Kenosha Reporter

Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman delivered the annual State of the County address to the County Board, outlining recent achievements from the past three years and providing an outlook on upcoming goals.

Kenosha County is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, alongside the 100th anniversary of the Kenosha County Courthouse dedication. A public event marking the courthouse centennial is planned for Sunday, August 24, with further details to be announced later. Kerkman, elected in April 2022, acknowledged the County Board’s support on various initiatives, including the recently approved South Branch Pike River restoration project. This project has been in development for several years and aims to enhance the local environment.

According to Kerkman, new initiatives include the launch of the Adopt-A-Highway program and a redesigned county website as part of rebranding efforts. She emphasized transparency through regular updates on highway projects, data dashboards for Human Services, and communication with local municipalities. The county has reduced property taxes through budget management while maintaining a AAA bond rating, saving over $1 million in interest. Economic growth is marked by Eli Lilly’s $3 billion expansion and Microsoft’s land purchase for a potential data center. An Emmy-winning video on Kenosha’s baseball history was also presented and is available online.

"While we’ve accomplished a lot over the last three years, we’re not taking our foot off the gas pedal when it comes to making Kenosha County — the Gateway to Wisconsin — an even more attractive place to live, work and play," said Kerkman. "That’s my obligation as your County Executive, and it’s one I take to heart every day."

Kerkman is a Kenosha County native who was elected County Executive in 2022 after serving over 20 years in the state Assembly. The position of County Executive is non-partisan and elected every four years; responsibilities include county administration, budget preparation, and appointing department heads and board members. Key areas of focus during her tenure include public safety, infrastructure, and human services.