Somers Shooting Impact on Carthage; Big Gateway Tech Donation

Apr. 20, 2021 10:30p

From WGTD News: 

A coalition of groups that are pushing for what they call common sense gun violence prevention laws will hold a rally Wednesday at noon in Kenosha’s Alford Park. That’s a short distance from Somers House Tavern, the scene of a mass shooting over the weekend. The alleged lone gunman, 24-year-old Rakayo Vinson, is expected to appear in court Wednesday to face formal charges. Three people were killed and three others injured when Vinson allegedly opened fire in the crowded bar following a fistfight over a shoulder bump. Over 40 students from nearby Carthage College were in the bar at the time, according to Carthage Dean of Students Kimberlie Goldsberry. Almost within minutes of the early Sunday morning shooting, the college began providing ongoing counseling and other means of support for the shaken students as they returned to campus. That support included therapy dogs and an order from administration to make final exams optional. A 20-year-old Carthage student who was in the bar at the time of the shooting said some of his classmates knew both the victims and the suspect. 

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 A foundation that’s tied to a large California company that makes C-N-C machine tools has made a big donation to Gateway Technical College’s scholarship fund for adults wanting to return to school to finish their degrees. The Gene Haas Foundation’s $500,000 gift pushes the endowment for Gateway’s “Promise to Finish” program to $1.1 million. The Haas contribution will be dedicated to those students with an interest in pursuing a career in machining. Richard Shouse is a Gateway instructor who teaches those programs. Speaking on a recent edition of WGTD’s “Morning Show,” Shouse said he’s seen where the school’s nearly full-ride financial aid programs make a big difference. "It's a huge emotional deal," he said. Gateway’s financial aid program for returning adults was launched last year. Its first cohort—numbering 55—began in January.

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Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser gave his second-to-last ‘state of the county’ address to the county board Tuesday night. After 13 years on the job, Kreuser announced that he won’t seek re-election when his current term expires next year. Kreuser told the board that the county’s top priority at the moment is vaccinating residents against COVID. Vaccine is now plentiful throughout the WGTD listening area. In Kenosha County, walk-ins will be welcome Wednesday from noon until six at Westosha Central High School in Paddock Lake. In addition, the county’s clinic in the old Shopko building on 52nd St. will be open both Thursday and Saturday from nine until three. Online appointments are currently available for both days, and walk-ins will also be accepted. About 36% of Kenosha County’s population has received at least one dose.

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