July 10, 2020 3:15p; Updated at 4:45p with City of Racine announcements and a special Kenosha School Board meeting; Updated the recount item at 5:30 pm with new information
From WGTD News:
New cases of coronavirus are surging in much of Wisconsin. The state Department of Health Services reported Friday 845 new confirmed cases, breaking the record set just the day before by 91 cases. For the second day in a row, over 30 cases were reported in Kenosha County. Friday's number was 31; Thursday's, 38. Kenosha County Health Dept. Director Jen Freiheit told WGTD Thursday that almost one-quarter of the new cases reported in recent days can be traced to social gatherings. The number of new cases reported in Racine County Friday was 12. Walworth County's new case number for Friday was 11. A spokesman for the Walworth County Health Dept. said Wednesday that most of his county's increase was due to more testing, and that the county, as of Wednesday, had only one COVID-19-related hospitalization. In addition to the record number of daily cases, the state reported five new deaths and 40 new hospitalizations. The number of positive test results as a percentage of the whole also rose to 6.7%.
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A Racine judge has upheld the results of the Racine Unified Facilities referendum. Judge Michael Piontek affirmed the Board of Canvassers tally that the April referendum won by 5 votes. A coalition of anti-referendum groups challenged the results in court. Judge Piontek's ruling on Friday came as no surprise--he hinted a couple of weeks ago during oral arguments that some of the arguments put forth were flawed. In his written ruling Friday, Piontek said there is "no merit to an insinuation or claim" that anyone directly involved in the recount was biased or did anything improper. "Appellants misunderstand the basic nature of a recount," he added. The plaintiffs are expected to meet next week to decide whether to appeal. The referendum results, assuming they stand, will allow the district to exceed state-mandated levy limits over the next 30 years to fund a modernization and downsizing plan.
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A 61-year-old man suffered serious injuries in a mid-morning stabbing in the 1800 blk. of 67th St. Kenosha Police said a 30-year-old man was taken into custody near the scene. The victim was flown to Milwaukee for treatment. Both the victim and suspect are Kenosha residents.
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The City of Racine has loosened some of its 'Safer Racine' restrictions while announcing an eviction prevention program. Low-income residents who rent will be eligible for up to $3,000 to cover rent and utility payments. Tenants may apply starting at 8 a.m. Monday by calling 1-855-397-9520 and leaving a message. The money comes from nearly $400,000 in CARES Act funding that was recently approved by the Racine City Council. The 'Safer Racine' restrictions that were loosened affect long term care facilities, day cares, indoor recreational facilities, pools, zoos, mass gatherings and other venues. A circuit court ruling that invalidated enforcement of the restrictions is being appealed. The restrictions are being allowed to stand during the pendency of the appeal.
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The Kenosha School Board has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, July 16th to get an update on the district's reopening plans for fall. The meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will be streamed live on the district's YouTube channel. The district is expected to offer in-person instruction with optional online learning.
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