Oct. 7, 2019 4:40p; Updated at 9:20 with Somers item
The Kenosha School Board will resume discussion on a proposed rights policy for transgender students at a special meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening at 5:30. The proposal up for discussion is similar to one that was initially brought up in August. Under the measure, transgender students would be able to declare their gender and the district would be required to abide by the pronouncement. But only transgender students who are 18 or older, or the parents or guardians of a minor student, would be able to make the determination. Once a declaration is made, a transgender student would be able to use the restroom of his or her choice. That's something that the school district vigorously fought in a federal lawsuit that had been filed by former Tremper student Ash Whitaker. The district appealed unfavorable rulings all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court then pulled out of the battle before the court had a chance to decide whether to hear its case.
-0-
A 96-unit mix of town homes and apartments is planned for a site that overlooks Carthage College and Lake Michigan. Bear Development's plans were recommended for approval by the Somers Plan Commission Monday. The site is a vacant, eight-acre parcel north of St. George Cemetery where a tavern once stood. The $10 million project will include a four-story, 80-unit apartment building for seniors and 16, three-bedroom town homes. Bear has already had to deal with at least one unexpected problem--a portion of the site was once used for concrete disposal. Also, additional costs were incurred to more accurately map the site's wetlands. The steeply-sloped east end borders the Pike River.
-0-
The Bradford High School teenager who fatally stabbed another teen in a study hall at school two-and-a-half years ago was back in court Monday. At issue were pre-trial decisions on whether prior violent or threatening incidents involving the defendant and the victim should be allowed at trial. Judge Mary Kay Wagner ruled that all but one of five incidents that involved Timothy Carson should be allowed. Decisions were delayed on whether to admit several video-taped fights that purportedly put the victim, Dezjon Taylor, in an unfavorable light. The next hearing will be in late November. At that time, more should be known about the status of a pre-trial defense appeal. Carson's attorney is trying to force the judge to allow the testimony of a self-defense expert. He's expected to argue that Carson didn't necessarily intend to stab Taylor in the heart--that his actions were more reflexive than intentional after he'd been punched in the face by the victim.
-0-
