Skip to main content

Vance Scheduled to Visit Kenosha; Kizer to be Sentenced

Aug. 18, 2024 10p

From WGTD News:

Presidential politics is coming to Kenosha. Donald Trump's running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, is scheduled to hold what's being billed as a news conference Tuesday at the Kenosha County Courthouse. The noontime campaign event is expected to focus on crime. Also to be featured...Republican Senate Candidate Eric Hovde, U.S. Representative Bryan Steil and Kenosha County Sheriff Dave Zoerner. The trip will be Vance's third to the state in as many weeks, and comes on the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Also Tuesday, Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are expected to headline a rally in Milwaukee at the Fiserv Forum.

-0-

The woman who as a teenager killed a Kenosha man who allegedly had been sex-trafficking young girls is scheduled to be sentenced Monday morning. Chrystul Kizer pleaded guilty earlier this year to a reduced charge of reckless homicide. The plea spares her a possible life sentence if she'd been found guilty of the original charge of 1st Degree Intentional Homicide. Kizer was 17 in 2018 when she killed 34-year-old Randall Volar, burned down his house and stole his car. The case drew national attention after Kizer claimed Volar tried to sell her as a prostitute. Her attorneys invoked a law that absolves sex crime victims of immunity for their actions. Kizer had been free on bond until she was arrested a few months ago in a domestic violence case involving an older man.

-0-

A resolution supporting a study of the feasibility of extending commuter rail from Kenosha to Milwaukee comes up again before the Kenosha County Board Tuesday night. The resolution was sidetracked two weeks ago after several opponents of the project tried to tie the resolution to a referendum. The $5 million study--funded by the federal government--is already underway. Support from the county board would give the county a seat at the planning table.

-0-

The union representing firefighters in Somers posted a message last week urging drivers on Green Bay Rd. in front of Walmart and Sam's Club to exercise greater care. The D-O-T recently reopened a northbound left turn lane that had been the site of several traffic fatalities in recent years. The approach is a bit problematic due to a slight curve and incline.  The state agency reopened the lane after additional study and then support from the Somers Village Board. The D-O-T installed a speed indicator sign in the southbound lanes about a-quarter mile north of the lane.  The Somers Professional Firefighters Associated in its post urged drivers to pay attention. 

-0-

A Racine native who has served as secretary of the state Department of Transportation for the past five years is leaving the role. Craig Thompson was recently appointed Vice-Chancellor for University Relations at UW-Madison. In a news release, Gov. Evers had high praise for Thompson's work at the transportation department. Thompson will be succeeded by the department's deputy secretary.

-0-