State Capitol Report
Friends and Neighbors,
In this State Capitol Report, I have updates and information for you about upcoming events in Kenosha and recent events in our community. Summer may be getting started, but there is no shortage of activities going on!
As the summer continues, I hope you'll continue reaching out to me with your thoughts on the important issues facing our community. If you would like something to be included in future e-newsletters, or have a problem with a state relate related issue, just let me know at (608) 266-0455 or Rep.Ohnstad@legis.wi.gov.
 
June 2nd through the 16th is Bike to Work Week in Kenosha! The intent is to promote healthy transportation alternatives, raise awareness about bicycle safety and encourage people to explore Kenosha County on two wheels! More information on participating can be found HERE
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KUSD School Safety Grant
On Friday, June 1st, KUSD was awarded $888,000 in school safety grant funding as a part of the Wisconsin Department of Justice's School Safety Initiative.
While this is a positive step forward in ensuring tragedies such as the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School never happens again, this grant does not address the critical problem of inadequate firearm safety laws.
We can't go back in time and stop the Parkland tragedy and the innumerable gun violence tragedies preceding Parkland, we can, however and must, have a meaningful discussion on how to address common-sense reforms like universal gun background checks in our community.
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Gerrymandering & The Supreme Court
Last October, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wisconsin's gerrymandering lawsuit, Gill v. Whitford, for the very first time.
Gerrymandering often disproportionately represents one political party to ensure a certain candidate or party will win the election. After the 2010 election, Republicans won the Assembly, Senate, and the governorship, and were fully in charge of redrawing legislative districts. They proceeded to draw one of the most partisan gerrymandered maps the countryhas ever seen.
It is expected the results of the U.S. Supreme Court case will be released before the end of June. The hope of the Democratic voters bringing the case to the Supreme Court, is that a fair standard will then be used around the country to determine when politicians, "Republicans or Democrats", go too far when drawing legislative maps.
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Some Reminders As Temperatures Rise
As many of you will recall, I had a bill signed into law in the 2016-2017 session to make it legal for Good Samaritans to rescue children, vulnerable adults, or household pets like dogs and cats from being trapped in hot cars. With summer nearly here, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to remind everyone what the law requires if you encounter this situation.
If you see a person or household pet in distress in a locked car, you must call 911 before entering the vehicle so the 911 responder can help you assess the situation and deploy emergency personnel as needed. After calling 911, if you need to break the window of a car to enter, you need to wait by the car for an officer to arrive or leave a note with your contact information.
By following these steps, you can take the important action while knowing you're being advised by trained emergency personnel and minimizing damage to the vehicle.
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Free Summer Meals
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, provides nutritious meals to children during the summer, when free and reduced-price school meals are typically unavailable. Children ages 18 and younger will be able to stop at any of the following locations for free breakfast & lunch.
| Location |
Dates* |
Breakfast |
Lunch |
| Bradford High |
6/20-7/24 |
7:00-8:05 |
n/a |
| Brass Elementary |
6/20-7/24 |
7:30-8:05 |
11:45-12:30 |
| EBSOLA Elementary |
6/20-7/24 |
7:30-8:05 |
11:45-12:30 |
| Grant Elementary |
6/20-7/24 |
7:30-8:05 |
11:45-12:30 |
| Jefferson Elementary |
6/20-7/24 |
7:30-8:05 |
11:45-12:30 |
| McKinley Elementary |
6/20-7/24 |
7:30-8:05 |
11:45-12:30 |
| Lincoln Middle |
6/20-7/24 |
7:30-8:05 |
11:45-12:30 |
| Southport Elementary |
6/20-7/24 |
7:30-8:05 |
11:45-12:30 |
| Strange Elementary |
6/20-7/24 |
7:30-8:05 |
11:45-12:30 |
| Washington Middle |
6/20-7/24 |
7:30-8:05 |
11:45-12:30 |
*Please note: No meals will be served on July 4.
Additionally, The Kenosha Boys & Girls Club participates in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) which provide members ages 6-18 years old a meal each day the Club is open.
Dinner is served Monday-Thursday from 5:00-6:30pm and on Friday from 4:00-5:30pm. On days the members are off school, lunch will be served from 12:00-1:30pm.
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| It is deeply disappointing that Legislative Republicans refused to allow a vote on dark store legislation this past session. Join Sen. Wirch, Sen. Ringhand, Rep. Barca, and I on Wednesday, June 13th from 5 to 6PM at the Northside Library for a townhall meeting on the dark stores. |
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Upcoming Events
Bloomin' Bands
When: June 15th, 2018 5PM-8PM & June 16th, 2018 3PM-8PM
Where: Kenosha Moose Lodge #286, 3003 30th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53144
What: The Downtown Kiwanis Club – in partnership with Cross Roads of Kenosha – will present Bloomin' Bands on June 15 and June 16, 2018. The event is open to the public!
Food Folks & Spokes
When: Thursday, June 21st, 2018 11AM-10PM
Where: Library Park, 711 59th Pl, Kenosha, WI 53140
What: This popular summertime family event presented by the Kenosha YMCA will be packed with fun-filled activities for all ages. The day will featuring cycling, entertainment, food, fun, and education.
KAC Spaghetti Dinner
When: Thursday, June 21st 2018, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Where: KAC, 1218 79th Street, Kenosha
What: Join KAC as they raise funds for those in need! Tickets: $1.00 in advance, $5.00 at the door. A limited number of advance tickets are available at the KAC main office, 1218 79th Street, thru Monday, June 18.
Kenosha Juneteenth Celebration
When: Saturday, June 23rd 2018, 1:00 pm - 5 pm
Where: Lincoln Park, 6900 18th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53143
What: Join the Urban League of Rachine & Kenosha for their annual Juneteenth celebration! This is a rain or shine event.
Twilight Jazz
When: June 26th 2018 - August 28th, 2018, 7PM
Where: Anderson Arts Center South Lawn, 6501 3rd Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140
What: Twilight Jazz is a free outdoor concert series sponsored by area businesses, which take place on the Anderson Arts Center South Lawn. Held on Tuesday evenings during the summer, hundreds come to picnic and enjoy great jazz. Food vendors offer their culinary delights to the crowd and a full bar is open for the concert-goers’ convenience.
Additional Summer Concerts
Senior Action Council Relay for Life Event
When: Saturday, June 30th, 2018 3:30PM-6PM
Where: Moose Lodge 3003 30th Avenue, Kenosha WI
What: Join the Senior Action Council for their Bingo Benefit! This event will be open to the public! Doors open at 3:30 for bingo.
Kenosha Veterans Civics Parade
When: Sunday, July 1, 2018, 1PM-3:30PM
Where: Uptown Kenosha to Downtown; 6300 22nd Avenue
What: A Salute to Our Troops is the theme for the 2018 Kenosha Civic Veterans parade. Continuing its community generosity, Snap-on is again the lead sponsor for the parade. The parade travels from the Uptown district to Downtown.
6th Annual Kenosha Pride Fest
When: Sunday July 15th, 2018, 12PM-8PM
Where: Veteran's Memorial Park 625 52nd St. Kenosha, WI 53140
What: Gathering will begin at 11:30am at Library Park in Kenosha. At around Noon, the welcoming and acknowledgement of special guests, including this year’s “Grand Marshal†Alex Hart-Upendo. The Kenosha Pride 2018 Celebration grounds will open at 12:30 pm. As the march approaches the grounds, attendees will be greeted with music by DJ Lorax. Entertainment will begin on the main stage at 1:00pm and continue through the closing of the event at 9:00pm.
Friends of Museums Art Fair
When: Sunday, July 15, 2018 from 10am-4pm
Where: Kenosha Public Museum
What: The Friends of the Museums annual art fair features artist booths outside and inside the Kenosha Public Museum. The KUSD Summer Student Art Show inside the Civil War Museum. Plus music, food and a kids art tent! The cost of the event is FREE!
Taste of Wisconsin
When: July 27-29, 2018
Friday, July 27 from 3-11pm;
Saturday, July 28 from 11am-11pm;
Sunday, July 29 from 11am-7pm
Where: Downtown Kenosha lakeshore. Here is a link to a map and more information regarding parking, and transportation |
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Summer Parish Festivals
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Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Festival - July 13, 14, 15
1919 54th St, Kenosha, WI 53140
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St. Therese Parish Festival - July 20, 21, 22
2020 91st St, Kenosha, WI 53143
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St. Mary's Parish Festival - July 28 & 29
7307 40th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142
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St. Peter Parish Festival - August 3, 4, 5
2224 30th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53144
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Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii Parish - August 10, 11, 12
2699, 2224 45th St, Kenosha, WI 53140
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