June 11, 2022 9:30a
From WGTD News and the Associated Press:
Wisconsin Parole Commission Chairman John Tate has resigned, a month after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers made a hasty appeal to Tate in the midst of Republican criticism over parole plans for a convicted murderer. Tate is from Racine and also serves as president of the city council. The Associated Press reports that Evers had asked for Tate to step down. In his resignation letter, Tate didn't mention the parole case but said he's done his best to be "fair, just and understanding."
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Plans for a new police station and a new fire station will be reviewed by the Pleasant Prairie Village Board Monday night. A $17 million police station is being proposed for a site on 39th Ave. north of STH 165. The department has outgrown its existing facility on Green Bay Road. The new fire station would be the village's third, and would be located at the south entrance to Prairie Springs Park just off of 165. The new station--which was stalled in the discussion phase for years--would fill in service gaps. The building is estimated to cost $8.5 million. Voters recently approved exceeding state-mandated levy limits in order to hire additional firefighters and police officers. Pleasant Prairie isn't the only municipality making plans to improve public safety facilities. The Village of Caledonia is expected to begin construction soon on a new combination fire/police station to be located adjacent to Caledonia Village Hall located a block or two off of STH 32 and Four Mile Rd.
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A Kenosha City Council committee is expected to consider a resolution Monday night to discourage people from giving to panhandlers. The proposal would direct city administration to post signs at four locations that panhandlers frequent. The signs would read, "Give Smart. Say No to Panhandling. Be Part of the Solution by Contributing to Local Charities." Proponents of the resolution say they're motivated by safety concerns and a desire to increase support for local charities. Also up for discussion at Monday's meeting of Public Safety and Welfare...an explanation on the ins and outs of the state's Concealed Carry law as it related to the Municipal Building. The building isn't posted, even though it houses the municipal court. The issue came up recently at the county level over whether to remove the prohibition against concealed carry in most county-owned buildings.
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A Kenosha County Board committee next week will be discussing a couple of topics that have raised eyebrows. A proposal to make it easier for Kenosha County executive to fire department heads will be reviewed by the Finance and Administration Committee Thursday night. The introduction of the resolution coincides with Samantha Kerkman taking the reins of county government. Also up for discussion...a proposal to prohibit the county from accepting private money to help municipalities conduct elections. Republicans have so far unsuccessfully challenged donations given in advance of the 2020 elections from a non-profit called the Center for Tech and Civic Life. Wisconsin's five largest cities--including Kenosha and Racine--pocketed the lion's share of the money that was distributed to the state's municipalities. Kenosha City Administrator John Morrisssey said the county board resolution would have no impact on the city's ability to accept such funds in the future.
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