3-year-old uninjured after being found hanging by hands on balcony
A Kenosha family had a scare Sunday after a stranger found a 3-year-old boy hanging by his hands from a second story balcony.
The boy was not hurt and the incident ended without arrest, but the boy’s father had a bit of explaining to do before police left their apartment in the the 2100 block of 89th Street.
The drama began unfolding about 12:50 p.m., when a 56-year-old man saw the boy dangling. He said the child looked like he was playing around and helped him down. But the man called police after he knocked on the family’s door for about five minutes and got no answer.
At one point, the child’s father showed up. But he left again before police arrived.
That was “stupid,” explained the 29-year-old father. He was afraid that police would “take” his children. So, rather than answer questions, he took his other son, age 7, to the park.
To put it another way, the report says, “he panicked.”
“It scared the s--- out of me to come home and see some guy taking care of my kid,” the father told police. “...I know I f----- up.”
The man’s series of missteps apparently began when he left his sons alone so he could run out to cash a check while his wife was at work. On his way back, the father stopped at a gas station to buy an energy drink.
He didn’t think he was gone that long. And, the man said, he had never done anything like that before.
His wife confirmed that and said she didn’t know anything about her husband leaving their children alone.
Police found nothing criminal and left the children with their parents.
Rockies edge Cubs 4-3
CHICAGO (AP) — Todd Helton hit two home runs and Colorado continued its torrid start by beating Chicago 4-3 at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night.
Jorge De La Rosa (4-0) allowed one earned run in seven innings and Huston Street gave up a solo homer to Alfonso Soriano leading off the ninth before closing out the Cubs for his ninth straight save to start the season.
At 16-7, the Rockies have the best 23-game start in team history.
Brewers beat Reds 3-2
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Rickie Weeks, Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder all hit solo homers and Milwaukee beat Cincinnati for the first time this season.
Milwaukee had been 0-4 against the Reds this year and losers of 19 of 22 against them before Weeks homered off reliever Logan Ondrusek (2-2) to lead off the eighth.
Fielder hit his to begin the second to drive in his major league-leading 23rd run. Braun’s shot to start the fourth was his major league-leading ninth this season.
Kameron Loe (2-1) worked the eighth and John Axford threw a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save.
Proposed network of county bicycle routes taking shape
A proposed network of Kenosha County bicycle routes would stretch from the lakefront to Walworth and Racine counties.
The route map took shape during meetings last month, according to Don Moldenhauer, chairman of the Kenosha County Committee on Countywide Bicycle Facilities Planning and Development.
“This was to connect communities, and I think these routes do a pretty decent job. That’s what was said at the opening meeting: ‘To connect people and places throughout the county,’” Moldenhauer said.
“There is no county in the state of Wisconsin that has as much access to tourism bicycling traffic as Kenosha County by virtue of the North Shore Trail,” he said. “Sometimes people are just passing through. Sometimes they’re going downtown.”
Kreuser is banking on the plan attracting state and federal monies.
Laying it out
Moldenhauer and subcommittee members began meeting March 8, brainstorming and laying out on-road routes with an objective of creating two east-west bicycling corridors traversing the county — 80 miles of interconnected routes.
With guidance from the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the subcommittee selected routes with high safety ratings based on traffic volume and other factors.
It does not include existing or proposed off-road bicycle paths or trails, but Moldenauer wants to see them, as well as other municipal on-road routes, show up on the map as the larger Bicycle Facilities Planning and Development Committee forges ahead.
Formed in February 2010, the committee includes elected officials from each of the county’s 13 municipalities, plus non-voting citizen members. The committee is working to create a long-term plan for municipalities and the County Board to adopt.
Moldenhauer said subcommittee members, all experienced bicyclists, individually ranked best route options and overlayed the selected routes on a county map.
Pedaling to explore
Members also studied possible route signs, kiosk-type markers, means for dispensing literature that directs users to local shops, restaurants, museums, parks and other points of interest connected by the network.
He wants to encourage people’s curiosity, entice them to explore by pedaling to different areas farther afield from their familiar surroundings.
And he wants to raise drivers’ awareness, alert them to bicyclists sharing the roads and having the right to do so.
“It’s the beginning. I see the seeds of collaboration with the county and the city. Hopefully, Pleasant Prairie will be part of this. The county wants people to know what’s in the western part of the county, not just downtown.
“It’s trans-county as opposed to transcontinental, like the railroad. We have a trans-county bike system,” Moldenhauer said.
Route priorities
A Kenosha County subcommittee on bicycle route planning recently mapped out a proposed on-road network according to two priorities:
— Provide at least two east-west corridors comprising safe and convenient links for bicyclists wanting to pedal their ways to and from the farthest areas east and west of I-94.
— Post signs on a network of bicycle routes linking primary population centers as well as recreation sites, parks, schools and employment areas. Signs must be highly visible, clearly delineate the network, direct users to specific destinations and provide distance and time information to those destinations.
Benefits of bicycling
According to “Valuing Bicycling’s Economic and Health Impacts in Wisconsin,” a University of Wisconsin report published in January, bicycle recreation supports more than $924 million in economic activity in Wisconsin.
The report also shows:
— Bicyclists riding Wisconsin roads and trails spend an estimated $533 million annually on food, drink, entertainment and other expenses related to cycling.
— Bicyclists from other states supply $535 million yearly in indirect revenue to Wisconsin businesses.
— Bicycling manufacturers, distributors and retailers in Wisconsin account for $594 million in economic benefit to the state.
— The equivalent of an estimated 13,193 full-time jobs are related to bicycling in Wisconsin.
— Increasing nonresident bicycling by 20 percent can potentially boost economic activity by more than $107 million and create 1,528 full-time equivalent jobs.
— Increasing resident and nonresident bicycling by 20 percent could create $184 million in new economic activity and generate 2,638 additional jobs.
— More than 49 percent of Wisconsin residents engage in recreational bicycling.
— Wisconsins’s extensive network of bicycle trails and scenic country roads led to a No. 2 national ranking in 2009 by the League of American Bicyclists.
— County construction of bicycle paths was authorized by the Legislature in 1901, with bike lanes on roads since at least the early 1940s.
— From 1993 to 2008, Wisconsin invested nearly $40 million of state and local funds in bicycle projects, with an additional $156 million contributed by the federal government.
— The state’s bicycling-related infrastructure has improved safety and convenience for residents and attracted nonresident bicycle tourists.
Source: “Valuing Bicycling’s Economic and Health Impacts in Wisconsin,” http://sage.wisc.edu/IGERT/download/bicycling_Final_Report.pdf
Thursday’s high school basketball scores
Boys
Central 47, Elkhorn 46
Waterford 57, Wilmot 50
Reuther 70, Maranatha Baptist 42
Girls
Shoreland 46, Heritage Christian 37
Maranatha Baptist 31, Reuther 25
Airport security chief warns against boycott
ATLANTA (AP) — The nation’s airport security chief pleaded with Thanksgiving travelers for understanding and urged them not to boycott full-body scans on Wednesday, lest their protest snarl what is already one of the busiest, most stressful flying days of the year.
For more information, see tomorrow’s Kenosha News.
Pedestrian struck by car
SOMERS—One person was injured in a car versus pedestrian crash on Sheridan Road at Highway A at about 7:25 p.m. Monday night. The Somers Fire Department responded to the scene and took the person to an area hospital. The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department is still investigating the crash.
FBI raids three hedge funds
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation has raided three hedge funds in what one of the targets is calling a wide-ranging probe of insider trading in the financial industry.
For more information, see tomorrow’s Kenosha News.
Tornado hits homes near Fontana
MADISON (AP) — Authorities say an apparent tornado has damaged some homes near the village of Fontana.
Walworth County Undersheriff Kurt Picknell says his agency is still assessing the damage. No one has reported any injuries or fatalities.
He says a deputy saw what appears to be a tornado. State Emergency Management spokeswoman Lori Getter says a couple homes were damaged in the area, but she had no further details.
Power out, damage in Union Grove
Damage from a tornado has been reported in Union Grove, near the Racine County Fairgrounds.
Damage was reported at Grove Gear, 1524 15th Ave., where 50,000 square feet of the plant’s roof was ripped off. About 50 people were working, but they were in shelter when the storm hit, and there were no injuries.
There are trees and power lines down, and the power is out in that area of the village.
Significant damage reported in Union Grove
Heavy damage was reported just north of KR by Interstate 94. Kenosha County is currently assisting Racine County. The Interstate is shut down in Racine County. Significant damage has been reported in Union Grove.
Tornado spotted in Union Grove
A confirmed tornado has been seen in Union Grove. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for northern Kenosha and Racine counties. Residents are being asked to shelter.
Tornado warning issued for Kenosha County
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for northern Kenosha and Racine counties until 4:30 p.m.
Tornado watch issued
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 6 p.m. tonight for Kenosha, Dodge, Jefferson, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Dane and Rock counties.
For more informationsee KenoshaNews.com or Tuesday’s Kenosha News for more on this story.
Tornado watch issued for county
A tornado watch has been issued for Kenosha County until 6 p.m. Monday. Check kenoshnews.com/weather for information as it becomes available.
Fire damages Paddock Lake home
A family of three was displaced Saturday after fire damaged their rented home in Paddock Lake.
For more information, check later at www.kenoshanews.com or see tomorrow's Kenosha News.
Parkside men’s basketball team gets first win
The UW-Parkside men’s basketball team notched its first victory of the season with a 79-75 triumph over Northwood University on Saturday at Saginaw Valley State in University Center, Mich.
The Rangers improved to 1-2 overall.
Regulators close First Banking Center
First Banking Center, Based in Burlington, Wis., was taken over Friday by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., and will reopen on Saturday as part of First Michigan Bank.
Branches of First Banking Center include one in Bradford Plaza, 3825 39th Avenue, and at 8700 75th St., both in Kenosha.
For more information, check later at www.kenoshanews.com or see Saturday’s Kenosha News.
Blast fears delay search for missing miners
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Search efforts for 29 workers missing after a powerful blast tore through a coal mine in New Zealand were stalled Saturday over fears that a buildup of dangerous gas could trigger a second underground explosion.
For more information, see tomorrow’s Kenosha News.
Pilots to be exempt from some security checks
DALLAS (AP) — Amid a growing protest against stepped-up and intrusive screening of airline passengers, the government has cut a break for one very influential group of travelers — the pilots.
The Transportation Security Administration agreed today to let uniformed airline pilots skip the body scans and aggressive pat-downs at the heart of a national uproar. The pilots must pass through a metal detector at airport checkpoints and present photo IDs that prove their identity.
For more information, see tomorrow’s Kenosha News.
State’s jobless rate holds steady
MADISON (AP) — Wisconsin unemployment remained unchanged at 7.8 percent in October.
The seasonally adjusted rate was reported today by the state Department of Workforce Development.
Government defends airport security tactics
WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite a deluge of complaints over intrusive pat-downs and revealing airport scans, the government is betting Americans would rather fly safe than untouched. “I’m not going to change those policies,” the nation’s transportation security chief declared today.
For more information, see tomorrow’s Kenosha News.
Guantanamo detainee acquitted
NEW YORK (AP) — The first Guantanamo detainee to face a civilian trial was acquitted today of all but one of the hundreds of charges he helped unleash death and destruction on two U.S. embassies in 1998 — a mixed result for what’s been viewed as a terror test case.
For more information, see tomorrow’s Kenosha News.
Cheese Castle sign taken down for renovation, moving
The Mars Cheese Castle sign — prominent along Interstate 94 for decades — was taken down Wednesday as part of the store’s forced move to make room for highway expansion.
The marker near the southwest corner of the federal highway and Highway 142, or Burlington Road, will be renovated during the next week and placed atop four new posts nearby. The posts are on 10 acres that include the new Cheese Castle store being built to the northwest of the current site.
For more information, check News” stories on www.kenoshanews.com or see Thursday’s Kenosha News.
Mantuano’s Spiaggia earns Michelin star
Tony Mantuano’s Spiaggia restaurant in Chicago has earned a star – a Michelin star.
The first Michelin Guide to Chicago restaurants included 23 Chicago restaurants, with three earning the highest award of three stars. Spiaggia was awarded one star in the guide.
Virginia Towers developer seeks bankruptcy protection
Robert Watring, owner of the vacant Virginia Towers condominium development, filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection.
The foreclosed Virginia Towers were valued at $9 million in the filing. That property is scheduled to be up for sale at a sheriff’s auction on Dec. 29.
For more information check kenoshanews.com and tomorrow’s edition of the Kenosha News.
County Board may reconsider raise
County Board Chairman Mark Molinaro Jr. said Tuesday he has asked the Administration Committee to reconsider a resolution that was headed to the full board next month, eliminating supervisors’ county employee health benefits and raising their salaries by 50 percent.
For more information, check later at www.kenoshanews.com or see tomorrow's Kenosha News.
White House unveils initiatives to improve medical care
WASHINGTON (MCT) — The Obama administration today announced new initiatives to boost the quality of medical care that Americans receive, laying the foundation for what many experts believe could be one of the most far-reaching benefits of the new health care law.
For more information, see tomorrow’s Kenosha News.
Paris, Dragaway reach agreement
After more than a year of discussion and occassional heated arguement, the Paris Town Board approved an agreement with Great Lakes Dragaway addressing concerns about noise and light pollution.
For more information, check later at www.kenoshanews.com or see tomorrow's Kenosha News.
Pleasant Prairie house used for firefighter training
Members of the Pleasant Prairie Fire Department received some hands-on training, after they intentionally set an abandoned house on fire tonight.
Over 20 members participated in the controlled burn, which allowed them the opportunity to practice their firefighting techniques, said Fire Chief Paul Guilbert. With flames spiking out of broken windows, a thick gray and white smoke billowed from a two-story farmhouse on Highway 165 near Green Bay Road. The house was purchased by an investor and subsequently foreclosed on.
Mars Cheese Castle sign coming down
The iconic Mars Cheese Castle sign is coming down Wednesday.
Crews will be taking down the sign at Highway 142 and Interstate 94 between 7 and 9 a.m. It will be fixed and rebuilt farther from the road, near the new building.
Firefighters training in Pleasant Prairie
Pleasant Prairie firefighters are conducting a practice burn tonight at Highway 165 and Green Bay Road.
A large, vacant house at the intersection is being burned for training purposes.
Factory production increases
WASHINGTON (AP) — After leading the economy out of recession last year and then flagging over the summer, manufacturers might be getting a second wind.
Factories boosted their output in October by the most since July, the Federal Reserve said today.
For more information, check later at www.kenoshanews.com or see tomorrow's Kenosha News.
City rejects Bear Development claim
The City Council voted Monday night to reject Bear Development’s claim to restart an Uptown Brass housing development the city earlier rejected or provide $5.2 million in compensation.
Bear now has six months to file a formal lawsuit against the city.
For more information check kenoshanews.com and tomorrow’s Kenosha News.
Murder-suicide reported in Milwaukee suburb
West Allis, Wis. (AP) — Police say a husband fatally shot his wife, then took his own life in a Milwaukee suburb. A 3-year-old girl in the house was not harmed.
West Allis police say the fatal shooting happened about 4 p.m. Monday in a quiet neighborhood at the home of the woman’s sister.
Court records indicate the couple was in the process of divorcing.
UPDATE: Suspect barricaded in home
A man remained barricaded in a home in the 500 block of 14th Place late Monday night after an altercation that involved an assault of a woman and gunfire.
Members of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department tactical response team surrounded a home at 529 14th Place where the man, whose name was not immediately known, was inside.
For more information, check later at www.kenoshanews.com or see tomorrow's Kenosha News.
Tavern surrenders license
The downtown Nortap Tequila Lounge & Bar, 504 57th St., surrendered its beer and liquor license prior to tonight's City Council meeting.
In addition, the council issued orders to Geromlo's Tavern, 2506 52nd St., which include closing at midnight, closing the back door to the business and adding lighting in their alley.
For more information check www.kenoshanews.com and tomorrow's Kenosha News.
Bristol tax levy to rise very little
BRISTOL — Bristol’s total tax levy will increase by less than half a percent in 2011 under a budget approved by the Village Board on Monday.
The board approved a levy of $1.648 million, up 0.29 percent from this year. The levy will be supported by a tax rate of $2.69 per $1,000 of assessed value, roughly equal the 2010 tax rate.
UPDATE: Authorities in contact with shooting suspect
It now appears that no one was shot in a shooting incident in Somers, and at last report authorities were in contact with the suspect.
The shooting was reported at 6:28 p.m. at 608 14th Place.
There was confusion at first over whether anyone was shot, though at last report it appeared that the only injury was someone struck in the back of the head with the butt of a gun.
Authorities were reportedly looking for the suspect before deputies were able to contact him by phone. It is unknown whether or not the suspect is in custody.
Shooting reported in Somers
Kenosha County Sheriff’s deputies and rescue crews have been called to the scene of a possible shooting in Somers.
Authorities were called at 6:28 p.m. to 608 14th Place.
It is uncertain if anyone was shot. Initial reports had one person shot, but then further reports were that no one was injured. It’s also uncertain if the suspect is still at large.
Medical examiner confirms identity of man found this summer
The Kenosha County medical examiner's office has confirmed the identity of a body found this summer as Michael Clark.
Clark's remains were found in a wooded area in the 8600 block of Sheridan Road on Aug. 19. His knapsack, articles of clothing and personal items were also discovered near the site. But because the body was so badly decomposed, Clark's family had to wait months for DNA evidence to confirm his identity. Still, Gina Carver, chief deputy of the Kenosha County Medical Examiner's office, said the cause and manner of death were undetermined.
See this complete story at KenoshaNews.com or in tomorrow’s newspaper.
Somali pirates release British couple
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A British couple kidnapped off their private yacht by Somali pirates more than a year ago were set free today, ending one of the most drawn-out and dramatic hostage situations since the rash of piracy began off East Africa.
For more information, see tomorrow’s Kenosha News.
‘Megamind’ continues box office reign
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Will Ferrell’s dastardly schemes continue to succeed, with the animated “Megamind” staying at the top of the box office.
The DreamWorks Animation 3-D comedy, featuring Ferrell as the voice of a super villain, made just over $30 million in its second week in theaters, according to studio estimates. It’s now made nearly $90 million total.
For more information, see tomorrow’s Kenosha News.
Snowstorm causes hundreds of crashes
Parts of the Upper Midwest dug out from a heavy snowfall today that caused more than 400 traffic accidents in Minnesota, and wintry conditions also were being blamed for a collision in northern Wisconsin that killed two people.
Nearly a foot of snow had fallen in parts of the Twin Cities area by this evening, downing trees and causing sporadic power outages.
Carthage volleyball team loses to UW-Platteville
The Carthage women’s volleyball team was swept by UW-Platteville, 25-17, 25-17, 25-16, in the semifinals of the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Tournament on Saturday night at Tarble Arena.
The seventh-ranked Reds finished the season 31-8 overall.
Platteville will play Washington (Mo.) in the regional championship 4 p.m. Sunday at Tarble Arena.
Emanuel formally kicks off campaign
CHICAGO (AP) — Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel officially announced his candidacy for mayor of Chicago today, promising to fight any tax increase for city residents.
For more information, see tomorrow’s Kenosha News.
Falcons prevail in State debut
The Central boys volleyball team moved on to the semifinals of the WIAA State Tournament.
Making their first State tourney appearance, the Falcons prevailed over Nicolet, 25-23, 22-25, 22-25, 25-23, 15-7, on Friday night at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee.
The Falcons (25-6) will play top-ranked Waukesha Catholic Memorial (29-3) in the semifinals at noon Saturday.
The winner will advance to the championship match at 5:30 p.m.
Field for Chicago mayor thins
CHICAGO (AP) — When Mayor Richard Daley announced in September he wouldn’t seek a seventh term, enough aldermen, congressmen and other public officials talked about running to field a couple of football teams.
Now, as the deadline approaches to formally join the race, the list looks no bigger than a basketball team. And from the outside, the race might look as if it’s Michael Jordan versus the rest of the Bulls.
For more information, see Saturday’s Kenosha News.
Carthage volleyball wins first tourney match
The Carthage women’s volleyball team swept UW-Oshkosh, 25-15, 25-15, 25-11, in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional on Friday night at Tarble Arena.
The second-seeded Reds (31-7) will play third-seeded UW-Platteville (32-3) in a semifinal match 7 p.m. Saturday.
Nations unable to reach deal
WASHINGTON (AP) — The world’s most important economies are going home to look after themselves.
The Group of 20 meeting of leading rich and developing nations ended Friday in South Korea with no solutions to longstanding tensions over trade and currency, and with the cooperation of the 2008 financial crisis now a distant memory.
For more information, check Saturday’s Kenosha News.
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