Racine---The proposed $4.6 million county-funded, forgivable loan to help pay for a new headquarters and lab for Racine-based InSinkErator is predicated on job retention, not creation, according to statements made just before a pair of county board committees recommended approval of the deal Wednesday night. The loan would not have to be paid back if the company maintains a 170-member engineering and administrative staff at the new building for at least six years. However, InSinkErator President Chad Severson told the supervisors that the new building--at I-94 and Highway 20---would free up space for additional manufacturing at its existing facility on 21st St. No timetable was offered.
Kenosha---A man died Wednesday after possibly being injured while on the job at the Chrysler Engine Plant site, which is being readied for future development. Few details are available, but Police Chief Dan Miskinis confirmed the death of the 32 year old man. He said the man was not transported by rescue squad, but left the site, and died at a hospital. Miskinis said OSHA has been called in to investigate. A.W. Oakes has been working at the site under contract with the city of Kenosha.
Kenosha---The tables were turned Wednesday night on the alderman who has called for the immediate firing of an African-American police officer who allegedly punched a man who'd been dating the cop's estranged wife. Gregory Bennett, vice-president of the local chapter of the NAACP, said at Wednesday's city council meeting that Ald. Kevin Mathewson should consider resigning himself for implying that the internal investigation into Officer Kendal West's actions be short-circuited. Mathewson said he simply wanted to make his constituents and the police chief aware of his views on the matter.
Kenosha---The Shalom Center received final city council approval Wednesday night to convert a vacant office on 39th Ave. into a homeless shelter that'll replace its current facility in the uptown area. The vote was unanimous. The new shelter will be large enough to eliminate the need for churches to have to house the nightly overflow of homeless people. With fundraising said to be on track, the new shelter is expected to open this summer.
Lake Geneva---Firefighters rescued a dog from a burning vehicle in the parking lot of Wal-Mart Wednesday. The pet had to be resuscitated on scene before being taken to a local animal hospital. It's not clear how the fire started, but officials say two vehicles were destroyed and a third damaged. Criminal mischief is not believed to be a factor.
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From our partners at WRJN and WGTD staff.
