Kenosha Reporter

A celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the Kenosha County Courthouse will take place on Sunday, August 24, according to County Executive Samantha Kerkman. The event will begin at noon in Civic Center Park, located across from the courthouse.

Activities will include an ice cream social, a program with speakers on the courthouse steps at 12:30 p.m., musical performances, and an open house inside the building. "One hundred years ago, our county’s leaders had the vision and foresight to design and build a magnificent Courthouse that would stand the test of time," Kerkman said. "I invite the community to join us in celebrating the building’s rich history, and the bright future that lies ahead."

The event is organized by a Centennial Committee appointed by Kerkman earlier this year. Members include current and retired judiciary representatives, former county executives, County Board leadership, and members of local historical societies.

County Board Chairman Monica M. Yuhas commented on the significance of the courthouse. "Generations of residents have passed through its halls to fulfill civic duties, seek justice, or witness democracy in action," Yuhas said. "Through the decades, the Courthouse has reflected the strength, resilience, and evolving story of Kenosha County, and I look forward to celebrating that with the entire community at this centennial event."

The day will open with a performance by members of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band. An open house inside will start after the speaking program and continue until 3:30 p.m. Ice cream will be provided by Jockey International while supplies last; Snap-on Incorporated and Niagara Bottling are also supporting.

Current and retired courthouse employees are invited for a group photo on the steps at 1:30 p.m. The Kenosha Pops Concert Band will perform for an hour starting at 4 p.m., concluding festivities.

For safety during events, traffic on 56th Street between Sheridan Road and 10th Avenue will be closed. Kenosha Area Transit streetcars will run as usual with free rides available all day. Attendees can park for free at designated city or county structures nearby and use streetcar service if desired.

Historic displays curated by Kenosha History Center will be available during open house hours for visitors interested in viewing courtrooms or learning about jury service. Prairie String Quartet is scheduled to perform in a second-floor corridor.

Family members of Joseph Lindl—the architect who designed both this courthouse and other notable area buildings—are expected among guests.

If weather requires it, programs planned outdoors will move inside.

The courthouse stands at 912 56th St., within Kenosha’s Civic Center Historic District.

Restoration work is ongoing for its Ceremonial Courtroom; funding comes from community donations as well as grants from organizations such as Jeffris Family Foundation and TAWANI Foundation. Dedication for this restored space is planned for 2026.

Kenosha County schools reflect significant diversity among students during recent years. For example, Indian Trail High School had over two thousand enrolled students in 2023-24—the highest enrollment among county schools—while white students accounted for just over half (55.6%) of total enrollment that year (https://dpi.wi.gov/). Hispanic students represented about one quarter (25.7%), making them second largest group; Black students made up roughly ten percent (10.4%). American Indian students were one of least represented groups at only 0.2% (https://dpi.wi.gov/).

Scheduled participants include several current officials such as Judge Chad Kerkman; Clerk of Circuit Court Rebecca Matoska-Mentink; County Board Vice Chairman Daniel Gaschke; Alderman Bill Siel; along with representatives from sponsoring organizations Snap-on Incorporated and Jockey International.