Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman outlined on Jan. 9 the county government’s major accomplishments in 2025, highlighting environmental projects, public health efforts, infrastructure improvements, and community recognition initiatives.
The annual review provides residents with an overview of how local government is addressing key issues and investing in the future. The report covers a range of topics from environmental restoration to fiscal management and community engagement.
Among the notable achievements was the advancement of the Pike River South Branch Restoration Project, which aims to return a section of the waterway to its natural path and expand recreational trails. Engineering work is underway, with construction scheduled for 2026. Kerkman thanked partners including the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for their support.
Efforts to address opioid misuse continued as Kenosha County received settlement funds from pharmaceutical companies following national litigation. A March report identified housing for people in recovery as a top need, along with transportation and job assistance. The Opioid Settlement Advisory Panel concluded its work in June, shifting focus to ongoing collaborations among community partners. The county also reported a decline in toxicity deaths from opioids: 34 deaths in 2024 compared to 58 each year in 2023 and 2022.
Other highlights included a refreshed county website launched in March with improved navigation and security features; the start of an Adopt-A-Highway program inspired by Supervisors Frederick Brookhouse and Keith Gray; recognition of Milt Dean as the inaugural Veteran of the Year; maintenance of a AAA bond rating by S&P Global for five consecutive years; record participation at county golf courses; celebration of the Courthouse Centennial; approval of a fiscally responsible budget for 2026; and commemoration of Kenosha County’s 175th anniversary.
In education news, Indian Trail High School and Academy had the highest enrollment among Kenosha County schools during the 2023-24 school year with 2,001 students, followed by Tremper High School (1,458) and Bradford High School (1,448), according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Of the total student body that year—25,402 students—white students made up about 55.6% (14,124), Hispanic students were second at 25.7% (6,528), Black students third at 10.4% (2,642), multiracial students fourth at 6.6%, American Indian students represented just 0.2%, while Pacific Islander students were least represented at only 0.1%, all according to state data.
Kerkman said these milestones reflect ongoing efforts “to make our community an even better place to live and work.” She added that there is much more ahead as Kenosha County continues to evolve.
