Sturtevant woman arrested on child pornography charges

From The Journal Times.com:

Milana Doné

RACINE — An 18-year-old Sturtevant woman has been arrested following an investigation of a tip about an individual possessing and advertising child sexual abuse material.

Jocelyn Harris was charged with five counts of possession of child pornography by a person under the age of 18.

Earlier this year, an investigator with the Racine County Sheriff's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding an individual possessing and advertising child sexual abuse material.

The tip included five videos uploaded through Snapchat and a related Twitter post, all which contained child sexual abuse videos.

The Twitter post contained a link to Telegram, a message and file-sharing platform that allows content to be placed behind a paywall. It is frequently used by offenders attempting to avoid law enforcement, according to RCSO.

Harris was identified as a suspect and investigators executed a search warrant at her residence. She was arrested and investigators seized multiple electronic devices.

According to RCSO, Harris admitted to owning and operating the Snapchat and Twitter accounts during an interview and reportedly claimed the material was simply "popping up" on her accounts.

Harris initially appeared in court July 10, where her cash bond was set at $5,000.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 23.

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_c1731360-42fb-4b39-82fc-759a7a6b59fc.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

                   Recent stories by Racine Journal Times reporter Milana Doné

Loose horse struck and killed by Amtrak train in Caledonia

From JSOnline:

Adrienne Davis

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A horse was severely injured and later put down after being struck by an Amtrak train July 7 in Racine County, according to the Caledonia Police Department.

Police responded to the area near Prairie Crossing Drive and Racine County H in Caledonia around 6 a.m. after two horses were seen running loose.

Officers attempted to corral the animals while working to keep them off the roadway with the help of the horses' owners, but the horses began to run west along the train tracks near where they were originally seen. Police notified the train companies to request that all trains be stopped until the horses could be safely guided off the track, but a northbound Amtrak train could not stop in time and hit one of the horses.

No passengers on the train were injured. The second horse was not hit and was safely corralled into its enclosure.

A vet from the Sturtevant area was called to the scene and humanely euthanized the horse due to its severe injuries.

Adrienne Davis is a general assignment and breaking news reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2026/07/07/horse-euthanized-after-amtrak-train-collision-in-caledonia/90840067007/

Here's where you can watch 4th of July fireworks in Racine and Kenosha counties

From The Journal Times.com:

Journal Times Staff

Few traditions capture the spirit of Independence Day quite like a dazzling fireworks display. Across the country, cities go all out each July 4, combining music and unforgettable views that draw huge crowds year after year. Leading the way is New York City’s famous Macy’s Fourth of July Fir…

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.

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/article_11bd29ed-1ea1-4a67-87f9-f0d2f9fc968f.html#tracking-source=home-top-story 

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O&H Danish Bakery debuts new Easter kringle flavors

From JSOnline:

Adrienne Davis

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Got a sweet tooth? No problem – because a popular Racine bakery has fan-favorite baked goods and new flavors just in time for spring.

O&H Danish Bakery, a family-owned bakery known for its festive selection of sweets, announced March 30 that it was leaping into spring with a new lineup of desserts that includes two new kringle flavors that will debut as part of the bakery's well-known Homecoming Series.

More: How did kringle become so big in Wisconsin — and why is it nearly unique to our state?

O&H Danish Bakery President and fourth-generation co-owner Peter Olesen said the company wanted to bring classic desserts like strawberry shortcake and the family’s carrot cake into its kringle lineup.

"Our Easter lineup is especially meaningful this year," said Olesen in a news release. "Of course, it’s one of our favorite times of year, so we’re bringing back fan-favorites like Easter Braided Colored Bread and Easter Chocolate Crème Kringle as well to keep cherished traditions alive.”

The Easter collection combines traditional treats with fresh seasonal flavors.

These flavors, including Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Kringle, will be available through April 4.

The new Carrot Cake Kringle is made from Grandma Olesen's carrot cake recipe, featuring fresh carrots, spice and cinnamon, nutmeg and creamy frosting.

The new Strawberry Shortcake Kringle, inspired by the classic treat of the same name, features sweet cookie pieces and a special O&H signature made-from-scratch filling, topped with buttery streusel, sweet ice and pink chocolate curls.

Both seasonal flavors are in featured in Hop on Home Kringle, a part of the Homecoming Series that debuted fall 2025. The flavors will be available for purchase until April 19.

The bakery's Easter collection is now available for in-store and online nationwide delivery.

O&H Danish Bakery was founded in 1949, by Den Christian Olesen, a Danish immigrant who came to the United States in 1924. Now in its 76th year, the bakery-chain has five locations in Racine, Sturtevant and Oak Creek.

The business has been named best kringle for 10 consecutive years by the Journal Times and has earned honors for best bakery and best customer service-retail in Racine County.

For more information, or to place a order, visit the bakery's website at ohdanishbakery.com.

Adrienne Davis is a south suburban reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2026/04/01/oh-danish-bakery-easter-kringle-flavors-2026/89408863007/

Fake hostage call triggers large police response in Sturtevant

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Racine County school locked down after students spot suspicious vehicle

Up to 10 inches of snow possible for Racine, Kenosha counties Saturday

From The Journal Times.com:

Holly Gilvary

RACINE COUNTY — Racine and Kenosha counties should prepare for a snowy weekend as the biggest snowstorm since 2023 rolls into southern Wisconsin.

Six to 10 inches of snowfall are possible in Racine County and 5-9 inches are estimated in Kenosha County, according to the National Weather Service.

A winter storm warning goes into effect for southeast Wisconsin starting 3 a.m. Saturday morning until 6 a.m. Sunday. 

Snow emergencies declared

In Kenosha County, the City of Kenosha and the villages of Pleasant Prairie and Somers have issued snow emergencies.

Kenosha's snow emergency starts at noon Saturday and ends at 7 a.m. on Monday; Pleasant Prairie's will last from midnight Saturday to noon Sunday; and Somers' will be in effect from noon Saturday through noon Sunday.

In Kenosha, parking on all city streets will be prohibited, allowing public works crews more space to plow the streets during and after the snowstorm; however, the city will allow overnight parking in designated Downtown and Uptown city parking lots to ease the burden of finding parking during snow emergencies.

Residents should observe posted snow route regulations.

During declared snow emergencies, city residents may park on front lawns. It is illegal to blow, plow or shovel snow into city streets.

In Pleasant Prairie, no parking is allowed on village streets during the declared snow emergency. All snow emergency parking restrictions will be enforced throughout this time period.

For more information about Pleasant Prairie's Snow and Ice Removal Plan, visit https://www.pleasantprairiewi.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=10822557.

In Somers, parking is prohibited on roadways during a snow emergency to allow for crews to clean up the roads. Residents are reminded to park their vehicles accordingly.

Kenosha County Highway crews readied equipment on Friday.

"We are prepared; we're ready," said county Highway Director Greg Boldt. "As we monitor the forecast, crews will be deployed as needed to begin snow removal operations."

In Racine County, Sturtevant and Mount Pleasant have declared snow emergencies.

Sturtevant's snow emergency will last from 6 a.m. Saturday through 6 a.m. Sunday. All vehicles must be off village streets during the snow emergency to ensure safe and efficient plowing.

Mount Pleasant is under a snow emergency from midnight Saturday until noon Sunday. Parking restrictions will be in effect during that time.

During the snow emergency, parking is only allowed on village streets where alternate-side parking regulations are in effect year-round.

Mount Pleasant residents must also clear snow from the sidewalks along their properties by 10 a.m. of each day during a snow storm.

In an email Friday morning, Racine Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Alicia Mitchell said if the Racine Department of Public Works declares a snow emergency, parking restrictions will be enforced and citations and towing are applicable. Updates will be shared on the city's Facebook page, she said.

When will the snow start?

Snowflakes will likely start to fly at 3 a.m. in Racine and Kenosha when the winter storm warning takes effect, and snowfall will increase after daybreak, according to NWS Meteorologist Kevin Wagner. More accumulation is expected later Saturday morning and into the afternoon.

"The heaviest, highest snowfall rates definitely look to be late Saturday morning into the afternoon, early evening hours," he said.

Snowfall totaling less than half an inch may still occur on Sunday after the winter storm warning expires.

Communities immediately along the lakefront may receive a wetter snow with lower snow amounts, as Lake Michigan's temperatures are still fairly warm in the 40s, Wagner said. Areas farther inland, such as Burlington and Twin Lakes, may see higher amounts of snowfall.

Travelers heading home after the Thanksgiving holiday should pay attention to the forecast and may even need to alter plans Saturday to avoid dangerous road conditions, Wagner said.

"It's going to be a lot of snow on the roads and it's going to be maybe a little bit challenging (for snowplows) to keep up in keeping them clear, because (the snow is) just going to continue," he said.

While the snowfall will slow Sunday evening, temperatures are expected to drop.

Racine and Kenosha counties will both see low temperatures in the single digits Sunday night, and high temperatures Monday in the low 20s. Winds are not expected to be strong, but could bring sub-zero-temperature wind chills, according to Wagner.

Kenosha County tree lighting rescheduled

Kenosha County also has postponed its planned outdoor holiday tree lighting ceremony in Petrifying Springs Park in Somers. Originally scheduled Saturday afternoon, it has been moved to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

John Sloca of the Kenosha News contributed to this story.

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/weather/article_1eda2b3d-6e66-4e1f-9431-bbcf7c5ac230.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Village of Sturtevant ceases police operations, enters contract with Racine County Sheriff's Office

From JSOnline:

Anna Kleiber

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

All law enforcement service calls in Sturtevant will be handled by the Racine County Sheriff's Office after the Village of Sturtevant Police Department ended its operations at 6:15 a.m. Nov. 16.

The announcement came just three months after the Sturtevant Village Board began discussions about shutting down its police department. The department had 11 police officers on staff who served the village of about 7,000 people.

In a Nov. 15 Facebook post, the department said, “We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all of you for your years of support, partnership, and trust. Your engagement and commitment to keeping our village safe have made a lasting difference.”

"We also want to recognize and thank the dedicated members of our law enforcement team – past and present – for their service, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the community," the post continued.

In a comment on the Facebook post, the police department said the decision was made by the Sturtevant Village Board.

Under state law, a village in Wisconsin can abolish it police department, but it must provide law enforcement through an alternative method by entering into a contract with another law enforcement entity, such as the county sheriff's office.

Further questions about law enforcement changes can be directed to the Sturtevant Village Hall via 262-886-7201. Residents should still call 911 in the event of an emergency. To report a crime or incident, village residents should contact the Recine County Sheriff's Office Dispatch via 262-886-2300.

Anna Kleiber can be reached at akleiber@gannett.com.

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2025/11/16/southern-wisconsin-police-department-closed-sheriffs-office-to-take-over/87308395007/?tbref=hp

Sturtevant to rely on Racine County Sheriff's Office after closure

How much snow did it snow around Racine and Kenosha Monday morning?

From JSOnline:

Anna Kleiber

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Some Wisconsinites saw a heaping amount of snow after a strong lake effect snow band moved in over the southern half of Lake Michigan overnight into Nov. 10.

While Milwaukee County only saw trace amounts of snow early Nov. 10, eastern Racine and Kenosha counties saw upwards of 13 inches.

More snow could fall across southeastern Wisconsin in the early morning of Nov. 11, but there will only be a 20% chance of any of that accumulating, according to Benjamin Sheppard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan.

Here's what snow totals looked like Monday morning in Milwaukee-area communities.

How much did it snow last night in Wisconsin?

Here are the snow totals, according to the weather service, that were reported in southeastern Wisconsin early Nov. 10.

• Pleasant Prairie: 10.5-13 inches
• Elmwood Park: 10.5 inches
• Wind Point: 7 inches
• Kenosha: 9.5 inches
• Racine: 5.8-9 inches
• North Bay: 5.1 inches
• Franksville: 4 inches
• Sturtevant: 2 inches

Kelli Arseneau of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.

Anna Kleiber can be reached at akleiber@gannett.com.

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/weather/2025/11/10/how-much-did-it-snow-in-kenosha-racine-milwaukee-on-nov-10/87193939007/

O&H Danish Bakery releases its new, limited-edition holiday kringle flavor for 2024

From JSOnline:

Claire Reid

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

O&H Danish Bakery in Oak Creek and Racine has debuted its newest annual holiday kringle flavor for the 2024 Christmas season.

The new recipe, "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" kringle, is "made with the bakery's signature flaky Danish pastry combined with a warm vanilla filling," the company says. The pastry is topped with citrus zest and a "sweet vanilla bean" frosting.

The festive kringle is available at the bakery's five locations and online for nationwide shipping through the end of 2024.

"We are excited to introduce another holiday flavor that will evoke cherished memories of the Christmas season with every bite," Peter Oleson, president and fourth-generation co-owner of O&H, said in a statement. "Inspired by the magic of the holidays, we look forward to being part of holiday celebrations and festivities at kitchen tables across the country with our beloved seasonal pastries."

Christmastime has long been O&H's busiest time of year. The bakery says it makes up to 7,000 kringles each day in December.

O&H introduces a new holiday kringle flavor each year, and some popular versions stick around for years. The bakery debuted its toffee and caramel "Reindeer Tracks" kringle last year and its "Christmas Fudge" kringle in 2021. Both kringles are available again this holiday season.

Where are O&H Danish Bakery's stores?

O&H has been making kringle in the Racine area since 1949. The bakery has five locations, with its Oak Creek location being the closest to Milwaukee.

"White Christmas" kringle and other seasonal and regular kringles can be purchased and picked up in-store at these O&H locations:

• Racine (west): 5910 Washington Ave.
• Racine (north): 4917 Douglas Ave.
• Racine (south): 4006 Durand Ave.
• Sturtevant: 717 S. Sylvania Ave., inside of the Highway 20 Petro Travel Plaza off Interstate 94.
• Oak Creek: 9540 S. 27th St.

More:How did kringle become so big in Wisconsin — and why is it nearly unique

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/food/2024/12/13/oh-danish-bakery-racine-releases-limited-edition-2024-holiday-kringle-flavor/76957658007/

ManpowerGroup partners with Walmart to open job hubs. Opens location in Sturtevant

From JSOnline:

Ricardo Torres

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Finding potential employees has been difficult for years, but ManpowerGroup is taking a different approach.  

The Milwaukee-based staffing company partnered with Walmart to put some of its hiring offices in a seven pilot job hubs.  

In September ManpowerGroup officially opened a location at a Walmart in Sturtevant in Racine County. It’s the only branch in Wisconsin that has a hub.

Raj Namboothiry, senior vice president at ManpowerGroup in the United States, said this is an opportunity to meet potential employees in for jobs that range from basic financing roles to industrial warehouse roles, assembly jobs and “skilled technical roles.” 

More:Union files unfair labor practice charges against ManpowerGroup after Milwaukee video game office closure

“Customers can apply for a job. If they already have a job they can explore new avenues,” Namboothiry said. “They can enter into a career conversation; they can talk about what’s next for their careers; they can talk about their interests and pursue new areas with Manpower helping them navigate their careers.”

 Namboothiry said he would like to increase the number of locations between 50 and 100 in Walmart stores during the next several years if these stores are successful.  

“We’re still working through the details on how does this model work. It’s a learning curve for us to and it is for Walmart too,” Namboothiry said. “There’s no better avenue other than places like Walmart where you got a high concentration of talent walking in... and it drives proximity to our talent." 

Since opening the pilot stores, Namboothiry said the company has seen increased interest and foot traffic.

"While it has only been a few weeks, we are already seeing hundreds of candidates walk in each day into these hubs and engage in a career conversation and apply for a job," Namboothiry said.

Tené Green, Walmart Senior Director issued a statement on the partnership:  

"We aim to provide products and services in our stores that enhance the shopping experience and contribute to a better quality of life for our customers. One of the pathways to a quality life is through employment." 

Although the program is still in the early states, Namboothiry said the company expects a “massive influx” of potential employees.  

“Talent scarcity is something employers have been facing,” Namboothiry said. “That said, Manpower does well in this space in terms of being that talent attraction company for us to be able to build a pool of talent, a pipeline of talent.” 

More:'We have an untapped group here': A career fair for disabled job seekers links with employers

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2024/10/29/manpowergroup-walmart-partner-to-open-job-hubs-including-sturtevant/75828285007/

Racine County proposes $238M budget for 2025 that includes cuts

From The Journal Times.com:

Holly Gilvary

STURTEVANT — Interim Racine County Executive Thomas Roanhouse presented the county’s proposed $238 million 2025 budget to the county board last Tuesday.

Roanhouse said the budget’s $5.1 million decrease from last year is largely because funding from the American Rescue Plan Act is ending.

The proposed tax levy for 2025 is $64.3 million, a decrease of 0.4%.

Roanhouse said that at the beginning of the budget season, the county was confronted with a $17 million deficit.

“We successfully reduced the deficit by reviewing and trimming line items, utilizing shared revenue, factoring in net new construction and implementing a series of belt-tightening measures,” he said.

Cuts in the budget include reducing funding to the Racine County Economic Development Corporation by 62%; a $200,000 reduction in the Workforce Division budget; the decision to leave two county positions unfunded; and the freezing of all employee merit pay increases.

“These measures, while necessary, reflect the ongoing challenge of balancing rising operational costs against declining revenues, making this an especially complex and challenging budget cycle,” he said.

Highlights of the budget include: the opening of the Youth Development and Care Center; the construction of roundabouts at County Highways A and J and Highways U and G; highway improvements along highways KR and T; replacing windows at the Racine County Courthouse and installing energy-efficient LED lighting; and completing the refurbishment of the courthouse’s sixth-floor courtroom.

Roanhouse also touted the upcoming Microsoft data centers in Mount Pleasant, calling it a “transformative moment” for the county.

“This development will bring more than just jobs — it will attract talent, investments and additional business opportunities,” he said.

Roanhouse mentioned the proposed 0.5% county sales tax multiple times throughout his presentation, saying the county’s future would be at stake without it.

“The reality is that without the sales tax, we will be forced to make severe cuts that will compromise public safety, infrastructure and key services across the county,” Roanhouse said.

In other business, the board:

• Approved a resolution naming the upcoming Youth Development and Care Center in honor of former County Executive Jonathan Delagrave.
• Authorized a non-cash lease for Racine County Case Eagle Lake Park in Rochester for research and demonstration farming purposes by the Watershed Protection Committee for 2025-28.

Roanhouse

From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/government-politics/racine-county-budget-proposal-2025/article_1d583e26-85af-11ef-a091-4b6d3155b3cd.html#tracking-source=home-top-story