin. Our mission is The Sharing Center is a community supported, 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Trevor, Wisconsin. Our mission is to provide and empower people in transition their transition to independence, an environment of respect to provide basic basic needsneeds and empower people in their to independence, in an in environment of respect and and The Sharing is a community dignity. Its extensive programs regularly serve residents of Western County. Your donations keep supported, 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Trevor, Wisconsin. Our mission is dignity. ItsCenter extensive regularly serve 3500 3500 residents oforganization Western Kenosha County. YourCenter donations keepis The Sharing is a programs community supported, 501(c)3 non-profit inKenosha Trevor, Wisconsin. Our mission to provide basic needs and empower families and housed, learning newskills, job skills, and springboard to alife new of financial independence. people in their transition to independence, in an environment of respect and warm and housed, learning new job and springboard themthem to a new oflife financial independence. tofamilies provide basicwarm needs and empower people in their transition to independence, in an environment of respect and regularly serve 3500 residents of Western Kenosha County. Your donations keep dignity. Its extensive programs dignity. Its extensive programs regularly serve 3500 residents of Western Kenosha County. donations keep familiesYour warm and housed, learning new job skills, and springboard them to a new life of financial independence. families warm and housed, learning new job skills, and springboard them to a new life of financial independence. 413348

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OUR TOWN 2022

•• •• •• ••

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Ray of

SUNSHINE Halie Hart, general manager of Thompson Strawberry Farm in Bristol, stands in a sea of sunflowers along Highway 50 in Kenosha County on a warm July day last summer. JASON ARNDT Our Town

Thompson’s brought back pick-your-own sunflowers by Jason Arndt EDITOR

Visitor features

Thompson Strawberry Farm dedicated 40 acres to sunflowers in 2021.

Customers gained admission, which included a half-dozen sunflowers, at a cost of $12 for adults and $6 for children. Hart said everyone who paid admission received six sunflowers however, customers could pay an additional $5 for another six sunflowers or $10 for an extra dozen. She said customers could also tour a new feature at Thompson Strawberry Farm. “We also have a corn maze ... and that is also included in the price of admission to the sunflower field,” she said. Professional photographers hosting photo sessions at the farm received free admission, with some conditions in place.

Recommendations

Hart and Thompson offered tips for customers looking to visit the farm, including some safety reminders. “Bring something to cut the flowers with, we really want people to bring something they can cut the flowers with,” Thompson said last summer. “Obviously with the pandemic, if you have your own stuff, you won’t have to worry about sterilizing anything.” Additional recommendations include wearing comfortable shoes and water to drink while exploring the sunflower fields. Thompson Strawberry Farm provided rubber bands to tie the sunflowers together as well as plastic bags with water. For more information, visit the website at www.thompsonstrawberryfarm.com.

OUR TOWN 2022

Sunflowers are a ray of sunshine and Thompson Strawberry Farm features plenty of the beaming flowers for customers to admire and choose from. Thompson Strawberry Farm, 14000 75th St., Bristol, planted 4 million sunflowers by mid-October of 2021, doubling the amount from its inaugural year in 2020. Scott Thompson, fourth-generation owner, said he and others came up with the idea as a way to safely bring people together during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have always talked about sunflowers and what a perfect year to do it,” he said last summer. “People were looking for a ray of sunshine anywhere they can get it. So, we did that, and we were just blown away with input that we got here.” Thompson said he saw many visitors come to the farm with delighted faces in 2020 and that was all it took to want to vamp things up the second year. With the COVID-19 pandemic still a factor, Thompson believed families would

want to return in 2021. “Everybody just seemed so happy, so we thought, we are still in the pandemic, people are going to be looking for that outdoor activity. That fun family activity to get everybody together and so we doubled everything we did,” he said. The strawberry farm opened its field for sunflowers the weekend of July 18 last year, which was earlier than the 2020 opening. TimeOut.com, an online lifestyle magazine, called Thompson Strawberry Farm the top sunflower field near Chicago. Additionally, Country Thang Daily, which typically profiles country music and has more than 1 million followers on Facebook nationwide, named Thompson Strawberry Farm one of the 30 best sunflower fields in the United States. Thompson Strawberry Farm’s Assistant General Manager Halie Hart has been an employee for about eight years and always looks forward to coming to work. The sunflower season, Hart said, makes her job more worthwhile because of the positive feedback from customers. “I just like how happy people are to come here,” she said last July. “It makes me want to show up to work everyday. It makes me want to be out there interacting with customers.”

Our Schools BRIGHTON NO. 1 SCHOOL DISTRICT

President: Deanna Krumm Vice President: Dennis Hrupka Treasurer: Colleen Belmont Clerk: Kristine Kordecki Member: Curt Nikula

Brighton School 1200 248th Avenue Kansasville, WI 53139 262-878-2191 FAX 262-878-2869 www.brightonschool.net District Administrator: Gary Albrecht School Board: Meets in the Library at 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. President: Paul Craven Treasurer: Doug Shulski Clerk: Judy Uhlenhake

RANDALL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL JOINT DISTRICT NO. 1 Randall Consolidated School 37101 87th Street Burlington, WI 53105 262-537-2211 FAX 262-537-2280 www.randall.k12.wi.us District Administrator: Robert Antholine Principal: Janet Elrod Assistant Principal: John LaFleur School Board: Meets at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the school library. President: Kelly James-Piccolo Vice President: Richard Petska Treasurer: Steven Calderwood Clerk: Randy Nolan Member: Mary Thornton

BRISTOL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 Bristol School 20121 83rd Street Bristol, WI 53104 262-857-2334 FAX 857-6644 www.bristol.k12.wi.us District Administrator: Jack Musha Principal: Holly Graf Associate Principal: Keri Heusdens School Board: Meets at the school in the library on the second Wednesday of the month. President: Adam Scheele Vice President: Stephanie Butenhoff Treasurer: Michael Saad Clerk: Sue Kratowicz Deputy Clerk/Treasurer: Corie Bies

OUR TOWN 2022

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WESTOSHA

Westosha Central High School 24617 75th Street Salem, WI 53168 262-843-2321 FAX: 262-8434069 www.westosha.k12.wi.us District Administrator: John Gendron Principal: Dale Van Keuren Assistant Principals: Peter Haubrich Tom Neave School Board: Meets at 5 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the All Purpose Room. President: Steve Richter Vice President: Cheryl Baysinger Clerk: Bill Watson Treasurer: Jeff Kinzler Members: Bonnie Felske

SILVER LAKE SALEM SCHOOL DISTRICT

above: Westosha Central graduates toss their caps in the air on the school football field following the June 6 commencement. top: Paul Capelli, Westosha Central 2021 Class President, holds onto his cap while delivering the annual Rite of Passage during the school’s commencement last June. JASON ARNDT PHOTOS Our Town

Bill Lois Jay Nutting GENOA CITY JOINT 2 SCHOOL DISTRICT District Office 1020 Hunter’s Ridge Drive Genoa City, WI 53128 262-279-1053 FAX 279-1052 www.genoacityschools.org Superintendent: Kellie Bohn Brookwood Elementary 630 Kossuth Street Genoa City, WI 53128 262-279-6496 Principal: Luke Braden Brookwood Middle School 1020 Hunter’s Ridge Drive Genoa City, WI 53128 262-279-1053 Principal: Tori Franz

Lake Geneva Star Center Elementary School W1380 Lake Geneva Highway Lake Geneva, WI 53147 262-348-7000 FAX 262-279-7938 sces.badger.k12.wi.us Principal: Chiper Tennessen PARIS CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT JOINT #1 Paris Consolidated School 1901 176th Avenue Kenosha, WI 53144 262-859-2350 FAX 262-859-2641 www.paris.k12.wi.us District Administrator/Principal: Roger Gahart School Board: Meets in the school library at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month.

Riverview School 300 E. Prosser Street P.O. Box 69 Silver Lake, WI 53170 262-889-4384 FAX 262-889-8450 silverlakejt1.k12.wi.us District Administrator: Jon Schleusner Principal: Andrea Zackery School Board: The School Board typically meets on the fourth Monday of each month. President: James Walker Vice President: Amy Regnier Treasurer: Cheryl Masnova Clerk: Michael Gentile Secretary: David Van Kampen SALEM SCHOOL DISTRICT Salem Grade School 8828 Antioch Road P.O. Box 160 Salem, WI 53168 262-843-2356 FAX 262-843-2506 www.salem.k12.wi.us District Administrator: Connie Valenza Principal (4K-5): Patty Fitzgerald Principal (6-8): Ryan Sandberg School Board: Meets fourth Tuesday of the

Our Schools month at 7 p.m. in the school’s large group instruction room. President: Dana Powers Vice President: Nick Pauloni Treasurer: Ted Goergen Clerk: Steve Brown Deputy Clerk: Jack Niccolai TREVOR-WILMOT CONSOLIDATED GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT Trevor-Wilmot School 26325 Wilmot Road Trevor, WI 53179 262-862-2356 FAX 262-862-9226 www.trevorwilmotschool.net District Administrator: Michelle Garven Principal: Tracy Donich School Board: Meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the library. President: Eric Themanson Vice President: Matthew Connor Treasurer: Jennifer Youra Clerk: Cole Marshall Member: Christy Villalobos WILMOT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT Wilmot Union High School 11112 308th Avenue P. O. Box 8 Wilmot, WI 53192 262-862-2351 FAX 262-862-6929 www.wilmothighschool.com Interim District Administrator: Vance Dalzin District Leader: Amber Torres Associate Principals: Dan Bender Tom Blair Emily Soley-Johnson President: Laurie DeMoon Vice President: Erin Tassone Treasurer: Janine Morgan Clerk: Kelly Hansen Members: Nate Colborn, Melissa Samborski TWIN LAKES SCHOOL DISTRICT 4

WHEATLAND J1 SCHOOL DISTRICT Wheatland Center School 6606 368th Avenue Burlington, WI 53105 262-537-2216 FAX 262-537-4059 www.wheatland.k12.wi.us District Administrator: Marty McGinley Principal: Drew Halbesma School Board: Meets at 7 p.m. on the third or fourth Wednesday of the month in the Community Center room #164. President: Christopher Serak Vice President: Kenneth Humphrey Treasurer: Heidie Dunn Clerk: Rachael Crane Assistant Treasurer/Secretary: Randy Ebertowski AREA PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS Catholic Central High School 148 McHenry Street Burlington, WI 53105 262-763-1510 www.catholiccentralhs.org Principal: Bonnie Scholz School Secretary: Rosa Tadeo Athletic Director/Dean of Students: Tom Aldrich Shoreland Lutheran High School 9026 12th Street Kenosha, WI 53144 262-859-2595 www.slhs.us President: Paul Scriver Director of Guidance: Jeffrey Dorn BURLINGTON CATHOLICS SCHOOLS St. Mary’s Campus www.stmb.org 225 W. State St., Burlington 262-763-1515 St. Charles Campus www.mystcharles.org 449 Conkey St. 262-763-2848 Principal: Emily Berg

The Wilmot Union High School academic decathlon team captured a Division II national title in 2021. SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town

Wilmot decathletes claim national title The National Academic Decathlon didn’t happen in 2020 because of COVID-19. However, Wilmot Union High School decathletes claimed the 2019 national title and successfully defended its championship by virtue of succession last year. Wilmot, the reigning state champion, captured its fourth national title behind the highest score in school history. According to coach Don Serkowski, records in school scoring for music, literature and art propelled the team to victory. “Our kids rallied big time and made it happen, it fully demonstrates their tenacity to achieve at the highest level at the most important competition of the year. They were simply outstanding and as a result got to walk-off as national champions,” Serkowski said. First in history Wilmot saw four decathletes score more than 8,000 points at a national decathlon - a first in program history. Graduate Anna Carroll and then sophomore Isaac Keen both scored above 8,000 at state and joined teammates Meadow Loveless (graduate) and Sydney Fontaine (then a junior) in accomplishing the feat during national competition. “I can’t express how big that was, that level of balance made them very formidable to beat. They are a true team through and through,” Serkowski said.

National recognition Three Wilmot decathletes garnered individual recognition, including Carroll, who garnered the team’s top score and received a $250 scholarship. And, for finishing as the top scholastic scorer in Division II, Carroll took home another $1,000 cash scholarship. “She’s irreplaceable for all she’s accomplished and meant to her teammates and to me as a coach,” Serkowski said. Loveless picked up multiple scholarships, including a $1,000 award as the top scorer in Division II, along with another $750 scholarship because of her total score in essay, speech and literature. McCutchan earned the second best score in the varsity division and earned scholarships of $750 and $200. Keen was Wilmot’s second overall leading scorer behind Carroll. “He has such a very bright future in his remaining two years in academic decathlon, to be sure. Isaac will be the pillar our team will be built around these next few years,” Serkowski said. Fontaine also rallied in national competition following her state appearance. She, along with Keen, form a rock-solid returning base this year. She and several teammates missed scoring a perfect 1,000 on Music by one question. Wilmot decathletes captured six gold medals of a possible nine.

OUR TOWN 2022

Lakewood School 1218 Wilmot Avenue Twin Lakes, WI 53181 262-877-2148 FAX 262-877-4507 www.twinlakes.k12.wi.us District Administrator: Christine Anderson School Board: Meets the third Monday of the

month at 6 p.m. Board President: Steve Turner Vice President: Rhett Suhre Clerk: Kathy Ticha Members: Amanda Hahn, Joanna Dietman

Our Government Town of Bloomfield Town Board meets the second Monday of the month at the Bloomfield Municipal Center at 5:30 p.m. N1100 Town Hall Road P. O. Box 704 Pell Lake, WI 53157 262-279-6039 FAX 262-279-3545 Email: townclerk@ townofbloomfield.com Hours: Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays and from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Chairperson: Daniel Schoonover Clerk/ Treasurer: Lori Domino Supervisors: Tom Sullivan Sue Leedle Assessor: Associated Appraisal Consultants, 920-749-1995. Building Inspector: Joe Mesler 262-215-3711 Municipal Judge: Michael S. Brittain 262-279-3556 Police Chief: Lloyd Cole 262-279-3454 Fire Chief: Fred Schalow 262-279-2033

OUR TOWN 2022

Town of Brighton

Town Board meets second Monday of each month at the Town Hall at 7 p.m. 25000 Burlington Road P.O. Box 249 Kansasville, WI 53139 262-878-2218 FAX 262-878-5489 www.brightonwi.org Email: clerk-treasurer@ brightonwi.org. Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays from noon to 5 p.m.; Fridays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Chairperson: Susan Crane Supervisors: Mark Schmidt Dave DeVito Clerk Treasurer: Linda L. Perona 262-878-2218 Assessor: Rocco Vita 262-925-6707 Building Inspector: Don Fox 262-878-3358 Town of Paris Town Board meets fourth Tuesday of each month at the

Paris Safety Building at 7 p.m. 16607 Burlington Road Union Grove, WI 53182 262-859-3006 FAX 262-8593008 town-of-paris.org Email: info@townofparis.org Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chairperson: John Holloway Supervisors: Ron Buttke Kenneth Monson Clerk/Treasurer: Diana Coughlin Assessor: Associated Appraisal Consultants 800-721-4157 Building Inspector: Don Fox 262-537-4568 Assistant Fire Chief: Richard Perkins 262-859-3009 Town of Randall Town Board meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the Town Hall at 7 p.m. 34530 Bassett Road Burlington, WI 53105 262-877-2165 FAX 262-877-9032 www.townofrandall.com Email: clerk@townofrandall.com Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Chairperson: Robert Stoll Supervisors: Paula Soderman Randy Kaskin Nancy Kemp Julie Horbach Clerk: Callie Rucker Treasurer: Amy Hookstead Assessor: Rocco Vita 262-925-6707 Building Inspector: Ellis Border Enforcement Officer: Thomas Huffine Town of Wheatland Town Board meets second and fourth Monday of each month at the Town Hall at 6 p.m. 34315 Geneva Road P.O. Box 797 New Munster, WI 53152 262-537-4340 FAX 262-537-4261 www.townwheatland.com Email: smsiegler@ townwheatland.com

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chairman: William M. Glembocki Supervisors: Andrew J. Lois Kelly A. Wilson Clerk: Sheila M. Siegler Treasurer: Deborah K. Vos Municipal Judge: Terry M. Simmons Assessor: Associated Appraisal Consultants, Inc. 800-721-4157 Building Inspector: Tim Popanda Constable: Robert Santelli, Jr. Fire Chief: Louis Denko Village of Bloomfield Village Board meetings are typically held the second Monday of the month at the Bloomfield Municipal Center at 6 p.m. N1100 Town Hall Road P. O. Box 704 Pell Lake, WI 53157 262-279-6039 FAX 262-279-3545 villageofbloomfield.com Email: ckinsch@bloomfield-wi.us Village Administrator: Lloyd Cole Village Clerk: Candace Kinsch Village Treasurer: Pat Alvarez President: Dan Aronson Trustees: Natalie Alvarez Susan Bernstein Kevin Conlon Rita Marcinkus Assessor: Associated Appraisal Consultants. Inc, 920-749-1995 Building Inspector: Joe Mesler 262-215-3711 Municipal Judge: Michael S. Brittain 262-279-3556 Police Chief: Lloyd Cole 262-279-3454 Fire Chief: Fred Schalow 262-279-2033 Village of Bristol The Village Board meets second and fourth Monday of each month at the Bristol

Municipal Building at 7 p.m. 19801 83rd Street Bristol, WI 53104 262-857-2368 FAX 262-857-2136 www.villageofbristol.org Email: clerk@villageofbristol.org Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Village Administrator: Randy Kerkman Clerk/Treasurer: Amy Klemko President: Mike Farrell Trustees: Chris Leker Carolyn Owens Kris Kordecki John McCabe Assessor: Assoc. Appraisal Cons., Inc. (800) 721-4157 Building Inspector: Don Fox Phil Petroski Fire Chief: John Niederer 262-857-2711 Village of Genoa City Village Board meets the second Thursday of each month at the Village Hall at 7 p.m. 755 Fellows Road, P.O. Box 428 Genoa City, WI 53128 262-279-6472 FAX 279-6618 www.genoacity.info Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Village President: Ken Parker Trustees: Dave Kamholtz Jim Krause Duane Gallo Paul Jargstorf Phillip Traskaski Police Chief: Joseph Balog 262-279-6252 Fire Chief: Fred Schalow 262-279-2033 Clerk/Treasurer: Kate Dennis Assessor: Associated Appraisal Consultants, Inc. 800-721-4157 Building Inspector: James DeLuca Village of Paddock Lake Village Board meets third Wednesday of each month at the Municipal Building at 7 p.m. 6969 236th Avenue Paddock Lake, WI 53168

Our Government 262-843-2713 FAX 843-3409 www.paddocklake.net Email: villagehall@ paddocklake.net Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Village Administrator: Tim Popanda President: Terry Burns Trustees: Barbara Brenner Renee Brickner Scott Garland John Poole Gloria Walter Robert Spencer Clerk/Treasurer: Michelle Shramek Deputy Clerk/Treasurer: Marla McIntyre Municipal Judge: Robert E. Brenner Assessor: Associated Appraisal Consultants, Inc. 800-721-4157 Building Inspector: Tim Popanda Village of Salem Lakes

Village of Twin Lakes The Regular Village Board meets on the third Monday of each month at the Village Hall at 6:30 p.m. Committee of the Whole meets first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. 108 E. Main Street P.O. Box 1024 Twin Lakes, WI 53181 262-877-2858 www.villageoftwinlakes.net Email: info@twinlakeswi.net Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Village Administrator: Laura Roesslein Village President: Howard Skinner Trustees: Sharon Bower Bill Kaskin Kevin Fitzgerald Aaron Karow Jeremy Knoll Barb Andres Clerk: Sabrina Waswo Deputy Clerk/Building Assistant: Julie Harms Municipal Judge: Bruce Goodnough Assessor: Accurate Appraisal 800770-3927 Building Inspector: Ellis Border Police Chief: Adam Grosz Non-emergency 262-877-9056 Fire Chief: Stan Clause, Jr. Deputy Fire Chief: Don Schemenauer Non-emergency 262-877-2373

The Village of Twin Lakes Police Department welcomed a new K-9 unit to its force last year. Jaxx, sworn into service at a Village Board meeting in the spring of 2021, is a Belgian Malinois and serves a dual purpose for the department. While he is trained in narcotics searches, according to police officials, Jaxx can also track and help apprehend suspects. His training began in the Netherlands before being transported to Tennessee for continued education. In late 2020, the police department used funds raised through the community to purchase Jaxx, and eventually partnered him with handler and officer Jeffrey Comp. The duo trained together at Double Dutch Acres in Delavan for about six weeks. Comp and Jaxx learned different skills and tactics to utilize in an effort to keep the Village of Twin Lakes a safe place to live, work and visit, according to the department. Jaxx replaces Rex as Twin

Lakes’ K-9. Like Rex, Jaxx plays a key role in helping the police department keep drugs off the streets and assisting families in distress during specific situation such as domestic disturbances.

top: Twin Lakes police officer Jeffrey Comp and K9 partner Jaxx began working together last year. above: K9 Jaxx sits in front of the police station on Lance Drive in the Village of Twin Lakes.

OUR TOWN 2022

The Regular Village Board meets the second Monday of each month at the Village Hall at 6 p.m.; A Special Meeting or Committee of the Whole Meetings is on the first Monday of the month, if needed. 9814 Antioch Road Salem, WI 53168 262-843-2313 FAX 262-843-4432 www.villageofsalemlakes.og Email: shahn@voslwi.org Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Village Administrator: Mike Murdock Village Clerk: Shannon Hahn Village Treasurer: Chris Lamb Board President: Diann Tesar Board Trustees: Dan Campion Mike Culat Dennis Faber Ron Gandt William Hopkins Ted Kmiec Municipal Judge: Michael Langel

Court Clerk: Christine Kniep Building Inspector: Ellis Border Assessor: Rocco Vita 262-925-6707 Fire Chief: Jim Lejcar Fire and Rescue Departments: Trevor Station: 11252 254th Court 262-862-2431 or 911 Salem Fire and Rescue: 8339 Antioch Road 262-843-2170 or 911 Wilmot Station: 30400 Wilmot Road 262-862-2801 or 911

Twin Lakes Police Dept. welcomes new K-9 unit

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Our Town

Celebrating independence Libertyfest returned to the Village of Twin Lakes last July following a one-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual event is typically held on the Saturday before Independence Day and features a parade, activities at Lance Park Beach, an Aquanuts Water Ski Show and fireworks at dusk. above: Classic cars fill the streets of Twin Lakes during the annual Libertyfest parade held in early July in the downtown area. The parade features many floats and participants. top right: Members of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department lead last year’s Libertyfest parade in downtown Twin Lakes. right: Fire officials from the Village of Twin Lakes, Town of Randall and Town of Wheatland participate in the 2021 Libertyfest parade. JASON ARNDT PHOTOS Our Town

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OUR TOWN 2022

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Our Recreation BICYCLING

HIKING

Pike Bike Trail Hike or bike along the 10.2-mile trail through Kenosha County. The scenic trail runs along points of interest including three National Register Historic Districts, Lake Michigan, two historic lighthouses, recreational opportunities, and Poerio Nature Center. 653-4050

Bong State Recreation Area Prairie conservation site includes areas for hiking, swimming, horse trails, bike paths, controlled hunting, cross-country skiing, specialty areas, and natural history museum. $25 (in-state) one-year pass includes entrance to all state parks. 26313 Burlington Road (Highway 142) Kansasville 878-5600 www.dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/ richardbong

Kenosha County Bike Trail Converted rail bed offers a flat, traffic free path to connect Kenosha to communities to the North and South. The trail follows the old North Shore railbed North-South through Kenosha County. There are two separate segments on either the north or south side of the city of Kenosha. The sections can be bridged with the separate Pike Bike Trail through Kenosha along the lakefront, creating a seamless trail through Kenosha county.

GOLFING Brighton Dale Links 18 holes 830 248th Avenue Kansasville 262-697-4653 www.golfbrightondale.com Bristol Oaks Country Club 18 holes 16801 75th Street (Highway 50) Bristol 262-857-2302 www.bristoloaks.com Nippersink Country Club 18 holes N1055 Tombeau Road Genoa City 262-279-6311 www.nippersinkresort.com Petrifying Springs Golf Course 4909 7th St. Kenosha 262-697-4653

Twin Lakes Country Club 18 holes 1230 Legion Drive Twin Lakes 262-877-2500 www.tlccgolf.com

New Munster Wildlife Area 344th Ave. Burlington 888-936-7463 Fox River Park 9521 304th Ave. Burlington 262-889-4710 KD Park 8530 352nd Ave. Twin Lakes 262-857-1869

PARKS Bong State Recreation Area Prairie conservation site includes areas for hiking, swimming, horse trails, bike paths, controlled hunting, cross-country skiing, specialty areas, and natural history museum. $25 (in-state) one-year pass includes entrance to all state parks. 26313 Burlington Road (Highway 142) Kansasville 878-5600 www.dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/ richardbong Bristol Woods County Park (Home of Pringle Nature Center) Highway C and County MB Bristol 262-857-8008 www.pringlenc.org Fox River Park 9521 304th Ave. Burlington 857-1869 www.co.kenosha.wi.us/publicworks/ parks/locations.html Lance Park 55 Lance Drive Twin Lakes 877-2599

Millennium Park Stateline and Richmond Park Drive Twin Lakes 877-2858 Mueller Park Sunset Court and Hunt Avenue Twin Lakes 877-2858 New Munster Wildlife Area 344th Ave. Burlington 888-936-7463 Old Settlers Park 24100 75th St. Paddock Lake 857-1869 www.co.kenosha.wi.us/publicworks/ parks/locations.html Prime Baseball Park 175 S. Carter St. Genoa City 279-6675 Schmalfeldt Park 498 E. Wisconsin Silver Lake Silver Lake Park 27000 85th St. Silver Lake 857-1869 West Side Park 2238 Spiegelhoff Road Twin Lakes 877-2858 Western Kenosha Historical Society Grounds 25905 114th Street Trevor 862-7165 www.kenoshacohistory.org

RACING Wilmot Speedway Kenosha County Fair Grounds 30820 111th Street Wilmot 862-2090 www.wilmotraceway.com

RECREATION Anderson Arts Center 6603 3rd Avenue Kenosha 653-0481

Aquanut Water Shows P. O. Box 118 Twin Lakes, WI 53181 Show Site: Lance Park, Twin Lakes www.aquanutwatershows.com 6 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, Memorial Day through Labor Day Bristol Renaissance Faire 12550 120th Avenue Bristol 847-395-7773 www.renfair.com/bristol Saturday and Sunday July through August Civil War Museum 5400 First Avenue Kenosha 653-4141 www.museums.kenosha.org/ civilwar/ Country Thunder USA 2305 Lance Drive Twin Lakes 877-388-0007 www.countrythunder.com/festivals/ twin-lakes-wi Email: info@countrythunder.com Dinosaur Discovery Museum 5608 10th Avenue Kenosha 653-4450 www.museums.kenosha.org/ dinosaur/ Kenosha Public Museum 5500 First Avenue Kenosha 653-4140 www.museums.kenosha.org/public/

SKIING Grand Geneva Resort 7036 Grand Geneva Way Lake Geneva 800-558-3417 www.grandgeneva.com Kenosha County Cross Country Ski Trails Different cross-country ski trails are located throughout four county parks, as well as Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Call Kenosha County Parks Department (857-1869) or Richard Bong State Recreation Area (878-5600) to confirm conditions. Wilmot Mountain Inc. 11931 Fox River Road Wilmot 862-2301 www.wilmotmountain.com

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Spring Valley Country Club 18 holes 23913 Wilmot Road Salem 262-862-2626 www.springvalleyccgolf.com

Bristol Woods Park 9800 160th St. Bristol 262-857-1869

Legion Park 989 Legion Drive Twin Lakes 877-2858

Reviving an abandoned Air Base Bong Recreation Area once considered for military use

by Jason Arndt EDITOR

Richard Bong State Recreation Area features a variety of attractions for people of all ages, interests and abilities, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The 4,515-acre multi-use recreation area, which sits in the Town of Brighton in Kenosha County, boasts 217 campsites, a nature center, lookout tower, birding, hunting, canoeing, fishing, hiking, among a series of other recreational opportunities. Other opportunities, the DNR states, consist of eight trails ranging from 0.7 to 8.3 miles with different terrains as well as scenery. “Hikers have more than 16 miles of trails to explore, through a variety of habitat,” the DNR states on its website. Bong Recreation Area, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, also features areas for fishing on Wolf Lake as well as opportunities to swim on a 200-foot beach on the sprawling land near highways 75 and 142. The sprawling land consisting of thousands of acres, according to Burlington Historical Society records, became a designated recreational area during an Oct. 9, 1966 dedication ceremony. While thousands of people have likely visited since then, participating in multiple activities, the story of Richard Bong State Recreation Area began much earlier as an Air Force base abandoned by the federal government. And what about the recreation area’s namesake, Richard Ira Bong, who grew up in northern Wisconsin?

Air Force ace Richard Bong, also known as “Dick,” earned induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1986 after a short – but

The Richard Bong State Recreation Area features many attractions, ranging from miles of hiking trails to campgrounds, and recently broke ground on a Nature Explore Classroom. The classroom is not yet open to the public but is nearing completion. SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town

well-decorated – career as a World War II Air Force fighter pilot. Maj. Bong, born in 1920, spent his childhood growing up on his family farm near Poplar, Wisconsin, about 20 miles southeast of Superior, the Aviation Hall of Fame states. Bong finished among the top in his high school class while participating in 4-H, angling waterways, hunting and even played the cabinet. Bong, however, found his first exposure to aviation in 1928 when then-President Calvin Coolidge vacationed and established

a summer White House near Superior. “(Coolidge) received his mail every day by airplane. Dick was fascinated,” the Aviation Hall of Fame states. “Later he recalled that the mailplane ‘flew right over our house and I knew I wanted to be a pilot.’” About a decade later, in 1938, Bong still maintained his career mission of becoming a pilot while attending Superior State Teachers’ College. Shortly after, Bong enlisted in U.S. Army Air Corps, around the time the United States entered World War II.

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“Dick became America’s all-time Ace of Aces, downing 40 enemy planes in the Pacific theater of the war while flying P-38 fighter planes,” the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center states. “His many decorations for outstanding skills and extraordinary courage included the Congressional Medal of Honor.” Bong, however, saw his life cut short at 24 years old after being killed test piloting the first Lockheed jet fighter plane in 1945. Bong, who returned to the United States to marry his wife, Marjorie, experienced the fatal crash in Southern California. The Burlington Standard Press, which published a 1969 retrospective of Bong’s story, reported the accomplished pilot woke up with a plan, including a movie with his wife. “I’m taking up one of the new planes today,” he told his wife. However, in the afternoon, a “Shooting Star roared down a Lockheed runway. Four minutes, one of its jet engines exploded, the plane crashed, and Dick died.” Bong died with 500 air combat hours and holder of 26 decorations, according to the Standard Press, which reported he was buried with full military honors. State officials began honoring Bong with memorials such as renaming the Superior municipal airport in his name. The Burlington Standard Press, however, asked one compelling question. “In what way did the nation posthumously honor its ‘ace of aces?”

Rumors, opposition

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noting problems like land acquisitions from farmers, environmental issues, loss of an area cemetery and forcing residents from their homes. Additionally, the planned air base brought concerns from residents in neighboring communities, like the Town of Dover. The Post recalled a meeting at the Dover Town Hall, where 800 farmers filled the building, and presented pressing questions to Brig. Gen. William H. Wise from the U.S. Air Force.

‘Will you take my farm?’ However, the Town of Dover escaped unscathed, with the Air Force selecting land in the town of Brighton. The Town of Brighton lost nearly 25% of its tax base as the federal government began purchasing land from farmers and caused existing property owners to see increases on their tax bills. “Well, it’s a sad story – and for many, a nightmare,” the Standard Press reported in 1969. “Some 300 persons were upheaved from 58 farms to provide a 5,420-acre site for an $83 million (before inflation) air base that wound up as a grand boondoggling bust.” The boondoggling bust, according to the newspaper, happened in 1959 when the Defense Department abandoned the plan after investing about $25 million (before inflation) on the incomplete base. Today, there are still remnants of the incomplete base, with a footprint of an unfinished runway viewable through aerial

photography. After the government abandoned the project, there were many options considered for the location, including serving as a fouryear University of Wisconsin campus. The University of Wisconsin, however, decided on a location near Petrifying Springs in the town of Somers in Kenosha County and became known as UWParkside.

Bust to boom The federal government in 1960 declared the Bong Air Base as surplus, turning to the land over to the State of Wisconsin and donating parcels to area school districts, including Westosha Central, Wilmot Union High School and Burlington Area School District. While Westosha Central and Wilmot sold their parcels, according to previous Southern Lakes Newspapers’ articles, BASD still uses its land as a forest for educational activities and cross country meets. Most of the land eventually became known as Richard Bong State Recreation Area. “Once designated to be a jet fighter base, Richard Bong State Recreation Area is named after Richard I. Bong, a Polar, WI native who was America’s leading air ace during World War II,” the DNR states. “The air base was abandoned three days before concrete was to be poured for the 12,500-foot runway. Local citizens had the foresight to protect this open space for future generations.”

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The Defense Department, looking for a prospective Air Force base, reportedly began surveying land around Kansasville in 1955 and resulted in several months of rumors. Federal officials, at least according to a 1961 report from the Saturday Evening Post, found the area as an ideal location because its near Milwaukee and Chicago. “…it was hard to argue with a military decision that here was the best place to locate planes which might someday rise to save Chicago and Milwaukee from destruction,” the Post stated. U.S. Sen. Alexander, of Wisconsin, vaguely declared in an address a new airfield would be built “near Racine” and wanted to “try to have it named for Richard Bong.” The U.S. House of Representatives eventually adopted an amendment, which came from Rep. Lawrence, of the First Congressional District, to a military bill designating the ‘proposed Kansasville airfield as the Richard L. Bong Air Base.” For the next five years, including final authorization from President Dwight Eisenhower, the planned Air Force base drew opposition from landowners and municipalities. The Brighton Town Board and the City of Burlington both expressed concern,

Richard Bong State Recreation Area, 26313 Burlington Road, Kansasville, was named in honor of a World War II veteran and initially planned as an Air Force base.

TWIN LAKES CHAMBER & BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

2022 Events

BIG BANG 50/50 RAFFLE • MARCH 15-JULY 1

Fundraiser for the Libertyfest Fireworks. Get your tickets at the Chamber

HIDDEN TREASURES GARAGE SALE

HARVEST FEST & CAR SHOW

Saturday, Sept. 17 Hayrides, Food Trucks, Contests Main Street & Chamber parking lot

Saturday, May 21 Sell your treasures Get a 10x10’ booth

Buy things you didn’t know you couldn’t live without!

LIBERTYFEST

Saturday, July 2 11:00 a.m. Parade Fireworks at dusk Food, DJ & Aquanut Water Show

For More Information On These Events, Contact

349 E. Main Street, Twin Lakes, WI 53181 262-877-2220 info@twinlakeschamber.com

TREES ON PARADE & HOLIDAY SHOPPING Friday & Saturday, Dec. 2-3 St. John’s Community Center Vendors, Tree, Ugly Sweater & Gingerbread Contests

VILLAGE TREE LIGHTING

GOLF OUTING

Wednesday, July 27 18 holes with cart, lunch & dinner at Twin Lakes Country Club

Saturday, Dec. 2 In the park by the caboose Carols by local schools, Tree Lighting by Santa and Village President

ELF SCAVENGER HUNT Monday, Dec. 12 Find the hidden elves at local businesses. Win Great Prizes!

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