As 2024 draws to a close, Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman has highlighted several key developments and achievements in county government over the past year.
One of the most notable announcements came in December when Eli Lilly and Company revealed plans for a $3 billion expansion of its manufacturing operations in Kenosha County. The project is expected to create 750 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction jobs, expanding the company’s presence in Pleasant Prairie and into Bristol. According to Kerkman, “This development will have a significant impact on our local economy for many years to come, and it further demonstrates how Kenosha County has become a destination of choice for high-quality employers from all over the world.”
In August, S&P Global renewed Kenosha County’s AAA bond rating for the fourth consecutive year. This rating has allowed taxpayers to save about $1 million in interest costs related to major projects. Kerkman credited Finance Director Patricia Merrill and other officials for this achievement: “This achievement is a result of the outstanding work of Finance Director Patricia Merrill and the county’s entire fiscal team, as well as our ongoing collaborations with County Board Chairman Monica M. Yuhas, Finance Committee Chairman Jeff Gentz and the entire County Board, our municipalities, the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, and other community stakeholders. I look forward to continued success in the years to come.”
The county also introduced its first new logo in more than four decades during Kerkman’s State of the County address in May. The logo was developed with input from current and former board supervisors and was approved unanimously by the board.
Efforts to improve broadband connectivity made progress this year as Spectrum launched service for about 1,000 homes and small businesses in underserved areas including Brighton, Paris, and Bristol. A county grant is also extending access to more than 100 homes in Brighton and Bristol. Town leaders such as Paris Chairman John Holloway have played key roles on the Broadband Advisory Committee established last year.
To address housing needs across Kenosha County, a Housing Task Force was launched in November through collaboration between county government and the Kenosha Area Business Alliance. The task force includes developers, municipal leaders, nonprofit representatives, financing experts, real estate agents, and other community members.
The Human Services division underwent restructuring this summer with approval from the County Board. The Division of Aging, Disability and Behavioral Health Services was split into two units—one focusing specifically on behavioral health—to better serve community needs.
A new embedded social worker position was included in next year’s budget; this employee will work alongside law enforcement officers to connect people with resources during behavioral health-related calls.
Greg Boldt joined as Director of Highways and Highway Commissioner over the summer. He brings public- and private-sector experience aimed at maintaining current infrastructure while planning future improvements.
Kenosha County golf courses saw record use this season with over 120,000 rounds played before winter closure. Parks programming also expanded under Director Wyatt Moore with more than 300 events held throughout 2024.
A docuseries video produced by Kenosha County in partnership with Uniquely Wisconsin received a Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Award in November for its coverage of the Kenosha Comets baseball team.
Meanwhile, education remains an important part of life within Kenosha County. During the 2023-24 school year, Indian Trail High School had the highest enrollment among area schools at 2,001 students; Tremper High School followed with 1,458 students; Bradford High School enrolled 1,448 students (https://dpi.wi.gov/). Of all students attending schools that year—25,402 total—white students made up about 55.6% (14,124), Hispanic students were roughly one-quarter at 25.7% (6,528), while Black students represented just over one-tenth at 10.4% (2,642) (https://dpi.wi.gov/). American Indian students were among the least represented groups at just 0.2% (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
Looking ahead to next year’s priorities for Kenosha County government programs and services remain focused on economic growth opportunities as well as addressing ongoing community needs.
