Apr. 21, 2026 2p; Updated 4-22 with new item
From WGTD News:
The Apr. 12th fire that heavily damaged a north side Kenosha bar was caused by somebody depositing smoking materials into a potted plant on the bar's deck. That's the finding of the Kenosha Fire Department. Investigators who looked into the blaze at Kenosha Beer Gardens talked to witnesses, examined the debris and looked at video footage. "Potted plants should never be used for disposal, as potting soil often contains organic materials such as peat moss, bark and fertilizers that can retain heat and create conditions for smoldering and eventual ignition," the department said in a news release. The fire has been ruled accidental.
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A Kenosha jury convicted a man as charged with the death of a new homeowner and his dog. The jury in the Justin Tercek case deliberated for about an hour late Tuesday afternoon and several hours Wednesday morning before returning the guilty verdicts just before lunch. Sentencing was scheduled for mid-July. Tercek killed Andrew Pfannkuche, believing he was trespassing in his grandmother's house. Tercek apparently was unaware that the house had been sold. Tercek did not testify on his behalf.
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10 years ago, Carthage College opened its nursing program. On Thursday, Carthage will celebrate the creation of its School of Health, an umbrella-title encompassing a variety of health-related programs--some of them new--ranging from nursing to neuroscience, allied health science and sociology. A public reception will take place Wednesday evening from 5-7 that'll include heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, the signing of a charter and a speech on the future of health care. Over half of Carthage's record 11,000-plus applicants for fall 2025 admission expressed an interest in a health-related field.
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Racine County has joined Kenosha County in declaring a state of emergency as a result of last week's bad weather. The declarations will enable the counties to coordinate resources and pursue additional state and federal assistance. Meanwhile, Kenosha County Public Health is highlighting the availability of free well-testing services. Kits are available at a variety of locations as outlined on the county's website. Two dozen homes were directly affected by flooding along the Fox in Kenosha County.
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In Pleasant Prairie, Froedtert South's plan to build a four-story parking garage to serve its hospital campus has advanced a step. The village's Plan commission has approved a site and operational plan.
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State Senator Bob Wirch will be holding office hours this Friday at Kenosha's Southwest Library. He'll be available to hear from the public on key state and local issues from noon to one.
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