Monday, July 6, 2026
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Improperly disposed fireworks cause 3 Racine fires, $141,000 in damage
Hope Karnopp
The City of Racine Fire Department is calling attention to three structure fires within two hours caused by improper disposal of fireworks, causing $141,000 in combined damage.
In one case, the American Red Cross was called to help residents find temporary housing after a fire caused by fireworks. No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters across the three fires.
All fires happened in the early morning hours of July 5. The first was a report of a dumpster fire near the 2000 block of Lathrop Avenue about 12:05 a.m.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and prevented the adjacent business from sustaining damage. The dumpster and a nearby fence were heavily damaged, with estimated damages of $6,000.
"Spent fireworks were found in the dumpster and in the parking lot where the dumpster was located," Lt. Dave Nagl wrote in a news release.
At 1:09 a.m., the department was called to the 2800 block of Brentwood Drive for a house fire, where residents were alerted by fire alarms and called 911.
Much of the exterior of the home and kitchen sustained heavy fire damage, and the first floor had additional smoke and water damage.
Damage estimates for the home include $82,000 to the structure and $15,000 for the contents.
At 1:39 a.m., the department was called to a third fire on the 3400 block of Fifth Avenue after a resident saw a glow in the backyard and called 911.
A detached garage was fully engulfed in fire, with flames spreading to additional properties. The garage was a total loss, with damage estimates reaching $35,000 for the structure and $3,000 for the contents.
Neither home fire was considered suspicious, and the Racine Fire Department said improper disposal of fireworks was the cause.
How to safely dispose of spent fireworks
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services gives these tips for safe disposal and handling of fireworks:
- Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water before putting them in a trash can.
- Never re-light a "dud" firework – wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Always have water handy, like a garden hose or bucket, when lighting fireworks.
- Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Residents sue Microsoft over alleged noise emissions from Mt. Pleasant data center
Holly Gilvary
MOUNT PLEASANT — Three people living near Microsoft's newly completed data center in Mount Pleasant are suing the tech giant over alleged excessive noise emissions coming from the facility at 4800 90th St.
Liddle Sheets P.C., a law firm based in Detroit, and Milwaukee-based Hansen Reynolds LLC have filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of the residents claiming the center is creating a nuisance by emitting excessive noise throughout the neighboring residential area, according to news release issued Thursday by the firms.
Plaintiffs Garrett Ostergaard, David Wade and Joy Wade alleged that about 1,000 residential properties within about one-and-a-half miles of the data center are impacted by noise from the facility, which they describe as a hum.
According to the release, Ostergaard said he changed to his shift at work because of sleeplessness caused by the alleged noise from the data center. David and Joy Wade said they cannot enjoy their home or their yard as frequently as they would like because of the noise.
The data center's reported noise pollution comes from its diesel generators and HVAC systems, including chillers, cooling towers, air-handling units and condenser fans, according to the complaint.
A Microsoft spokesperson on Thursday said the company is aware of the lawsuit, adding that Microsoft is "committed to being a good neighbor in the communities where we build, own, and operate our datacenters."
Mount Pleasant Communications Director Sean Ryan said the village has received no formal complaints related to Microsoft's properties "since the company completed the adjustments that were announced in mid-April to resolve a humming sound from the data center."
"Village officials stand ready to respond if people do reach out to us, and will continue to ensure Microsoft is a good corporate citizen and a good neighbor," Ryan said Thursday.
From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/article_c693aad1-c2fe-45c5-9e84-a97f715f34ad.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
City installs audible traffic signals, updates traffic signal timing Downtown
Holly Gilvary
RACINE — The city on Wednesday completed the installation of audible traffic signals at six intersections and implemented new traffic signal timing along Main Street between State and Seventh streets.
In a news release, the city said the two measures will improve pedestrian safety and encourage slower vehicle speeds through Downtown Racine.
The audible pedestrian signals provide locator tones and audible walk indications to assist pedestrians who are blind or have low vision in crossing the street safely, according to the city.
The updated traffic signal timing is designed to calm traffic by encouraging drivers to travel at a slower and more consistent speed. Because of the timing of the lights, drivers who try to accelerate between intersections to avoid a red light will encounter longer waits at the next signal, the city said.
The city evaluated several options in response to downtown businesses' and community stakeholders' concerns about vehicle speeds on Main Street. One alternative would have rerouted State Highway 32 off Main Street, which was estimated to cost more than $1.5 million and, according to the city, would not have directly addressed speeding concerns.
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The Racine Department of Public Works installed new signage at intersections with the audible pedestrian signals, such as this one at Fourth and Main. |
Previously, driving between State and Seventh streets during peak traffic periods took an average of 83 seconds. With the new traffic signal timing, the trip will take about 50 seconds longer on average, which the city said will create a safer environment for pedestrians and reduce incentives to speed through downtown. Traffic analysis found the revised timing would increase travel through the corridor to about two minutes while maintaining acceptable traffic operations.
Racine man accused of possession of bestiality, child pornography
Milana Doné
RACINE — A 36-year-old Racine man was charged Thursday in connection to obscene electronic material allegedly found in his possession.
Justin Erhardt faces two counts of possession of bestiality and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to the Racine County Sheriff's Office, an investigator with the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicating that a person in the City of Racine had uploaded child sexual abuse material to a Snapchat account.
The account reportedly contained one video depicting child sexual abuse material and two videos depicting bestiality, according to an RCSO news release.
Investigators contacted Erhardt, who reportedly admitted that the Snapchat account belonged to him, and he was taken into custody Tuesday.
During a search of Erhardt's residence on the 400 block of Haven Avenue, RCSO seized several electronic devices.
Erhardt initially appeared in court Thursday and his cash bond was set at $2,500.
He is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing July 16.
Friday, July 3, 2026
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Downtown Racine offers free music Fridays and Saturdays this summer
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Incorruptibles performs in 2025. The band will be back in concert in Racine during the Music on the Monument concert series in Downtown Racine on Aug. 28. |
RACINE — The Downtown Racine Corporation has announced the return of two outdoor concert series: Music on the Monument on Fridays and Saturday Sounds on the Square on Saturdays.
They will offer free live music at Monument Square every Friday and Saturday through Aug. 29, with performances from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Seating is available, as well as room for dancing, a beer garden and food vendors.
The Friday Music on the Monument schedule includes:
- July 3: Ivy Ford Band (5-8 p.m. during First Friday)
- July 10: Rust Belt
- July 17: Kyle Young Band
- July 24: Walking Birds
- July 31: Identity Crisis
- Aug. 7: All The Kings Men (5-8 p.m. during First Friday)
- Aug. 14: Mean Jake
- Aug. 21: Route 66 Belle City Band
- Aug. 28: Incorruptibles
- Sept. 4: Alexandra Smith (5-8 p.m. during First Friday)
Saturday Sounds on the Square will include:
- June 27: Jill Plaisted Band
- July 11: Scarlet Curve
- July 18: Mathew Haeffel Trio
- July 25: Ghosts in the Gravel
- Aug. 1: Saturday June Band
- Aug. 8: Infusion
- Aug. 15: Easy-Flo
- Aug. 22: Lori Lewis
- Aug. 29: Would You Kindly
In the event of severe weather, concerts may be canceled without a makeup date. Weather updates will be posted on the Downtown Racine social media pages.
Parking is available at the McMynn Ramp, Lake Avenue Ramp, Shoop Ramp, Gaslight Point Ramp, and Festival Hall Ramp. All ramps offer all-day parking for $4.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Wauwatosa business calls for lawmakers to save hemp
Gina Lee Castro
A heat wave didn't stop hemp supporters from rallying to save the industry in Wisconsin June 29. Erin Kelly, the owner of Kelly's Greens Cannabis Boutique and Cafe in Wauwatosa, hosted a "Save Hemp Rally" to raise awareness of the incoming hemp ban and pressure state lawmakers to take action.
"We're all here to ask for a state plan from the state of Wisconsin," Kelly told the crowd, which spent the evening enduring a heat index around 100. "We need to protect not only 3,500 jobs but a $700 million industry [in Wisconsin]."
Late last year, President Donald Trump signed a strict set of federal hemp regulations into law – effectively banning most hemp products sold throughout Wisconsin and the U.S. Hemp gummies, vapes and flower products – no matter the type of THC – will be limited to 0.4 milligrams of THC per container. This law goes into effect in November.
Both Republican and Democrat state lawmakers proposed bills that would keep hemp legal in Wisconsin, but none made it over the hill. Lawmakers couldn't agree on how to regulate the largely unregulated industry before the legislative session closed. State law doesn't have age restriction for hemp, set packaging requirements or require product testing.
Kelly says her cafe – along with other Wisconsin hemp businesses – will have to shut their doors in November. But Kelly hasn't given up hope.
She said lawmakers told her they’re deep in campaign season and can't pass hemp laws until January 2027. She invited Milwaukee and Milwaukee County officials, gubernatorial candidates and others running for office to the rally to develop a plan to be ready by then.
Rep. Robyn Vining, D-Wauwatosa, one of the speakers, says chief of her concerns are protecting children. She says children shouldn't be able to purchase hemp products and products shouldn't look identical to candy – an issue she's heard from the Wisconsin Poison Center. However, some hemp businesses like Kelly's Greens require customers be 21 years or older to purchase.
"Let's legalize, let's regulate and let's protect Wisconsin kids," Vining said.
Supporters say hemp is medicinal, an alternative to alcohol
If hemp becomes illegal, Andy Boinski, 35, will lose his job as a hemp sales representative. Kaytlin Lovely, 29, his partner, will lose her medicine. They hope events like this rally will challenge the stereotypes around hemp.
"People aren't using this just to get high and sit on the couch," Boinski said. "People are using these for health reasons like anxiety, pain relief and chronic illnesses."
Lovely says hemp gummies give her relief from the nausea and vomiting that comes with her Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. Her prescribed medications aren't as effective as hemp, she said.
Jake Noggle, 34, and Miranda Zielinski, 31, say Kelly's Greens hemp business brought life to a long-vacant building on West North Avenue in Wauwatosa and partnered with local businesses like Venture Brew Co.
The couple isn't a fan of drinking alcohol. Noggle says Wisconsin could stand to drink less.
"Alcohol is substantially more dangerous in overconsumption here," Noggle said. "It's nice to see an alternative."
THC seltzers, on the other hand, is one way they can still enjoy the bar scene. These drinks give them a buzz without that hangover.
"In our 30s, hangovers are not good anymore," Zielinski said. "They're like a two-day thing now."
Gina Castro is a Public Investigator reporter. She can be reached at GCastro@usatodayco.com.
Here's where you can watch 4th of July fireworks in Racine and Kenosha counties
Journal Times Staff
RACINE — If fireworks are on your Independence Day to-do list, there will be plenty of opportunities in Racine and Kenosha counties to catch a display.
Sturtevant will host a fireworks display at Fireman's Park, 9630 Charles St., starting around 9 p.m. July 3. On-site parking is available for a fee (approximately $5), though viewing is possible from nearby neighborhoods.
Paddock Lake's fireworks display will start at 9:30 p.m. July 3.
In Burlington, fireworks will be displayed over the festival grounds off Maryland Avenue (behind Walgreens) starting at dusk July 4. Residents can view the display from Echo Park or surrounding areas.
Racine's fireworks show over the Lake Michigan shoreline will begin after dusk July 4 from North Beach, typically around 9:15 p.m.
Kenosha's Festival Foods fireworks display over Lake Michigan is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. July 4
Pleasant Prairie is holding its first fireworks show in nearly 20 years July 11. The display is being hosted by Lake Andrea Beer Garden at Prairie Springs Park and is expected to begin after dark.
Monday, June 29, 2026
Ready for a sweet treat? June 30 is officially Wisconsin Kringle Day
Blaise Mesa
A much-beloved oval pastry now has a day of its own in Wisconsin.
Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed June 30, 2026, as Wisconsin Kringle Day, declaring kringle "a staple in many Wisconsin homes for birthdays, holidays, or everyday breakfast."
"More than just a pastry, the kringle symbolizes Wisconsin’s deep-rooted traditions of community, bringing together family, friends and neighbors to share the classic dessert that honors the state’s cultural identity and supports local businesses," Evers' proclamation reads.
The date was chosen because it's the same day that kringle became Wisconsin's state pastry in 2013, Evers said in a Facebook post.
The pastry traces its roots back to Danish immigrants who settled in Wisconsin in the 19th century, according to Evers' proclamation.
"The kringle was perfected in Wisconsin, including by uncrossing its traditional pretzel pattern into the iconic shape it's known for today," reads the proclamation.
What is the Wisconsin's connection to kringle?
Danish settlers who came to Wisconsin, and specifically Racine, in the 1840s helped introduce the kringle to the area, the Journal Sentinel previously reported.
However, no single bakery made kringle famous. Kringle can now be found around the world, though it is sometimes a little hard to find.
“It’s still relatively unknown,” Eric Olesen, president of the popular O&H Danish Bakery in Racine, told the Journal Sentinel in 2023. “It’s a big country. A lot of foodies might know it, but I don’t think it’s quite up there with brats and cheese.”
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