"Use of Force" Complaint Filed

By: Emily Jacobs - WLIP - 05/24/13

The Police and Fire Commission received a complaint on Tuesday from a Kenosha man who said he was the victim of excessive force. 51-year-old Derek Brooks was arrested in February 2012 after allegedly running from officers and resisting arrest. Brooks said officers kicked and punched him while he was down, ultimately causing injuries that required surgery to his wrist.  Police reports said his left hand was "no where near where any knee strikes landed”. Investigators say the officers applied “necessary force” while taking Brooks into custody.

Hearing Set in Animal Mistreatment Case

The case of a couple accused of neglecting horses on their Kenosha County farm is on its way to trial.  Court Commissioner Jon G. Mason set their preliminary hearing for June 12. At that hearing, prosecutors may call witnesses to prove a crime was committed and that David White and Paula Moctezuma are guilty of their charges. Both are charged with mistreatment of animals causing death and each faces up to 1 1/2 years in prison if convicted. 

Work Zones to Close Over Weekend

Kenosha drivers won't have to worry about possible traffic delays when traveling during the holiday weekend. The state Department of Transportation says construction work on most major Wisconsin highways will be suspended from noon on Friday to 6, Tuesday morning. State officials say while most lanes through work zones will remain clear, drivers may still see narrow lanes, and rough pavement.

Two Men Shot Lucky to be Alive

The two men shot in last week's home invasion are lucky to be alive, according to police. Both were shot in the head or face at close range.  28-year-old Lamarkous Washington is accused of being one of two men who went into the brothers' home, and shot them "execution-style”.  Washington is facing two counts of attempted homicide and numerous other charges.   He could spend over 100 years in prison if convicted. Anyone with further information on the incident should contact the Kenosha Area Crime Stoppers at 656-7333.

State Bipartisan Effort to Help Kenosha County

A bipartisan effort in Madison is helping Kenosha County maintain programs for struggling families. The Joint Finance Committee voted unanimously to support Income Maintenance Programs for the county, with the state providing $1.5 million over two years for Division of Children and Family services. State Rep. Samantha Kerkman and County Executive Jim Kreuser have been working with lawmakers for weeks, trying to gain support. State Sen. Bob Wirch also helped, working to ensure Democratic votes on the committee.

Kenosha’s Population Hits Six-Figures

Kenosha's population has hit the six-figure mark. U.S. Census population estimates for 2012, unveiled Thursday, place the city's headcount at 100,150 people. That makes Kenosha the nation's 289th largest municipality, between Flint, Mich. (100,515) and Lakeland, Fla. (99,999).

County Approves Building Budget

By: Emily Jacobs - WLIP - 05/23/13

A repair project at the Kenosha County Administration Building will move forward this summer after a vote by the County Board.  The board voted to spend over 146-thousand-dollars to waterproof the foundation on two sides of the Administration Building, off 56th St. The project was moved forward to coincide with a city street project that will replace sidewalks outside the building.

Suspect in Double Shooting Apprehended

A man wanted in connection with a double shooting in Kenosha was arrested Wednesday. Kenosha Police said 28-year-old Lamarkous Washington was arrested in Milwaukee on a warrant that had been issued by the Kenosha County Circuit Court. Anyone with information on suspect #2 should contact the Kenosha Area Crime Stoppers at (262) 656-7333.

Tempers Flare Over 12-Percent

Emotions were high @ a Kenosha Unified School Board meeting Tuesday night. Members considered a health care plan from WEA Trust that calls for a 12 percent contribution for district employees beginning July 1. Board members voted 5-1 for the plan, however, with the condition that a special meeting be held June 3^rd to further discuss and possibly modify the plan. 

Baldwin Makes First Senate Speech

(Washington)--Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin made her first speech on the Senate floor Wednesday. Baldwin says that many for her constituents, Washington seems distant and uncaring. Baldwin says the perception is Washington doesn’t work for the little guy. Baldwin also says the widest gap in Washington is not between Democrat and Republican but between the content of the debate in the capitol and the actual concerns of the people. 

Poll: Walker Third For GOP Nod

A new poll from Marquette University Law School shows Governor Walker  in third place for the GOP presidential nomination. That's among Republicans and Republican-independents in Wisconsin. Walker had 16-percent, putting him behind Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan and Florida U.S. Senator Marco Rubio.

Career Expo Draws 800 Job Seekers

A state career expo attracted nearly 800 job seekers to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside on Wednesday. The expo is a first for the Kenosha County Division of Workforce Development, which hosted the event along with Walworth and Racine counties. Open positions ranged from registered nurses to restaurant delivery drivers. According to county officials, more than 300 people seeking jobs were from Kenosha.

Kenosha Police Chief Accused of “Tampering” with Evidence

By: Emily Jacobs - WLIP - 05/22/13

New accusations of "dishonesty" by the Kenosha Police Department were presented during a Kenosha Police and Fire Commission meeting yesterday. Michael M. Bell, of Kenosha, addressed the commission with Investigative Consultant Ira Robins. Robins said Kenosha Police Chief John Morrissey lied about his review of a recent investigation involving a police officer who was accused of violating use-of-force rules back in July. Morrissey said on Tuesday that he would not address the issue.

Resurfacing Delayed Due to Weather

Resurfacing work on Interstate 94 in Kenosha County, set to begin Monday, has been delayed a week due to the weather. The affected stretch of road - between highways 142 and KR - will be restricted to just two lanes of traffic in both directions during the day and one lane at night. The closures in Kenosha are expected to last until early to mid July.

Shooting Victims Alive and Well

Kenosha Police Lt. Brad Kemen said Tuesday that both victims from a recent shooting are alive and are recovering from their injuries. Two unidentified males, ages 22 and 24, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and taken to local hospitals. A more specific update of their conditions has not been released.