099 Highway 50 from US 12 to 1-94 including Walworth and Kenosha Counties 1984 and County Center

Highway 50 from US 12 to 1-94, including Walworth and Kenosha Counties 1 984 and County Center. 0-218 State Highway 50 newsclips, correspondence, maps, images regarding the changes to Highway 50 to a four lane divided highway and the Commissioners of the the Highway. During this time, at least one home was moved. Search the archives for "NOLAN" and"Jacksonville" and "Kirchner". 219-242 County Center at Highway 50 (HWY 50) and Rt 45 in Bristol Township containing newsclips about the decision making process, the groundbreaking and correspodence about the action. From the Magwitz Family Collection.

125169133

1984

099 Highway 50 from US 12 to 1-94 including Walworth and Kenosha Counties 1984 and County Center.pdf

Linda Valentine Snippets

Linda Valentine Snippets

Copyright undetermined

text

eng

Wisconsin

History

Midwest

Map collections

Kenosha County, Wisconsin

Bristol, Wisconsin

Walworth, Wisconsin

PDF

Valentine
SNIPPETS of SALEM

99 - Highway 50 from
US 12 to 1-94
including Walworth and
Kenosha Counties 1984
and
County Center
Contents:
0-218 State Highway 50 newsclips, correspondence, maps, images
regarding the changes to Highway 50 to a four lane divided highway
and the Commissioners of the the Highway. During this time, at least
one home was moved. Search the archives for "NOLAN" and
"Jacksonville" and "Kirchner".
219-242 County Center at Highway 50 (HWY 50) and Rt 45 in Bristol
Township containing newsclips about the decision making process,
the groundbreaking and correspodence about the action.
From the Magwitz Family Collection

0-242 pages
NOTE:
The materials herein were contributed by those of the area who wished that the
history they have experienced be saved for the future generations. These may
represent private documents as well as previously published articles and
obituaries and images from their saved collections ..
Researchers should also refer to the Digital archives at the SALEM
COMMUNITY LIBRARY for more images in this collection or digital images of
items photocopied in this booklet or related to the topic ..
Compiled 06/2008 by L S Valentine Copyright©Valentine2008

I

I

~-

Historic house ·is last to go
By Joe Van Zandt
Staff Writer

~

BRISTOL - The historic Andrew B. Jackson house, oldest
known domicile in the Town of
Bristol, will be relocated rather than razed to make room for
the widening of State Highway
50.
The house, at 18118 75th St.,
is the last remaining building
between U.S. Highway 45 and
I-94 along the Highway 50 right
of w'ay, and Leslie Fafard,
state superintendent for the
Highway 50 widening project,
said it is causing a bit of a
problem as construction crews
rush to complete the new
roadbed before winter.
"Right now, we are working
around it," he said, ubut if it
isn't moved soon, it coUld start
.slowing us down."
Michael Gonia, Department
.of Transportation environmental design coordinator, said the
state had been. trying< unsuccessfully to find .anyone .who
wanted to move.· the house,
which is eligibile for in~lusion
in the National Register of
Historic Places, .and it ·looked
as if the old .place was doomed
to fall under the wrecker's ball.
"It was only by•ac-stroke of
luck that Sandra Nolan called
at the last minute .to .say she
wanted to save the house, "·•he
said.·"We already had the demolition contract prepared when
Mrs:<Nolan ·said•· she Jiad·ar.. ranged financing .to.·move the
house.''

lt'was scheduled:for•demolition.a month·ago· but was sold
to the Nolarui~fot:·$•Fwith~thec
proviso that.they have it moved
away from ·~he ·Highway 50
right of way'. •· . ·~<· "'
Nolan resides witl{her ·family at 32821 !21st Place in Bovee
Woods Sub~.i vision, .. ·near
Wilmot ..tt~'"-,;:, Wt~.';,,- ?f-~ il;:·-J& '+#tffk;~
MeanwH(fe~n~ ·
m i :s s i 'll'D. E!'ld' •• s"'e v'i! r~an

:ll!oncom;

Historic area home
takes scenic route
BY GREG SAUCERMAN
--; -,;;,._•,.. &'R
After standing for over 150 years, the
old Jacksonville house on Highway 50,
Bristol, was saved from destruction.
Originally a stage stop, the house
was built in 1835 by the Jackson family
on the popular Geneva Road (Highway
50). The building has grown in impor~
tance and has become known as a Bristol

landmark.
But now Highway 50 must be
widened to make it safer for traveling,
This means that most of the homes that
were located near the highway must be
removed. This also included the Jacksonville home.
To the rescue came Matt and Sandy
Nolan, Wilmot. They fell in love with the
old house and thought it would be a
crime to destroy it. After selling their
home, they purchased the house for a
dollar and had it moved to a site near
Paddock Lake.
They plan on restoring the house but
still make it comfortable for living.

The house was moved July 12 by
Heusser Heavy Haulers, Elkhorn. After
using hydraulic jacks to lift the 60-ton
house, beams were put underneath, the
foundation was knocked out, and the
house started its ride to the new location.
The movers took the house up Highway
D and then went west on Highway K to
Paddock Lake. The electric company
stayed in front of them, lifting up power
lines and then replacing them when the
building had passed.
No windows were broken. In fact,
when moving a house, even the dishes
can stay in the cabinets because of the
process being so smooth, the moving
company said.
The building is waiting for the new
foundation to be poured which will be
soon, The movers are now working on
another house near Silver Lake, They
have moved quite a few homes because
of the Highway 50 project.
With determined people like the
Nolans, maybe more of these historic
homes can be saved to be enjoyed for
many more generations,

L'f;~"lhUJ!li'IT

federal

$ii miltlon: hrenkou1 of
and state funds un·

old Jacksonville house, Bristol, was area July 12. Even after the doors were
right In the way of the Highway 50 hoarded shut the Nolans had trouble
expansion and was 1 day away from being keeping people out of the house. The
demolished when Matt and Sandy Nolan building is now waJtfng for the new
fought their way through the red tape and foundation io be poured.
[Greg Saucerman Photo]
had the building moved to Paddock Lake

,50

miles
road willlwcnnw a divided, four-

7!1 percent, or
funded and 2~
stare funded
cJntinui ng.
\Vili rf'main

Detours; Road will remain
open. frilft'ic will use extsting
road untl! ne\v lanes are con·
strucled.
Date

I

use existing
eastbound lanPs

rune fi.

date:
The Jacksonville house Is on its way to a
new location near Paddock Lake. On July
12, the 60-ton building crawled along on
Highway D and then went west on
Highway K u.nder the power of a diesel

her.

50

Projeet:· Rebuilding
50 from P<Hlrlock Lake east

Project:

DP~

Plaine"
road \Vlll become A
ltme: h\ghws.v.
mlllion;
or $4,HW.OOO federaHv
and

24

oercent.

four-

50 from Pacldoclz

miles t0 the wesL Two· lane: road
Vlill become a rlividf'd. fourql2me
h1ghway. Cest; $2,9,'35.398
$2.201.548 funde'i by

or $1

state
Status: Work
tersf'ction of 50

ami

tJetore pav
will remat1
open. Traffic will ~1se existing

romJ u.rn1 new Wf'Stbound lanes
arE' comDleted
Date

began:

open. Tr::JfflC wlll_ w,;e
road unit) nevv· '-'!E~~~tbound

are com;;Jeiec1. Then trRffic w;ll
be rnutPCl tn the \V<:'~ih~ und lnne~­
Wf1iie new t<-l:;thound

LntP
& ..... ~,~ ~ '"'"

complethm date:
project to be com-

grad~

Spring, Ifl89.

motor 1 and supported by
utiUty companies stayed In front of the
house to Uft up power Jines and replace
them om:e the movers had passed.
fGreg Saucerman Photo!

Highway clai
BY GREG SAUCERMAN
With the construction on Highway
50, many families are being forced to
move out of their homes. Some families
may have lived in these homes for many
generations, on land that their greatgrandfathers had cleared. The Westosha

Veterinary Hospital, located on the
highway, e3st of Highway B, is another
one of the houses to be destroyed this
spring.
When the country was growing,
pioneers headed west to the area now
known as Wisconsin. The land was
cheap, the soil good, there were plenty

of trees for lumber, and many lakes. It
was a good place to raise a family.
Thomas Stockwell saw this as a good
opportunity.
A hook about the history of the
Stockwell family, written by Irene

sanot
er 150 year old hou
<!J'
J

'}

,

Stockwell, claims that in 1837 he bought
160 acres at $1.25 per acre and built a log
cabin. Then he went back to New York to
bring his wife Ann back with him. They
traveled with all their belongings on Erie
Canal packet boats. Once at Kenosha,
they then traveled the newly surveyed
Geneva Road {H wy. 50) to their new
home.

leaving the rest for the settlers. But a
couple years later, after seeing more
settlers coming, they would come up and
take the deer from the man who had just
shot it. Hunters dared not say anything
at first.
Once settled, the family then made
plans to build a more permanent
dwelling. Mildred Stockwell states that
Their cabin was located along this they built the house, the present day
road. as were most of the first ·homes veterinary hospital. in 1844. Mildred
built in the county. Accessable roads to lives across the road in another house
town were very important to first which was built in 1866 by the Stockwell
family. Wolves were a big problem at
settlers.

first, often getting at the livestock a..'1d
were even brave enough to look through
windows like the Indians.
Years later, Thomas and Ann Stockwell donated land for the Salem Mound
Cemetery. Thomas was elected supervisor in the first Salem town meeting
held in 1842. The Stockwells kept the
house in the family many years, finally
selling it in 1947. The veterinary hospital
started operating in the building in 1982.
They have already begun construction on
a new place just west of the present. site
which should be ready by mld-March.

The first duties to be done at a new
site was to clear and farm the land and
build a shelter for animals. The first
years they were there, settlers saw many
Indians, who at first were very friendly,
peeking inside windows and killing deer,
taking only the hind haunches and

ighway
begins work
in June

,,-.'{.s'i!

Governor Tommy Thompson has
approved a $5.5 million contract in the
next step to turn state Hig·hway 50 into a
four~Iane divided highway from Highway
83 near New Munster to I-94 in Kenosha
County. Four more contracts will follow.
This contract is for the 4~mile
segment between Paddock Lake and the
Des Plaines River. Mann Bros. Sand &
will ('onstn1ct
and pave
and
and
es over
Des
Salem Branch of
Creek
stretch of highway has an
accident rate that is 19 percent higher
than the statewide average, according to
Harvey Shebesta, director of the Department of Transportation's Wauk-esha
district, which includes Kenosha Coun-

~

(f'..ontinued from Front Pa2el

James Cape & Sons Co., Racine, will
reconstruct 2. 7 miles from the Des
Plaines River to just west of 128th
Avenue under a $3.7 million contract. It
will also relocate the frontage road in the
northwest quadrant of the 50/1~94
intersection about 1, 700 feet west of its
current location,
The location of the northwest frontage road will separate it from the I-94
off-ramp, which will improve the safety
of the interchange by eliminating
two-way traffic, according to Leslie
Fafard, design supervisor at the DOT
Waukesha district.
Fafard indicated that the new
frontage road, to 'be named Bristol
Parkway East, will provide a new
connection to a growing shopping center
operated by the Bristol Development
Corp. The state is paying $217,500 of the
costs of relocating the frontage road,
with the finn picking up the balance.
The other projects are being funded
with .75 percent federal monies and 25
percent state funds.
Work on all of the Highway 50
projects will be under way in June.
Traffic will continue on the existing
frontage road until the new relocated
road is completed, which is expected to
be in September.
Fall 1989 is the targeted completion
date for the other Highway 50 projects.
During construction temporary cross~
overs will route traffic on the existing
and new road.
This 150-year~old house, used as
?lestosha Veterinary Hospital will be tom
down wbeo IDghway SO lo exp1111ded to fom
lanes later thla year. Some of Kenosha
County's first settlen bu.llt homes along

the main road between Keno@ba !!md Lake
Geneva. The animal hospital will be
located In a new building just west of thl•
site.

clai1n 1840s farmhouse
;) • ..; 'S3

By Biirbara Co!icki
Area Editor
SALEM -A farmhouse built
by a Kenosha pioneer family
and currently occupied by
Westosha Veterinary Hospital
is among the structures slated
for demolish ion next spring for
the wldening of
50.
The house,
to

Nelson said the
veterinary hospital wili con·
tinue to operate from the house
for about three more months

until its new building to the
west is completed. Randall H.
Borri. DVM, is the current
owner of the property. The
clinic is owned by Borri and
Fred J. Culbert, DVM, with
Nelson and Mary Sue Dierckins
as staff veterinarians.
The historic house, which
was converted to a veterinary
clinic in 1982, has weathered
time and the elements, said
Nelson, and should be recognized for its contributions over
the years.
A 772-page book by Irene
Dixon Stockwell titled "The
Stockwell Family Adventures
into the Past: !626-1982," second edition, reports that the
property was settled in the late
1830s and 1840s by Thomas,
Susan, · Stephen and Aaron
Field Stockwell.
Beginning in 1837, they all
bought property along both

Settlers' house in Hl40s now a veterinary hospital
has been changed by remodeling over the years, the beams
and columns in the cellar, cut
from young tree trunks. remain in place today with the
bark still on them.
The house contained a wool
room on the second floor,
which was used to store fleece
after each year's sheep shearing. At one time, the fleece was
an important part of the !arm
income.
Indians were still numerous

Ann Sopronia Parsons and
bring her to Kenosha. They
packed their furniture, supplies and personal belongings
and reportedly traveled via the
Erie Canal water route to the
Michigan harbors, which were
safe and dependable, and on to

sides of the then new Geneva

Road (Highway 50,) the first
road to be surveyed west of the
City of Kenosha. Farmers for
up to 40 miles west of the city
used Geneva Road to haul their
grain to market
Thomas and Stephen both
selected homesites in the sector that year. Thomas bought
160 acres at $L25 per acre from
the U.S. government and built
a log cabin, the corner foundation of which is reported to
remain in line with what is now
the drivewav for the veterinary
clinic,
"
·
Thomas then returned to
Bainbridge, N.Y., to marry

their new home in Kenosha.

Over the years, Thomas
bought more land on both sides
of Geneva Road, east of Salem
Mound Cemetery corner.
In 1841, according to the book
on the family history, Thomas
built a "handsome two-story
Greek Revival horne," which
today houses the veterinary
hospitaL Although the house

in

Highway improvements slated
Some 520 miles of state high·
way and 53 bridges in southeastern Wisconsin, includlng major areas in Kenosha County,
will be upgraded in the next six

years, according to the state
Depanment of Transportation's

Six-Year Highway Improvement
Program.
The $21.5 million Highway 50
project in Kenosha County highlights the work scheduled for
state Transportation District 2,
said Harvey Shebesta, district
director.
Nearly 12 miles of the old
over-burdened Highway 50 in
Kenosha County will be replaced
with a new four-lane divided
roadway with reduced access
and improved major intersec~
lions, Shebesta explained.
The project extends from 1-94
west to Highway 83N.
"This project's been talked
about for 20 years." he said.
"Sections of it are carrying from

14 to 50 percent more traffic than
it was built for.
"The new roadway should

re~

duce its higher-than-average accident rate and help the tourist
trade by providing a better route
to the Lake Geneva and Delavan
recreation areas."
Shebesta indicated one roadway will be open to traffic by the
end of this year, with the project
scheduled for completion in 1989.
Other projects planned for
Kenosha County are:
-Replacement of the Brighton Creek Bridge at Highway 45
at a cost of $154,000 to begin in
1990.
-Rehabilitation of the County
Highway ML overpass at l-94 to

the

area

during

the

Stockwells' early years in
Salem, and family members
recorded stories about their
camps around a pond in the

$2,508,000 in !989.
-Reconstruct the l-94 and
County Highway V interchange
to include four·lanes on Highway
V and improved ramp alignment.

-Widen and pave Highway 142
at Highway 31 and l-94 intersections for $593,000 in 1988.
-Replace the Burlington
Street (Soo Line Underpass) at
Highway 142 for $549,000in 1989.
--Reconstruct Washington
Road from 32nd A venue to 22nd
Avenue to mclude a minimum of

four travel lanes for $1,043,000 in
1991.
Statewide, nearly 3,400 miles
more than one-fourth of

raise bridge to to conform with

Wisconsin's state highways -

current Interstate Standards at a
cost of $403,000. scheduled for
1989.
-Rebuild l-94 tourist information center, parking lots and
adjacent frontage road for

and 262 bridges will be improved
under the program. The 1,109
scheduled projects throughout
the state will cost about $300
million annually over the six~
year penod.

woods north of the house and
their visits to see a new babv i.n
the Stockwell family"
·
Thomas dona ted the land at
the southeast corner of Highway 50 and Silver Lake Road
for Salem Mound Cemetery,
Mildred Stockwell,
great
granddaughter of Thomas
Stockwell, resides on one
parcel that still remains in the
family, a J5wacre parcel on the
south side of Highway 50,
None of her present
will be lost for the
:reconstruction. she said, but
she is saddened by the loss of
many huge trees planted by her
family many years ago.

ry is bein
b ':) ·;
'

BY GREG SAUCERMAN

'

along

ighway 50

I

""" "

The old Jackson house on the
northeast corner of the intersection of
highways 50 ahd Din Bristol has been
the scene of much activity late1y.
Archaeologists from the Great Lakes
Archaeological Research Center are

literally digging up the past on this
ancient farmhouse.
The house, one of the first framed
structures erected in the county, was
built in 1835 by Andrew Jackson. It was
used as a tavern and boarding house
and sometimes a church for travelers on
Geneva Road. Andrew's two brothers,
Frisbee and Northrup, built a store and a

' settlement became known as Jackson·
ville.
In 1837 a meeting was held in the
tavern to establish a mail route from
Southport (Kenosha). The town had to
be given an official name and it was
voted to name the town Bristol after
Rev. Ira BristoL It was decided that the
post office would be in the tavern and
Andrew Jackson the first postmaster.
In the 1850s, when the railroad was
built, the town of Bristol grew fast down

by the depot, and the original settlement
of Jacksonville would be all but
forgotten over the years, Later the
(Continued on Page 14)

blacksmith shop nearby and this little

Archaeologists
h,_;l]ding was used as a farmhouse.
Archaeologists are workjng fast to
rs1y and uncover the fascinating history
of this building. They can tell a lot about
our area's past just by ilnding objects in
the ground that our ancestors threw
away or lost. A piece of fine porcelain
was discovered at the site, Dec. 12,
which indicated that at one time
someone wealthy occupied the home or
that when it was used as a boarding
house, wealthy travelers must have used
the road to be offered such fine luxuries.
"The best places to get information
about the past are trash piles, privies,
and old wells," claims John Wackman,
the leader of this project.

This week they plan to start digging
in the well. Wells often held many
artifacts after they dried up. People
would often dump garbage in them and
later fill them up with dirt.
The archaeologists also like to study
the method in which the well was built,
In the old days wells had to be dug by
hand, some as deep as 380 feet or more.
The methods used in this area are not
too well known. They have already
detennined that at one time a new
foundation and an addition was put on
the house .

(Continued from Front Page)
Because they can only work till the
first snow cover, work ceased \Yith ti1e
Dec. 15 blizzard. Around February the
bu1ldozers plan to come through,
preparing the way for the new
Highway 50. The house might have

already been leveled by the Department
of Transportation, but it is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
This is how the archaeologists found the
site.
Matt Nolan of Twin Lakes has also
taken a personal interest in the building.
He plans on purchasing the house and
moving it 5 miles west to a site in
Paddock Lake. Nolan would like to
restore the building to its original
condition. His family could live in it and
perhaps in the future, turn it into a
travelers' inn, which is what it was first
used for, he said.
The mover, phone company and
electric company (for moving the power
lines across the highway) are all set. But
Nolan is having trouble with financing.
Banks are reluctant to loan money on
projects like this. He has until February
to get the funds to move the old
Jacksonville home, or else it will become
another victim of the progress on
Highway 50.

Highway
extension
a year away
i!Y DAVE SACKMANN

1/<b '51 Staff Writer

By Thanksgiving next year,
the 2.l·mile extension of County
Highway Q in Pleasant Prairie
should be completed, the
county's Highway and Parks
Committee learned Wednesday.
Michael Duckett, a consulting
engineer, said bids for the $5.2
million project will be let in two
stages beginning March 15
Duckett is employed by the
MUwaukee·basPd engineering
firm of Howard Needles Tam·
men & Bergendoff.
The extension wi!I provide
LakeView Corporate Park with
easy access to l-94 and ere ate a
direct route between Highway 31

and I-94. The new road is con~
sidered vital to the industrial
park's development.
Duckett said one stage of the
bidding wilt involve road construction. The other involves
building two bridges.
He said road construction
should begin May 2. Construction
of a bridge over the Soo Line
railroad tracks will start the
first week in June. Work on the
other bridge, spanning the Des
Plaines River, will begin in early
July, Duckett said.
The Q extension should be
open by late November next
year.
A curved route is planned for
the extension so that most
wetlands in the area will not be
disturbed, said Lewis Dixon. senior land use planner for WlsPark
Corp., the Wisconsin Energy
Corp. subsidiary developing the
park.
The extension initiaHy wm he

as a tvvo-lane road, Plans allow
expansion to four lanes ns tra_fflc

increases.
Kenosha County

borrowing
as
share
the extension.
WisPark is contributing $!.8 million anf.l the state Department of
Transportation, $!.5 million.
The county also is f'!nolvine for
$1.3 million in

$606,000 next
toward

complete the
County Ex~
told the committee H !s
will
million, Therefore,
the county should be readv to pav
the dHfe;ence, he satrl. .
The commlttet> recommended
a resolution that commits the
county to the Q
The
~ esolution will go
the
C!_·unty Board Tuesday
A section in the resolution
states that if LakeView Park
does not develop. rhP county
be reimbursed and be allmvrd to

wm

keep
WisPark
estim8.te thE'
will create 7.C410 to l2,tXIO
over the next 10 to 15

Dixon said the ·;)es :
bridge wlli cause \he
10
back up sllghtiy. enlRrging
floodplain to the north. A~
flood stage. the expf"cted b:
will ral~e the rl\'(?f level ahou.r
inch at a point some- 100 feel
north of the

to 6 !nches
under

Administrator

ertv owners
the. meeting

•
-!'!.if 7
Cement was poured last week on the
Highway SO eastbound lanes. The gaps
should be In by this week and the next step
Is the b1a.cktopp!ng, said foreman Fred
Sass ~·f Trierweiler Construction and
Suppl:r· Im:. 1 Ma~shfleld. The proJect wss

~

delayed because the workers have other
projects going. A rumor in the vUiage that
they were on strike is false, Sass said. The
highway pl'ojed Jn Paddock I.a1:e, expand~
ing the two-lane road into four lanes is
expected to be complete by Octobet".

construction is t.aking place, are that
bu::;iness is down this sumrner but things BrP
not as bad as expeded
to
on
Bm:ines~men's Dusty Ddlars Committee,

over at
''The impact cmt!d he great€r when ;.construction moves t0 the
side
bE~

Whe~~le,

fhr-amzh ar:

l,:~!m

renovation whid'l would
business without the conf;h"uction, so
hard to gauge.
Cathy Krueger. man:tger of the Brick Ov
Bakery, said that business was down ;:,hf
25 percent but added that when the weath
is bad there was some added business fn
the construction workers.
Brick Ovens has been giving customt

who overcome the construction mess
special free cookie. "We're okay now butt
aftermath after the highway is complet~
when the traffic goes speeding right by mi1
hurt us more," she said.

Business at the Edelweiss Cafe is do
about 30 percent and Laurie Creaney fr1
the Brass Ball Restaurant reported that th
business was off about 30 percent. "We o
have one entrance off of Hwy. 83 which i

nuisance. You can't see the other
because all the trucks are in the way.''

'::::_~

Cleared for Hy. 50

Pegged post-and-beam construction
of the 19th century is visible as Salem
firefighters burn a I 00-year-old barn
In Paddock Lake to make way for
widening Highway 50. Leone Huntoon, whose family has lived at Brass
Ball Corners since Its early days, said
the barn was used as a stable lo< the

house directly west of it. !t Wl\S de.
mollshed recently as well. The
erty, at the northeast corner of
ways 50 and 83/75, was owned
Burgess family ami later
Hartnell before It was convert eel
office space
Realty.

~

Cement was poured last week on the
Highway 50 eastbound lanes. The gaps
should be In hy thfs week and tbe next step
is the blacktopping, sald fo!'ema.n Fred
Saslfi of TrlerweHer Construction and
Supp!y Jnc. 5 Marshfield. The project was

delayed because the workers have other
projects gofng. A rumor in the village that
they were on strike Is false, Sass sald. The
highway project in Paddock Lake. expandw
ing the two·lane road into four lanes Js
expected to be complete by October.

on

the

Businessmen's Dusty Dollars Comm'it!.ee,

be over at
"The impact could be great1
construction moves to the nort1
highway smce there are more
businesses on that side of the hig
·wheeler
Wheeler added that the

there is some doubt

anager of th~· BEN
station said that busioes!' '.vas
but the station also went throu1
renovaoon which 1.vould hrn;
business without the conl'itructi,
hard to gauge
Cathy Krueger, manager of th

Bakery, said that business wa~
25 percent but added that when
is bad there was some a tided h
the construction worh,r·
Brick Ovens has been
who overcome the
special free cookie. '

aftermath after the highway
when the traffic goes speeding r
hurt us more," she said.
Business at the Edelweiss {
about 30 percent and Laurie C
the Brass Ball Restaurant repor
business was off about 30 perc€
have one entrance off of Hwy.
nuisance. You can't see th'
because all the trucks are in the

....

.._._~,

Cleared for Hy. 50

!'egged post-and-beam construction
of the 19th centmy Is visible as Salem
firefighters burn a I 00-year-old barn
In Paddock Lake to make way for
widening Highway 50. leone Huntoon, whose family has lived at Brass
Ball Comers since its early days, said
the ba•n was used as a slabie for !he

house directly west of lt. It was demolished recently as well. The
erty, at the northeast corner of
ways 50 and 83/75, was owned
Burgess family and later by
Hartnell before II was converted ln!o
office space for the Keith ,John,'"fOf'i

Realty.

1-Iy. 50 bids
to be9 let
(-~2

New Highway 50 bridge acro11® Fox River now open. Old bridge, right, Is being demolished

Hy.SO, C
bridges
open up

''""""""-....

By JOE VANZANDT
Staff Wrlter
They're finished, and not a
moment too soon.
As of Monday afternoon,
both the brand new two-lane
bridge over the Fox River at
Highway 50 in Wheatland and
the rebuilt bridge over the
river at County Highway C in
Wilmot were opened to traf·
fie.
Work crews from Lunda
Construction Co., Black River
Falls, had been hampered by
record rains and high water
levels in September and Octo·
ber but managed to get the
projects completed before the
season's first snowfall this
week.
William Fitzgerald, state
Department of Transportation
project engineer, was still at
the Highway C bridge Monday
supervising final details.
The bridge looks completely
new. It has a wider concrete
roadbed and higher, stronger
steel rails, but the foundation
and pillars remain the same,
he said.
"This bridge was built in
1937, almost 50 years ago,"
said Fitzgerald, "but when we
inspected it, we found the
basic structure was in ex~

Traffic proceeds across rebullt bridge on Highway C at Wilmot
cellent condition so we simply
rebuilt the top portion."
He said a few final touches
such as applying four coats of
paint to the galvanized steel
railings and painting stripes
on the pavement will wait
until spring.
A similar situation exists
three miles north at the new
Highway 50 bridge.
DOT officials were concerned that tf the asphalt
proaches had not been laid
mid-November, the

would have to wait until the
spring thaw.
The old bridge had been
posted as unsafe for heavy
vehicles.
The new bridge and its approaches eliminate a curve on
both sides of the river, making
the accident-plagued site
much safer. A portion of County Highway W has been re·
located about !00 yards to the
east of the river to eliminate a
hazardous intersection where

it meets Highway 50.
Work crews have already
begun dismantling the old
Highway 50 bridge, which is
scheduled for replacement as
part of the long-rnnge Highway 50 improvement plans.
The highway will be
widened to !our lanes from
l-94 to New Munster with one
of the new bridges on Highway
50 carrying eastbound traffic
and the other handling west·
bound traffic.
-

{)c'::'

The first bids will be awarded
Feb. 17 in Madison for the ex·
pansion of State Highway 50 in
Kenosha County to a four-lane,
divided highway.
The Department of Transpnr·
tation plans to begin the project
with construction of a !A-mile
stretch in the Village of Paddock
Lake.
"Ultimately, the DOT will im·
prove Highway 50 to a four-lane
facility between State Highway
83 North and 1·94," said Harvey
Shebesta, director of the DOT
Waukesha District. "The entire
improvement will be constructed over the next three
years at a cost of more than $2S
million.''
The first stage is the rebuiiding of the road from a pnint west
of County Highway F to east of
236th Avenue in Paddock Lake,
"The existing two-lane road
consists of a 22·foot bituminous
pavement with gravel shoulders
and rural ditches," said Leslie
Fafard, Waukesha design super·
visor.
More than 11,000 vehicles use
the Paddock Lake section daily.
"That causes traffic conges·
lion and safety problems be·
cause so many vehicles are mak·
ing turns in this highly com·
mercia! area," he said.
When construction is com·
pleted this fall, the Paddock
Lake section of Highway 50 will
have four 12-foot Janes; a raised
median at each end; a two-way,
l4·footleft turn lane in the medi·
an through the central business
district; concrete curb and gut·
ter; storm sewer and sidewalk.
Bids will also be let for a
Waukesha County project to construct a new ramp from west·
bound 1·94 to northbound
Waukesha County T and modify
the westbound loop ramp to al·
low traffic to flow from west·
bound 1-94 to southbound County
T.
The new ramp should be com·
pleted by October.

Residents have
ir say on
Highway 50
reconstruction
?
'fl'1
~<t-

BY NANCY POULF:R

IWR-SP\ - A full house of over 350
pE>op1f> attende-d the June 28 public

hearing at Central Hig-h Schooi on thf'
proposed routing and improvements of
the section of State Highway 50 which
runs west from I-94 to U.S_ 12 near I,ake

(1-f•neva.
The

13~mile
sE>etion from state
88 east to I-94 is programmed

1g as one of the major projects

the state'~ highwa:v improvt:'ment
am in !986. The remaining 10 miles
U.S. 12 to state Highway 83 while
not yet programmed for major improvement, other than resurfacing, was also
included in the study in anticipation of
future needs
.
Some 2:1 speakers voi(•ed their
ions on the project and most a;rreed
the proiPct was long overdue.

Stanley Kerkman. Kenosha County
Hoard suPervisor, who lives on Count;,
Hi.e:hwav KD, "1Ummed up most highway
area residents and businesses' feelings
when he c.ommPnte(L ''lt is timP cou
rPr;ident~1 find out where thf' road
going to go aqcJ see somt~ construction."
He addPd that the farmer~ in this area
are adamant that no prime farmland be
sacrificed. He said thev endorse the
rounty hoard's resoluti~n favoring recon~truc-ting .state Highwav 50 mostly
along 1ts present alignment."
,
'fh\s plan was Pndorsed hy all four
hordering the existing
including towns of Bristol,
and Wheatland and the Villaj!e of
Paddock Lake.
Jeffrey Wheeler, representing the
Paddoc-k Lake Businessmen's Associa·
t.ion, spoke H\ Sl1pport of the existing

,...,., ... , .... ~""' 1 ;ties

l830s house
By JOE VANZANDT
Stall Writer
BRISTOL -

',""-)

Highway 50 revamp

lans include a bypass of the current
:ghway in Bristol that no one ap·
frently wants but that could be
'reed on local residents because of
fderallaw concerning historic sites
~d buildings.
'The alternate route, called the
~cksonville bypass, received little
~mment at recent public hearings
'1 the highway. It wasn't until
ristol resident David Pfeuffer
resented a petition with 64 signa~
Ires at Monday night's meeting ot
ae Town Board that attention was
1cused on the bypass.
' Pfeuffer said he has been unable
' find a single local resident who
lvors the bypass, which would slice
~ross 16 local farms, the Bristol
aks golf course and a number of
rivate residences and come uncom·
1rtably close to the village of
rtstol.
Meanwhile, the board of directors
: the Kenosha CoUnty Historical
Jciety met Wednesday and cleared
te air regarding its position on the
!ghway plans. The directors voted
rtanimousty in favor of retaining
1e current Highway 50 location as it
~sses through Bristol.
"We don't feel any of them (the
~uses

fe

in the Jacksonville section)

of sufficient historic value to
jar rant preservation," said Thorn~ Gaffney, society president, "nor
te any worthy of being considered
~r listing in the National Register!'
IGaffney said he has checked with
e state historical society and was
ld it has no interest in supporting a
ypass to save the old houses,
:ther" He said he is concerned
ecause some local residents apjrently felt the county and state

l

m~r.~tymie

right of way. saying, "If the highway is
re~rout.ed over County Highway K (north
of Paddock Lake), it would have
detrimental effects on the commercial
area and would hurt the residential area
in the north.
"Don't tum us into a ghost town."
·wheeler concluded,
Residents along Highway 50 also
concurred that the highway should be
repaired in the interest of .safe driving,
although some questioned the need for
the four lanes proposed for the eastern
sPrtion.
Robert Gehring, Randall Township,
who commutes daily on Highwa:v 50, felt
that four lanes were more dangerous
t.han two.
.JoAnne Kelly, who lives on Highway
50 near county Highway W, .::aiel she was
not in favor of a four-lane highway either
and then admonish~d the Department of
Transportation examiners with "Stop
talking and start doing something.''
The planned rouw for future work
which shnws a northern bypass aroiJnd
New Munster and Slacles Com0:·s
seemed to be the favored a.itmnative.
The 'Walworth CountY Bm.rrd. rt'fl<C·
sen ted by Frank Dobhs. zoning ad~
mlnistrat~r, objected to the we;,tem
alternative which got>s north of
existing road because it was felt thM;
ronstructing n highway thPre wrnld
endanger a newly acquired 1am~fiH which
the hoard had spent much timf'
money obtaining.
For filing written statements (postmarked no later than 'T'uesdav. July JO.
19R4) write to H.L. Fiedler, ~dministra­
tor. DiviRion of Highways and Transportation Facilities, Wisconsin Department
of Tran~portation, P.O. Rox. 7916,
Madison. WI 53707,

Highway 50 plan

society support the bypass.
Gaffney said the society wiH send

a letter stating its position to the
Wisconsin State Historical Society
and to the state Department of

Transportation,
The West Kenosha County His-

torical Society is interested in find·
ing a horne for a museum and
headquarters someday and President ·Richard Heigl said if the state
were to make a giff of the Jackson

house or other historically significant building and help move it, his
group would be interested.
Jacksonville, which runs approximately from County Highway MB
to 216th Avenue, was the site of the

first settlement in BristoL Its development ended with the coming of

the railroad and the development of
the village of Bristol on Highway 45.
Paul Cinko, who owns the house

believed to be the first home in
Jacksonville built about 1839 by An·
drew B. Jackson, said, "If they go
south with a new highway, this (the
current highway) will become a

back road and won't be kept up."
Cinko questions the historic value
of his house. The state's environ·
mental impact study Indicates a
portion of the house was torn down
some 40 years ago, and Cinko said he
has been told by neighbors that the
house may not even be the original
Jackson homestead. Some say their
parents and grandparents told them
the house was moved to its present
site from another location further
west on Highway 50 after_ the ori·
ginal house burned down.
"The state can have this house as
long as I get a fair price," said

Cinko,
Sharon Krause, who owns another
old house in the Jacksonville sec~
tion, questioned the historical value
of h~r building as well.

Ken0$bl'!.

~~w;;t

pboto by Joe Vu

b-~un

Jackson house on Highway 50 site of first Bristol development
"They should move the houses if
they want them instead of running a

sticks," he said of the house he

highway right through the middle of
Bristol," she said.
Mary Butrick, 82, who was born in

owns, adding he would fight the
bypass plans "to the highest court"
if the state tries to route the new

Krause's house, said the building
was moved to its present site from·
Union Grove. Over the years, it has
had several additions.
Delbert Benedict, who owns a
farmhouse at the east end of the
Jacksonville section, said the half
dozen or so old houses along the
highway "aren't w~orth tlie powder
to 1!Jiow 'em up."

highway across his farm.

'They can

have

that pile of

Lan Richart of Planning Re·
sources, an environmental consult~
ing firm that is working on plans for
the highway, said his company went
through the motions of sending information on the Cinko house to the
state so that it can be determined

wheth,:r the house is eligible for

inclusion in the National Historic
Register. Such a procedure Is required for any highway projects
receivin~ federal monies.
Richart said the Cinko house is
the only one the state showed an
interest in and he doubts It will be
regarded as historicaHy significant.
However, should that house be declared eligible for inclusion in the
National Historical Register, then
the state would have to demonstrate
that "no feasible alternative exists"
for the new highway before it could
raze or relocate the house,

Kenosha New• photo by Bill Slel

Vehicles now pass close to historic home that could be moved or bypassed by Highway 50 relocation project

Historic
By BARBARA HENKEL
Staff Writer
Trucks and cars and recreational
vehicles whiz by the white clapboard
house now.
But in the lR30s when the house
was new, horse-drawn carriages and
coaches pulled up to its doors.
The building at 18!!8 75th St.,
(Highway 50), was built as a tavern
and inn by an Andrew B. Jackson. It
was the first inn to be built in the
Town of Bristol to accommodate the
journeying public.
Because of its historic past and
because its Greek Revival design
has been identified as architecturally distinctive in this area, the twos"tory structure co·uld be included in
the "National Register of Historic
Places.
Its place in history may change
the design of the reconstruction of
Highway 50.
Two of nine routes suggested for
the reconstruction would displace
the building.
A discussion of those possibilities
and their alternatives is but small
part of a two-inch thick Environ·
mental Impact Statement of the
projecL
And the EIS w!ll be the topic of a
public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Thursdav, June 2R in the Central Union
Hi~h School gymnasium. Paddock
Lake.

Representatives from Wisconsin
Department of Transportation will
be ar the school from l p.m to 4
p.m. for informal discussion. Ex·

hoffie vs. road redesign
hibits will be on display and a
statement about the proposed im·
provements will be available for
study.
Copies of the EIS are also avail·
able for inspection and copying at
the Kenosha Public LibrarySouthwest, 8080 39th Ave., Paddock
Lake Village Hall, 2450.1 75th St. and
Lake Geneva Public Library, 918
Main St.
·
Caples can be purchased from the
Wisconsin DOT office in Waukesha,
at 141 N.W. Barstow St., and from

the Bureau of Environmental and
Data Analysis, Wisconsin DOT, 4802
Sheboygao Ave., Room 951.
Madison.
Written comments regarding the
environmental impacts and effects
of the proposed improvement will be
considered in the final EIS if post·
marked no later than July 9_ They
should be mailed to Cynthia
Morehouse, director of the Bureau
of Environmental and Data
Analysis.
Highway 50 is a major east.west
highway extending 41 miles from the
Village of Delavan to the City of
Kenosha, passing through Lake Geneva, Slades Corners, New Munster
and Paddock Lake,

It is a two-lane highway with the
exception of a four-mile section between Delavan and Lake Geneva,

and a one-half mile section at the
interchange with Highway 12 and a
five mile portion running just west
of I -94 east to the city
The project proposes a continuous

four-lane divided roadway along the
23 miles between Highway 12 in
Walworth County and 1·94 here.
The proposal is based on the need
to acccommodate existing and an~
ticipated traffic and to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety,
The EIS outlines 10 alterna-tivesone, to do nothing; two in the
western three miles of the corridor;
four in the central 6,5 miles of the
corridor and three in the eastern
13.5 miles
Each alternative and its potential
impacts are outlined in some detail.
Each of the construction alternatives would require the relocation
of some residences, businesses and
farms.
The historic Jackson Inn would be
displaced by one of two alternatives.
The document suggests several al·
ternat!ves, including routing around
the building or moving it.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cinko have
lived in the house with its 3.3 acres
for about seven years. They said no
one has ever contacted them about
needing to displace the building or
about trying to preserve it.
Cinko said he would like to "get

rid of it" and if the Historical
Society was interested In buying It
and moving it, that was fine with

him.
Richard A. Dexter, chief of the
registration and compliance section
of the state Historical Society, said
the building was identified as part of
a survey the National Historic Pres-

ervation Act requires of federal

agencies embarking on a construe·
tion project.
He said the Federal Highway Ad·
ministration worked with his office
in attempting to identify potentially
historic sites in the route of the
proposed new highway.
Dexter said the Jackson Inn was
the only one found.
He said, "Our first priority is to

Jackson was politically active in
both the county and state during the

mid-1840s and early 1850s. Jackson
was a recognized leader of the Dem~
ocratic, and later Republican,
parties,
At a special election held June 18,
1853, Jackson was elected state senator,

Jackson and his two brothers,
Frisbie and Northrup, owned all of
get them to find an alternate site. the southwest quarter of section 4
That could entail a series of nego· and the northern one.half of the
tiations. You have to consider, do northwest quarter of section 9 by the
you tear down 15 buildings to save mid-1840s.
one historical site?"
The area developed into what was
He said moving the building called Jacksonville.
elsewhere on the property "is not an
option we'd strongly support, but it's
preferable to demolition."
Among the options included in the
report are to route the road around

the property, however that would
affect farmland, or have a narrower
roadbed through the area, but that
would "compromise the safety and
operation of the new facility."
The property, according to the
report. based on local histories and
county documents, has several his·
torical connections to the formation
of Bristol.
In addition to providing food and
lodging, the tavern also functioned

as a community center and gathering place for residents. A post office
was established at the tavern, and
A.B. Jackson, who came from Cong
necticut with his wife In 1837, was
appointed postmaster.
During the early 1850s, the Agri·
cultural Society of Kenosha was
organized at Jackson's tavern and
Andrew Jackson hosted the first and
third society fairs on his property in
1850 and 1852c

,\)~'-''

PROJECT
I.D. 1315-00-02
STH 50
U.S. 12 to I-S4
Walworth and

Ke~o;ha ~~unties,

Wisconsin

THE IDENTIFICATION SliP SHOULD BE USED IF YOU DESIRE TO TESTIFY AT THIS HEARING.
~Cf,

IF SO, PLEASE COMPLETE THE TEAR-OFF PORT I ON AND GIVE IT TO A MEMBER OF THE STAFF.
Tear Here

•q-·~----------·-·------~-----------------·~-~-·~---~---·-~----~-~~~-~----~-----------------------------~~-~-·--·-~---

WITNESS IDENTIFICATION
Name

(P1ease

Address

(Please Print)

Representing
Remarks:

(Please Print)

Pr i n t >

QJIDELINES
FOR PRESENTING TESTIMONY
IF YOU WISH TO TESTIFY ........... .
I. PLEASE FILL OUT TEAR OFF SLIP ON BOTTOM OF FIRST PAGE.

2. GIVE TO THE HEARING COORDINATOR OR AMEMBER OF THE STAFF.
WHEN YOU ARE CALLED TO TESTIFY .......... .
COME FORWARD, IDENTIFY YOURSELF AND WHO YOU REPRESENT.
YOU MAY PRESENT TESTI~Y IN EITHER ORAL OR WRITTEN FO~.
PlEASE NOTE:
Questions may be presented as part of the testimony for the
Department's consideration, as it reviews the concept of the proposal to aid in
arriving at a decision. However, if you have detailed personal questions, we
encourage you to consult with the staff on an informal basis immediately after
the hearing.

IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO SPEAK BUT HAVE INFORMATION TO PRESENT .............
I. WRITE IT OUT AND GIVE TO THE HEARING COORDINATOR OR
MAIL IT TO·THE ADDRESS LISTED ON THE REFERENCE INFORMATION SHEET.
3. ~EN THIS INFORvtATION IS RECEIVED WITHIN 10 DAYS, IT WILL BECOME
PART OF THE TRANSCRIPT OF THIS HEARING.
2~

This pubt ic hearing is a part of the process of developing plans for
highway facilities. it is your opportunity to have a voice on the planning of the
facility under consideration here today. Ho final decision will be made at this
hearing by referendum vote. The Department of Transportation will consider all
viewpoints presented to them at this hearing as well as written testimony received
within 10 days, before making a decision.

THANK YOU FOR COMING TO THIS HEARING AND FOR YOUR INTEREST
IN THE HIGHWAY PROGRAM.

SUMMARY

OF
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE BENEFITS

STATE

OF

WISCONSIN

NEW LEGISlATION has made it possible for us to provide greater assistance to
those persons, businesses, non-profit organizations, farms and others who may be
relocated as a result of the acquisition of lands for public highway improvements.
As a result, NO CONSTRUCTION of this proposed facility will take place until all
those affected have been offered relocation assistance"
Briefly, the provisions are that the Department of Transportation will assist
those who may be displaced from their homes or businesses, TO INSURE TO THE MAXIMUM
EXTENT POSSIBLE the prompt and equitable relocation and re-establishment of persons,
businesses or non-profit organizations, regardless of race, creed, religion or
national origin, we will make prompt, fair and reasonable relocation payments and
personally assist affected persons to relocate by making available to them all
information, services and facilities necessary.
SOME OF THE BENEFITS UNDER THIS PROGRAM INCLUDE:
A replacement housing payment of up to $25,000 to a homeowner, over and above
the market value of his/her present home, to provide a comparable decent, safe and
sanitary dwelling. This statutory limit may be exceeded if necessary to provide such
a comparable decent, safe and sanitary dwelling.
A replacement housing payment of up to $8,000 to a tenant for another rental
unit or as a down payment on a home he/she wishes to buy. Again this statutory limit
may be exceeded if necessary to provide a comparable decent, safe and sanitary
dwelling.
The benefit category for which you qualify is determined by your status as an
owner/occupant or tenant/occupant and the length of time you have lived in your
---~dwelling.
The payment is then determined by the additional amount of mohey that may
be necessary for you to purchase or rent comparable replacement housing.
A business or farm owner may also be eligible for a replacement payment of up to
$50,000 over and above the market value of his/her business or farm, to provide for
the purchase of a comparable business or farm.
IN ADDITION, moving expenses may be paid for persons and families. Compensation
or moving expenses may be paid to a business or farm operation to assist them in
relocation. Compensation is also made for changes in mortgage interest rates and
real estate transfer costs.
If you wish further detailed information, you can obtain a relocation brochure
at this hearing or contact your relocation agent listed on the reference information
sheet.
b0284

PUBLIC HEARING
for the Proposed Improvement of
STH 50 from U.S. 12 to I-94
Walworth and Kenosha Counties
June 28, 1984
REFERENCE INFORMATION SHEET
FOR FILING ADDITIONAL WRITTEN STATEMENTS (POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN
JULY 1Q 1984:
H. l. Fiedler, Administrator
Div. of Highways & Transportation Facilities
Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation
P.O. Box 7916
Madison, WI 53707

MAIL TO:

FOR INFORMATION OF THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT:
or

leslie J. Fafard, Design Supervisor (414) 548-5958
John B. Wickler, Project Design Engineer (414) 548-6897
Wisconsin Dept •. of Transportation, District #2
141 N. W. Barstow Street
Waukesha, WI 53186

FOR INFORMATION ON PROPERTY ACQUISITION OR RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:
Donald Spenner, District Real Estate Agent
Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation, District #2
141 N. W. Barstow Street
Waukesha, WI 53186
Telephone: (414) 548-5932
FOR COPIES OF THE HEARING TRANSCRIPT:
Roland Wiessinger
Central Files Supervisor
Div. of Highways & Transportation Facilities
Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation
P.O~ Box 7916
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
Telephone: (608) 266-3630.
FOR INDIVIDUAL PAGES OF THE HEARING TRANSCRIPT:
:John B. Wickler, Project Design Engineer
Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation, District #2
141 N. W. Barstow Street
Waukesha, WI 53186
Telephone: (414} 548-6897
Project 1315-00-02

PROJECT STATEMENT
STH 50, U.S. 12 TO I-94

State Trunk Highway 50, a vital link in Southeastern Wisconsin's transportation
system, extends 41 miles from the Village of Delavan, passing through the
communities of Lake Geneva, Slades Corners, New Munster, and Paddock Lake to the
City of Kenosha. Highway 50 is used as a commuter route between area communities and the business and industry in the Kenosha area. It also serves as a
primary route for persons traveling to and from the many lakes and recreation
areas within the region. Highway 50 is the only continuous east-west route in
this section of Southeastern Wisconsin.
Based on the need to accommodate existing and anticipated traffic volumes and
improve vehicular and pedestrian safety, the Department of Transportation has
initiated planning and engineering studies to investigate improvements along a
23-mile section of Highway 50, from U.S. 12 near Lake Geneva to I-94 west of
Kenosha. The 13-mile section from Highway 83 to I-94 is programmed for funding
as one of the major projects in the State's highway improvement program. The
remaining 10 miles from US 12 to STH 83, while not yet programmed for major
improvement, other than resurfacing, has also been included in the study in
anticipation of future needs.
The purpose of this presentation is to summarize project development currently
under way and that which has taken place. Its intent also is to inform you, the
public, of project alternatives under consideration and the potential environmental impacts which would be associated with the various improvement options.
A more detailed discussion of these elements is available in the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared for this project.
The 23-mile section of Highway 50 under study has one of the highest accident
and fatality rates in the state of Wisconsin. In the last ten years, there have
been 1,606 accidents and 23 fatalities within this corridor. Within this
corridor, the 3-year average accident rate ranges from 290 to 411 accidents per
100 million vehicle-miles, compared to 244 accidents per 100 million
vehicle-miles for all two-lane State Trunk Highways in Wisconsin having average
daily traffic similar to Highway 50.

Poor sight distances at crossroads and driveways, numerous hills and curves, the
lack of maneuvering space to separate turning movements and through traffic, as
well as the presence of no-passing zones along a high percentage of the route,
all present serious hazards for motorists. Narrow shoulders and driving lanes,
side ditches that are narrow and often steep, and physical obstructions such as
trees and posts, which are often close to the edge of the road, pose additional
safety hazards.
Present daily traffic volumes range from less than 3000 vehicles per day in the
western portion of the study corridor to more than 10,000 vehicles per day
closer to I-94. Traffic is also considerably heavier during the summer months
when tourists and summer residents converge on the area's recreational attractions.
During the past decade, traffic volumes on Highway 50 have grown by about onethird in the section from U.S. 12 to U.S. 45 and have approximately doubled from
U.S. 45 to I-94. Traffic forecasts prepared by the Wisconsin Department of
Transportation and the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission show
a further substantial growth of traffic over the next 20 years.
The traffic volume that warrants consideration of widening a rural two-lane
highway to four lanes is 7000 vehicles per day. As traffic increases above this
volume, quality of service expressed in terms of driver comfort, average speed
and safety deteriorates. For these reasons, it has been concluded that there is
already a need for four lanes on Highway 50 from the New Munster area to I-94
and that a four lane highway between U.S. 12 and New Munster, while not
warranted by present volumes, will be needed by the Year 2006, which is called
the 11 design year. 11
Prior to this public hearing, project planning and engineering personnel have
actively sought both government and public input in activities related to the
development and analysis of alternatives which would satisfy the mobility and
safety needs in the Highway 50 corridor. Meetings with Federal, State, and
local agencies were carried out early in the study in order to identify all
considerations important to the development of project alternatives and to
establish on-going communication.

-2-

An extensive public involvement program was also conducted as a part of the
Highway 50 project to provide opportunities for public participation.
0

Newsletters were mailed and handed out at public meetings:

0

Preprinted comment forms were distributed for use in the submittal of
questions and comments from individuals;

0

A toll-free telephone information line was established for use by the
general public in asking questions, registering comments, or signing up
to receive the newsletters;

0

Newspaper and radio announcements reported on the status of the project
and the scheduling of important meetings; and

0

Public information meetings were held to introduce the study and to
obtain information on local conditions~ discuss alternatives under
consideration, and present potential environmental impacts.

Many alternatives were considered for improving Highway 50, including a No Build
option, defined as simply maintaining the existing travelled way. Although the
No Build Alternative would avoid impacts in many of the categories investigated,
it was determined that it would not satisfy the basic objectives of this project--improvement of safety and mobility in the Highway 50 corridor.
Therefore, the No Build Alternative is not recommended, but it is used as a
baseline in comparing other alternatives.
An initial set of alternatives was derived from prior studies of the corridor
dating back to 1967. Other alternatives were modifications to those specified
earlier, or were an outgrowth of the public/agency participation process.
Preliminary alternatives were evaluated, screened, and refined until ten
alternatives, including the No Build Alternative, were selected for detailed
study.

-3-

For clarity of comparison and discussion, the Highway 50 corridor was divided
into three segments (see the accompanying Figure):
1)

A western segment running from a point near U.S. 12 to Point B near
Lake Ivan hoe;

2)

A central segment running from Point B to Point C near Highway 83
north; and:

3)

An eastern segment running from Point C to Point D, at Interstate 94.

Each of these segments contains two or more alternative alinements. One alternative in each segment follows the existing Highway 50 alinement as closely as
possible.
Beginning in the western segment, we have two Build Alternatives, 1N and 1S.
Alternative 1N closely follows the alinement of existing Highway 50. Alternative
1S follows Highway 50 to a point about one-and-a-quarter miles east of US 12.
From there, Alternative 1S diverts to the south approximately one-quarter mile
running parallel with existing Highway 50 before converging with the existing
alinement near Lake Ivanhoe.

~

A total of four Build Alternatives are proposed in the central segment--2, 3, 4N
and 4S. Alternative 2 follows the mid-section line one-half mile north of
existing Highway 50, to a point just east of New Munster. Alternative 2, as
with other alternative alinements in this segment, bypasses both Slades Corners
and New Munster. An acceptable way could not be found to route an improved
highway through either of these communities. Alternatives 4N and 4S generally
follow Highway 50 except for the bypass of Slades Corners. Alternative 4N
bypasses the community on the north and Alternative 4S runs south of Slades
Corners. Alternative 3 follows Highway 50 until it reaches a point north of
Slades Corners and then extends eastward to the common junction with the other
alternatives east of New Munster.

-4-

WEST SEGMENT

EAST SEGMENT

CENTRAL SEGMENT

N

-

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1/2

COUNTY

I
1

SCALE IN MILES

KENOSHA

COUNTY

0

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Ul
I

STAT E

0 F
STATE

OF

WlSC

NSlN

OF

HIGHWAY 50-ALTERNATIVES

The eastern segment contains three Build Alternatives,--5W, 5E and 6. Alternatives 5W and 5E follow the route of existing County Trunk Highway K extended
west across the Fox River. Alternative 5W diverts south to meet existing Highway 50 immediately east of Paddock Lake. Alternative 5E continues eastward on
the route of Highway K past Paddock Lake, diverting south to meet existing
Highway 50 in the vicinity of County Trunk Highway MB. Both Alternatives 5W and
5E rejoin Highway 50 and utilize the existing interchange with I-94. Alternative
6 generally follows the present alinement of Highway 50 from New Munster, across
the Fox River and Soo Line Railroad and through the Village of Paddock Lake on
to the existing interchange with I-94.
The Build Alternatives consist of a four-lane highway with a 50-foot grassed
median, two 12-foot driving lanes in each direction and paved shoulders, as
found on Highway 50 east of I-94 and on other similar highways throughout the
state. Total right-of-way width would average 200-250 feet to provide space for
a median and adequate roadsides, as well as travel lanes.
The primary purpose of a median is to separate opposing lanes of traffic.
Certain types of accidents, such as head-on collisions, can be virtually
eliminated by an adequate, well-designed median. Medians also serve other
purposes, such as to minimize headlight glare, provide for safe operation of
vehicles making turns and provide shelter in case of emergency. Highway
research has shown that both the rate and severity of cross-median accidents
declines with increasing median width. The cross-median accident rate has been
found to decrease rapidly as median width is increased up to 50 feet. But there
is only a slight further reduction as median width is increased beyond 50 feet.
The Wisconsin standard for a highway such as that proposed in the Highway 50
corridor calls for a 50-foot wide median consisting of shoulders and a grass
strip. This would afford the safety benefits mentioned.
The "roadside" includes all features between the edge of the traffic lanes and
the right-of-way boundary. These features include drainage channels, side
slopes where grading is required and any other ground needed between the edge of
roadway and the right-of-way line.

-6-

Perhaps the most important function of the roadside is to minimize the severity
of single vehicle run-off-the-road accidents. More than one-third of all highway fatalities have been found to be the result of single car accidents
involving collisions with fixed objects on leaving the road. A "clear zone"
free of fixed objects such as trees and posts is required, therefore, on the
side of the road. Minimum width of the clear zone is from 35 to 45 feet,
including a 10-foot wide paved shoulder.
Improved Highway 50 will be a "controlled access"highway. This means that the
state will limit locations where vehicles may enter the highway. Any lands or
interests needed to control highway access will be acquired by the Department of
Transportation in a manner prescribed by state law. No one along the highway
will be "land locked." Reasonable access will be provided to each property.
However, some existing driveways may have to be closed or relocated in the
interests of highway safety and operations. Future driveway and public street
openings onto Highway 50 will require prior approval by the Department of
Transportation.
It would also be unfeasible to provide a median opening opposite each driveway.
For reasons of safety, median crossovers will not be provided closer than about
1000 feet apart. Some drivers may have to make a U-turn to reach a driveway,
but this is not a difficult maneuver as evidenced by operations on Highway 50
east of I-94.
For the alternative passing through the Village of Paddock Lake, an urban design
would be used, consisting of two 12-foot lanes in each direction and a 14-foot
center turning lane.
All intersections on Build Alternatives would be at grade. However, separate
turning roadways would be provided at intersections whenever required, and
traffic signals would be installed when warranted by the traffic volume.
Major new structures required for the Build Alternatives include a new crossing
of the Fox River on the selected alinement and either a twin bridge adjacent to
the Silver Lake overhead or an altogether new railroad overpass, depending on
which alternative is selected.

-7-

It is anticipated that all of the Build Alternatives in each segment of the
study corridor would relieve existing and future congestion and also improve
traffic safety. It is also expected that the Build Alternatives would make a
positive contribution to the socioeconomic character of the corridor, and to
access for local institutions such as schools, churches, and emergency services.
Now let's examine and compare the alternatives in each of these three segments
in terms of their effects. First, let's look at the western segment which
extends from U.S. 12 approximately 4 miles to the vicinity of Lake Ivanhoe.
Remember, there are two Build Alternatives in this segment, lN and lS.
The acquisition of new right-of-way, residences, businesses or farms is one of
the most serious and measurable effects which would result from a build alternative. In the western segment, the least amount of new right-of-way would be
required to Build Alternative lN. Alternative lS would require a maximum of 95
acres compared with 80 acres for lN.
Widening of the right-of-way along the north side of Highway 50 for the
implementation of Alternative lN would displace five existing residences, two of
which are on farms. This compares to one residential displacement for Alternative lS. No business displacements would occur with either Alternative lN or
lS.
Focusing on agricultural impacts in the western segment Alternative lN would
displace approximately 39 acres of active cropland, compared to 50 acres with
Alternative lS. Because Alternative lN follows the existing alinement of Highway 50, no farm parcels would be severed. However, Alternative lS would sever
six parcels of agricultural land. Changes in size of remaining parcels may
alter existing farm operations.
Upland vegetation and wetland loss would vary with each alternative depending on
the route taken as it proceeds east beyond this segment of the study corridor.
Alternative lN would remove 3.4 acres of upland forest, as compared with 6.3
would be 23 acres
acres with Alternative lS. Maximum displacement of wetlands
with Alternative lN and 31 acres with Alternative lS.

-8-

The cost of a major transportation improvement includes the cost of engineering,
right-of-way acquisition and relocations as well as the cost of building the
highway. The difference in cost between either of the Build Alternatives in the
western segment is not considered significant. Alternative lN would cost $4.6
million to build and Alternative lS would cost $4.3 million. the Difference in
cost is primarily due to a higher cost of right-of-way and relocation for
Alternative lN.
The fundamental differences between western segment alternatives are as
follows. Alternative lN, which generally follows the route of existing Highway
50 would require the displacement of five residences and some loss of cropland.
Alternative lS requires only one displacement. However, there is gr~ater loss
of cropland, severance of farm fields, and impaired farm operations with
Alternative lS than with Alternative lN.
Now moving easterly, the central segment, which extends from Lake Ivanhoe about
7 miles east to the New Munster area, contains four Build Alternatives -- 2, 3,
4N and 4S.
Beginning with the total amount of new right-of-way required, Alternative 2,
which is the shortest route, would require at most 173 acres of new right-ofway; Alternative 3, 186 acres; Alternative 4N, 177 acres; and Alternative 4S,
185 acres.
Because the central segment Alternatives 2 and 3 follow alinements which are
separate from existing roadways for much of their length, they would require
fewer residential displacements than other alternatives in this segment.
However, both would require severances of some existing farms. Alternative 2
follows a new right-of-way except for the two-and-one-half mile stretch it
shares with 52nd Street and affects one residential structure. Alternative 3,
which is on relocation east of the Walworth/Kenosha County line, displaces five
residences over its total length. All of these displacements would occur on the
west end where Alternative 3 follows Highway 50.

-9-

Alternative 4N would involve the most displacement of all central segment alternatives because it most closely follows the alinement of existing Highway 50,
Fifteen residences, two of which are on farms, would be displaced by this alternative. Alternative 4S follows a similar alinement to Alternative 4N, but
displaces three fewer residences. Moreover, if Alternative 3, 4N, or 4S is
connected with Highway 50 rather than County Trunk Highway K in the eastern
segment, one additional business would be displaced.
Maximum acres of cropland loss would range from a low of 127 acres with
Alternative 2, to a high of 136 acres with Alternative 4S.
In the central segment, the direct loss of upland forest and wetland vegetation
would be the least with Alternative 4N, while Alternatives 3 and 4S would
require the most. The most significant loss of fish and wildlife habitat would
occur with Alternative 2, where it crosses sensitive emergent and scrub-shrub
wetlands northeast of Lake Ivanhoe.
Highway noise effects are more of a consideration in the central segment where
alinements on new location pass closer to some homes which are relatively
isolated. With Alternative 2, four residences would be exposed to exterior
noise levels in the Year 2006 which are considered severe by Federal Highway
Administration criteria. These residences presently encounter no significant
noise effects. Only one home would be exposed to severe noise effects with
Alternatives 3, 4N and 4S.
Estimates of total cost are also similar among central segment alternatives
ranging from $9.3 million for Alternative 2, to $10.1 million for Alternative
4S.
There are several key differences between alternatives to be considered in the
selection of a route for Highway 50 in the central segment. Alternative 2 would
require the fewest residential or business displacements. The negative features
of this alternative are the severance of numerous farms, as well as the

-10-

significant wetland loss near Lake Ivanhoe and New Munster. Alternative 3 would
also require a minimum number of residential displacements. Its liabilities are
similar to those of Alternative 2: the severance of farm lands and significant
wetland loss. Alternatives 4N and 4S would both require a minimal number of
farm severances. The negative features of these alternatives are the
displacement of a number of residences and, for Alternative 4S, the loss of
sensitive wetland areas.
Now let's examine effects in the eastern segment. There are three Build Alternatives in the eastern segment which extends about 13 miles from New Munster to
I-94 -- 5W, 5E and 6.
The total amount of new right-of-way required for the eastern segment alternatives would be the most with Alternatives 5W and 5E, more than 290 acres
each. Alternative 6 would require the least amount, 218 acres, since it follows
the existing alinement of Highway 50.
All Build Alternatives in the eastern segment would entail residential and
business displacement 9 Alternative 5W would be the highest, displacing 46
residences and 6 businesses, including 8 farm residences.
Alternative 5E
would be lowest. displacing 34 residences, 8 of which are on farms and 5
businesses. Alternative 6 would displace 39 residences and 8 businesses,
including 7 farm residences.
Agricultural impact studies show substantially less cropland would be required
with the construction of Alternative 6 relative to other alternatives in the
eastern segment. A severance of active farm parcels would also occur with
Alternatives 5W and 5E where they cross from County Trunk Highway K to Highway
50. No croplands would be severed with Alternative 6.
Alternative 6 would require the acquisition of a small strip of land along the
existing Highway 50 right-of-way through Old Settlers Park in Paddock Lake.
According to Federal law, public land from a park or recreation area may be used
for a Federal aid project only if there is no feasible and prudent alternative
to its use, and providing that the proposed project included all possible
planning to minimize harm. Special documentation of these provisions is

-11-

provided in a draft section 4(f) evaluation included in the Draft EIS. If
Alternative 6 is selected for implementation, the design concept would provide
for functional and in-kind replacement of land acquired from Old Settlers Park.
Alternatives 5W and 6 also affect one site which may be eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places. A mid-nineteenth century settlement
called "Jacksonville" was situated on both sides of Highway 50 between County
Trunk Highway D and the Des Plaines River. The Draft EIS presents special
documentation concerning this property and describes a bypass about 500 feet
south of Highway 50 which would avoid the historic site. The bypass would
displace 18 fewer residences and three fewer businesses than Alternatives 5W and
6, but it would sever up to 16 farms and would take 43 additional acres of
cropland. If either Alternative 5W or 6 is recommended, a final determination
will be made regarding the alinement of Highway 50 in this section.
Due to the relatively higher traffic volumes in the eastern segment of the
corridor, highway traffic noise would be an important consideration. With
Alternative 5W, 27 residences would be exposed to exterior noise levels in the
Year 2006 which are considered severe according to criteria of the Federal
Highway Administration. Currently, 16 residences along the Alternative 5W
alinement experience severe noise impact. With Alternative 5E, nine residences
would experience severe noise impact. Two residences along this alinement are
currently exposed to severe levels. Fifty-six residences would be exposed to
severe noise level with Alternative 6, compared to 39 residences so effected
under existing conditions.

'~~

Because Alternatives 5W and 5E would bypass the commercial center of the Village
of Paddock Lake, these alternatives may have an effect on business in Paddock
Lake by diverting some traffic away from existing highway-oriented retail and
service establishments. Pressures may be created for new highway-oriented
businesses to settle in locations along the present route of County Trunk
Highway K, but this can be controlled through zoning by the local governing
bodies. Under the No-Build option, increased traffic and congestion through the
Village would have impacts on the safety and access for customers, suppliers,
and employees of commercial establishments in Paddock Lake, as well as students
going to and from school.

-12-

The total estimated cost for engineering, right-of-way acquisition, relocation,
and construction would be generally comparable for all alternatives in the
eastern segment. Alternative 5W would cost $27.8 million; Alternative 5E would
cost $27.2 million; and Alternative 6 would cost $25.4 million. The only cost
incurred with the No-Build Alternative would be for normal maintenance and
preservation.
Let's then review the key differences among the eastern segment alternatives.
Relative to other alternatives in the eastern segment, Alternative SW has a
number of liabilities. It requires the greatest amount of new right-of-way,
would result in the most residential displacements and would cross sensitive
wetlands in the Fox River floodplain. Alternative 5E requires the least
residential and business displacements of any Build Alternative in the eastern
segment. However, it would also require numerous farm severances and cropland
loss and the crossing of wetlands in the Fox River floodplain. Both
Alternatives SW and 5E would remove through traffic from the Paddock Lake
commercial center.
Alternative 6 requires the least amount of new right-of-way of any Build Alternative in the eastern segment. It would not involve farm severances and would
cross the Fox River floodplain on the existing alinement of Highway 50. However, this alternative would displace a number of residences along existing
Highway 50 and a larger number of residences would be exposed to higher noise
levels. Through traffic would be maintained in the Paddock Lake commercial
center with Alternative 6.
Now that we have considered the major features of alternatives in each of the
three segments, let's look at some of the general effects common to all
alternatives.
All of the Build Alternatives would be expected to improve traffic safety.
Using the average accident rates for two- and four-lane highways in all volume
classes, it has been estimated that the provision of a four-lane highway through
the study corridor would result in 45 percent fewer accidents in the year 2006
compared to the No Build Alternative.

-13-

The greatest traffic safety benefits would probably be realized in the eastern
and central segments of the corridor where forecast traffic volumes are the
highest. Head-on collisions or side-swipes of vehicles travelling in opposite
directions would be nearly eliminated with a divided highway. This type of
accident accounted for 13 percent of all accidents on Highway 50 during the
period from 1980 through 1982. Single vehicle 1'ran-off-the-road" type accidents
accounted for one-third of all recent accidents. These would also be expected
to be less frequent and less severe with an improved roadside and clear zones.
Annual maintenance costs for mowing, snow removal, periodic patching and
resurfacing, and other usual maintenance activities are a direct function of the
length of a highway and the number of lanes. Alternatives which divert from the
existing route of Highway 50, such as Alternatives 2 and 5E, would require the
highest annual cost since both the present highway and the new route would have
to be maintained.
Archaeological studies completed thus far indicate that none of the alternatives
would have effects on archaeologic resources that could not be satisfactorily
taken care of.
All Build Alternatives would make a positive contribution to the socioeconomic
character of the corridor, and to access for local institutions, such as schools
and churches and emergency services.
All of the Build Alternatives would result in short-term construction effects to
air and water quality, noise and traffic flow. These would not occur to this
extent under the no-build option.

~·~

These, we believe, are the most significant effects that the proposed improvement would have on the Highway 50 corridor. Anticipated right-of-way
acquisition and construction of the designated major project from Highway 83 to
I-94 is scheduled over the next several years. Exact dates have not been set
for the right-of-way acquisition or construction in the portion of the corridor
west of Highway 83. Since this section of the project is not yet in the State S
program, it is estimated that work would not commence until at least after 1990.
1

-14-

Before any property acquisition activities are initiated, each owner affected by
the improvement project where a land interest is required is notified by mail.
The owner is then contacted by the Department's appraiser.
When the appraisal is complete an offer will be made to the property owner by a
DOT representative. Each owner then has the opportunity to select an independent appraiser of his choice at the Department's cost to evaluate their
interest.
Relocation assistance will be made available to anyone displaced by this project. In this regard, a survey of available housing, farms and business
locations was made in 1983 and early 1984. This survey indicates that there
will be sufficient housing, farms and business locations available in the project vicinity at the time of the proposed relocations, within the means of those
being relocated and meeting the requirements for replacement housing, farms and
business locations.
The "Relocation Assistance" brochure available at the head table and the
"Sunmary of Benefits" sheet included in your handout packets have been prepared
to answer many of the general questions frequently asked concerning relocation
assistance. Note that in addition to the cost of replacement housing, farms and
business locations, additional monies are available to cover moving expenses,
increased rental and mortgage payments and interest rates, and any closing costs
incurred.

~

~

This concludes the Department of Transportation presentation of project alternatives for Highway 50. If you would like to review this project in more
detail, an in-depth evaluation of all the proposals and discussions of their
significant features and effects are contained in the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement. Copies of this report are available here tonight for your inspection
or later at the district office in Waukesha.
The purpose of this hearing is to inform you, the public, of project needs and
alternatives, and to receive input in developing the best possible solutions to
meet today's and tomorrow's transportation needs for Highway 50 and Southeastern
Wisconsin. Now, we would like to hear your thoughts, your ideas, and your
suggestions because thats what public hearings are all about. Thank you.

-15-

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alternatives. Representatives of the study team will be prepared to
respond to questions and concerns in an informal give-and-take working
session.

ER
MARCH 1983

Public Hearing
A public hearing will be held following distribution of the draft environmental impact statement. Public comments will be formally recorded at this
time. Everyone will have an opportunity to review and comment upon project
alternatives and their related impacts.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

The project is just beginning. The design team is gathering information and
identifying interested groups, agencies and individuals. Your participation is
welcomed and encouraged. If you have any questions or comments, please send in
the attached comment form. If not, pass it on to a neighbor.
The first public information meeting is scheduled to be held at the Central High
School gymnasium, Paddock Lake, on April 5, 1983 at 7:00p.m. You will have an
opportunity to meet the study team and obtain more details on the project
schedule and scope. This will provide an informal opportunity to discuss your
ideas, concerns or questions with the design team at the very outset of the
project.

I
PlANNING BEGINS FOR ROUTE 50 IMPROVEMENTS
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Federal
Highway Administration, has retained a consulting firm to carry out planning and
engineering studies of alternatives for improving State Trunk Highway (S.T.H.)
50 from U.S. Route 12 near Lake Geneva to Interstate 94 west of Kenosha. This
represents a major commitment to determine a preferred plan for improving safety
and relieving congestion along the existing S.T.H. 50. This section of Route 50
currently has one of the highest accident rates in the State. Funding has been
approved to complete the planning phase of the project. Pending public approval
of the plan and implementation funding, construction could begin as early as
1986.

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
The engineering firm of Jack E. leisch & Associates has been hired to conduct
the necessary engineering and environmental studies. Development of an approved
pi an and engineering documents wi 11 require approximately 18 months. Project
planning will be divided into four basic steps: 1) data gathering; 2) development and refinement of alternatives; 3) environmental impact analysis; and 4)
design recommendations.

Route 50 Information
Jack E. Leisch & Associates
1603 Orrington, Suite 1290
Evanston, Illinois 60201

Data Gathering
During the next two months, the consulting team will be gathering information in order to characterize the existing natural ahd man-made features
of the study area. They will also be communicating with interested groups,
agencies and individuals to identify important issues and concerns to be
considered in the development and evaluation of alternatives,
Development and Refinement of Alternatives
r- fi.-<.·\'

Various alternatives will be developed for design and location improvements. These will be refined with agency and public input. The most
feasible alternatives will be presented in a Location Study Report, now
scheduled for completion in the Fall of 1983.
Environmental Impact Analysis
Alternatives considered most feasible will be subjected to a detailed analysis of impacts to identify both the positive and negative effects which
would occur if they were implemented. Measures will be identified which
wi 11 eliminate or reduce possible negative effects. A full description
,1

;,~

-3-

of the alternatives and the result~ of the impact analyses will be documented in a draft environmental impact gat~ment (DEIS), now scheduled /or
completion early in 1984. The DEIS will be .available to the publlC fn
will als.o be reviewed by federal, state,and local agencies. A forma.
b
public hearing will be held. and interested agencies or individuals Wlll e
1
i nvi.ted to submit written or ora 1 .. statements concerning the a 1tern at ves
under consideration.

Newsletters

Based. on the techni ca 1 studies. and a review. of pub 1i c and agency. co~ments •
a recommended plan will be se.lected for improving Route 50. A f1na
environinent:a 1 impact statement( FEIS) will be prepared describing the proposed i mprovem.ent and responding to quest.i ons and comments raised dunn~
th~. P.ubl i c hearing process. A Design Study Report will a 1so be prepare '
p~esenting the engineering details and design guidelines for the recommended . improvement.

Newsletters will be mailed, handed out, or inserted in local newspapers.
They will provide information, report on results of meetings, answer
questions, and describe future project events. Newsletters will also contain the toll-free telephone number through which additional information
can be obtained or comments registered.

T~~~tlesign

team will be looking at many alternatives.

These will

includ~.

h the

a
r~atives investigated in previous studies, as well as any new ones w_ 1 c
tea~ may formulate. They will include variations of two- and four-lant; lmpr~ve­
~f~c:ls to Route 50, upgrading alignments along C. T.H. K, and bypass opt1ons a
~s

;it~-:zens and local officials have expressed many comments and concerns rel~ting
.9 'I:Jute 50 improvements. Previous public input has identified the followlng
155 u
. 'es

which should be considered as alternatives are developed and impacts are
\Jated:
o

o

Comment Forms
Comment forms, such as the one attached, will be available at all meetings
and will be included in each newsletter. Interested individuals are
encouraged to submit questions and comments. Prompt responses will be made
by the design study team. This form may also be used to have names placed
on the mailing list.
Route 50 Information Line

Corners and New Munster.

ISSUES PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED

1

An extensive public involvement program will be conducted as part of the Route
50 project. The program has been structured to keep all interested and affected parties informed of the status of the project and to provide a means for all
individuals, agencies and groups to actively participate in the development of
alternatives. Opportunities for public participation will be provided by:

Design Recommendations

AL.TE:RMTIVES UIIDER CONSIDERATION

eva

THE PUBUC IS URGED TO PARTICIPATE

Safety, particularly for vehicles entering or leaving the highway, passing, slowing or stopping;
New right-of~way acquisition which might displace residences, businesses
or agri cultura 1 land;

o

Economic losses which might result from alternatives which bypass
highway-oriented commmercial areas;

o

Access to existing residences and businesses;

o

Capacity to accommodate exiting and future traffic volumes without undue
congestion;

A toll-free number, 1-800-621-9142, has been established so that individuals can call for project information, to register comments or sign up
to receive newsletters.
Newspaper/Radio/TV Announcements
Notices will be placed in local newspapers and sent to radio and TV
stations to keep citizens informed of key events during the project.
Public Information Meetings
Public information meetings will be held at strategic times during the project to: 1) introduce the study and obtain information on local conditions
and the scope and emphasis of the project; 2) discuss alternatives under
consideration; and 3) present potential environmental impacts. Information
on project development will be relayed by the study team, and individuals
will have the opportunity to ask questions, as well as to voice their
concerns.
Informal Meetings

o

Surface drainage anc! its relation to flooding .and water qualitY·

1f/~u have..a.ny additions gr suggestions, please return the comment form
a a'clied to this newsletter.

Small, informal group meetings will be held upon request. it is anticipated that these meetings will focus on specific issues, sites, or

-6-

• New right-of-w~ acquisition which might displace residents, businesses,
or agricultural land;
o

Induced displacement due to the loss of septic fields;

o

The effects of relocation and property acquisition on zoning conformance;

" Severance of farmlands and its effects on farm operations;
o

Compensation for personal damages or losses not related to direct
acquisition;

o

Preservation of the rural character along CTH K;

o

Preservation of wetlands and natural areas;

RECAP OF NEWSLETTER 1
This is the second in a series of newsletters concerning the development and
evaluation of alternatives for improving transportation in the Route 50
corridor. The first Newsletter described the design process now underway for
the development of a plan for improving State Trunk Highway (STH) 50, from U.S.
Route 12 near Lake Geneva, to Interstate 94 west of Kenosha. In mid-February,
Jack E. Leisch & Associates, the engineering firm retained by the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation to develop the plan, began an 18-month process
which will result in the selection of a recommended alignment and design.
Newsletter 1 also described the program which has been developed to keep all
interested persons informed of the status of the project, and to provide the
means for individuals, agencies, and groups to actively participate in the
development of alternatives. Issues identified during earlier studies were also
summarized. For additional information call the Route 50 Information Line
(1-800-621-9142).

ROUTE 50 PROGRESS REPORT
Planning has now been underway for approximately two months. During this time,
the design team has been meeting with federal, state and local agencies, talking
with area residents and field-checking data in order to identify all considerations which are important to the development of alternatives. Project engineers
are now looking at various alignments and cross-sections along existing STH 50.
Within the next several weeks these alignments will be further reviewed and
refined. Similar steps will be followed in the development of alternatives
which utilize segments of CTH K and for alignments which would bypass Slades
Corners and New Munster. A variety of alignments and cross-sections will be
presented for review at the next public information meeting.

Route 50 Information
Jack E. Leisch & Associates
1603 Orrington, Suite 1290
Evanston, Illinois 60201

Doris C. Magwitz
19917 82nd Street
Bristol, Wisconsin

53104

The Route 50 public involvement program continues to be a valuable means of
communication between the design team and interested citizens. A public
officials meeting, held on March 15, 1983 in Wheatland Town Hall, and a public
information meeting held at Central High School in Paddock Lake on April 5, 1983
have given the design team a chance to talk directly with area residents, and to
assemble a long list of questions and comments. This information is being considered by the design team.
Public interest in the Route 50 project has been very high. Over 100 persons
have submitted written comments or made use of the toll-free information line.
Approximately 200 individuals have requested that their name be included on the
newsletter mailing list. This strong response by the public will substantially
improve the alternatives by making them more responsive to community needs and
site-specific issues and conditions.

·-2-

-3-

Many persons have suggested that future public meetings should address more
limited segments of the study area. This would permit more intensive discussion
of local concerns, and also minimize travel distances for residents. Therefore,
the second public information meeting will be held in two parts. The first will
be held in the eastern half of the study area, and will address alternative
alignments from Interstate 94 to CTH B, west of Paddock Lake. The second
meeting will be held in the western section of the study area, and cover
alternatives from CTH B west to U.S. 12. The dates and locations of these
meetings will be announced in the next newsletter. Press releases will also be
distributed to the local newspapers and radio stations.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Many questions have been raised thus far in the study. Some of the most
frequently asked questions are answered below. Persons wishing additional
information, or having questions not addressed in this newsletter, are encouraged to call the toll-free information line (1-800-621-9142).
1.

A general description of the alternatives is contained in Newsletter 1. The
drawings which show alternative alignments in enough detail to see where the
right-of-way would be located, will be developed over the next several
months. These will bediscussed at the next round of public meetings. They
will then be refined and presented in the DEIS for further review and
comment by the public.

WHAT IS AN EIS?

In addition to preparing engineering details, the design team is required by
state and federal law to prepare a detailed report called an environmental
impact statement or EIS. The EIS is designed to serve two purposes. The first
is to document the considerations which were taken into account in order to
develop the best transportation alternatives with the fewest negative effects.
The second is to provide the information which is necessary so that agencies and
citizens can weigh the environmental trade-offs and speak for or against the
various alternatives. In short, the EIS provides technical information so that
reviewers can more effectively develop and express their preferences and
opinions.
The format of an EIS is set by state and federal law.
elements are included:

Where are the alternatives located? Will the proposed improvements affect
my property?

2.

How wide will the roadway be?
The State's standard for a rural, four-lane divided highway, is shown in the
illustration. This section, with a 200-foot right-of-way, is like the segment of Route 50 east of I-94. The median would be narrowed in urban
locations where there is not enough room for the full right-of-way.

Four very important

Affected Environment - This section provides a description of the existing
env1ronmental sett1ng and anticipated future conditions without the project. It also forms the backdrop against which the impacts of each
alternative can be compared.

Aight·of-way, 200'

Alternatives - This section describes all of the alternatives which are
be1ng considered and how they were developed.
Envi.ronmental Consequences - This part of an EIS provides a detailed
analys1s of both the positive and negative effects which are expected to
result from each alternative.

FOUR·LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY

Mitigating Measures - Each EIS also includes a discussion of specific
des1gn, construct1on or operational details which will reduce negative
impacts.
The draft EIS (DEIS) will be available for review by the public early in 1984.
For approximately 45 days, interested groups, agencies and individuals will be
able to submit their written comments on the document. During that period, a
formal public hearing will be held in the corridor to accept oral testimony, as
well as written comments. All statements will become a matter of public
record. The final environmental impact statement (FEIS) will then be prepared,
describing the recommended improvement and responding to questions and comments
raised during the public hearing process.

3.

How close will the road have to come to a house or other structure before
relocation is necessary.
This cannot be answered with a simple dimension. The answer will vary on a
case by case basis and will be influenced by factors such as the location of
septic fields, opportunities to re-establish access, the desires of the home
owner and other site-specific factors.

19

·-2-

-3-

Many persons have suggested that future_public meetings should address more
limited segments of the study are~- Th1s wou~d permit more intensive discussion
of local concerns, and also minim1ze travel d1stances for residents. Therefore
the second public information meeting will be held in two parts. The first wili
be held in the eastern half of the study area, and will address alternative
alignments from Interstate 94 to CTH B, west of Paddock Lake. The second
meeting will be held in the western section of the study area, and cover
alternatives from CTH B west to u.s. 12. The dates and locations of these
meetings will be announced in the next newsletter. Press releases will also be
distributed to the local newspapers and radio stations.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Many questions have been raised thus far in the study. Some of the most
frequently asked questions are answered below. Persons wishing additional
information, or having questions not addressed in this newsletter, are encouraged to call the toll-free information line (1-800-621-9142).
1.

A general description of the alternatives is contained in Newsletter 1. The
drawings which show alternative alignments in enough detail to see where the
right-of-way would be located, will be developed over the next several
months. These will bediscussed at the next round of public meetings. They
will then be refined and presented in the DEIS for further review and
comment by the public.

WHAT IS AN EIS?
In addition to preparing engineering de~ails, the design team is required by
state and federal law to prepare a deta1led report called an environmental
impact statement or EIS. The EIS is designed to serve two purposes. The first
is to document the considerations which were taken into account in order to
develop the best transportation alter~ative~ wi~h the fewest negative effects.
The second is to provide the informat1on wh1ch lS necessary so that agencies and
citizens can weigh the environmental trade-offs and speak for or against the
various alternatives. In short, the EIS prov1des technical information so that
re~i~wers can more effectively develop and express their preferences and
op1n1ons.
The format of an EIS is set by state and federal law.
elements are included:

Where are the alternatives located? Will the proposed improvements affect
my property?

2.

How wide will the roadway be?
The State's standard for a rural, four-lane divided highway, is shown in the
illustration. This section, with a 200-foot right-of-way, is like the segment of Route 50 east of 1-94. The median would be narrowed in urban
locations where there is not enough room for the full right-of-way.

Four very important

Affected Environment _ ThiS section provides a description of the existing
environmental sett1ng and anticipated_ future conditions without the project. It also forms the backdrop aga1nst which the impacts of each
alternative can be compared.

Right·of·wav.

200'

Median
Minimum 50'

Alternatives -This section describes all of the alternatives which are
be1hg cons1dered and how they were developed.
Envi.ronmental Consequences - This part ~f an EIS provides a detailed
analys1s of both the pos 1tive and negat1ve effects which are expected to
result from each alternative.

I

I

Roadway

24'

II
I.
110'I I

FOUR-LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY

Mitigating Measures _ Each EIS also includes a discussion of specific
des1gn, construct1on or operational details which will reduce negative
impacts.
The draft EIS (DEIS) will be available for review by the public early in 1984.
For approximately 45 days, interested groups, agencies and individuals wi 11 be
able to submit their written comments on the document. During that period, a
formal public hearing.will be held in the c~rridor to accept oral testimony, as
well as written comments. All statements w1ll become a matter of public
record. The final environmental impact statement (FEIS) will then be prepared,
de~cribing_the recommended improvement and responding to questions and comments
ra1sed dur1ng the public hearing process.

3.

How close will the road have to come to a house or other structure before
relocation is necessary.
This cannot be answered with a simple dimension. The answer will vary on a
case by case basis and will be influenced by factors such as the location of
septic fields, opportunities to re-establish access, the desires of the home
owner and other site-specific factors.

~7

-5-

-4-

4.

Has the study team considered alternatives using CTH NN or STH 158?
The team has reviewed an earlier report on STH 158, but neither of these
alternatives would meet the travel needs of people using the Route 50
corridor.

5.

Would a lowered speed limit and increased enforcement along Route 50 provide
a less costly alternative to widening the facility?
These operational changes would not relieve the inadequacies of the existing
roadway which are the base cause of serious safety, capacity and operational
problems.

6.

Is a four-lane facility really needed?
highway?

Why not just fix up the existing

One alternative to be considered by the design team is the so-called
"maintenance" alternative. However, the impact on adjacent property owners,
which would result from enough "fix-up" to meet the needs and solve the
problems, might be almost the same as with a four-lane facility, which would
achieve the safety, capacity and operational needs of the corridor.
7.

Will this be a limited access facility?
There will be some control of access to any of the four-lane highway
alternatives, but in most instances driveways will be permitted just as they
are on STH 50 east of I-94.

8.

What is the status of funding for the project? What assurance do we have
that this study won't end like previous studies?
This is
assured
U.S. 12
type of

9.

one of the State's fourteen priority projects. Funding has been
to complete a design study report for an alternative from 1-94 to
on the west. The construction schedule will be established when the
improvement and its costs have been determined.

Will the counties be responsible for maintaining STH 50 if a "K" alternative
is constructed?
Maintenance responsibilities and costs are not yet determined, pending a
clearer definition of the alternatives. This informtion will be included in
the DEIS.

10. Will surface runoff from the highway improvements create flooding of
adjacent farmland?
Any new roadway would be designed to prevent flooding of farmland. Since
the 1960's, there have been a variety of environmental safeguards and requirements built into the design process to provide this protection.

The team will consider property lines, farm operations and the quality of
the land as they attempt to minimize all impacts to the landscape and to
agriculture.
12. How will planning and design of the new Route 50 bridge over the Fox River

affect the location and scheduling of improvements to Route 50?
Construction of the bridge is being delayed until archaeological investigations are completed. This must wait until the highwater recedes. During
that time, the study team will develop alternative alignments in the
vicinity and review them with the public. Although no impact on the bridge
is currently anticipated, the compatibility of the bridge with the
alternative alignments will be considered in time to make adjustments if
they are clearly in the public interest. The current alignment studies
consider a broader area compared to the bridge replacement studies.
ISSUES
It is the intent of the EIS process to focus efforts on the issues of most
concern to the reviewing agencies and the public at large. To date, public
input has identified a wide range of issues which should be considered as alternatives are developed and impacts are evaluated. These are currently being
weighed and eva 1uated by the design team. Consi de rations raised at the Apri I 5
public meeting include:
• The basis of "need" for improvement, including the relationship of
existing and projected traffic volumes, seasonal variations and vehicle
destinations;
o

Consideration of alternative cross-sections;

o

Funding availability and scheduling;

o

Construction and maintenance costs;

o

The negative impact of uncertainty concerning the project on property
owners who may be affected, but cannot be sure until a commitment is made
to a specifrc-project;

o

The rel ati onshi p of the Fox River /Route 50 bridge replacement to STH 50
corridor development;

o

Safety, particularly for vehicles entering or leaving the highway, passing, slowing, or stopping;

o

The capacity of Route 50 as an east-west evacuation route in the event of
nuclear accident;

o

Access and operation for emergency and service vehicles;

-==--------.---~-~~·--·-

N
ISSUE N0.3

-------------------..

LETTER
CORRIDOR iMPROVEMENTS
JUNE 1983

RE-CAP OF PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has retained the engineering firm of
Jack E. Leisch & Associates to study alternatives for. improving transportation
in the corridor now served by STH 50 from I-94 near Kenosha, west to U.S. 12
near Lake Geneva. To keep all interested and affected parties informed of the
status of the project, Newsletters are published and distributed periodically.
This is the third in the series of Newsletters.
Newsletter 1 described the types of alternatives being considered, the overall
study schedule, a preliminary list of issues and concerns, and the program for
public involvement in the planning process.
Newsletter 2 described the sequence of steps required to develop and refine
detailed improvement alternatives. The purpose and content of the Route .50
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) were outlined and the issues and concerns
voic.ed at the .first public information meeting held April 5, 1983 were listed.
Answers were also provided to some of the most frequently asked quest.ions about
the project.
ROUTE 50 PROGRESS REPORT
Planning for Route 50 improvements has reached its first major milestone. Based
on discussions with~ local residents, agencies and.public offi.cials, review of
written and. telepoone co111ments, analysis of regional planning data an.d in~the· .
fie 1d investigations, the design team has completed the deve 1opme.nt of a serci es
of preliminary concept alternatives for highway improvements in the Route 50
corri dar. These alternatives are now ready for public review and .comment. The
most feasible and publicly acceptable a 1ternat i ves wi 11 then be refined and
subjected to a detailed analysis in .order to evaluate the positive .and negative
environmental. impacts associated with each.
MARK YOUR

CALE~QAR

!

Preliminary Route 50.alternatives will be presented at .each of two pubLic
information meetings to be held:

1) Tuesday, June 28, 1983
7:00 p.m.
W.heat.l and .Center Schoo 1
New Munster.; Wi.sconsin

2) Wednesday; June 29;· 1983
7:00 p.m.
Central High. Schoo 1
Paddoc.k ·•kake, .Wisconsin

The public is inv.ite.d to attend .either·one ... or both· of these meetings. While the
same information and exhibits wi.ll be presented .at e.ach .location.; it is intende.d
that the New Munster meeting wi.ll .concentr.ate on ~lans for the ..westernmo.st
portion of the corri dar and that the easternmost section i ncl udi ng Paddock Lake,

I

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wi 1t:>beY"'c!Oqered f;rt:d~itaH at',the''Pad!loeki''~ake 'meeti n'g~ RepteseritaHVes of' tHe
desfgn t¢~m'~il\l' lleka!-Jaill!atllle to',recei1Ve cofiliierlt's, arid answef'qqesti'C!il'SZ' 'Tnis
; s',:yocfrt ·dppor€uri,izty; ft\o'H!e l'P' :s f!ape' 'the':a lte'rrtati've's:
., ttC1_ <,f/}~.(:~./t;~si:~ ,~;:; 1"~~:-r·~.-~,·:c·:· >·.·>.,,:~ ,:~·,\~<;:d's "''·~ ~·:
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The iReailfin ES:t·ate·'se'dt'i'on 'Ofi the ,w;:sconsi n 'Department ·of' ~-rransp!JFtat; on' Ms been
conduct irig persona 1 interviews with man;presf<fehts of the ~Rdiftce·''!50 dorr"i'dor;
These,,;,inter;,vjews,are des,igned to, gain detailed information on local ,land uses,
parktrig access. and operational requirements for farms and busin'~ss'es~~· 1 Re'sidents
:should 'note that a sample of a.ll residents of the Route 50 corridor are to be
i ntervi ewe'di~~~~ .The fa'ct1',that',yoU' 'are:d:nte·rvfEiwed !does'' 'not· 'rieces'sar'i ly i:ndi'cate
that you are a candidate for, ri ght-of~way acqui sitfori'.
'
,
,

ARCHAEOt:OGiCAb: SuRVHS :

ne'X~0/s'E!ver;a'l w~~ks

k ,

archae'o~o"g11!sts<W:irl'l ~~J',c"ondutt

Within the
;)rofessi onal
i ng a
pre 1 in!i,nar;y;rs'tlr\:Vey ,a:l'Q'n'g :'fla'ttir alternative a 1i gnmentl.( ~tAl;'fS'i!;l ecte'd '1 Cfcat'fons,
surveyors may, request permission from prQperty owners to make a, small subsurface
shove:l: ,t\!st ··'l'ln'f:or:mattton .'gather:ed f~om,rthe''arfchaeo:lt&g:tca'l' sw•vey, and title·. real
estat'e1: i'nterv:i'ews'i,~i!l!l: b'e. ;used· by :tHe:'des:ilgr1lfte'anntd:, tferllp\ :fur:th'er.: r'efwi'rie •
prel imfnaC:y' a'H'er>nati!vesJ~;: &Your: co:ope'ljat'ton::w'i:lli b'er greatlY' app'red'atetif •
.l '.Jto,;:.~· ~··~>~· .: E;.:: :: ,·:t: t·.
:·:; . ·,. ·:~~?~:t;.+~· ,·.;t; :~
:)b.· .2 \:;~"·
.
:<.'
Your questions' arid comm.ents are invited at any time either by writing Jack E.
Leisch & Associates at~the address given below or by calling the toll-free
Route 50 Information Line 1-(800)621-9142•,
'

WSLETTER

WHAT'S NEXT

S.T.H. 50

It will take several months to refine and evaluate the alternatives. Coordination with local, State and Federal agencies will take an additional several
.
months. An of.ficial Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) will be
available to the public after the end of the year. A thirty-day revieW p~rlod
will follow so that everyone can review the alternatives and the impacts ln
detail. A public hearing will then be held early in 1984 so that individuals
can register an informed opinion concerning their preferences and ideas •.
Exhibits will be on display the day before and the day of the public hearlng.
Staff members will be available to assist people in understanding the materlal
so that they can make informed statements at the hearing. After all the ~acts
and public statements have been considered, a decision will be made on wh1ch
alternative to carry into more detailed engineering phases. This decision 15
expected in the spring of 1984. Exact dates and times will be published ln
future newsletters. If you have any questions, plese call the toll-free number
(1-800-621-9142).

CORRIDOR

MORE THAN 300 ATTEND

PUBliC

IMPROVEMENTS

AUGUST 1983

ISSUE NO.4

INFORMATION MEETINGS

A series of meetings were held along State Truck Highway {STH) 50 during the
months of June and July. The purpose of these meetings was to review preliminary alternatives for improving safety and mobility through the corridor
between U.S. 12 and 1-94. Estimated right-of-way requirements were shown for
widening STH 50 or widening CTH K to accommodate a rural, four-lane highway
similar to the section of STH 50 east of I-94. Bypass alternatives were shown
around Slades Corners and New Munster. A reduced urban highway section, under
consideration through Paddock Lake, also was illustrated. Project e~gineers are
now refining the various alternatives and investigating another alignment in the
westernmost portion of the corridor. A No-Build or "maintenance" alternative
will also be thoroughly evaluated.
The consulting team, retained by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to
carry out the necessary engineering and environmental .studies, is extremely
appreciative of the hundreds of persons who took the time to attend meetings and
express their opinions through the comment cards or the toll-free information
line (1-800-621-9142). Comments on specific sites or properties will be
particularly useful as the consulting team continues their work of refining and
evaluating alternatives for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) described
in Newsletter #2.

Route 50 Information
Jack E. Leisch & Associates
1603 Orrington, Suite 1290
Evanston, Illinois 60201

This newsletter is devoted to responses to some of the questions most frequently
asked during the public meetings.

!
)

' I
u·

TRAFFIC

Travel Forecasts

Two frequently raised questions are: how much traffic is now on Route 50 and
how much traffic is expected to use Route 50 in the future? These are important
questions and among the first things highway planners and engineers investigate
as they determine the need for and design of a new or improved highway.

Regardless of when they are built, highway improvements are planned and designed
to carry the traffic volumes expected 20 to 25 years in the future. There are
several methods of forecasting future traffic. One involves looking at past
trends in traffic volume and extending these trends to future years. Another
method involves estimating the growth of social and economic factors which are
known to produce travel, such as population and employment. Increases (or
decreases) in these factors are then related directly to changes in the total
volume of traffic. Traffic forecasts for a particular highway, such as STH 50,
must also take into account the road's traffic carrying capacity.

Travel Characteristics
The first step in understanding the traffic on STH 50 is to describe the existing traffic characteristics. A highway users survey was conducted by the
Wisconsin Department of Transportation on a summer Friday afternoon and Saturday
morning in 1980. Return mail questionnaires were given to motorists on Route 50
as they passed through the intersection of STH 50 and STH 75/83. Some of the
results of this survey were:
o
o

o

86 percent of the survey respondents resided in Wisconsin.
Only 23 percent of drivers passing through the survey location traveled
the full length of the survey corridor from U.S. 12 to 1-94, or vice

versa.
Reasons for travel on STH 50 were nearly evenly distributed between
trips for work, recreation or shopping and other purposes.

Traffic Volume
The volume of traffic using STH 50 is obtained through periodic traffic counts
routinely made by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as well as from
special counts made specifically for 'this project. Present and historic traffic
volumes at representative locations on STH 50 are shown below.

Year

mo

1975
1981
Growth 1970 - 1981

Average Daily Traffic (Two-way)
location on STH 50
West of
West of
West of
CTH "P"
u.s. 45
STH 83 (North)
4Qjj()
250()
3700
3600
7000
3200
3300
4900
7600
90%
37%
32%

West of
I-94

'""""3851)

7300
9300
145%

Seasonal Variations in Travel
The volumes shown abovear~ the average of weekday traffic volumes for anent ire
year. However, SJH 50 carries more traffic during the SU!llmer.months. For
com pari son, the following are average volumes during the summer months of 1981.

West of
CTH "P"

Average Daily Traffic (Two-way)
Location on STH 50
we-st of
West of
STH 83 (North)
u.s. 45,

WesCof

.HL

Average Summer
Weekday

4900

5800

10,100

12,300

Average Summer
Weekend- Day

7700

8800

l:l,OOQ

15,900

Travel forecasts for the STH 50 corridor have been made both by the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation and the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning
Commission (SEWRPC). Analysis of both forecasts by the Consultants produced the
following projections:

STH 50 Segment
U.S. 12 to CTH KD
CTH KD to CTH B
CTH B to STH 75/83
STH 75/83 to I-94

Year 2005
Forecast Volume
(Average Daily Traffic)
10,000
15,000
12,000
17,500

Implications of Traffic Analysis
The threshold traffic volume that warrants consideration of widening a two-lane
highway to four lanes is about 7000 vehicles per day. As traffic increases
above this volume, quality of service, expressed in terms of driver comfort,
average speed and safety, deteriorates. Using this index, the following
conclusions can be drawn:
"There is already a need for four lanes on STH 50 from I-94 to approximately STH 83 (North) in the New Munster area.
o

Between New Munster and U.S. 12, a four-lane highway is not warranted by
present volumes but will be needed by the year 2005.

{
STATUS OF U.S. 12 IN ILLINOIS

PROJECT STAGING

Some persons attending the public information meetings asked whether the State
of Illinois had plans to continue the u.s. 12 improvement south of the state
line.

The State of Wisconsin's current
highway improvement program for
STH 50, as shown in the accompanying chart, conforms with the
traffic forecast and analysis
described on the preceeding pages.
Right-of-way acquisition, engineering and construction for a
four-lane facility from I-94 to
the vicinity of Slades Corners
is programmed to occur during
the period from 1985 through
1989. This implementation program would apply equally to any
of the "build" alternatives
which might be selected, such
as improvement on the present
route of STH 50 or relocation
to CTH K. The project would
be accomplished in seven independent but related stages.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is to rehabilitate u.s. 12 in the Fox
Lake area. U.S. 12 will be improved to a 5-lane highway from Fox Lake to about
one-half mile west of the Lake-McHenry County line in Illinois. From this
location to Illinois 31 {about seven miles) u.s. 12 will remain a 2-lane
highway.
The Illinois long-range plan also includes "Freeway 420" which would connect
with U.S. 12 at the Wisconsin-Illinois State line and proceed south and east to
meet Illinois 120 (Belvidere Road) near Gages Lake. At present, Freeway 420 is
a "corridor of access control." The general route is to be preserved until
needed. No action is contemplated in implementing this facility, however, until
at least after the year 2000.
It is apparent, therefore, that there is not likely to be any action in Illinois
during the study period (now until 2005) which will affect traffic forecasts for
STH 50.

YEAR PROGRAMMED
HIGHWAY SEGMENT

1985
1·94 TO DES PLAINES RIVER

1988

1987

1988

1989

P==

DES PLAINES RIVER
TO PADDOCK LAKE

PADDOCK lAKE
PADDOCK LAKE TO CTH 8

CTH 8 TO FOX RIVER
FOX RIVER TO STH 83

STH B3 TO SLADES CORNER
------

r=z:a

=

'~·~~~~~ - - - · - -

----

RIGHT·OF.WAY ACOUistTION AND ENGINEERING

CONSTRUCTION

The first segment to be implemented would consist of 1.4 miles in or adjacent to
Paddock Lake. This segment would be completed in 1986. Following closely, the
improvement would be extended from Paddock Lake to I-94 {6.7 miles) by the end
of 1987. Construction in 1988 would carry the project 5 miles west of Paddock
Lake to about the Fox River. The presently programmed project would be completed in 1989 with improvements beyond the Fox River to the vicinity of Slades
Corners.

ALTERNATIVES UNDER STUDY
Alternatives currently being investigated by the Study Team are as follows:

The exact western terminus.of the programmed improvement will depend on which
alinement is recommended in the on-going design study. A safe and efficient
transition will have. to be provided between the improved highway and the twolane route to the west. The only work presently scheduled west of the segments
indicated on the chart would be normal highway maintenance.

• No-build or "maintenance" alternative.
• STH 50 Alternative - an alignment following existing STH 50 from U.S. 12
to I-94.

Regardless of the current highway improvement program, this study will be concerned with developing .a plan for STH 50 all the way ~from I-94 to U.S. 12. As
indicated earlier, traffic forecasts to thE! end of the planning period {2005)
justify a four-lane .fa,cility throughout. Exact. dates cannot be set now for
right-of-way acquishion or construction lri the western portion of the corridor. Based on the information at hand, however, it is estimated that this work
would not commence until some time after 1990, but would be completed by2005.

• CTH K Alternatives - alignments following CTH K from the vicinity of the
Fox River to either of two connections with STH 50, one just east of
Paddock Lake or the other farther east near CTH MB.
• West Alternative -an alignment generally following the quarter-section
line between STH 50 and Cranberry Road from U.S. 12 to the vicinity of
Slades Corners.
• Bypasses - around New Munster and Slades Corners.

.I
q~

HIGHWAY 50 PUBLIC HEARING
Thursday, June 28, 1984
7:30 p.m.
at

Central High School Gymnasium

Paddock Lake
• Open House. from 1:QO until 7:30 p,m.
at the High. School on the day
of the Hearing
• Consult personally With the Staff either
before. or· after the Hearing

NEWSLETTER
WISCONSIN

S. T.H. 50

ISSUE NO. 5

CORRIDOR

IMPROVEMENTS

JUNE 1984

DATE SET FOR HIGHWAY 50 PUBLIC HEARING
A. public hearing On proposed improvements tO Highway 50 has been set for
Thursday~ June 28, 1984 at 7:30 p.m. in the Centra 1 Union High School gymnasi urn,
Pad.dbck Lake.. The purpose. of the hearing is to provide. a.n opportunity for all
i.hte,;ested· persons to record their opinions regarding the alternatfves, so they
may.be. considered by the State when a final determination is made on the
project.
During the past several months, preliminary a.lternati\ies for improving Highway.
50 betweenU.S. 12. and 1~94 have been refined .and evaluated .. A. Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) has been prepared, whichdescribes thE!
alternatives 1n detail, and summarizes the env1ronmental . effects a.ssociated with
each. The DEIS provides the technical basis to assist reviewers in making
infqrmed. decisions about the project.. Copies of the. DEIS are available for
inspection at the Elkhorn, Lake. Geneva ·and Kenosha. Pub l.ic Libraries,· as we 11 as
at schooJs ~Dd townhalls w.lthin the Hi~hway 50 study ar,ea.
A.n i nfor.111.att6~a l op~n house wi 11 . be he·ld at Central Union High Schob1 gym<las i um
tlie da.)'pf t~e hearing from 1:00 p.m.. until. the. t.ime of the hearing,.· Staff

memb.er's• wil'b~ onhand to a.nsw~(- ariy questions regarding the J)roject ~r the
public.h~~r;i/rg~Prqce~s. lhe public hE!aring exhibits can be viewed during this
time and :af<ter the. hearing is concluaed~

Highway 50 ~~~Ormation
Jack E, Leis~h&Jl,sso.cia tes
1603 Orringtqn, s.uite 1290 ·
Evanston, Illino.is 60201

Th~pablfc fi~arir1g willlncrude astiort audio"visual pre.sentation on the
pr:9posed a1terra.tives, and a. forma 1. comment per.iod during which persons wi 11 be
g}~;eri the OP,pqr,tu.~ity to present short, oral statements for the record. Written
testimony carj!•aclsobe. submitted ·di rect.ly· to• the Wisconsin Qepartment .of
Transpo~.t~fi,on(i...oral and.written testi monj. presentedat•the; hearing .and written
testim9n) recei~ed pri or .. t(} July ;10, 1984; will•becqm~• part. of the publ i.e record
and will be considered. by· the Department. in ma~.i ng its. depi sion. on th·i s; project ..

~~ GYwJl.v ,56: gLTERNATI VEs
Doris C. Magwitz
19917 82nd Street
Bristol,
WI

53104

~ilnJ'•~Jt~rb~ftve{ )'lere considered for impro~\ng Highway. 5Q, . including a ..No Build
option; d~fined as sif!Jply maintaining theexis;ti.ng .trayeJled way. Alt;hqugh. t.he
No Build Alte~native .would avoid effects in many of the categories investigated,
.it was .detgrmined that it w9uld notc satisfy .the basic ob.J~.ct\v~s of.Jhis. pro~
ject -.- improV,ement of' safety,,a~d mobi]..lty i.rJ t;he Highway '50 corrfdor. .· ...··
Tllerefore, the No Buil~ Alternative. is not recolllmended, b.Ut i.. t i.s used .. as a
basel ihe in compar1ng oth~r: ~lbiroatives.
··
·
·
·
An ini ti ~l :;et of, alter: 0at i.ves. was d~rived f,r.om 8ri.o~. stud1es o(tne corridor
dating back to19.fi}.. Other...a lternafiv~s 1'/er~ •• modi tjcation~. to.· .~;'hose. spec i.fied
ear 1i er •. or were an. outgrowth of the pub lie/ agency part icfl?.atlon p~ocess,
Preliminary alternativ.es were evaluated, screened, and refined until ten
alternatives, including the No Build Alternative, were selected for detailed
study;

HIGHWAY SO ',flUBLIC HEARING
'.

.j

~

'

~;_

,:

Thursday,

~June

7:30

;~,~~N,_WSLETTER

r

28, 1984

<mCONSIN

p.m.

S. T.H. 50 . coeemoe

UE NO. 5

<MeeOVEMENTS
JUNE 1984

at
DATE SET FOR HIGHWAY 50 PUBLIC HEARING

Central High School Gymnasium

Paddock Lake
• Open House from t:OO until 7:30 p.m.
at the High Scho9l on. the day
of the Hearing
• Consult personally with the Staff. either
before or after the Hearing

A public hearing on proposed improvements to Highway 50 has been set for
Thursday, June 28, 1984 at 7:30 p.m. in the Central UnionHighSchool gymnasium,
Pad,jock Lake .. The purpose of the hearing .is to provide an opp.ortunltyfor all
interested persons to rec.ord their op1 ni ons regarding the alternatives, so they
may be considered by the State when a final determination is made on the
project.
During the past several months, preliminary alternatives .for improving Highway
50 between U.S. 12 and I-94 have been refined and evaluated. A Draft Environmental Hnpacf Statement (DEIS) has been prepared, which describes the
alternatives in detai 1, and summarizes the environmental effects associated with
each . . The DEIS provides the technical basis to assist reviewers in making
informed decisions about the project. Ct)pies of the DEIS are avai.lable for
inspection atJhe Elkhorn, lake Geneva an'dKenpsha Pu.bli.cLibraries, as well as
at schpols .and . .town
halls within
the
Highway
50 study area.
·
" ' ' ,•.
- '' '
' '
,', ·.' < /' ;-.·· "",. ·.·
.·~-

Hi ghl'la}' 50J nf6~111ati on
J.ack E; Leisch & Associ.ates
16d~:orringfon, Suite 1290
Evaristori; Illinois 60201

a

The Rl!blic he~t'ing will include
short audio~visual presentation on the
propo~e~ alternatives, and a.fQrmal comment period during which persons will be
gi'len th~ oppqrtuni ty. to pr.esent short •.. or: a) statements for. the record. Written
testimt)nyca~<also be. submitted directlY to the. Wlsconsin Department. of
}rafl.spol"tat·iory.. Ora 1·. and·. written testimony• presented atthe·hearing and written
test:ill]ony r;e~eived ·PY'ior. to July.lO;.l984; will . become part. pf the. pubJ ic record
and win be considered by. the Depa~tment> in making its decision on. tnis project.
HI GMWAY

Doris C. Magwitz
19917 BZnd Street
Bristol,
WI

~-,

An. informational open. house will beheld at Centrai UnionHigh S~hoo.J gymnasium
the RaY. of Uie hearing fro~ l:.bo p.m,. unt.i l the tlmeof th.e he?ring. Staff
members ,VIll be on hand to answer anyquestions t:egariJing the project or the
pub 1ic he~ring process .. Thepubl i cheari ng ex hi bits can. be. viewed during this
time and. aft.e.r the' hearing is concluded;
· ·

53104

50 ALTERNATIVES

Man/a1ter;nati.v~s,werecon.sid~red . fqr)mpro~iQg,~ighwa,{5Q, includf~g a No. Build
optj on, defined as simply maintaining the ex istji1g tr~velled>·•ay. Although the
No Build Alternative would avoid effects in many of the cate9.ories investigated,
it was determined.that it would notsat]sfylhe bas.ic gbjectiv<O.~.Pf thi.s project -- improvement of. sqfety, and mobi li\y. in. theHjghwaj 50 ~orridor.
Therefore, the No Build P,)tern(ltive,{s nptrecommended; but it.. is used .as a
baseline in comparing oth~t a.lternatiy~s,
An initial set.of> a ltel'nati yes was.d(;!r:Jyt;d from p)"i.or. studies of .the• porrtdor
dati'ng ba~.k to 196}. • Other .a fteroati~~s. wer§ modi ficatfons to thpse specified
earl jer, or. were an outgrowth of thepvb 1{c/agency part'icipation process.
Preliminary. alternatives were evaluated, screened, and refined until ten
alternative~; Including the No Build Alternative, were selected for detailed
study.

-3-

-2U)

(!;0
For clarity of comparison and discussion, the Highway 50 corridor was divided
into three segments (see the accompanying Figure):
1)

A western segment running from a point near U.S. 12 to Point 8 near
Lake Ivanhoe;

2)

A central segment running from Point B to Point C near Highway 83
north; and:

3)

[OJ,

w
>

ill

1-

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z

a:
w

1-

An eastern segment running from Point C to Point D, at Interstate 94.

Each of these segments contains two or more alternative alinements. One alternative in each segment follows the existing Highway 50 alinement as closely as
possible.
Beginning in the western segment, we have two Build Alternatives, 1N and lS.
Alternative 1N closely follows the alinement of existing Highway 50. Alternative
1S follows Highway 50 to a point about one-and-a-quarter miles east of U.S. 12.
From there, Alternative 1S diverts to the south approximately one~quarter mile
running parallel with existing Highway 50 before converging with the existing
alinement near Lake Ivanhoe.
A tot a 1 of four B.ui ld Alternatives are proposed in the central segment--2, 3, 4N
and 45. Alternative 2 follows the mid-section line one-half mile north of
existing Highway 50, to a point just east of New Munster. Alternative 2, as
with other altf!rnative alinements .in this segment, bypasses both Slades Corners
and New Munster •. .An acceptable way could not be .found to route an improved
highway through either of these communities. Alternatives. 4N and 4S generally
follow Highway 50 except for the bypass of. Slc>des Corners. Alternati.ve 4N
bypasses the community on the north and Alternative 4S runs south of Slades
Corners. Alternative 3 follows Highway 50 unt i1 it reaches a point north of
Slades Corners and. then extends eastward to the common junction with the other
alternatives. east of New Munster.
·

....J

c·~~;lo'
-LJ=

<(

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0
10

1-

zw

::;:
(:>

><(

w

(/)

t;

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w

I

(!)

:r:

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w
:2

The eastern segment contains three Build Alt.ernatives . -- 5W, 5E and 6. Alternatives 5W and .5E follow the route of existing County Trunk Highway K extended
west acros.s the Fox River. Alternative 5W diverts south to meet existing Highway 50 immediately east of Paddock lake.· Alternative SE continues eastward on
the route of Highway K past Paddock Lake, diverting south to meet existing
Highway 50 in the vicinity of County Trunk Highway MB. Both Alternatives.5W and
5E rejoin Highway 50 and utilize the existing interchange with I-94. Alternative
6 generally follows the present alinement of Highway 50 from New Munster, across
the Fox River and Sao line Railroad and through the Village of Paddock Lake
to the existing interchange with I-94.

(:>

w

(/)

:;t
a:

1z
w

u

on

The Build Alternatives consist of a four~lane highway with a 50~foot grassed
median, two 12~t'oot driving lanes in each direction and paved shoulders, as is
found on Highway 50 east of 1-94 and on other similar highways throughout the
state. Total right-of-way width would average 200~250 feet.
For the alternative passing through the Vii l age of Paddock Lake, a reduced urban
design would be used, consisting of two 12-t'oot lanes in each direction and a
14-foot center turning lane.

!L~~
z~ ~

l~l~j;

J

G

®

~~'
;I
~!

-4-

-5-

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES

Central Segment

It is anticipated that all of the Build Alternatives in each segment of the
study corridor would relieve existing and future congestion and also improve
traffic safety. It is also expected that the Build Alternatives would make a
positive contribu.tion to the socioeconomic character of the corridor, and to
access for local institutions such as schools, churches, and emergency services.

The central segment which extends from Lake Ivanhoe about 7 miles east to the
New Munster area contains four Build Alternatives -- 2, 3, 4N and 45. Each of
the Build Alternatives would bypass the built-up areas of 5lades Corners and New
Munster.
There are several key differences between alternatives to be considered in the
selection of a route for Highway 50 in the central segment. Alternative 2 would
require th.e fewest residential or business displacements. The negative features
of this alternative are the severance of numerous farms, as well as the significant wetlan'il loss near Lake Iviinhoe and New Munster. Alternative 3 would also
require a minimum number _of residential displacements. Its liabilities are
similar to·t-n'o'se of Alternative 2: the severance of farm lands and significant
wetland ltis'$1; Alternatives 4N and 45 would both require a minimal number of
farm sever.aiic:ies. The negative features of these alternatives are the
displacement of a number of residences and, for Alternative 45, the loss of
sensitive w_etland areas.

The Tabl_e below summarizes the various effects of H ghway 50 Alternatives in
eac.h segment of the study corridor. The following s a brief description of
the main differences among alternatives. More deta led information in found in
the DEIS.
Western Segment
The ~est~rn segment which extends approximately 4 miles from U.S. 12 to lake
Ivanhoe contains two Build A_lternatives '-- lN and lS.

Th~ fynl:lllljl~!ltal_ dlffere11ces _l>etwee~ wes~ern · segment

a 1tern at i.ves can b_e conas follows._ Alterl)ative lN; which'generally follows. the route of existing-Highway 50_ would require. the displacement of five residences an_d some loss
of ·'<:l;oplafld~ -~lter_native l~_would require only one displacement. However,
there i_s greater l()ss of cropland, severance of farm fields, and impaired farm
op~riations wfth Alternative IS' than •With Altern~tive lN;

Eastern 5egln~nt

dens_e~

In the eastern segment which extends about 13 miles from New Munster to I-94,
there are thr,ee Bui.ld Alternatives -- 5W, 5E and 6.

N

·.O·F

' 'A L iii E! lit' 'N rk, 'it ~~

vii ei<.Sgit
EASTERN S!'G>ENT
I
SE

CENTRAl ·SEGP£NT

l ·-T- .••
Noise

4S

SW

. . . · . _.

• Receh~~ ~xf!!!r1.e:rpiig
Severe lq,acts

27

56

• Receivers Expe:rf~ing
r-tideratel~ts

Total Cost

11

17

11

15

12

48

48

10

Air Q.Jality
Tr.t~tf:fc,

~ Con~tf:uct't'Ot. ·l~t~ ·.tO

E.,...gy
EsthetiCs.

·Traf.f4c ·~"L

• Traffic' Safety
• Level ·of .~.tee

: :!!J~!f~f~~ti~t

•

~

.

' . ·!:.0;1\:

·o

-Busineys Oisp!.ac~n~s

O;-r"

l9

D-1

• kcess' t~':~i~tJii;·
~i~J~ter~

~ally

1"'""'ed

'lj·o~ed

• Co'rlntllitj\,Cohesion

~~lk.

eus.rness

Ter'*strial V~tit1~
.._,I~ F9'"est; O~spl~ed
FlOOdplain

Dist,l:j£f

9•.8

fJh

E~r~~-~t;

Moderate

:Water: ()Jality

9 ·~~.h- & ·w.i)~l ~~e -Hab!tat.~

···,·

...

'

N~s·. r~.. to ne~reSf'tetlth; R. . . 'of

fiOteS':

'

ru!berS

'

'

depends on Wtich Cortlinatiofl

HQ Si9f!Hican.L ilq)«;t.•

-

InClUdes_: £ner91!"t Wetlinds; Lowland Forest; oVId Scrut.t.:Stw:Ub7

t_fq

,

'

Of

·''

·''

alterilative,S

,,

are

'·,

j

•·

linked between

;.-

.,

'segnents.

-6-7Relative to othet' alter-n<:( iv<:s in the eastern segment, Alternative 5W has a
number of l1abil Hies. l ri:q,lires the greatest amount of new right-of-way,
would result in the most farm and residential displacements and would cross
sensitive wetlands in' the Fox. River floodplain. Alternative 5E has the .positive
feature of requiring tl:e least residential and business di sp 1acements of any
Build Alternative ir; th9 eastern segment. However, it too, would require
numerous far:m sevt'rani:es, cropland loss and wo.uld cross .wetlands in the Fox
River floodplain. Both Alternatives 5W and 5E would.remove through traffic from
the Paddock Lake commercial center.
Alternative 6 requires the least amount of new right-of:way of any Bui.ld Alternative in. the eastern segment. It wo.uld not i.nvolve farm severances .and would
cross the Fox River floodplain on the existing .alinement of Highway 5Q. However, this alternative .would displace a number of residences along .existing
Highway 50 and a larger number of residences .would be exposed to h.ig~er noise
levels. Through traffic would.be mainta.ined in the Paddock Lake commercial
center with Alternative 6.
Alternative 6 would require the. acquisition of ii small strip of land along the
existing Highway 50 right-of-way through Old Settlers. Park. in Paddock .Lake.
Accardi ng to Feder ill 1 aw, pub 1 ic 1and from a park or recreation area may be used
for a Federal Aid project only if there is no feasible.and prudent alternative
to its use, and. providing that the proposed project in.cluded a)lpossible
planningto m.inimize harm. Special documentation ofthese pr:ovisions is provided. in the,DEIS. If Alternative 6 is selected for imRlementation, the design
concept would provide for functional and .in-kind replacement of land acquired
from .Old Settlers Par.k.
Alternatives5W ahil6 also affect.one s.ite which m~y"~eeligible f9r the
National· Register of Historic Pl a~es .. A rnid"ntneteenth century set~l ement
ca ]Jed "Jacksonville," was situated on both si.des of Highway 50 oetw~~n County
H.ighw.ay .D and ·.the ·D~s .. Plaines River'.· . The .DE}S presents special dpcu111entation
concerning this property .andde~cribes a. bypass about50Qfeet south of Highway
50 which would avoid the histor;i.c site. If either A'lternative s.w or 6 is
recommended, a final determiriat ion will be. made regi!riling th~ ali nement .. of
Highway 50 in this section.
General.Effe~ts

I~AKE

YOUc: Co' lr! iONS i:rWWN

The public ~22r'ng is a vital part of the
your opportc··oi<;y to place your opinion on
be made ct :~·,,; '~e.:.l"ing, the Department of
points present: eo at this hearing, as we 11
July 10, 1984.

project development process. It is
record. While no final decision will
Transportation must consider all viewas all written test i many received by

If you wish to express an opinion:
1) Review the Alternatives -- A detailed description of the alternatives
and a discussion of potential effects are provided in the DEIS and the
Project Statement presented at the public hearing. Project represenatives will also be available to answer questions at the
informational open house held prior to the public hearing and after the
formal hearing ends.
2) Present Oral Testimony -- Prepare a short, concise statement (approx-

imately 5 minutes or less) stating your position. Fill out a witness
identification slip at the hearing (found on the cover of the public
hearing handout packet) and give it to a member of the project staff.
When you are called to testify, come forward, identify yourself and whom
you represent, and make your statement.
OR
3) Submit Written Testimony-- Clearly write out your testimony. Include
your name, address and whom you represent. Give it to the Hearing
Coordinator or mail it directly to:
Mr. H.L. Fiedler, Administrator
Division of Highways & Transportation Facilities
Wisconsin Department of Transporation
P.O. Box 7916
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
lengthl y statements may be summarized orally and submitted in writing in their
entirety.

All of the Build Alternatives would be expected to irnprove traffic safety; The
grea~est traffic safety benefits would probably be realized in the eastern and
c~ntral segments of the corridor where forecast traffic volumes .are the highest.
Arc!\aeological . . stu.dies cpmpleted thus . far indicate that none of the alternatives
woujd have effe.cts on archaeo]ogic resources that. could not be s)Jtisfactorily
taken care of.

a

All Bui.l(j Alter~atives. wpuld make pdsiti ve cohtributlo11 ttl the so2foeconomic
chera<;ter of thecprrid()r. and to access for. loca.l ins.titutions such as schools,
churches ancl. eiJlergency. serviees,
All ~f the B~i)dAlter!l~~ives wo.uldtesult. ih shorhterm. constructioh effects to
air and water;q~alityLn,oise. and. traffic flo.w.. Thes.e would not occur to· this
~xtent under the. No.B.uild.aptian.

Fo 11 owing the public hearing, the Department will eva 1uate pub 1 i c and agency
comments. A recommendedalinement wjJJbe.seJect.ed soon after the public
comment period ends,. ~h,ecF.in,aJ.JEnvi.r§.nfu,erta;J In1~a,qt Statement wi 11 then be
prepared describing 4:~e: .~e.colfm~hd.~d ihlprov~~erV<~.nd responding to quest ions and
pu~lk:,hei!r?iiiivpfoce·ss.
comments raised durio.g·,t~e
''''" ,'-- v ,,_ __ ""'
,__
~·_:.-

FOREWORD
This pamphlet is published by the State Department of
Industry, Labor and Human Relations in cooperation
with the Attorney General, pursuant to sec. 32.26 ( 6 ), of
Wisconsin statutes. The pamphlet must be given to property owners or their representatives by the condemnor
prior to initiation of negotiations for property being
acquired for a public project.
The material in this pamphlet provides information on
how the condemnation process works in Wisconsin. It
should serve as a reference for you, but it was not
intended to cover every possible eventuality or every right
you may have in individual cases.
In summarizing and condensing a large and fairly complex body of law, it was impossible to cover all possible
questions and concerns that you may have. The goal was
conciseness and clarity. A further source of information is
Chapter 32, of the Wisconsin statutes which contains the
law that is summarized in this pamphlet.
Legal counsel is another avenue you may wish to pursue
to protect your rights in the condemnation process.

I

Direct questions about this pamphlet to the Relocation
Services Unit, Equal Rights Division, Department of
Industry, Labor and Human Relations, 201 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 7946, Madison, WI 53707. ( 608)
266-6860.
September 1980

~DniLHRI

-DEPRf'ITinE:nTOF
lnOUST~ ..... LABOJ;i6.HU~nRELRTIOnS

YH·HJ3-f:~~:,?246

THE RIGHTS OF
LANDOWNERS
UNDER
WISCONSIN
EMINENT DOMAIN
LAW

PROCEDURES UNDER

sec. 32.05, Wisconsin
Statutes
for:
HIGHWAYS
STREETS
STORM & SANITARY SEWERS
WATERCOURSES
ALLEYS
AIRPORTS
&
MASS.Tll.ANSIT FACILITIES

/57

THE LANGUAGE OF EMINENT DOMAIN
This glossary defines terms used in the pamphlet

ADDITIONAL ITEMS PAYABLE
Compensation, beyond the "just compensation" required
by the Constitution, which the legislature has provided to
persons displaced by the condemnor for expenses of moving and finding a comparable replacement for the property taken.

APPRAISAL
A written report, done by a neutral person skilled in valuation, describing the property that is to be acquired and
coming to a documented conclusion as to the fair market
value of such property.

AWARD OF COMPENSATION
A document which is served upon a condemnee after a
refusal of a jurisdictional offer, stating the amount of just
compensation. It names all persons with an interest in the
property, describes the property taken, and includes the
date of occupancy by the condemnor. The recording of
this document passes title in the property to the condemnor. This term also describes the payment made to
the condemnee for the property. For negotiated sales. the
amount of compensation is stated in the certificate of
compensation.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPENSATION
A document recorded with the register of deeds when a
sale is negotiated between the owner and the acquiring
agency. It contains the names of persons with a record
interest in the property, a legal description, the type of
interest acquired. and the amount of compensation. All
persons named should be sent a copy and a notice of the
right to appeal the amount of compensation.

CONDEMNATION
The process by which private property is taken for a public use without the consent of the owner upon payment of
just compensation.

CONDEMNATION COMMISSON
A group of local residents, appointed by the circuit court
of a county for fixed terms, who have the authority to decide appeals from an award of compensation.

CONDEMNEE
A private property owner whose property is being acquired for a public use without consent.

CONDEMNOR
A public or quasi-public entity exercising constitutional
or statutory power to acquire private property for a public
use without the consent of the property owner.

DATE OF TAKING & DATE OF EVALUATION
The day on which the award of compensation is recorded
in the office of the register of deeds in the county where
the land is located. The fair market value of the property
on this day is just compensation to the condemnee for the
taking. For negotiated sales, the date of taking and the
date of evaluation is the date the conveyance is recorded
with the register of deeds.

EASEMENT
An interest in real property which gives the acquiring
agency the legal right to use the property for a specific
purpose or to restrict the property owner's use of the land.
Ownership and title to the property remain with the property owner.

EMINENT DOMAIN
The power of the state to take private property for a public use.

FAIR MARKET VALUE
The amount for which property could be sold in the open
market between a willing buyer and a willing seller.

FULL NARRATIVE APPRAISAL
A detailed and comprehensive description of the process
an appraiser uses in regard to a certain property to reach
an opinion of its fair market value. The opinion must be
documented by market data which supports the appraiser's rationale.

INCIDENTAL EXPENSES
Reasonable and necessary amounts, defined by statute,
payable to the owner of real property acquired for a public use. Generally, incidental expenses compensate for expenses you may incur in transfer of your property to the
condemnor. They include recording fees, mortgage prepayment penalties, rent loss, and other items.

JURISDICTIONAL OFFER
A written notice given by the condemnor to the owner of
property and any mortgagee of record which informs the
recipients of the proposed public use, what property is being taken, and the amount of compensation to be paid.

KLINE LAW
A special condemnation procedure provided by the legislature for condemnations by the City of Milwaukee.

US PENDENS
A notice filed with the register of deeds within 14 days of
the jurisdictional offer to notify all interested parties that
the property described is in the process of being acquired
for a public use.

LITIGATION EXPENSES
The sum of the costs, disbursements and expenses including reasonable attorney, appraisal and engineering fees
necessary to prepare for, or participate in, actual or anticipated proceedings before a condemnation commission or
any court.

RELOCATION ORDER
An order issued by the condemning agency describing the
proposed public project. It describes the old and new locations and includes all property needed for the project.
Within 20 days after its issuance it must be filed with the
county clerk in the county in which the lands are located.

SEVERANCE DAMAGES
Damages which may result when only part of a person's
property is condemned, Generally, these items of damage
compensate for any loss in value of the remaining property due to the taking.

UNECONOMIC REMNANT
The property remaining after a partial taking which is of
little value or substantially impaired economic viability
due to its size, shape or condition.

L

BEFORE NEGOTIATIONS TO
ACQUIRE PROPERTY BEGINS

\Jter you have been contacted by the condemning authority, you will be provided with a full narrative appraisal
of the property sought to be acquired, The jurisdictional
offer, if any, will be based upon this appraisaL This appraisal is done by an appraiser hired or employed by the
agency, and the law requires the appraiser to confer with
the owner or the owner's representative, if reasonably possible, when making the appraisaL Any and all appraisals
made by the agency must be provided to you,
You have the right to have your own full narrative appraisal made by a qualified appraiser of the property
sought to be acquired, The reasonable cost of this appraisal may be submitted to the acquiring agency for payment, if the appraisal meets the standards set forth in sec,
32,09 of Wisconsin statutes, Also, a copy of your appraisal must be submitted to the acquiring agency within
60 days after you receive the agency's full narrative appraisal, in order for you to receive payment for your appraisaL If you have such an appraisal made and wish it to
be considered during the negotiation period, it must be
submitted to the agency within the same 60 day period,
The acquiring agency is required to file a relocation order
with the county clerk in the county in which your property
is located, This order describes the layout of the project,
old and new locations, and the property interests sought to
be acquired, It must be filed within 20 days after its issuance by the agency, and is available for public inspection,

2

THE NEGOTIATION PERIOD

After a relocation order has been filed and appraisals are
completed, the acquiring agency must attempt to negotiate with the owner or the owner's representative for
purchase of the needed property, The statutes require
that you be provided an informational pamphlet on eminent domain procedure before negotiation begins, If you
are also displaced as a result of the acquisition, the law
requires that you receive a pamphlet on relocation benefits. The owner's full narrative appraisal must be considered as a part of this negotiation, if it has been submitted
to the agency within 60 days, Also, any rights you may
have for additional items payable (relocation benefits)
can be included in the negotiations,
During negotiations, the acquiring agency must provide a
map showing the owners of all property affected by the
proposed project Along with this map the owner must be
given the names of at least I 0 neighboring landowners to
whom offers are being made, If less than l 0 arc affected,
the names of all must be given, Any maps in the possession of the agency showing the property affected can be
inspected, and copies made available at reasonable cost
At this point, condemnation is not involved, only negotiations for purchase,
If you agree to a negotiated purchase, the condemnor
must record the conveyance and a certificate of compensation with the register of deeds in the county where the
land is located, Also, all owners of record should receive
by certified mail the certificate of compensation and a notice of their right to appeal within 6 months after the date
of the recording of the certificate, Such an appeal would
challenge the amount of compensation received by the
property owner, The procedure used for this appeal is described in 6, and 7. of this pamphlet, except that an appeal
from a negotiated price must be taken within 6 months,
The date the conveyance is recorded is the date of taking,
and the amount of compensation is stated in the certificate of compensation,

3

PARTIAL TAKINGS and
EASEMENTS

If only a part of your land is taken, other than for an easement, two different calculations may be made to determine the fair market value of the part taken, In such partial takings, fair market value is the greater amount of
either the fair market value of the part taken or the differ,,
ence between the value of your property before the taking
and its value after, giving effect to severance damages set
forth in sec, 32,09 of Wisconsin statutes,
If only part of your property is taken and you are left with
an uneconomic remnant, the condemnor must offer to acquire the uneconomic remnant along with the property
being taken_ You must consent to the acquisition of the
uneconomic remnant in order for the agency to acquire,
but the remnant can be acquired as part of the purchase
or condemnation of your property_
When an easement is taken over your property, the conpensatton required is the difference between the value of
your property immediately before the date of evaluation
and its value immediately after the date of evaluation,
Severance damages may also be paid where such damages
exist and are allowed by statute,
If your land is zoned or used for agricultural purposes and
an easement is taken for a high voltage transmission line
or a fuel pipeline, you will be entitled to choose between a
lump sum payment for the easement or an annual payment representing just compensation for the taking of the
easement [or one year, The condemnor should be able to
answer any questions on your eligibility for this choice
and the terms of each alternative, Sec, 32,09 (6r) (a),
(b), and (c) of Wisconsin statutes detail the law on lump
sum versus annual payments,

4

THE JURISDICTIONAL
OFFER TO PURCHASE

If negotiations do not lead to a purchase of the needed
interest by the acquiring agency, a jurisdictional offer
must be given to the owner and to any mortgagee of
record. You will receive the notice by personal service or
by certified maiL
This very important document will provide you with vital
information on the acquisition of your property. Items
that must be included are a statement of the nature of the
project, a description of the property to be taken, and a
statement of the proposed date the condemnor will occupy the property. Included in the document is the
amount of compensation to be paid for your property, including a statement that any additional items payable
may be claimed for relocation assistance. An owner has
20 days from the receipt of this offer to accept or reject it.
Within fourteen days from the day you receive the jurisdictional offer, a lis pendens will be filed with the register
of deeds in the county where the property is located. The
lis pendens provides notice to any interested party of the
possibility that the property may be acquired for a public
use.
lf you accept the jurisdictional offer, title will be transferred and you will be paid the amount specified in the
offer within 60 days. This 60 day period can be extended
by mutual written consent of the condemnee and the condemnor. Incidental expenses under sec. 32.195 of the statutes relating to transfer of your property to the condemnor will also be paid by the condemnor.
If the owners of record of the property sought to be taken
reject the jurisdictional offer in writing, or do not act upon
it within the 20 day period, the condemnor may make an
award of compensation.

5

THE AWARD OF
COMPENSATION

This procedure allows the condemnor, after the jurisdictional offer is rejected or not accepted, to make a written
declaration stating the amount of compensation lo be
paid, the description of the property, the date of occupancy and other information. The amount of compensation offered must be equal to or more than the amount of
the jurisdictional offer. You will receive a copy of the
award by personal service or certified mail.

6

HEARING BEFORE THE
COUNTY CONDEMNATION
COMMISSION

A property owner may appeal an award of cornpensation
to the county condemnation commission \Vithin2 yeflrs a f.:
ter the date of taking. This is accomplished by applying to
the circuit or county judge in the county where the land is
located. Alternatively, this procedure may be waived and
a property owner may appeal directly to circuit court.
(See 7)
A county will have 6 to 12 commissioners, depending on
the county population. They are local individuals, residents of the county or adjoining county, and are appointed by the circuit court. They serve staggered 3 year
terms and generally sit in groups of 3.
Within 7 days after the chairperson of the commission is
notified of the appeal by the judge, 3 of the commissioners
are selected to hear the case. The date of the hearing, the
time and the place are fixed by the chairperson, and will
not be less than 20 days nor more than 30 days from the
day the court assigned the appeal to the chairperson. At
least 10 days prior notice will be given to all parties. The
commisson proceedings are more informal than court
proceedings, and are governed by statute. The amount of
the jurisdictional offer or award of compensation cannot,
by law, be disclosed to the commission. You have a right
to appear and to present evidence. A majority of the
members have the power to make all decisions. Within 10
days after the end of the hearing, a written award is made
and filed with the clerk of circuit court. The clerk will notify the parties of the award.
A condemnor who accepts the award of the commission
must pay the award, plus legal interest from the date of
taking, to the owner within 70 days of the filing of the
commission award. A condemnor may also pay the
amount to the clerk of circuit court for the benefit of the
owners, and notify the parties of the payment. Interest is
paid on any amount that is awarded by the commission in
·excess of the award from the date of taking until the date
of the commission award, if the amount is paid within 14
days of the commission award. If it is paid by the condemnor after 14 days, interest on the excess accrues from
the date of taking until the date of payment.

lf you or the condemnor are dissatisfied with the award of
the commission, either can take an appeal to the circuit
court. This must be done within 60 days of tile filing
commission award. In case of such appeal by
condemnor, the amount of compensation
commission is not paid pending outcome cf

You will then receive payment for your property, by
check, for the amount of compensation provided in the
award less any outstanding tax liens and prorated taxes.
The condemnor may mail the check to you or deposit it
with the clerk of the circuit court for your benefit.

I•

Negotiations
Successful
• Sale Accomplished

Another legal effect of this payment and vesting of title is
that the condemnor has the right to occupy the property
after 1 month from the date of taking. ff you are occupying the property on the date of taking, the condemnor will
not charge rent. However, if you destroy or damage property which has been taken, you may be liable for the
amount of this damage.
You may apply to the circuit court for an extension of this
I month period, and the court may grant an extension if it
deems your request reasonable.

• Appraisals Made
• Map and Project
Information Given
• Relocation Order
• Negotiations
Unsuccessful

I

i

~r

l

7

APPEAL OF JUST
COMPENSATION TO CIRCUIT
COURT

9

The law provides for the payment of litigation expenses
by the condemnor under any one of the following
circumstances;

A property owner has 2 years from the date of taking to
appeal the amount of just compensation. An owner may
choose to go first to the condemnation commission (see
6), or go directly to circuit court.

-

You have a right to appeal from the judgement of the circuit court to the court of appeals within 6 months of the
notice of the entry of judgement of the circuit court.
-

8

LITIGATION EXPENSES and
COSTS

ACTION TO CONTEST THE
RIGHT OF CONDEMNATION

-

Such an action challenges the right of the agency to condemn the property described in the jurisdictional offer.
This action must be commenced in circuit court within 40
days from the postmark of the certified letter containing
notice of the jurisdictional offer.

if it is determined by a court that the condemnor does
not have the right to condemn,
if the award of the condemnation commission is
greater than the jurisdictional offer, or the highest
written offer prior to the jurisdictional offer, by at
least $700. and 15%, and the award is not appealed.
if the jury verdict approved by the court exceeds the
jurisdictional offer, or the highest written offer prior
to the jurisdictional offer, by at least $700. and 15%,
if the condemnee appeals an award of the condemnation commission which exceeds the jurisdictional offer
or the highest written offer prior to the jurisdictional
offer, by at least $700 and 15%, and the court-approved jury verdict exceeds the award of the condemnation commission by at least $700. and 15%,
if the condemnor appeals an award of the condemnation commission, and the court-approved jury verdict
is $700. and 15% greater than the jurisdictional ofl'er
or the highest written offer prior to the jurisdictional
offer,
if the condemnee appeals an award of the condemnation commission which is not 15% greater than the
jurisdictional offer or the highest written offer prior to
the jurisdictional offer, and the court-approved jury
verdict is at least $700. and 15% higher than the jurisdictional offer or highest written offer prior to the
jurisdictional offer.

Unless you come under one of these specific categories,
you will not be able to recover litigation expenses
condemnor.
The Legislature has provided "costs" [statutorily determined payments to successful parties in proceedings challenging just compensation] to litigants who are successful
but who do not fit into any of the categories mentioned
above. If the just compensation awarded by the court or
condemnation commission exceeds the jurisdictional offer
or the highest written offer prior to the jurisdictional offer,
the condemnee will be deemed the "successful" party.
You may be required to pay "costs" to the condemnor if

In addition, if you accept and retain any money awarded
for your property, you may not challenge the condemnor's
right to take.
In this proceeding, you can challenge both any defects in
the procedure the agency has used and/or the "public"
nature and necessity of the proposed use.

THE CHART BELOW PROVIDES A BRIEF DESCRIPTION
OF HOW THE EMINENT DOMAIN PROCESS NORMALLY
FLOWS. PLEASE REFER TO THE TEXT FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION

t
,.....
-'-----

ner has right to
Jeal amount to
1demnation com;sion or court
·hin 6 months

'J

isdictional
er Issued
Pendens filed

I
~.._

t

• Jurisdictional Offer
accepted by owner
within 20 days
• Can appeal within
6 months

• Jurisdictional Offer
rejected or not
accepted by
owner within
20 days

• Action to Contest
agency's right to
condemn
• In circuit court
" Within 40 days from
Jurisdictional Offer

I

I

r--------

• Appeal to condemnation commission

o~comooo<
"'
award

'

co Award of
Compensation
"' When filed, becomes
date of taking and
title passes to agency

e Appeal to circuit
court over amount
of award

~-"
i

1•

t
Appeal of circuit
court judgment to
appealate court
Within 6 months

~

the ~i;c~it·o;·c;;~~tyJudg~ in the co~nty where itiehnd is
located. Alternatively, this procedure may be waived and
a property owner may appeal directly to circuit court.

6), or go dtrectly to Circutl court.

(See 7)

A county will have 6 to 12 commissioners, depending on
the county population. They are local individuals, residents of the county or adjoining county, and are appointed by the circuit court. They serve staggered 3 year
terms and generally sit in groups of 3.
Within 7 days after the chairperson of the commission is
notified of the appeal by the judge, 3 of the commissioners
are selected to hear the case. The date of the hearing, the
time and the place are fixed by the chairperson, and will
not be less than 20 days nor more than 30 days from the
day the court assigned the appeal to the chairperson. At
least 10 days prior notice will be given to all parties. The
commisson proceedings are more informal than court
proceedings, and are governed by statute. The amount of
the jurisdictional offer or award of compensation cannot,
by law, be disclosed to the commission. You have a right
to appear and to present evidence. A majority of the
members have the power to make all decisions. Within 10
days after the end of the hearing, a written award is made
and filed with the clerk of circuit court. The clerk will notify the parties of the award.
A condemnor who accepts the award of the commission
must pay the award, pius legal interest from the date of
taking, to the owner within 70 days of the filing of the
commission award. A condemnor may also pay the
amount to the clerk of circuit court for the benefit of the
owners, and notify the parties of the payment. Interest is
paid on any amount that is awarded by the commission in
excess of the award from the date of taking until the date
of the commission award, if the amount is paid within 14
days of the commission award. If it is paid by the condemnor after 14 days, interest on the excess accrues from
the date of taking until the date of payment.
If you or the condemnor are dissatisfied with the award of
the commission, either can take an appeal to the circuit
court. This must be done within 60 days of the filing of the
commission award. In case of such appeal by you or the
condemnor, the amount of compensation awarded by the
commission is not paid pending outcome of the appeal.

----

I

• Negotiations
Successful
_
• Sale Accomplished

• Appraisals Made
• Map and Project
Information Given
• Relocation Order

v

.'\. •

Negoti:~ions

You have a right to appeal from the judgement of the circuit court to the court of appeals within 6 months of the
notice of the entry of judgement of the circuit court.

8

ACTION TO CONTEST THE
RIGHT OF CONDEMNATION

Such an action challenges the right of the agency to condemn the property described in the jurisdictional offer.
This action must be commenced in circuit court within 40
days from the postmark of the certified letter containing
notice of the jurisdictional offer.

not have the right to condemn,
if the award of the condemnation commission is
greater than the jurisdictional offer, or the highest
written ofi'er prior to the jurisdictional offer, by at
least $700. and 15%, and the award is not appealed.
if the jury verdict approved by the court exceeds the
jurisdictional offer, or the highest written offer prior
to the jurisdictional offer, by at least $700. and 15%,
-- if the condemnee appeals an award of the condemnation commission which exceeds the jurisdictional offer
or the highest written offer prior to the jurisdictional
offer, by at least $700 and 15%, and the court-ap·
proved jury verdict exceeds the a ward of the condemnation commission by at least $700. and 15%,
if the condemnor appeals an award of the condemnation commission, and the court-approved jury verdict
is $700. and 15% greater than the jurisdictional offer
or the highest written offer prior to the jurisdictional
offer,
- if the condemnee appeals an award of the condemna·
tion commission which is not 15% greater than the
jurisdictional offer or the highest written offer prior to
the jurisdictional offer, and the court-approved jury
verdict is at least $700. and 15% higher than the ju·
risdictional offer or highest written offer prior to the
jurisdictional offer.
Unless you come under one of these specific categories,
you will not be able to recover litigation expenses from the
condemnor.

In addition, if you accept and retain any money awarded
for your property, you may not challenge the condemnor's
right to take.
In this proceeding, you can challenge both any defects in
the procedure the agency has used and/or the "public"
nature and necessity of the proposed use.

THE CHART BELOW PROVIDES A BRIEF DESCRIPTION
OF HOW THE EMINENT DOMAIN PROCESS NORMALLY
FLOWS. PLEASE REFER TO THE TEXT FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION

-~[

uwner has right to
ppeal amount to
ondemnation comission or court
ithin 6 months

The Legislature has provided "costs" [statutorily determined payments to successful parties in proceedings challenging just compensation] to litigants who are successful
but who do not fit into any of the categories mentioned
above. If the just compensation awarded by the court or
condemnation commission exceeds the jurisdictional offer
or the highest written offer prior to the jurisdictional offer,
the condemnee will be deemed the "successful" party.
You may be required to pay "costs" to the condemnor if
you are unsuccessful in challenging the compensation you
have received or the condemnor's right to take the prop·
erty. "Costs" are defined in Ch. 814 of Wisconsin
statutes.

_ _l_
• Jurisdictional Offel
accepted by owner
within 20 days
• Can appeal within
6 months

• Jurisdictional Offer
rejected or not
accepted by
owner within
20 days

~
•------·
Award of
Compensation
• When filed, becomes
date of taking and
title passes to agency

Unsuccessful
• Appeal of circuit
court judgment to
·-------~. ~ppealate court
Within 6 months

L

INTRODUCTION
In recent times there has been an increasing demand placed upon government for services in transporlcttion,
education, utilities, recreation, housing and other areas of public concern. At the same time the available
supply of land for these projects has been shrinking dramatically. Consequently, the government has ha:lto
resort to its right to acquire private land for public uses even without the consent of private owners--the
eminent domain power.
This power derives from the Wisconsin Constitution, Art. IX, sec. 3. The Legislature has delegated this power
by statute to numerous agencies and has specified the purposes for which such power can be used. Generally,
departments, municipalities, boards, commissions, public officers, and various public and quasi-public corporations are delegated this power. Some of the purposes for which the Legislature has specified condemnation
can be used are highway construction or improvement, reservoirs, dams, public utility sites, waste treatment
facilities, city redevelopment and energy lines.
The information in this pamphlet describes the statutory procedures for acquisition and condemnation of
property for streets, highways, storm or sanitary sewers, watercourses, alleys, airports, and mass transit facilities. It does not generally apply to town highways or condemnation by the City of Milwaukee if it proceeds
under the Kline Law. It may apply to the City of Milwaukee in takings for housing or urban renewal.
Wisconsin has long had statutes regulating the exercise of the eminent domain power. Two recent amendments to eminent domain procedures have significantly changed prior law. Chapter 438, Laws of 1977 ( effective June 7, 1978) and Chapter 440, Laws of 1977 (effective October l, 1978), increase benefits for persons
affected by public acquisition and ensure citizen access to basic information.
This pamphlet is intended to give citizens information about Wisconsin's eminent domain procedure, the
workings of the condemnation process, and the rights of property owners in this process. it is, by necessity, of a
general nature and is not a substitute for legal advice in individual cases, since many aspects of Wisconsin law
cannot be covered in general terms. Another source of information for citizens is the particular agency which
is acquiring the property.
The intent of the writers of this pamphlet is to provide practical and useful information to Wisconsin citizens
involved in land acquisition for a public use. The goal is to achieve equality of information for both parties
during the negotiation process and to reach satisfactory settlements, equitable to both the property owner and
the public, through the statutory process.

FEDERAL LAW
When a project is receiving federal financial assistance, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 ( P.L. 91-646) may provide additional or different protections then those
outlined in this pamphlet. You should receive supplemental information from the condemnoc

"""-"'"~'""""" ~---"~

INSIDE
THE LANGUAGE OF EMINENT DOMAIN
1. BEFORE NEGOTIATIONS TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY BEGIN
2. THE NEGOTIATION PERIOD
3. PARTIAL TAKINGS and EASEMENTS
4. THE JURISDICTIONAL OFFER TO PURCHASE
5. THE AWARD OF COMPENSATION
6. HEARING BEFORE THE CONDEMNATION COMMISSION
7. APPEAL OF JUST COMPENSATION TO CIRCUIT COURT
8. ACTION TO CONTEST THE RIGHT OF CONDEMNATION
9. LITIGATION EXPENSES and COSTS

--<cessmen

. .')..,;'?-(,'::

ob.ie~f

By JERRY,,KUYPER

vided roadways, ''interchanges the hi g h·w a y commissiont

Kenosha News: Staff Writer
someone -comes plowin'
through your front yard you
wouldn't like it and we're in

principal highways and opened the hearing)· .after. the
to co':illtY and
state elected officials. Among
safety; convenience· flf travel
those present were George· Moli~
and savings in travel time.
naro, first district assemblyTestimony at the hearing in man; B. 0. Binney) chairman of
favor of the highway- change the commission; and many
came mainly from Lee SchneiM township rhairmen and other
der. chief architect of the officials.
planned highway, and Steve T.
State Senator Joseph Louri~
Banazek, chief engineer for the gan of the 22nd district said
Wisconsin division of highways. that some irnprovemeilt needs
Both men are out of the WauM to be made on Hy. 50 because of
kesha district office,
the heavy travel but that indi\'iduals with property affected by
Says Present Road Unsafe
the route change should be
Schneider said the present given the right to be fairly
Hy. 50 is unsafe for travel and heard.
since the Lake Geneva to Ke~
Protest- Vigorously·;
nosha route is heavily traveled.
another highway. hroader and
They were. Farrners.,arld busistraighter, 1S desired.
nessmen, who flankAhc present

(~If

that same damn boat 1" So said
Joseph Pfeffer, a Wheatland
farmer, to state highway- engi-

neers Tuesday.
Pfeffer was one of nwny voicing his objections to the prop~
osed 'new route for Hy, 50 from
Lake Geneva to 1-94. The slate
highway commission held a
public hearing, yesterday morning at Salem Central high

schOol.
The hearing was called to
hear testimony from state engi-

neers, senators, assemblymen,

with

control of :'access· for- maximum engineer reports,_

township officers and local taxpayers as to the wisdom and
need lor relocating Hy. 50 a
Banaszck testified that the
mile north from its present lo- state had estimated daiJv traffic
cati.on.
on Hy, SO at 2,300 to 5,500 veUnder consideration is a pian hicles daily. This· approximate

to construct a new expressway total would triple over the next
two decades. It wa~- his and the
higbway bureau's judgment tbat
the present highway is inadep
quate for traffic as a primary
erty direction roughly parallel arterial highway. He added that
to the present route, but nortb the proposed new site fulfilled
,ol it,
the criteria established by the

in a north.-westerly direction
~after the highway passes under
I-94 west of Kenosha. '!'he route
would then straighten to a west~

The e:lpressway development,
!IS

!?toPQse~,,would include

di·

highway bureau.
William Steuber, secretary of

Hy. 50 and will have their land
sliced in half by the proposed
change, rose in a chorus of dis·
approval of the change.
Their short. atticu"Jate dis~
gruntlements 'were punctuated
with warnings, threats, and
angered. outbursts. The udience
of 175 applauded the dis·
contented landowners and lis·
tened intently as the highway
officials explained their reasoning in response to questions hurWonttnued on l'i.fO Twe!lty·flnJ>

15

years ago

'

,
D!<;..~,__JJ!:W
Seventeen awards have heen
filed for righi-:Jf~wR_v needed to
rebuild Hy. K hetw<'en Hys. 1;:;
And Hy. 75. Ignatz Orlakis got
$96.1 for baH an al're, Dan
Viola $75 for .Ol aerc, Mane
S{'hnrr and Shirley Rowan $400
for .07 acre and Mr. and 1\-lrs.
Sam Bruscato $367 for .O'l9
acre :~nd Helen Wisniewski $100

for .02 arre.
Walter Johnson was named
president of the Kennsha Voc~­
tional School Sp.eech Class and
Dr. L. B. TI1ornpson vice pres}.
dent while ·Raymond Crump

will scn'e as secretary.

15

yeats ago

April 5, 1959

Work is scheduled to begin
next week on grading Hy. K
between Hya. 45 aud 75. Sup.
C. Roger Hubbard, a county
bighway
committee
member, said some equip~
menl already bas been moved into the area.

y$ 50 plans1-1

I-~i and I,ake G;
-(Kenosha News photo by Marshall Simi

engineer, points ou!tbe proposed route of relocated Hy, 50 between

..._--~. -~

Hy. 50 urged
,BRISTOL -- A lengthy and
sometimes heated meeting ·or
sOme 100 persons has resulted
in a Tf:IOVe to put pressure on
the state htghway commission
to remodel H:v. SO
Prior to h~st night's session,
the state had planned to turn
over to the county the old, hazardous route west. of VJ4 as
soon as a new route a half-mile
north is built. sometime in the
mid-1970s,
Opponents

of

trus

m ov e

claimed it would cost the county
;as much as .$10 million to

coor~

AH present agreed that pre~
sent Hy. 50 needs work to make
!t suitllble fot.: even a ~ounty
highway. The new 50 will siphon
off about half the 4,000 car daily
traffic average D0\1', hut then
traffic will begin. to mount
again.
The three hour meeting at
Bristol town hall was cal1ed by
Bristol .farmer Horace R Fowler in conjunction with the Bris~
tol
ass'oc\ation. Rns·

iebuild the old highway for
and sell
erator.

mod-

onlv- crO\vd >vere 10 t1f
27
·
Board mt~mh'i?rs" includ0f

Fowler said the rountv cannot pier divided highway on the old
accept the 18 miles of Hy. 50 in route would be adequate, Padits present hazardous condition. dock said.

Reducing traffic wit.h the new
r o u i e would only increase
speeds and the possibilities .o~

accidents.

District
the new 50
J·hat it can be
limited access freeway in the

"It would <::ontinue to be a future as part of a long range
death trap," Fowler said,
plan for highway needs. A route
Local traffic would contl.nue on the old 50 would not permit
to be generated by Brisloi Oaks this de\·elopment, and the state
Country Club, Central
would not pay· for tw·o major
SchooL Fox River. Park,

east-west routes within .a half
and 'I'Wih Lakes mile of each other.
Fow\et said
Schneider
that by 1990,
He said curves need ·to be re- the new 50
have some 7,000
moved, hills
and inter- whicles a day west of Hy, 83
sections
urged re~ and some 13,000 a day east o(
building
50 similar to thflt 3.3. Also by that time. 83 will
done on the
east of l-94 have beer; made a four-lane
vod dropping
new 50 route
way funneling traf[ic into
A I v a Paddock, secretary1990 also, lhe old 50
some
vehicles
treast!rer of the Paddock Lakf~war
Lake,
Businessmen's Association, said
~<Jm~ load as at ·prethe cost of a new 50 out.weighs
the advantages. HThis is looking senL
~,

Among the

ing

He noted that the new 50 is
being designed. and will be built
for a 1990 lra!fic load of 12,000
to 24,000 vehicles daily. A slm~

Local oft'iciab will attempt lo
gain" with commissioners
making improvements on ?:ens, and Leo _Wagner, county
50 before lt is turned
commissioner,
the county.
T. Banaszak. Wau"We know that as soon as kesha, dist.nct highway :engi.:
Patkside opens all our money neer, along \Vith LeROy-:Schnel~ too ·far into the future. 11

(('r,nl\J;u~tl !JD.

Friday, February 7, 1969

Big stakes in Highway 50 light
, ,can a handful of people take on the state
ju a big slakes free-for-all and win'
A determined group of· 100 Kenoshans

is out to prove just that
Meeting at Bristol Tuesday night, they
Elllifrontecl the engineers of the State Highway Commission district office and pointedly nlac!e it known they would not stand for
the state pawning off a dangerous, brokendown Highway 50 to city and county taxpayers to fix up while the slate runs a
300-foot right-of-way through their back
_ yards 1 eating up taxable land for a new
highway,
The fight will be carried to Madison Tuesday, We do not know what success those
' citizens, tO\vn and county officials will have
· There is reason to hope that a compromise
: will be reached, with U1e State Highway
, COt~}mission picking up the tab for a leas't
partial improvement of old Highway 50
: before abandoning it to the county,

~-

, It would be hard to underestimate the
significance of this issue, Local property
tax money is at stake, The county, which
extracts some 67 per cent of its tax money
from city residents, already faces the possibility of handing just for current year expenses.
The loss of life and injuries which could
result from leaving Highway 50 in its present perilous state could be even more
catastrophic
We must commend these good citizens,
many of them from Bristol Township, who
have set out. to do battle for the welfare
of all of us, We hope it proves once again
that positive citizen action, not mere words,
can and does count in this day of every
greater government intrusion.
The ball is now in the hands of the men
who will go to Madison Tuesday to "bargainn with the state highway commission,
Run with it, gentlemen'

l'a;e Sen•!J!etn)

KENOSHA NEWS We-dnesday,

febr~ary 5, 19~911

'Bristol meeting ,
~rges remodeling
of present Hy. 50
tCnntlnu~il from Pagt Onr 1
the matching funds to meet
Farmers complained that the Federal standards'' to rebuild
new route will damage their the old road,
farms, but Banaszak said it is
Some persons asked if old 50
important to buy right o{ way could be continued as a state
now while the land is still open trunk highway and let the state
and not urbanized.
continue to take care of it, but
"If we start rebuilding old 50, Assemblyman Olson said ilew
you can forget about a new legislation would be needed,
route," Banaszak said. 11 There
Banaszak, under questioning,
is not enough money for two said he would recommend that
routes, and by the time the new the state put the road in good
route is essential, the land will repair before turning it over to
be closed up and to costly to the county_
buv,"
"! don't know if the money is
He said there are no funds for available, or how much could
the new 50 until at least 1972, be done, and I can1t commit the
but plans must be made now highway commission/) he
while land costs are still reaso- added,
nable,
He agreed to go along with
Banaszak said the slate highcounty officials when they meet
way commission has approved
the new route after a public with the commission next 'fues~
hearing last summer, and Wal- day, however. Also attending
worth County has approved the the meeting will be Wagner, the.
plan, The Kenosha County cmmty highway committee, and
Hollister,
B(lard must now approve it.
Bristol town atty. D. Dway,,,
Giffin Miller, chairman of the
b o.ar d's highway committee, Shaufler asked tbe couniy board
said his group will recommend to bold oil accepting the old
accepting the old 50 as a county highway (scheduled !Or action
road when the new road is com- this month) until the local
pleted but later agreed to hold group can use this as a lever to
off action until negotiations get old 50 fixed_
are completed in Madison lor
Today, Wagner and the highold 50 repairs,
way committee were touring 50
Hollister p<>inted out that he to select spots for improvement
received a report during the by the state. He said they will
day that the county budget is probably recommend better in$43%,000 in the red, and that tersections at 83 and 75, wideh-:
bonding will probably be re- ing at Padd~k L~ke ~nd.bristol
Sorted to in -order to finisb out Oaks, arid a
hi
thi,~ar.
addition to other improvements,
u¥J~ :_couldn't come up -with

new sOi'!ace.lnat

......

·--........... _"

n: abandon ~Hy~. 50, mcilttr
43 counfy1s major east-west arter.y
lf<J.

A proposal to abandon the access route like -1~94, it would
new Hyc 50 route and make Hy. not carry local traffic in great
43\he county's major east-west volume
artery has been advanced by
County officials, including Leo
Horace B. Fowler
Wagner, county highway comFowler, who has also attacked missioner, members of the
county . officials aS part of his county highway committee of
proposal 1 is the Bristol farmer the County Board, and Earl
who called a citizens' meeting Hollister, county board, chairFeb. 4 on tbe Hy. 50 problem.
man, are due to have another
As a result of that meeting, meeting in Madison with state
county_ officials went to Madison officials next Tuesday.
to_ convince the state highway
Fowler today asked why the
commission ·to remodel old Hy. proposed new 50, endorsed by
50 befote turning it over ·to the Wagner, will cut right through
county. The new Hy. 50 route is Wagner's tavern and property
expected to be built in the rnid- on Hy. K. 1. 60th St.).
1970s.
Fowler also asked if it is true
As planned,- it would veer that the state will pay 50 per
north JUst we.st of I-94, and pa- cent ·of the county highway
rallel tbe old route about a half- commis~ioner"s salary if the
mari is a civil engineer. Wagner
mile to the north.
is not an engineer.
Would Upgrade Hy. 43
Fowler questioned a 1958 setFowler says this proposal tlement with Wagner when Hy.
should· be abandoned and the K was widened._He said Wagner
state ahould instead rebuild the received $4,480 for .16 of an
old 50 and make 43 the major acre, but still has the land acfour~lane divided highway since cording to records in the registit woUld better serve Parkside er of deeds office. At the same
atld' the· Bong area.
time, George Gerl, who oper..
F~wiCr contends it will cost ates a tavern on Hy. C, re'tli~·loonnty millions to put old 50 ceived only $400 for .24 of an
iit:,-iood en-ough condition to acre in 1956.
Fowler also asked if Glenn
)C~~ly the hea~y traffic expected
"Jri "--~oming decades. Since new Miller, Brighton; chairman of
'5I) will eventually be a limited- the highWay eomt'i"'l'~"'-··~e, would

benefit from the new Hy. 50
route since it will cut .across his
property and provide new road
frontages that will make lots
available for sale:
Fowler also questioned if Dike
Johnson 1 Bristol, would receive
state compensation for land he
donated to Bristol as a park site
but which will now apparently
become part of tbe new highway right-of-way.
Since the Feb. '4 meeting,
Fowler said, "hardly a day has
gone by that I have not been

confronted with blunt state•
ments and questions. 11
He said that in view of the
questions raised about the Hy.
50 project 1 "perhaps another
public hearing will be in order"
after county officials return
from Madison next week.

Hy. 50 pr~blems studi
is expected from the state within a month.
HWe presented our proposals
and the commission said it win
study them,'' Wagner said.
N~ commitments were made
Mire 1t is ,turned back to the
by the state, Wagner said. Jt
county.
Was
pointed out to the local dev
':,':Leo Wagner, countY hlgh\:r~Y
legation that state highway
~mmissioner, said an answer
funds are budgeted five to s1x:
years into the future and that
no money. is available at the
present time,
The state highway officials
also estimated that the remodel~
ing being asked by Kenosha
County could cost Jn the neigh~

A one and a half hour session
~s held with state highway
~missioners and engineers in
Madison Tuesday in an atte
t~ get old Hy. 50 remodeled

1

1

borhood of $750,000, according

to preliminary studies made in
the past week.
'The delegation went to Madtson as a reSult of a public meeting called at Bristol last week.
Some 100 persons: gathered in
the tmvn haJJ. to protest the
state's- plan to return ihe old
route to the county ln its present condition.
The state has plans to rebuild
50 on a completely new
about a half-mile west of
That prothe mid·

The local delegation yester~
day pointed out that the state
will be operating the present
highway for six or seven years.
and that remndeling to provide
a safer road is necessary even
though a new route is proposed.
They also pointed out that old
Hy. 50 will be ln use as a ]ocat
road afler the new through~
highway ls completed, and that
the old road will be a burden, in
Hs present condition, for local
taxpayers.

FRIDAY, .MARCH 7, i9~lf

•fowler ants Answers
To20 te. 50 Questions
by PEARL KAPELL
Plans of the Wisconsin
High'Yay CommissiOn to build a
new Rte. 50, and turn the present.
Rte, ,50 over to .the county, have
rome under renewed fit·e from
HoraCe B. Fowler, a Bristol farmer and member of the Bristol
Taxpayers• Assn
In ·a letter to Earl Hollister.
chairman of the Kenosha County
board, and the county highway
committee, headed by Glenn ·Mil-

menls and questions,
\\:hich I have ·had no
and no answers to. With this
of static. I feel it in order to
rect these questions to you publicly. How you ansiver them will

ler, Fowler posed 20 questions

be up to you.''

:F~wf~r

that highway otficial.s turn their
attention tt1 Rte. 4:1 as the main
east-wec;t artery of traffic. Fowler
feels that thls. would serve thr
cornmunitv and Parkside far better Hum the new proposed Rte. 50

County group for extensi\'e
and rebuilding of the

FO\v·Jer ~uggest.s that the new
r repairs be made in the pre"
Rtc_ 50. <me! t.hat as Parkside
: i." a swte in,.:;tituti~Jn, the state

50.

: sllould take- on the responsibility

Feb. 4 meeting, he has been confronf.ccl with ··man,v blunt statf'-

ol

ruild~

servk.ilu:! Parkside.

be said he w~mld like t.o have
Fowler's questions arc·
1. Does the State Highway Com~
answered publicly.
FOWLER requested that his let~ mission have any sketches of the
ter be read to board members at present Rte. 50 routed so
to
the next county hoard
by~pass Ne\v Munster and
Fowler suggested ln his letter
Corners'?
it might bE> well to have another 2. If the new propo::;pd high\\·ay

publi'c hearing on the matter
the re·location of Rte. 50 after a
scheduled meeting of state

town roads, doei-1 the
that township autoa member of the

way committee
and Kenosha Omnly
Uves on March 4
A public meeting on the

Df re.locatlng the road was
in Bristol on Feb. 4. Considerable
opposition to OU:ilding the new road
and turning the present Rte. 50
over- to the county was expressed
at that time.
It was cont'enrled that tilt>. new
route was unnecessary, that 1.he
co5t to the_counly oOf repairing andmaintaining the present Rte. 50
would be prohibitive, and !hat the
first duty of the
at this
ttrne was to provide
to ~er~

vice Parksidr.
Glenn_ Miller. chairmm1 of the
equnt:y :. highway
mnounced at that.
that his
committee intended to recommend
that the county accept the road

at the next county board meeti
HOWEVER, after a meeting
Kenosha County ..J.'epresentatives,
wi't.h state representatives in Macli~;
son was scheduled. Miller agreed !

:tee'?
f

15. HAS MilLER snld lots lor

home building off from the north
side ot his farm on Coun1:v Hwy.
NN'?
lfi. Would
300 or 400
strip which
lie betwt.'en the
present Co. H\Yy, K and the new
be of advantt

to qefer consideration of thr

At the Feb. 11 meeting in
son, $tat~---:of{icials-~_agrecd to cnn-[
sider requests- -of. the
~-·"---- --~..:...--~"~--~-

he can sell
off fn t.he manner of lots'_~
17_ Would !.here be a strip lel't
nn the north side of the new route

that he could aiso sell as lots'!
J8. Did Miller at any tlme call

a local

'~

wants

!CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
Fowler suggests that the new
proposed route be discarded and

of the

in
and

the area

nmf.e'?
19. If Parkside nnd its
cn:-;ls to the
:mnme's iaxes
\Hl<uld SJO milllon fnl' rehuilrling
I lie old Hlc. :1U ~uHl it~ Jnnin1cnatH_:c
(_'\_!~t.~'

.Snnw time
;e t11e t.o'Vll or

2r1 .

,Jolm;;on
sonw Janrl

!)i,~e

be used as a park sit.e. Would

new proposed route take this
d and would .Johnson co!Ject for
,

same?

tCON'I'INURD ON PAGR 2)

......

....__ _

Page

Not painted into a corner, yet
"' ~f this were a world of black and white,
the. new Hy. 50 project might make sense
unchanged.
..·But 'things are often more complicated
than they seem.
• lf · the state does not simultaneously
:.imike old Hy. 50 safe for travel, the tax'P'ayers of Kenosha county will be painted
'ihto a corner.
'For 15 years or more the county has
after the state to fix up dangerous old
0 .'as ·far west as Lake Geneva. Talk
along those lines for many years.
things took a different tack. State
---· y engineers decided the present and
anticipated .volume of traffic necessitated
entirely new Hy. 50 north of
which would still he used.
members of the County

Board detected an expensive flaw: . The
county was about to be stuck with costly
improvements to old Hy. 50.
In the opinion of Chairman Earl Hollis·
ter and a majority of supervisors, it is
only a matter of justice that the state pay
to make old Hy. 50 safe.
So, Tuesday night the board delayed acceptance of the new Hy. 50 route proposed
by the State Highway Commission.
It has been estimated that to put old
Hy. 50 in safe shape would cost $750,000.
By delaying approval of the new Hy. 50
route, the supervisors wisely bought a
month's time to put pressure on the state
to pay to fix up old Hy. 50.
It's pleasant to find that some persons
in official governmental capacities are trying to save local taxpayers money. Let's
hope the negotiatir
· · · · · ·'

otCarlfwy. SO Improvements

Board members, however, are satisfied that state
firm and will be kept,

(Kenosha) -· Before the state turns over present Hwy, 50 to
the county, it plans to improve the intersections at Hwys, 45, 83 and
W and construct passing lanes at the entrance to Old Settlers Park
at Paddock Lake and the entrance to Bristol Oaks golf course,
according to state highway commission promises to the county
board, Tuesday, May 20,
The county board unanimously okayed the proposal by the state
for a new Hwy. 50 if the state would fix up the old highway before
giving it to the county, Construction of the new highway won't come
until the mid-1970's, and board members were not entirely happy
with the promised state improvements amounting to approximately
$675,000 but said this was the best agreement they could dbtain
from the state.
Before passing on the new route, board members filed two
letters opposed to the project. The Westosha Kiwanis Club Objected
to accepting the old route in its present condition, and the Paddock
Lake Businessmen's Association urged rebuilding the present road
as an economy measure to provide better local traffic service that'
the new proposed high-speed highway could not offer.
The question of whether the planned state improvements to tile
old highway would bring it up to town and county road standards
was brought up by supervisor Eric Olson, Somers. Glenn Miller,
, Bril!bt9"> chairman of the county highway committee, said there
'are ll6'firm standards for county roads,

Rules on the use of county parks and penalties for not abiding
by them were discussed and amended by the board at Tuesday's

.... '

-..r.

promise:,~••

meeting. These were: to prohibit snowmobiles and trucks over
three-quarter ton ratings; to prohibit inflatable devices at bathing

beaches; to provide assembly

ar~as

where gatherings can be held;

to penalize for blocking parking lot entrances and exits or impeding
t'raffic; to prohibit camping except in designated areas; and to
prohibit interfering with or hindering park employees.
In other action, the board okayed a request by North Central
Competition Riders, Inc., to hold a motorcycle club race Friday,'
May 30 (Memorial Day), on 120 acres rented from Vic Mueller on
Hwy. C west of Wilmot, The use was permitted for this one event.
Sheriff William P. Schmitt reportedly favors tile event as it will
keep rklers off tile road on tile holiday.

WESTOSHA REPORT

Wed., May 28, 1969

-~'"-"'"1

~e lWBrr~ c5?lrea •
'1'.117¥:.'

.DNR,
. Oak
11!?~""~'·"-""J
Farms in accord
on landfill in stream
A f t e r several hours of discussion
yesterday on the alleged illegal landfill by

~

~

the Oak Farms Land Corp. on land in
Brh•l6l Township 1 !he local corporation,

headed bv Dr. Werner Hauschild, and the
D~partmCnt of Natural Resources (DNR),
cam~ to an amicable agreement.
A hearing had been set up yesterday in
f. h e K e no s h a County Courthouse to
determine if state statutes were violated in
the Oak Farms development of a 70-acre
Bristol subdivision between Hy. 45 and 216lh
Ave., north of Hy. AH.
The DNR said that material had been
denosited on the bed" of Salem Brari~h. a
tribtitary of Brighton Creek, and that the
beencstraight~ned without stale
en t .• reached

Monday

stipulates that the stream will be left os it is
naw because the DNR found that it ht=~s
begun to acquire its own status quo with the
new landfill and shouldn't be disrupted.
However, the fill deposited where a
proposrd strt•ct was to have been wHI be
removed. The land will he graded down with
proper slopes so that water can pass
through and flow as naturally as possible.
The 0<1k Farms Corp. is to submit plans
f••r this work for DNR approvaL If the plans
are unacceptable, another hearing will be
ocheduled.
:'<lr. and Mrs. John W. Maher. Bristol, who
own property adjOining the Oaks Farms
~bbdivision .. had, entered an apnearance sliD
w:th the DNR examiner, but later concurr~-!'
witl1. the sti.eulations of ·the ~gree!!l~t'
befweeh the DNR and Oak Farms:
"''"''

------

CORRIDORS FOR
LOCATION OF THE
~LAKE FREEWAY
IN RACINE AND
KENOSHA COUNTIES
....,. PREFERRED CORRIDOR ....,.
~..... ALTERNATE CORRIDORS
SCALE

~Mi.

PUBLIC HEARING
QHQJ}g_fJ~,l_9ZI RACINE
J.I.CASE HIGH SCHOOL 10:00 AM
INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED
FOR ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AT THE IDENTIFIED
HEARING LOCATION, FROM 4 TO 8 PM THE DAY
PRIOR TO THE HEARING, AND FROM 8 TO 10 AM

THE

DAY OF THE HEARING.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
WIS. DEPT OF TRANS
Dill OF HIGHWAYS
310 SO. WEST AVENUE
WAUKESHA, WISC. 53186
PHONE: 547-1735

rt:=:;)'~

Me-dite·r-ranean styling
8eautifu! 25" diagon<ll Early American and
Contemporary Breakfront styles are also
available-at Annual Sale savings.

~A V~ $~ft

;UftW

!>.~!.Aft

2, 1972

New Hy. 50
fate topic

SEWRPC Will Study Area Travel Habits
Hundreds of thousands of 1the region," he sa hi.
people in southeastern Wiscon-1 The study includes:
sin wm be inten'iewed about
A home interview
their travel habits this spring whleh 18,000 rnndo
and summer by the Southeast-) ed households V''ill
ern ,Wisconsin Regional Plan·j about the_ L.rav;l
ningCommission.
member, as w.lt
!:he inventory is needed to ons ?n free\
evaluate changes in regional ~ousmg an
travel habits since the commis· t\On.
sian's fir!:it such study in 1963., A truck nnd
Thri:: 1963 s u. r v e y r:ovided which 11bout 5,000
much of \.h(-" mformat10n for he
tl1c commissio'n's land use and Ide
transp'?rtat.ion plans_
.
many
or
$inte· 1963, the commissiOn tics were
an
noted,. mass transit use has freeways were used.
dropped ,from ·96,mi!lion pas-. Roadside interviews with
sengcrs·.a-·y€.?~.r to 58 millirin in I automobile, truck and taxi op·
1971, ·sevCn·-f·r·ee.. w·····ay flyer,erato.rs a. '.... "~.hc boundc.rit·s of
routes were -.established, 101 .the scvrn.county region and inmiles of,freeway were opened tcrvwyt.~·.. w'(fh.. pa!:isenocr~. on
and ext~n!'ive · changes occur-j busses' and- 'trains Jca<ing the

I

The

will begin

·for parl~y
I

I

wiU

the main rmestlon when
cnnntv offlclals i·m>et with ihe
'nf the si.ate higlnvay com~
Thur.sdny

Hohrrf

I

The me(:ting

the

s'ingu~..~rnlJy Horn~.~!",.:;:f:;,J

o[

8l

he held in

10

.fl

m.

county

com~

mdtce, and Sup
An~
(il·fa, chairman of the countv

sian.. :.h<:tf~man. note'd. Jl:i_i(~;'~.~-d

the: ,fJfst.:·ll:lV:~ntory, .. ~-~P(e_:·_f<i:'"··(
vored ·tlJe-}irrg,l~ famil)'';bhme j
as their dwelling and frc~ways!
for t.hetr transportation.
I
"As r!anners n~sponsi_ble for)
rccommending·the·physlcal fa-1
cilitics . . -of' ·tra·nsportation i
sy.stems, we nc·e.·d. the involve-~
ment of the publlc so that we
dm achieve the kind of transportation system t h e public
n1e e d s nnd wants," Berteau r·
said.

legi.slative committee, will b€
in charge of the session, Also

invited are the four legislators
from Kenosha, State Reps.
Molinaro, Eugene Dorff
and Russe1J Olson, and State
Sen. Douglas LaFollette, along
wit.h city administrator John
Serpe.
Hy, 50 was due for complete
and rebuilding this
\he project has
l>ccn dropped lrom
timetable aft.er re~
collstructiort. ::work/ on the old
rrute two years ag().

'l~eorgc

at;~~it~,a~~u~~n~i~ 1 a:~ t~~~: I
'" · and with increased auto [
ation, decrea.sing mass
c,--.--:7 ·-- usc, and continued ur-)
.b:~p·,'f>prawl, we w i 1_ 1 need a i
gr~nt:deal of public input to de- (

;\(elQP. a plan acceptable tQ·th~)

'.~~~i-~.:~~.:~~=~~~~-~.~thirl>!

rlis<~URsion

Preparing for informai

of

Kenm~ha

highway proj-

ects at Courthouse Thursday are (from left) Le.o Wagner,
county highway commissioner; Thomas R. Kinsey, Division of

Highways district engineer; Sup. Francis
way eommittre rhairman; Robert T. Huber,
l'O~mlssioner, and State Hep. George Molinaro

-(Kenosha News Phot() by

!

Lack of lunds delays relocation
of Hy . 50, other area road projects
lly .JIM MEYERS
News Staff Writer
A rHH'Ir-empty pocketbook with evcrytme clamoring fot'
mon~y is about the \Vay the state Division of Highways feels
this year.
As a result, the long-awaited rebuildiug of Hy. 50 is going
Keno~ha

to ha:ve to wait in line with the other

,

\Vill

Courthouse

Thursday.
Francis

qeorg~. ·c~: Berteau;.. ~Q~n#s~J

~-,

Iluher. highway

enmm

r.ect.new:,dex.elopment.
in. th.·.". . ~.·""
. ·. . --;~tion and-dcns··,··t·y·.···
of
... ;:,'. J·

~-:;- .....

'

01

Ctedltors."

l''ormer AMemblyman Robert T. Huber, head of the state
highway Commission for just over a year, told county and
city offiCials Thursday that he sees liltle hope for any
chang!'l ln the money situation in the foreseeable future.
Hubet· and Tlwmas R Kinsey, district highway engincor,
·•1J.elded questions from the some two dozen persons at the
C4urthouse meeting called by the County Board's highway
,committee and legislative committee,
ln additl6n 1 State Reps. George Molinaro, Russell Olson
Arid Eugene Dorff were on hand to hear complaints of their
c~nslituents about the slow progress on new highways in
K~M!ha County.
':Mayor Wallace llurke~ aNd pUblic works director Donald
\K.:. lloll~nd !aid their highest J)tlorities are the lmprovoment
of 30th AVe, from Washington Rd. north, and Hy 43 from

32nd'Ave .. cllsl.

flv~ projects With

Cdtmty olflciais listed
-

l!elocRtion

h~a!'lhg, .. · .

or .!ly

30

as

high lbcal priority:

. . . ..

1JM.

- Installation .r)f overhead lights at the Hy. 158 and l-94
trutnp(>t Interchange to eliminate driver confusion and
eccident•.
Ortly lhe iatler project was given any hope for the
immediate future.
Huber said he had viewed the Hy. !5R interchange and
said he would recommend Immediate action on ln.talliog the
lights, The interchange has been the scenP. o( several

accidents including a double fatality.
Th~

big projects 1 however, appear to be on the

b~ck

simmering wh!lc the highwAy division looks for

money.

the state since

under a

policy that holds back a percentage of federal aid on each
project
These and other money pinche::r,
R skyrocketing
increase in construction costs, have
crunch on
highway \Vork, Huber sai{L
"Our entire prJgram is going to have to he revised,'' he
said. "We are going ttJ be making some arbitrary decisions
on which programs will be undertaken."

T h e r c are other roadblocks besides
indicated~

in

the DOH has about 10

l!s

including the
Environm0ntal
Secretary of the Int.rrlor, the department of
Urban Development, and the department of Local
and Development.
All have an oar in the decisions regarding how, where and
when highway projects Me builL
'·Even though everyone seems to be in lavor of a certain
project, It isn't as easy as it used to be,'' Huber said.
Resources,

Seek CIMcr Reialionship Loeally
One chM.ge ln. procedure that Huber. .
on tho. horiz.on
could help speed proj~cts, The DOH may
working more
closely with local citlz~ns and officials before making
decisions.

"Now, we g~t oppOsition from the public after we dc.l~n a
project that bas been asked for by local officials. When the
heat is turned on we look around and the officlnls have slid
out the side door.~'
Huber asked if the Hy< 50 and other projects on the local
agenda have the. b~cking of the public. He 1vas Msurcd
Pitts and Sup. Earl Hollister !Bristol) that public
exists.
n~ ·was also assured that public
demands that lhe projects he
traffic ls her~,'' Burkce said
or 10 years from ttow."
·
"1'11 get. t.he costs worked ont for you.'' Huber

"omd put you on the list with o1hrrs around the state. You'll
at~ adequate for onl~· spot
where safety ls the overriding f n c tor.

Kinsey said highway trt1st Jut1ds
.lmprov~ments
-

mlll!on behind in payments

pr6p<~sed ln a 196ft public

.:.Making 39th A•t. a s!tfl<i. high~> a)' lroitt tho state ·line
n6rth tolly .. E.
- Rehullding or ll:y, 43 !rom the ll:y. 31 west to 1-94.
- Rehullding of Hy, 31 from lfy. 158 south to the state

hurn~r

'There i~ ~l move io take
trRnsit use. The Governor's
highway money. The fedCJ'al

' '

'.

"

..... ,_ . . . . _~~-

t.:-'j.,,~··

........ l ........ t .........

get the same conside!'atlon a~ all the otllr.r!l consistent with
the mom·y m the highway trust funrl and as the Legislature

dircct.9, ''

~...,·~~-.

nu1tcc•, ann ;:;up ,Josrpn ·An~­
chCJirman o£ the county
tiYe comrnitt.ee, wili be
in charge of the session. Also
_-invited arr the four legislators
r 0 m Kenosha, State Reps.
l'v1olinaro, Eugene Dorff
and
Olson, and State
Sen. Doug!a~ LaFollette, along
city administrator John
s~rpe.

Hy. 50 was due for complete
and rebuilding tlus
the

proj€ct has

bern dropped from

timetable after r:?·
con~truction- work --On the old
rcute two years llg<).

Preparing t'or informal discussi<m of

Kenm~hfl

highway

proJ~

Highways district engin<'er; Sup. Francis Pitts,
way rommittrr chairman; Robert T. Huber, state
t•mTimisslnnt>r, and State Rep. G1~orge Molinaro
-(Kenosha News Phot{) hy

ects at Courthom;e Thursday are (from left) Leo Wagner,

county

hi~hway

commissioner: Thomas R. Kinsey, Division of
-,I

'

)

Lack of funds delays relocation
of Hy. 50, other area road projects
lly JIM MEYERS
Kenosha News Staff Writer
A Msr-empty pocketbook with everyone clamoring for
money is about the way the state Division oi Highways feels
this year.
As a result, the long-awaited rebuilding of Hy. 50 is going
to have to wait in line with the other "creditors''
Fortner AMemblyman Robert T. Huber, head of the state
highway commission for just over a yeat\ told county and
city officials Thursday that he sees little hope for any
change in the money situation in the foreseeable futurf'_
Hubet and. Thomas R. Klnsey 1 dlstrlct highway englnccr,
'il~ldM questions ft•om the Mtn~ two dozon persons at the
O!utthoose meeting called by the County Board's highw;y
<:qmmittee and legislative committee.
; ln additiOhj State Reps. George 1Iolinaro, Hussell Olson
Arid EogeM Dorff w.re on hand to hear complaints of their
&mslittientfi about the slow progress on new highways in
· K~M!hll County,
' Mayor Wallace Burkoe and public works dit'ector 1Jonald
"!<.Holland said th~ir hi~Mst pt"iilrittes m th~ lmprovemet\t
M 30th Ave. from Wru:hlngton Rd. north, and Hy. 43 from

32nd Ave. cast.
Couniy officials llsled _live projett< with hl(jh local priority:
""'·· !tdoclltion of .Hy 50 a~ ·• propos~d· in m 19118 public
bearing. . .
._. ·• .. · _ •.. . .
·•
"'-'li!IIU!Hg 39th. Av~<a #tgt/, highwAy '!roM the stale line
Jiortlt wliY. E.
- !tcbu!lding of Hy. 43 lrom tbe try. 31 west to 1-94.
- R~hullding of Hy. 31 lrot!t fly. 158 south to the state

line.

InstaJlgtion -of overhead lights at. the Hy. 158 and I-91
trumpet interchange to eliminate driver confusion and
accidents.
Only the latter project was given any hope for lhc
Immediate future.
Huber said he had viewM the Hy. !5S interchange and
said he would recommend Immediate action on installing the
lights. The interchang~ has been the Scene of !3everal
accidents inCluding a double fat.ality.
~

The big projects, however, appear to be on the back

·~--

burner simmering while the highway division looks for
money.
Kinsey said highway trust funds arc adequate lor only spot
Improvements where safety is. ihe overtlding fact 0 r.

P r a e t l c alI y the only major highway construction or
reconstruction going on In· Wisconsin loday Is tbot provided
by specific order of the Legislature wlth bonded funds.
One spot-type improvement is the Hy. 43 and N
intersection in Somers. The pitifully small $43,000
appropriation that Kenosha County is getting this year will
go to complete a right-angle improvement there, Pitts
pointed out.
Seek Funds For Mass Transit
"The stare aid formula is up to the Legislature," Huber
said. HWe will do what we can with what we havc<n
Huber also pointed out that the current Legislature will be
considering many changes in Wisconsin ·highway trust fund
and in highway projects, most of which can not be foreseen
at this point

There is a move to take
tnmsit use. The Governor's
hlghway

11lOt1Cyc tfhe federal
million behind in payments
the state filnc~
under a
policy that holds back a percentage of federal aid on each
project.
These and other monev
a skyrocketing
increase in construction· costs,
crunch on
highway work, Huber said.

"Our entire pr<~gram is going to have to he revit'rd.'' he
said, "'\Ve are going to he making- some arbitrary decisions

1'111 which pro~rams will be tmdertaken."
T h c r e are other roadblocks besides
indicated.
the DOH has ilbout HI
its
including ihe
)Urces,
F.nvironmrntal
Secretary of the Interior. t.hc depclt·tment of
Vrban Development. and the department of Local
and Development.
All have an oar in the decisions regarding how, where and
when highway project!~! are built.
"Even though _everyone seems to be l.n -ravor Of a eertaifi
project, lllsn't as easy as it used to be;' Huber said.
Seek Closer Re!atlun•hlp Locally
One change in. P\o_cedure tha~ _Huber s:es on tho .hOrlzon
could he!~ sp~ed projects, .The DOH t"My be working more
closely with local citizens and officials before making
decisions.

"Now, we get oppOsition from the public after we design a
project that ha• been asked for by local officials. When the
heat is turrted nn we bok around and the officlals hare slid
out the side door.''

Huber asked if the l!y. 5!\ and other
on the locnl
assured
a have ihe backing of the public.
and Sup. Earl HollistPr (Bristol) that public
exists.

H2 was also assured thHt public
<lnd convenience
demands that the ptojeds be
on u
agenda, "The
traffic is here," Durkee said,
isn't a matter of next year
or 10 yeats from now.''
"I'll get the costs worked out for you," Huber
·'and put you on the list \Vith oth('r~ around the st
get the same consideration as all the others consls:tcnt with
the money In the highway trust fund and as the Legislature
directs.''
As for the Hy. SO project specifically, Kinsey said it ha~
not died. Some engineering studies are stili prt}Ceeding hut
no plans are drawn.
Hit trill be the late 1970s before anything is done,'' Kinsey
said.

Kinse_v could offer no solace to !he residents of the
proposed new corridor who find themselves on the horns of a
dilemma. Some are considering selling, but buyers are wary.
Others would like to build a new barn) but don't know how
long it would stand.
Eight Or Nine ·vears .t\\vay
Origina!1y. contracts were to have been let for the new IIy
~iO !n 1072 The project ·was Jalrr pusherl. b;:H::k to 1976 Now.
:Kinsey sald work is eight or nine yenrs away with the
present money situation
.Regarding another specific project, cltv officials IVdnlcd !r•
know about a side\valk for Hy. 4~ (Washington Rd.) from
22nd Ave. to 30th Ave.
The state officials said the city mig-hi. As well go <-1hcad
with a blacktop sidewalk now. Reconstruction ;--md changing
the grrtde of that section is not in the "ncar future'' cn.tcgory
o[ work projects, hut it is mar enough so that a pC'rmaner:
sictewalk would be a waste of money

'-.......-......_.....__,,,

F.ullpuhlic discussion planruit}

Soppo~t~~,ought for new
SILVER LAKE - A campBign to build public support
for a new route to carry Hy.
50's traffic west of I-94 was
kicked off Tuesday night.
The County Board's highway
committee. headed by Sup.
Francis Pitts, called together
the h~eads of town and village
governments for a meeting at
the Silver Lake village hall.
Pitts said the "grass roots''
meeting will be followed by r1
-~ull

_ _ publi~ discussion of the
tss:ue _-In the: .neXt month or so.

That meeting is ·tentatively set
Pitts said the countv has to
for Central High School at start. all over again i"n its ef~
forts to get a new road. Plans
Paddock Lake.
for putting the new Hy. 50 a
Pitts said the reaction last half-mile west of the present
night from governmental heads roadwav are now obsolete from
was general1y "strongly favor~ the standpoint of new regu~
able" for a new east-west high~ lations and directives which
way traversing. the county.
must be met.
The present Hy. 50 ls a dan·
The highway committee head
gerous hazard. most agreed. said there are now 26 points of
The two-Jane highway is no issue \\'hich must be successful~
longer capable of safely han~ ly navigated before a highway
dling the high traffic loads gets finn] approvaL Some of
which utilize iL Pitts said
Ute new st.epS which:- did not

Hy$ 50

route

exist in the past !nclu::le a here for a new highwa;'/' he
n u m be r of environmental :wid.
ISsues which must be~ Scllisf;;_
"The rout.e issue is bring !rft
torilv settled.
., he said. "Tt catd. be de~
Pihs said the weste-rn corrithat
dor, an extension of 60th SL. or
hi.~h·
of 52nd St. are possible alterna-

tives. but added that the rome
{)f the new highway is not the

issue at th-:; moment.
port of
~owe nmst first determi!H' if go\·1-'rnmcnt.<~l CJgcncles for the
th~rr is stro-ng puhlic support upcoming public meeting.

Meet April 12 on, new Hy. 50 route
]

l

7 '

A meeting to gain public sup- sary under a recently-adopted creased public involvement."

port for the reconstruction of
,H;'. 5{) west ofi-94 wrH. . be held.
f11ursday, Apnl 12: at 8 p.m.
at Salem Central H1gh School._
County Boa.rd Sup. Francis
Pitts chairman of the highway
committee, said an interested
citizens are urged to attend.
Invitations wi!I be sent to clvic
and governmental groups
k,nown to be interested in safer
h1ghways.
SttOng public support for a
new Hy. 50 is deem€-d neces-

actlon plan of the State Depart~
.
ment of T'ransportahon:
_
T. R. Kmsey, diStnc~ engi·
ncer for the ~tate h1ghway
commission, sa1'd the action
plan. will '~insure that <the c-eo-liDmic, SOCial and env1ronmen~
tal effects of transportation im~
provements
are COJhSidered
throughout l·he pla~nin-g and
developm~nt process:'
He also said the plan wHl insure that decisions on improvements arr made with "\n~

In effect, Pitts said, the state
wants to know it has strong
public support before it even
starts planmng any major high·
way improvements.
Local attempts have been
made for a nwnber of years to
get Hy. 50 modernized for safe~
ty. The most recent attempt
resulted in the Division of
Highways proposing an aHerw
nate route a h.alf~mife north of
the present highway, and turnw
ing over tile present route Jo
the county.

Notice of u

~.;...

r .~

PUBLIC EETING
T IGHT
fo determine the need of a new Highway 50. <\II
private citizens, public officials and organizations of
all types interested in improving the safety of Highway
50 west of I-94 to the county line are urgently requested to appear and make their feelings known.

l'HE RESULTS OF THIS MEETING WILl
DETERMINE WHETHER
Oil 'I:OT <\i\1 IMPROVED HlGHWAY 50 Will BE
BUILT.
(The route of the highway will NOT he a subject for
this meeting, hut will he the subject of future meetings a~sum(ng the public show~ a strong interest in
building anew highway.!
MEETING TIME: Thursdav. April 12.8 p.m
MEETING PLACE: Salem Central High School 1-1 igh
way 50, Paddock Lake.
.
,
fn bl' conducted by the- k.enoshn County Boorr! 1-!ighwrn ( omm11TPe

Sup. Francis j, Pills, Cltairman
Sup. EarLHollist('r, member
Sup. Charlt>s i\. Schulle, mf'm /w;
Sup. Emil Rurfalo~_mrmlwr
Sjip~:Freil'.(f. Schmalfeldt. metlt_l>er
· te.<>J;JVagner, ·kenosho• .Cou111_1_

•'-, ';,.;',J-C',n,\<-</_\'•}'-'

•''

/!-,,

T'hat plan. and others are
now .stalled due to a lack of
funds.
The -public meeting It<lX!
mC'-nth is designed to unearth
the grass-roots support ne~essary to put pressure on ~he
state to improve the highway,
whi-ch has what one expert said
ls an "appalJing'' safety record.

Is a new

y,(·?l

Yo

A wide base of pllblic .support. for a new Hy. 50 \vill be
sought at a public meeting next \'1-'Cek.

The Kenosha County highway committee has invited
governmental officials. citizens. and representatives of civic
and other organizations to determine if the public wants the
old highway replaced by an expressway.
The meeting will be held Thursday, April 12, at 8 p.m. at
Salem Central High Scttool at Paddock Lake. The sehooi is
on the 'present Hy. 50.

nee e d ;>

~;:s

®

Roarct
:. said

Francis Pitts, chairman of the
sole purpose of tht> meet.ing
determine whcthl?r public support exists for ;1 new or
<llternate IIv. 50

only be for the need or an· NJ.s;nnt its locaUon," Pitts said.
wil! be taken up
future
meetings assuming_ the need for
road is
by the
public.
The projl{lsed rond iVOuid he built to
standards and ·would he a limited-access
present route west of I-!H through the county is a traffic
hazard, Pitts said. It is a two:}ane open access road which is
narr;)w, provides limited passing an..iJ has many hills and
curves. The road is the scene of many accidents anmw11y
including a number of fatalif.ies in recent years.
[n letters ID interested groups and indivlduals. Pitts said,
"Your comments will help determine whether the new
\Vill become a reality or not''
members of the
committee. <:1rr
Charles A.
Ruffalo and
of possible

Count}' high

ol(cnd, along

<

·---

'State says 1980 completion
\~!~"f,~

Hy. 50 proposal gets
community support
PADDOCK LAKE -

Supporl north of Milwaukee with limit- Pitss said would rexert to a
county road once !'l1e stote
road wa.s \;omplctccL
Two residents su;:;gcstcd that
lhc current 11\-. :Jo be convert cd into <\ •
route
with By. K handlinr:
traffic
f!ow in the
ested ln a route
There \\Ould
I-94 west to Hy. 12 m

To-r a new Hy. 50 came from
both city rmd county residents
attending last night's discussion
m crt in g at Central High
School, thf'
still to 'Je
decided is
location.
A vote taken strietly for informational purposes re.sulte:l
in approximately 100 of the 170
in attendance favoring a new
expressway type of road with
limited acces-s while l.t Ctpposed
the measure.
Residents, as well as repre~
sentatives from various organiz a .t ions and governmental
horlies dted the hazarcts of the
.pres€nt Hy. 50 and requested
that immediate a-etlan be taken
on the new By. 50 proposaL
Tom Kinsey, district highway
ehgineer for southeastern Wisconsin, said the state p-lan IS

'curfe:hily- for an
type road similar to Hy.

Geneva:·
Although Kimey could
no definite timetable for
new road, he Did
hearings would be
that economic as

ronmental studies
to be comrplet€d.
"It would prob
before we acquired
SO

by

S<l

of the

Concern \vas
·some citizens
~he exi.sling
•ty HighwaY

mc-dlrtn stno :x't"\-Vi'Cn Hy~. fiO
and K, tJw residents indicated.

Qu<'stions were r<Ji.scd con~
cerning
done
on the
\YhichKi.nsev
plan's
wen' ~i1ch·cd bccJusc fimmcing
got \ight
Ht> snicl
totaling SJ.25
'>ver.r
the ex\::;ting road to
sClfer tr.·1ffic condition•;; until
ne<.r rnad couid heco·mc- a real-

irctte K c nosh an who
(C•Jnlinurd llJl l'atn Sel'~lt

l':t;'!\ 0!1~)
ether re:~idcnt rema·i'ked that
titions containing :10{) fe2.t 1rould total 36 acre·s a
.slgnCJturcs t'avonng, the nf~W
!]Uestioned the
of
Support. fM tht new
iu'll s,
"We had a propc:-;<11 came from ho·lh
in Kenosha
in aitcndance as
a..r;;
to m.v knowledge, had communication:> from various
no iraffic deaths,
nrganize1tiot;.~. Exprrs.sing supth€rc \\'('fC
port
buil-d a new Hr. 50 which l.s
~ A 1 f r r d Fi·S<:hcr. Tw:n
one o[ t'lw 1~ost bazn.rdotls LCJke.:;
\rho

in !.be state

funds are there. all you
have to do is look for lhrm,''
he rflmarked_ Pd!.s (~X-p]aint>d
that D Df!W procedure
2fi different pninL<.::
to b-e C(
hlghW<lY

;silid the

st.urlen·ts · a·nd -parentS traveling
to ~he west ent;! of the county.
·- A rcpr€s~ntafive of the
Westosl1a Kiwanis C1ub who
said his or.gani*atiorL ·favored

th-e n(lW highway.
- Phillip Du:t)ek, l'.?diook
Lake yilJagc pret;ident, who not
said ·hr'· fa•~or""'d·_··t~ neW
out offer"<! suggestions
for improving. th~~ safety on the
current highwa·y.

of impro\'ing

Other letters of support from
GrganlzationS W'e.J·e- read at themeei:Jng. The C..Orrumin1-cationt:
cam{' i'tom ·-the ·F..:eilosh.11 C-ountv
who :"v! e d i c a ·I S00iety:
.
16·2 Technical Instit"Ute; Township
Pkas.ant Pralr''te; and Padd~k
r ,ake Senior (''[tizens Ot·gan1za-

cr ctskt'-d the amount of land
reoulred for tlw ne1v :road
which .Kirll:-:ey sJJd <1'\'rra.g-cd

services, tion.
School Dl.'>-

:~DO

feet for Nw rig-hL'l·O-~-~~~~-~-~~·oulc:!

50
IITiflfiJVe

mg as

Aielleo, president of bhe
(.~\'k~ Coundl, speak-

1.n

m<\:Hvidu,:i:l, supported

lhe iinorovement of
<1n
r_ypr

5-0 tn

road.

H e a .so supported Fran
Jaes{'hkc's comment as
s e n t a t i v e of the f
Lea·o:uc of Women Voter2 l'€-ting more lnfo-rmation on:
prOJect.
-\~.semblym2•n Russell
told the group thP.t if }
Countv was

to haw~

altem:;;te Hy.
to 'J,-'Ork ,
SE:{?
that

was his

--~

·----~·-·-......

. fj~d.,

April 18, 1973

Iti~.~~.lmann~

Page 8

Maiority Favor Hwy. 50
Relocation Proposal
(Paddock Lake) ... The question remains ... where to put Hwy.
50? A majority favor a new highway, 1f the opinion expressed
at last week'·s informational meeting is any indication.

About 175 people attended a discussion meeting at Central
High School Thursday, Aprll 12, including both city·and county

residents and representatives trom local governments and or ..
ganizatlons.
county highway chairman, Francis Pitts, conducted the meeting

and questions were answered by Thomas Kinsey, district highway

engineer from Waukesha. Ralph Bloom, design engineer, and
Fred Smith, design supervisor for the district were also present.
Persons favoring the new highway want it immediately~ but
Kinsey, who pointed out that the state is interested tn a route
from I-94 west to Lake Geneva, cautioned them that it would take
time ... probably until 1976 before the project could get going,

until 1980 before completion.
~~~'Considerable planning is involved,• he said. 14 We have spent
$1.25 millions on spot Improvements and are continually studying all routes for improvement and maintenance.•
He said that if there were any particular spots that could
be improved the state would consider them. He said the state
is interested in a balanced transport system, that many highways
are considered dangerous. In. answer to a question as to the present
dangers of the Hwy. 50 Kinsey said 1t "does have more than Us
share.•
Pitts reminded the people that previous plans for re-routing
the highway had been shelved, that •now we're starting again,P
and Kinsey stressed the fact that the highway commission, by
statutes, has to proceed •where the public wants it to~• He men..
tioned that a highway in Waukesha hQd been stopped by five individuals taking it to court, that presently the project is proceeding
at "thousands of dollars cost to (all of) us.•
Why the delay, questioned a man from Kenosha? He said he
had petitions with 199 signatures favoring a new road. He said
a bridge had been replaced in Kenosha where there were no traffic
deaths but hazardous Hw_y. 50 doesn't seem to have funds.
Regarding the delay, Pitts explained that there were 26 different
points to be considered first; and Kinsey said the bridge fm ..
provement involved no state highway funds, that for Hwy. 50 "we
must go through hearing procedures, services and other things
before we can acquire the right-of-way.

fek 'ihe Paddock· Lake Bustnes~men's Assoct~t,i~:
Aift·~ W. Fischer, Twin Lakes village pres1dent 1 decl~~
fhat the village board was 100 per cent in favor of a new highway~
The Kenosha County Medical Society, Gateway Technical, InStitute, .Pleasant Prairie township and the Paddock Lake Senior
Citizens supported the new highway in communications to the
chairman.
Assemblyman Russell Olson said it was hts job to work in the
legislature to see the county received its share of highway funds
if his constituents wanted the highway. He said a limited access
highway would not give access to farmers. He indicated the new
highway would go between Hwy. 50 and K and raised the question
as to what that would mean to Paddock Lake.
Venry Aiello, president of the Kenosha Civic Council, said
that he, as an individual, favored •an improvement of present
Hwy. 50 to an expressway similar to Hwy. 41 into Milwaukee
with concrete barricades, better exits and better yielding systems
for entering Hwy. 5o.•
Charles Thompson, owner of a fruit farm onHwy. 50 questioned
the limited access proposal; Horace Fowler, Bristol farmer,
said he would vote against limited access; and a few persons
seemed to favor making Hwy. 50 a one.. way in conjunction with
Cty. trunk K as the alternate.
Bristol town chairman, Earl Hollister, suggested there were
environmental and economical objections and that even though
99 per cent favored a new highway, consideration should be
granted the one per cent who did not.
In the show of hands that, Pitts said, was strictly for informa..
tional purposes, about 100 were raised for a new highway and 14
OppOsed -it.

SUPPORT

Those speaking for a new highway included the following:
Phillip Dunek new Paddock Lake village president; Robert Broberg1 .
supervisor of operational services, Kenosha Unified School
District; Bob Ciolfi for the Westosha Kiwanis Club; Joseph

Would Extend Hwy. 158 v _H

7,

Assembly joint resolution 66, the first step towards exteltdin·g
Hwy. 158 from Kenosha to Lake Geneva, will be heard befoi-e
the Assembly Highways committee in Madison at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26. The highway would be an alternate for outmoded
Hwy. 50.

State Reps. George Molinaro and Eugene Dorff are authors
of the move that would request .the state highway commission
to study the possibilities and costs of extending HW}'. 158 as a
freeway from Kenosha to Hwy. 12 east of Lake Geneva.
Presently Hwy. 158 extends from Kenosha harbor west to I-94~
where it ends,
The orig'inal proposal for replacing Hwy. 50 was a new route
about a half-mile north o1 the present highway. That route would·'.
have branched to the north just west of I-94.
There are no definite plans at this time for building a,·ile\v

(Wheatland)- Typical of the extent of
last weekend's flooding is this scene on Hwy,
50 and County Trk. W where a section of the
road, as welJ as others in the area, was closed
·to· traffic this week
Below, another common sight in the Westosha area were clusters of homes completely
iSolated by flood waters. Residents began
evacuating their homes on Saturday. Water
reached as high as windows as the Fox River
crested, in some cases nearly to the rooftops.
Cars were sta1Jed with water over the
hoods. Sandbagging saved the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wilmot from disaster; the county highway department piled
stones along the banks of the river at the
·4.l~"7J

Wilmot dam, in danger of washing out on
Sunday.
Serious water problems existed in Silver
Lake where Sixth St. was barricaded and
homes in that area became inaccessible.
The holding pond at the Paul Swartz Nursery & Garden Shoppe didn't "ho1d." Patrons of
the weekend open house at the Garden Shoppe
were invited to "wade in," as the pond waters
rose to the steps of the shop, inundating aeres
of the nursery area on both sides of the high·
way as welL
As yet there's no estimate of the amount
of damage in the area which will definitely
amount to many thousands of dollars.

'1"

<:::::::,,,

>-~--...:..

---·-·

through the flood whicb engulfed the highw~~;
the bridge and Hy. W. -(Kenosha News pbo«>.
by Norbert Bybee)
· ?.!
·---··~-·-

··~--.

.......,

~

tnt~tflftitnge

Not Dead r..

f

by JOliN MICHAELSON
Chances for a·n interchange for Gurnee and Marriott Corp.
on the Tri-State Tollway are not dead.
At least that's the way Ira Kaufman, Highland Park, who
is the new chairman of the Illinois State Toll Authority, tells
it.
"TilE DECISION by the old board stands," Kaufman
said, "I will abide by their decision and do not plan to recall
it"
But Kaufman did say that he would like to see Gurnee
and Marriott come back again~ "We (the new board) will be
more than willing to meet with them when they present new
plans:•
Tbe old toll authority board called a special l)leeting
r~OC;IOjllf .to \l<! r,espon~Ive to the request by Marr,iott for .•
~ctliiori,·:prior"~~-~un~ 15_; sou~~: itcoul~ _de_~ermme_ w}ieth~r
.,(n-,,oot.ro.exen;ise ®1\()l)firr·~-:-~se·of.vario"'\laful
'parl;<!ls:·
. . < •
. . , .·
.
·
It was at this special meeting that the authority turned
thumbs down on the proposed interchange for Gurnee and
Marriott, which would serve as an access to. a proposed
theme park west of the village between Washington St. and
Grand Ave.
ELLIOTT FRANK, former chairman of the toll board,
·said he was favorable to Gurnee's plan, however, Kaufman
p()intedoutthat Fr~nk had not seen the engilleerlngstudies
·at that tim•,
.Ifwll%.r,~~~~.lb.;.~.igjl.eering studieS that.p!"j>mpted~
the boilrd t<Y.ax
pl~ns for the interchange: Tbe main
reasons for the rejeCti'ons ~were the fact that two iriterchanges aJready serve the area and that of setting a
dangerous special interest precedent.
However, members of the toH board, as well as Kaufman,
encouraged Marriott and Gurnee to come back with another
plan,
Marriott officials in Washington and Gurnee are now in thC
· pro.cess of doing just thts• They will have until Oct. 6 before
the pre-annexation .agreeme,nt becomes void.

thE!

Hys. 50 and W
··--A_: large truck makes ils way 'through flood waters which
cOVe'i': roads at and around iiltersection Of Hys. 50 and. W. Sec·
.iidbi:·of these two highways. and others through So_Utheastcrn·

WisconSln area, were closed ln traffic for u time. Another plt
ture on page 7. -(Kenosha Nc\\'S Photo by Norb Bybee)

Assembly approVes resolution
to run Hy. 158 to Lake Geneva
.~ ,t "i'J be at Hys. 45. 75, and 83, There would be no service roads
By JIM MEYERS
Molinaro :said he sees little difficulty in getting the
Kenosha News Staff Writer
A dire{:t highway route from doWntown Kenosha to
resolution t.hrough t~e Senate. Once passed, t~e resolution
dow!ltown 'Lake Geneva ,could be built in as little as. three
would reqmrc the Highway Department to begm the. study
years if an Assembly resolution passed Thursday doesn't run
and make Its report.
iflto serious .snags along the way.
Mol~n~ro sa1d the proposed new h~gh\~ay would be
State Reps. George Molinaro and Eugene Dorff,_ Kenosha
beneflc1al not only for surface transportatiOn m tbe area. but
could also be a benefit for users of the Kenosha harbor and
Democrats submitted the resolution and started it on its
way.
'
increase usc of that facility.
The resolution was passed by the Assembly by a
The road would be the only direct link between I-90 and [unanimous vote 1 the rules were- suspended.· and it was
94 besides linking the downtowns of Kenosha and Lake
meSsaged tC> t.he Senate all in a matter ·of five rn~nutes
Geneva wit.h a high speed route.
yesterday afternoon.
Molinaro said he and Dorff hrt\'c been studymg -the
The resolution calls for· the state highway cOmmission and
problem of obtalnlnq a new east~wc-st artery. through t?e
the Highway Department to evaluate the feasibility of
county for some tnne. The Hy. 158 extenston, he smd,
extending Hy. 158 (52nd St.) west from I-94, where it
appears to be the only practical solution .
.presently ends, to interchange with l-90 at Lake Geneva.
"We have been fooling around with Hy, 50 for at least 10
A report on the feasibility is to be made to the 1974
years." Molinaro said., "and we have gotten oO\vherc. Hy.
Legislature which convenes in January.
158 would cause the least inconvenience to property owners
"If they report the route is feasible. money can be
and s!il1 give us the necessary road."
apprOpriated for engineering costs and land acquisition/'
The present Hy. 50 has been condemned by travelers and
safety exoerts for years. The old two·lane highway, even
Molinaro said. "The money is there now.•~
~olinat'o said engineering work would take a year, then
though renovated, pre-sents many hills, c:1rves. driveways
construction of a four~lane divided highway with a 50-foot
and 'other obstacles to safety and speed. Yet the road
medi-an strip could begin.
remains as the only east-west hlgh\vay through the count~.
The proposed road would replace all present plans to
Molinaro said that attemntlng fD straighten Hy. 50 would
rebuild or re·route Hy. 50 (75th St.).
be extremely costly and time consuming due to the need to
The Hy. 50 plans have been gathering dust for several
condemn so many homes and business places. Widening to
years ·due to a number of problems, Molinaro said. Chief
four lanes \Votild destroy_ most of the heavily buiJt.up areas
among them are objections from p~rsons who would be
along the road, and would mean moving schools. cemeteries
affected by right-of way acquisitions, and the problems that
and shopping areas and disrupting whole communities.
The most recent alternative, creating a new route between
would result from cutting up farms.
Molinaro said his preliminary studies indicate that
Hy. 50 and Hy, K (601h St.l h" led to the problems involved
extending Hy ..- 158 as the county's major cast-west artery
in splitting_ up,. farms with no way for farmers to cross the
,., would place the. road entirely on section lines .and property
road. Also, frontage road construction for business use would
·;Jines ~nd would notinterfere with any ~uildings.
.
be diffi~ult for the same reason.
""'"'· -··lld be a direct .road with no•stop lights, It~ .stoP!',
•. . :~olinaro said-fron\age, roads on the proptised Hy. 158 route
22 miles,~' Molinaro Said,
. ·...
'". • · •
C'!l:nld be built at the three interchanges by local
·~ntrances anij.exits between I-94.aiKI I:~·w~u!d: •.:.:;l!1til!iplpa!ities ,to provide business areas.
<

""·-.........,..,..,

. ·-----<;

''~·-,---,,

.«t(T &UGH WAY,
K£NOSHA TO LAKE GENEVA "7 _1/ ~·

sp~nd

lc

A resolution which could precipitate a direct highway

rout~

frOm downtown Kenosha to downtown Lake Geneva was pass~d
Jtme 21 by the Wisconsin General Assembly.

Miles per

gallon*
5MPG

.The resOlution, submitted by state representatives George

~MPG

Molinaro and Eugene Dorff, calls for the state highway commission
and the highway department to evaluate the feasibility of extending
Hwy. !58 west from 1-94 to interchange with 1-90 at Lake Geneva.
A feasibility study is to be made and reported to the 1974 legislature,
which convenes in January.

7MPG
8 MPG
9MPG
10MPG
11MPG
12MPG
13 MPG
14MPG
t5MPG
16 MPG
17MPG
18MPG
19.MPG
20 MPG
21. MPG
22MPG
,23 MPG
24 MPG
2S MPG

Molinaro said that engineering work for the proposed road,
which would replace all presentplanstorebuildor reroute Hwy. 50,
will take a year, and then construction of a four-lane divided high~
way can begin.
The plans for Hwy. 50 have run into several snags, including
objections from persons who would be affected by right-of-way
acquisitions and problems resulting from cutting up farms.
Preliminary studies 1 Molinaro stated, indicate that the extension of Hwy. 158 will place the road entirely along section and
property lines, not interfering with any buildings. Molinaro added
that this would be a direct road. with no stop lights, no stops or
anything for 2Z miles. The only entrances and exits between I- 94
and I- 90 would be at Hwys. 45, 75 and 83, with no service roads.
Once passed, the resolution would require the highway depart~
ment to begin the study and make its report, and Molinaro, who
foresees little difficulty in getting the resolution through the
Setlate, said the new highway would be beneficial not only for area
surface transportation but also for users of the Kenosha harbor, to
increase use of that facility.
The extension of Hwy. 158, Molinaro said, appears to be the
only solution to the problem of obtaining a new east-west artery
through the county. In addition to linking l-94 and l-90, it would
also link downtown Kenosha and downtown Lake Geneva with a
high-speed route.
The present Hwy. 50 is the only east- west highway through the
county. but, although renovated, it presents many hills, curves,
driveways and other obstacles to safety and speed.
Molinaro stated that due to the need to condemn so many homes
and business places, attempting to straighten Hwy. 50 would be
extremely costly, as well as time consuming. Widening the highway
to four lanes would destroy most ofthe heavily built-up areas along
the road and would necessitate the moving of schools, cemeteries
and shopping areas and the disruption of whole communities.
Creating a new route between HWY. 50 and HWY. K is the most
recent alternative, but it has led to the problems involved in
splitting up .farms, providing .po -w'a;Y-~for:_{~,m~r.,s to_,cros;s_ the-roact
Frontage road for business use would also be difficult for this same
reason.
Frontage roads on the proposed Hwy. 158 route, Molinaro said,
could be built at the three interchanges by local municipalities to
provide business areas.

. 5,000
miles
$400
333
286
250
222

200
182
167
154
143
133
125
118
111
105
100
95

91
87
83
80

100000
miles

·saoo
667
571
500
444
400
364
333
1308
286
267
250
235
222
210
200
191
181
1.74
167

160

.~ Grut cost com~uted at 40c a gallon

on gas in one year
15,000
miles

20,000
miles

25,000
mile.s

$1200
1000
857
750
667
600
545
500
462
429
400
375
353
333
315
300
286
272
261
250
240

$1600
1333
1142
1000
889
800
727
667
615
571
533
500
470
444
421
400
381

$2000
1667
1429
1250
1110
1000
909
833
769
714

667
625
588
556
526
50()
476
455
435
417

364
348
333
320

400

?:lJrhe cost 'oi driving,g:
('OR GET ABOUT the gas
shortage. for a feW minutes a'nd
consider the poeketbook crisis.
Whether you ccan ,get. gas for
your -car is one thing, What you
do with it is· another. Volkswagen, which- has spent -years
trying_to convince American mo~~
'_torists to pinch: fuel- Petmies, at

least- those penities <that' aren't
·sent_ ~ack to Germany and con.
_vertOO ii1to marksj haS come- up
~'ith a. handy chart to' show yo~

what ,your gas guzzler 'costs you
at the pump in a year.·
The average motorist travels about 15,000 miles annually. If
your mode of travel is a high·perfonTiance machine or a big,
bulky luxury. model that gulps a
ga!Jcin Of gas. every five mile:;;,
your ·gas bill for the year is

,.,$1,)!00, .

.

nut;:i£ on your trip to the dis-

count stol·e ,to buy day-old
you travel in an fo'

economy- ·mo{jel

that

m.p.g., you can tra
same IS,ooO miles for-$240.
If you travel more, you'll ~rijoy
it less at 5 m. p. g. because 25,000
miles will cost you S2,000 ln gaso.line [for 'a few hundred more you
can buy , a subcompact c
opposed to an expenditure
to go 25,000,-miles in a 25 m.p.g,
SlJbcompact.
BASICALLY. IT costs
about $400 to travel each
miles in a cur that gets 5

[an extreme; but not by
$200 each 5,000 miles in a 10

m.p.g. c·ar- [most common today]; $133 for 5,000 miles in a 15
m.p.g. car; $100 f<;~r 5,000 miles In
a 20 m.p,g. car; and $80 fors,ooo
miles in a 25 m.p.g. vehicle. ·

IState segreg~t~~ highway fund saved I
By ARTHUR WICHERN
for its "bread and butter" roads. Local units of government had comWisconsin AAA legislative Representative
plained ahout the freeze because of the lack of funds that would result
Once again Wisconsin's democratic process has worked advantageously
at the local level).
for the motorist
3-Authorize $25-million in bonding for construction and repair of
Largely because of innumerable letters 1 cards and personal contacts
rural two-lane highways.
with state legislators by AAA members and the public, the state's segre~
+--Authorize a $7-million appropri_ation from the general fund for
gated highway fund has been saved.
financing public transportat10n, indudmg .$5-million to be used to offset
This was determined recently by the state legislative budget conference two·thirds of the. deficits experienced by transit systems ($1.9~million
committee which refused to abolish the segregated highway fund or in. will be available for experimental projects and planning).
crP.ase gasoline taxes and motor vehicle registration fees, proceeds of
5-A study of revenue needs and distribution by the Dept. of Transwhich would have been used for nonhighway purposes.
portation in cooperation with the Legislative Council, including needs for
The committee's action represents a ma.Jor victory for proponents of public transit and improvement and maintenance of state trunk highways,
the segregated highway fund, long supported hy the Wisconsin AAA,
6-Establish a new transportation aids fund as a repository for federal
whose members are to be highly commended for vigorous effort.<: to keep
received for urban systems and extensions of federal aid primary
the fund intact.
secondary systems in urban areas as \veil as federal aids or grants
.Whil.~ action of the budget conference committee has assured cOn·
for trans.portation purposes made available by Congress, and the general
tumatiOn of the state's segregated highway fund for the time being,
pmpose st3te r\'venues authorized for public transportation.
there are indications that separate legislation will be offered which
In other action before the State Legislature recessed last month
would increase the gasoJine tax and motor vehide registration fees
until the fall, the Assembly unanimously moved indefinite postponewith part of the proceeds being used to bail out ailing public trans·
ment of legislation providing for implied consent for pre-arrest screenportation systems in \Visconsi~.
ing of a driver's alcoh~l content and pro.vid!ng a 60-day license sus ..
/ fhe .budget ronfer_e.m:e ~om~~ttee, composed of Scns. Walter Hollander
pension for a drive: refusing to submit to a sobriety test. The AAA
',.R.Ro.~endale), ch.aum~n, R,t}mond Johnson_ (R-Eleva), a~d Robert
IS on record oppostng such legislation.
Kasten J~. (R-Th1msvtlle), and Reps. Dennts Conta (D-M1lwaukee),
Tlw Assembly also Passed, 8.~-12, lPgislation
for licensing
Antho_ny Earl (D. Wausau) ~nd Herbert Grove.r (D-~hm~ano), agreed to: ;md regulation of amlnlanre attendants and
managers. The AAA
'. !-Keep the se~rc·gated htghway tru.~t fund mtact m heu of a proposed suppnrted this hill.
smgle transportatiOn fund.
.
Assembly, 94.3, and .~ent to the Senate was a bill
2-I'\ot freeze highv.-'ay aids as originally proposed {freezing of aids
the legal test for intoxication from .15 to .10 percent. The hili
would have made available about $10-million in state high\\·a-y money
the new lowC'r level would be prima facie evidence of drunkencorroborating evidence", strongly mged by the AAA.
proposal vmuld have made the new level conclusive
no corroborating evidenre required.
in Wisconsin's speed limit for trucks was approved 6i.28
and sent to the Senate. The measure would allow truck
an hom on state highways instead of 45 mph.

-------

-~-.

No County .Aid Jpr Ro~d Project
(Twin

Lakes)~: The "T,;,in Lakes Planning Commission

was informed July 26 that there will be no county assistance

for any improvements of Hwy. EM north to the village limits.
The cost of improving Hwy. EM from Hunt Avenue north

to the Bel Aire Subdivision has been estimated at

approxi~

mately $250,650.
The county has no immediate plans for improving or
widening the highway 1 but if the widening project is undertaken by the village, the county would possibly budget funds
far repaving of the present road, with the village financing
the resurfacing of the additional width.
If sidewalks and curbing gutters were installed on any
part of the county right- of-way that could possibly be

widened later, the village could be required to tear out
i'mprovements, at its own expense, on an area to be improv~~d by the county.

1

local Representative Calls Lucey's
Veto Unfair to Rural Residents
lf-N·73

(Bassett) ·~ State Representative R1:1ssel1 Olson 13.beled
Gov. Patrick Lucey's veto of any bonding authority for
highway construction in Wisconsin as "a dirty trick."
This affects rural residents more than any other segment
in Wisconsin, Olson said, and the bonding had been a trade
which had allowed the spending of $6,000,000 of state tax
money on mass transit programs in cities.
Lucey's action. Olson stated, will bring ~~-~~x_construc­
tion to a halt in Wisconsin. "This is another example of his
alliance with the cities in the1r efforts to bleed the state of its
tax base," he said.
He added that residents of southeastern Wisconsin could
forget about programs to upgt:ade or relocate highways, such
as Hwy. SO or the extension of Hwy. 158 westward, because of
Lucey's veto and the failure of the legislature to override the
veto.
"Even though I'm agalnst bonding,'' Olson concluded
"the governor's action is inexcusable in that he uses our
availa~ble funds, which could have been used on state
highways, for mass .transit 1n the cit1es and then tier;; the
hands of the rural areas In their quest for funds."

George Berteau, chairman, and Kurt W.
BQ'uer, executive director, presided ai the
q~rterly meeting of the Southeastern Wiscon-

.

h'ltt]P to obtJ.m o

on rural life of
suoerhighway

n~w

Ke·
and

~'boulrl

step up in pnce next

The city's federal grant application for
$670.000 to pave Sheridan Rd. from 83rd SL
toe 9lst St was approved by the Southeastern: Wisconsin Regional Planning Com~
mission at its quarterly meeting in the

of extending Hy.

1~3
tcr~

Mollnaro.
member~

Fr:mds Pltt;;. Charles Schulte,
Fred Sc:hmalfeld1 and
Andrea representing the

ag·ainst
T'he meeting \Vas held w\th
Robert T. Huber, chairman of
tbe state highway commissiOn.
and Thomas R Burney, bead
of the Wisconsin Environmental

Decade_.

He

driveways.
said a new

east·west
is imperati\'e from .a
safety
standpoint
and
that
traf~
committee, urged that
s be considered as fie is continuing to grow on the
obsolete two-lane Hy. flO makout that another ing it increasingly dangerous

n::m of the county's

m())]ti·

That' ..; \\·hen a report is due
to the 1I'1)sl:llure trom the Di~
of Highways on the

~ntering

across the county, route

ml'

was lost on Hr. 50

the Tl<Jst week. He. said

clesprte some recent spot

provemcnt.~<

c;. 1r-·n

SEWRPC backs request
for Sheridan Rd. paving

Efforts continue to extend
158 to take Geneva area
nost1a

sin Regional Planning Commission tSEWRPCI
held at the Court house here Thursday,
-(Kenosha News photo by Norh Bybee)

im~

COurthouse here Thursday.
George Berteau, SEWRPC director. said
-t.he ftxieral funding is far from assured.
Grants depend on the amount of federal
money available and on other priority
n""ds.
In other actions, SEWRPC agreed to un·

dertake a transit development program for
the Racine metropolitan area. The program
would make the area eligible for federal
grant assistance to implement the plan.
A grant application seeking federal funds
le pay 80 per cent of the $5.1 million cost
ef 100 new buses for Milwaukee Cmmty
also recommended for appr<>val. The
county plans to lease the buses at .a nominal sum to the Transport Co. which Is

w••

under private ownership.

1f Milwaukee should acquire the bus
tem, the buses would become part of

publicly owned system.
SEIVRPC okayed an amendment to the
comprehensive plan for the upper Fox

.River watershed which calls for two

sew~

age treatment plans for'the 12-community
area instead of one.
The amendment cans for one plant ncar
Waukesha and one ·near Brookfie1d. The
original pJan caUed for only one large
plant at Waukesha, but the municipalities
objected.

A deep tunnel system for sewer water
storage in the Milwaukee area was ad~
vanced by the commission. The prospectus
for a preliminary engineering study was
approYed. Combined storm and sanitary

sewage would be stored in periods of heavy
flow then pumped out and ~reated after
storms.

ifiiiid Crews
In Hassle:;
Over Wages

Open Hy. E extension

/.) ' }! ~ ? ')
'"'-The new 1.4 miles of Hy. E between 30th Ave. and Hy. 32
Was officially opened to traffic yesterday when officials gath~

'-ered at the scene for ribbon-cutting ceremonies. From left
~i·e. Sup. Fred Schmalfeldt and Sup. Earl Hollister, members
(}( the county highway committee; Sup. Francis Pitts, highway committee chnirman; Robert Mitldlecamp, highway
superintendent; Sup. Emil Ruffalo, highway committee;_ Gaylord Maleski, highway superintendent: Sup. Charles Schulte.

-

highway committee; Eric Olson, County Board vice chairman,

Peter Marshall, County Board chairman; Leo Wagner 1 high~
way commissioner; Robert Jack, District 2 engineer; Howard
Storer, federal engineer; Milt(m Schroeder, utility engineer,
and Sup, Jerry Smith. Final top bituminous coating for the
new road, constructed at a cost of more than $400,000 to
, K~nosha County plus the state's $250,000 share, will be apo
plied next spring. - (KennSha News photo by Norbert Bybee}

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--

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Kenosha County Highway
Dept.
personnel
have
declared they will not work
any hours beyond their 7
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. regular
day until their contract is
signed.
The snow that has fallen in
the past was shoved around
some, but the roads which
are usually the best-kept in
the area were dangerous
until late Saturday when
supervisory personnel
finally got most of them
cleared.
County Commissioner Leo
Wagner stated that he and
four other supervisors were
out manning the trucks
Friday and Sunday on the
state roads and Saturday on
the county, roads.
The disagreement is over
wages.
The county has offered 5112
per cent ;nd the union
contends they need at least a
eight per cent or nine per
cent raise to cover the cost
of living increase_
The top drivers make
approx. $4.70 an hour at
pre-sent with time and half
overtime.
double
pay
Sut:~.d,a:_Y:,, a':l.d .. triple on
)}l\11'/"ys:; Ov~rtime _js ~ny

.-.tin\e,b<Jyood,\tl!ai~;,.UJ.;,3t31l

Monday through

State highway

ne~e~s

Review of the staggering $1.66 billion
lit Wisconsin transportation facility
needs over the next five years indicates
~ore than $2.7 million would be required
to make ~nly min~mum improvements
on state highways 1~ ~~nosha c.ounty.
A report by t~e _Dtv!ston o~, Highway.~
says the $1.66 btllt~n ts the shortfall
between $4 billion m needs found by a
study and estimated revenues for the
.veriod 9f $2.3 billion.
The report was compiled by the
Department of Transportation for the
governor and legislature as requested in
the 1973 budget act

~

In county pegged at over $2. ?<million

~Th; needs were compiled in

conferences between county highway officials, representatives of larger
~unicipalities, and highway district off1ces.

. .

.

.

In additiOn to state ht.ghway 1mprove~ents, · the ~epor~ cttes 1974-79
needs tor county, ctty, village and .to:nn
roads .and streets. and. $200 million
statewtd~ for mass tra.nstt.
State.hJghway needs ~n Ken_osha County are listed as follo~s In the transportat:oo revenue, allocatwn and needs study
( fRANS) report;
-Hy. 45: resurface seven m'Ue'S from-

Hy. 50 to the north county line and
reconstruction one mile from Hy. AH to
Hy. 50.
-Hy. 83: resurface 5.2 miles from the
state line to Hy. 50.
-Hy. SO: resurface 3.3 miles from H .
Y
83 to Hy. B.
.
-Hy. 192: resurface 2.6 m1les from
Hy. 50 to Hy. 43.
-Hy. 32: reconstruct one mile of
Sheridan Rd. in the city, and resurface .
3.8 miles from the state line to the south
city limits.
-Hy. 31: reconditiOn 1·5,1-miles,from

the state line to Hy. 50.
-Hy. 43: recondition 15.2 miles from
the west county line to Hy. 31.
-Railroad crossings: add protection
at seven locations.
Total project co~ts come to $2,785,000.
Future prospects for any of the work is
in doubt due to the wide discrepancy
between the statewide needs and the projected available funds .
Funds are much lower than expected
largely due to the drop in gasoline tax
revenues resulting from a short gasoline
supply and less travel at lower speeds by
motorists.

to know some of the facts.

Highway plan
group. to, meet
,,:.; ,,fC·_,.-

1 z.

The Kenosha County Jurisdictional Highway Planning Technical Coordinating and Intergov·
cmmental Advisory Committee
will hold its next meeting in the
Somers Town Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 20.
The date was set last week
when the committee met in the

Salem Town Hall for its secood
meeting since ·its .c-rganization
in December in Kenosha.
At the Salem meeting tlte local c-ommittee studied the arterial "J'S!em proposed for
streets and highways in this
c<>unty by 1900

Frtcll.y. •·

SEWRPC plan

The cost of living has gone
up 8.5 per cent We are
offered 5.5 per cent. This
would be substantial if we
were making the high wages
people think we are. Our
average wage is far below
that of most other counties.
Yet it is said that the
Kenosha County area has
the best maintained roads in
the state of Wisconsin.
The highway truck drivers
are blamed for the salt that
is put on the roads. Don't
J.:)}
people realize that we get
To the Editor:
This letter is to inform the our orders from the
public of the reason why the foreman? The same goes rOr
highway employes are not rebuilding and maintaining
working overtime. It is not the roads. We don't hear
because of selfishness. They much about the guys who
do not want people to suffer are out in the summer in 98
hardships.
degree heat laying blacktop
We have friends and loved . and doing a few of the other
ones involved. Our contract nice jobs such as cutting
is not settled and this is our brush in below zero weather
only way of trying to get the and standing in a foot of
board to negotiate In a fair snow
manner_ Our contract was
Equipment maintenance,
to be signed the first of the hauling gravel, painting and
replacmg guard posts,
y~~ri· T,~i$ )• not the first
tiJTi_e'this has. happened. We controllirig floods on
feeHf JS.,- time- the public got highways. picking up trash

opposed
by Paris
:) I 'r , -; y
PARIS .,. Opposition to
the proposed higl'.:WJ!Y
jonsdictional olanfor 1990
prep.arci:rl;y ·southeastern
Wisconsin Planning Commission was expressed in a
letter by the Paris To·vm
Board to SEWRPC, follow·

ing the monthly board
meeting last night,
Town chairman August
Zirbel JL, sa1d the township
is not interested in taking
back any more county roads
as proposed by the plan until
the townshio is assured of

rnore funds 'to nwintain the
roadS.

State 'facts'
in dispute
'''f

off roadsides and cleanirig
rest areas are other jobs
which not everybody wOuld
want to do. We cut grass
besides getting rid of the
snow.
When we work all night on
overtime we are sent home
the next day so we make
almost nothing extra for our
efforts. We no longer have
two men in a truck after 10
p.m. This is very dangerous
to you and us.
We no longer haVe the cOst
of living which all employes
should have to keep up with
the rising prices.
Our way of bargaining is
not only hard on the public
but also causes hard feelings
between us and the county
board members and our
foremen. That's to say
nothing about our wives and
family.
As a county employe and a
taxpayer I am asking only
what a fair wage is to support our families. I hope you
give these facts some
thoughts before you judge
the highway em.Ploye~
Need)/ ""' greedy

··•c:•:~~~~~ic),.~f!~'l~~'f
,,,~;(l).lflfl~@l':.plan ; :
tor Wheatland

_:-~ .J ti·- ·-· ') i'/
NEW MUNSTER Changes in the proposed
Kenosha County jurisdictiOnal highway plan were
made by the Wheatland
Town Board last night in antlcipahon of. Wednesday's
meeting of the 15-member
highway committee in
Somers.
The plan prepared by the

new telephone line has been
installed for town residents;~
to contact the Kenosha
Sheriff's Department by
dialing 537-4343.
In other action, the board:
-Approved a beer license
application from Arthur
Peebles for the Wheatland
Store.
-Worked on a schedule
for the town police officers
which, Grady said, should be
completed this week,
-Announced that the
proposed gravel pit ordinance should be ready for
board action by the March
11 meeting.
Grady warned dog owners
in the township that the
Police Department will
start issuing citations
because of the number of.
complaints from residerits
of dogs running at large.

Southeastern Wisconsin
Regional Planning Commis·
sion for implementation by
1990 called for Hy. P, Hy. W
8outh of Hy. 50 and Hy. KD
south of Hy. 50 to be maintained by the county as
arterial highways.
Last night the board
suggested that all of Hy. KD
as well as Hy. 0, Hy. W
north of Hy. 50 and Hy. Jl
west to Hy. 83 be included on
the jurisdictional plan as
arterial highways.
Thomas Grady, town
c:~:~alrt,na.Jf,
inform_ed
tesid.ents last night that a

Propose Hig~"l~~ Plan Changes
(New Munster) -- The Wheatland town board suggested
changes in the proposed Kenosha county jurisdictional
highwav plan at the Feb. 25 meeting.
Prepared by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Plan~
ning Commission, the plan is to he implemented bv 11J90
and provides for Hv.y. P, Hwy. W south of Hwy. 50 1 and
Hwy. KD south of Hwy, 50 to be maintained as arterial
highways by the county.
The board suggested that all of Hwy. KD and Hwy. 0,
Hwy. W north of Hwy. 50," and fhv:v. Jl west to Hwy. 83
be inducted in the Jurisdictional plan as arterial highways.
The board appro~ed a beer license application from
Arthur Peebles for th~ W!1eatland Store.
Dog owners in the township were warned that the police
department will begin issuing .citations due to numerous
c,o~Plaints of dogs running at large.

~Would fire

road crews
t'

To the Editor:
"I" '7
Kenosha County Highway
Employes; As employes of
.the Kenosha County
Highway Department. your
salary is paid by the tax
vayers Of this commumty.
You are under 24-hour call,
t9 provide road maintenance
3'nd when you refuse to do
'tfiis, it is direct insubordina·
tion and constitutes firing.
To think that using retired
efnployees to service the
roads after the normal work
_day is rea-lly a sad state of
affairs.
When 3 million dollars of
,equipment lay idle and the
condition of the highways
:even !Vhen you "work" (and
Use this term facetiously)
are deplorable, it is time the
~6!q)lrd
forgets
the
·n~gotiatmg and puts the
;:_*,l?_tk in the hands of private
_;£O_nc~rns. At least then the
· ~oads_.woul~-h?..seryice_able!
Slippery

'()ppose Highway Plan
(Paris) -- FolloWing

the monthly

mee~ of the Paris

·~ bOard Feb. ·ta, the bnard expressed <JilPOS!tion to !tie
'jilghway Jurisdictional plan for 1990 prf¥>sed by the South.e;4stern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, in a
·1eher to the SEWRPC.
The township does not want to take back any more county

,t;,pacts, as the p[an proposes, until assurance is given that
the township will receive more funds to maintain the roads.
Bartender license applications submitted by Judith Wilson
David Marsch were approved.
The town attorney was instructed toprepareanordinanee
setting requirements for Installation of sewage holding

ana

tanks.

, Editor: ·2 ,
letter is
mo-stly to the two citizens
called "Slippery" and
"Tired'' who wrote in to
reprimand the county
hiihways workers for their
actions during the last snow·
storm. These two citizens
made some incorrect
statements and as a
highway employe, I would
like to set the record
straight
"Slippery" stated: "you
·are- ut1der · 24: hour call. to
prqv~de road mcHn.te;
and :when :you refuse·
this, iLiS in direct im
dlnation and consti.tUtes
firing."
..-;.~'i"'
This is only a half-truth,
Yes, we are on 24 hour ca1l
to
provide
road
maintenance, no, we are not
obligated to work extra~
hours when called upon, but
we who do work all day and
most of the night plowing
during the work week are
obligated to take time off for
rest the next day at no pay
at all. However, this is not
the issue at hand. Most of us
need overtime to bring our
income up to a liveable
status.
"Slippery" also stated
that "to think that using
retired employees to service
the roads after the normal
work day is really a sad
state of affairs." This is not
true at alL Thirdly,
"Slippery" said, "when 3
million dollars of equipment
lay idle and the condition of
the highways even when you
"work" (and I use·this term
facetiously) are deplorable,
" I don't think even the
County Board would agree

to this statement Kenosha

COunty roads are among the
best mainta'ined and most

Road crews
a hand

A plug tor
road crews

get

To the Editor:'·,.(~-;:.!; ll--""J¥
I have a message to that
snowed in person who wrote
a letter to the paper
I can't imagine anyone not
giving the snow crews a big
hand during our two big
storms we had. The storms

To tbe Editor: ;2. ·.2.1 ·
In all the news of today all
we hear and read is the- b8d
that goes on in life.
I'm for putting a plug in
for the good our highway
workers do for us. They
deserve to fight for their
raises.
People always complain
about taxes. Well, to hire
other construction workers
to do our roads would cause
us taxpayers to holler a lit·
tie louder. Their wages are
much higher than that of our
county workers. In turn, we
the taxpayers would end up.
paying in the end.
Energy, energy, that's all
we hear about in this day
Well I'm all for it. Wherever
we can save a buck, let's
save lt, That includes
everyone from big shots to
little shots.
Sally

traveled in the United
States. Any trucker or
tourist wiiJ attest to this
!act
"Tired'' states .
''two
lives were lost" ... another
falsehood l'! Those people
were killed at I :51 p.m. on
Friday, February 1. The
County employes were on
duty at that time, as they
worked until 3:30 on that
day. That was also the day
the snow began and there
was no accumulation from
the night before.
Yes, 1 will agree that
many were inconvenienced
and the roads were ''a mess
in Southeastern Wisconsin."
Yes, we ''used the snow as a
lever in contract talks," but
I think this has something to
say for the collective
bargaining system in this
country.
Doesn't all this make you
wonder why people have to
resort to using situations
and "crunches" as levers to
force an Employer to
bargain honestly? We are
not the only people who have
used "levers.'' What about
the 1100 Teached who went
so f'ar as to defy a court
order, and now we have our
Police Officers picketing for

were just a few days apart

1 for one and manv manv
more people that -I hav€,
talked to said they did a
good job. They are Out in the
cold all night clearing the
streets and making it
halfway decent so we can
use them the next morning.
As for trucks running their
motors. most are diesel and
cannot shut them off. Most
likely the people who complain the most leave their
cars on the street and get
plowed in, Tough luck.
Our hats are off to the
trash pickup crews also.
They have been doing a good
job during all this snow and
they drive the plows at
night So l JUSt hope people
be.ar with them and give
them a little thanks once in
a while: Thev·re human too.
·
Pleased

their cause.
Why all of this? Because
people want to make a de·
cent living - not fantastic,
but at least decent enough to
support a family. Yes. my
wife works, not for cars or
trips, but to supplement my
income which amounts to
$9,600 without overtime and
before taxes, The Board
figures our fringe benefits
as money when it talks of
what our income is.
Fringe benefits are no
longer a luxury. they are a
necessity in these days.
Everyone knows how long
you can afford to stay in a
hospital without insurance.
Fringe benefits will not buy
groceries, pay the rent or
put gas in the car. The board
has not moved from its
original 5.5 per cent wage
offer and in the face ot an
over 8 per cent rate of
inflation, how can you even
stay even at 5.5 pef cent?
So, to "Slippery" and
''Tired'· I say this-- our only
issue is money, nothing else,
no more fringe benefits. no
better working conditions,
nothing but a raise. A raise
that would keep us even,
just even, with today's
economy. I do not consider

this "selfish" and a lack of
'common sense" as
"Tired'. does. If there were
a way to provide a decent
living for every working
man and retiree in this
country, I would advocate it
1110 per cent It's just too bad
that employes are forced by
their employes to use "tac~
tics'· and "levers·· for what
used to be honest and
sincere bargaining.
Unlike "Siipp'ery" and
"Tired," I am not going to
sign this letter "Disgusted"
but I sign my name as it is:
Don Poikonen

t

""

·-~--

....._

Ken osha County

Highway Dept.
Employee

STATE OF WISCONSIN
Date published*:

1973 Assembly Bill 574

April 24, 1974

, LAWS OF 1973

CHAPTER 185

AN ACr to repeal 340.01 (39}; to am=nd 340. Ol (69); to repeal and
recreate 340.01 (38); and to create 84,02 (4) (e) and 349.065 of the
statutes, relating to creation of a uniform system of traffic control devices on streets and highways in the state.
The people of the state of Wis=nsin,

represented

in

senate

and asser,lbly, do enact as follows:

SEX:TIOO

l.

84.02 (4}

(e) of the statutes is created to read:

84.02 (4) (e) The highway commission shall adopt a rranual
establishing a uniform system of traffic control devices for use
upon the highways of this state. The system shall be consistent
with and, so far as practicable, confonn to current nationally
recognized standards for traffic control devices.
SEL'TION 2. 340.01
recreated to read:

(38}

of

the

statutes

is

repealed

and

340. Ol (38)
"Official traffic control device" means all
signs, signals, rrarkings and devices, n:Jt inconsistent with chs. 341
to 349, placed or erected by authority of a public b:::rly or official
having jurisdiction for the purpose of regulating, varning or guiding traffic; and includes the terms "official traffic sign" and
"official traffic signal".
SB:TICN 3.

340.01 (39) of the statutes is repealed.

SEL'TIOO 4.

340.01 (69} of the statute.s is arrended to read:

340.01 (69) "Traffic control signal" rreans any device~
eele>"e6 Hghta, whether mmually, electrically or rrechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and permitted
to "!'& proceel.
SB:TION 5.

349.065 of the statutes is created to read:

349.065 UNIFORM TRAFFIC CCl'l'lmL DEVICES.
Local authorities
shall place and rraintain traffic control devices upon highways under
their jurisdiction to regulate, warn, guide or inform traffic. The
design, installation and operation or use of new traffic control
devices placed and rraintained by local authorities after the adop-

=~tec;}h~h9 ~~~s5 'n~~i!~;~i~l:t;;~:~~beL::es ti~~ i~c::te~':ffe~~ :h;Ugt;k!0e~~~~e~~'~h:IJa;a:ft~~
its publication."

"'"'---·-~ .

--

-2--

tion

Of

~"'""'

the llnifonn t:t'ctffic

~"'"'"

t:t"

.

1D7J Assembly Bill S/4

(4)
(0) " ' " ' '
to ""' 0 l dev,_""-' """"' ""'"" ". 84. "
tcOEfie """'"' d<Ni- Ploc.,":,.,""'"''· A f t c q - 1. l'?7. <ll

SEl'::.";>:roN

""'H
<u::y
1, 1974.

6. u.,. ""'""·
to

""'""u"' >,.

hru """""''"'"'

~ '""' ~, """'' ''"' ·u~,

J"""-

Seek area.J~Jt·?'f

It is up to four of the local
units of government to
prove by resolution that they
are in agret~ment over the
boundaries set up for an urbanized highway system in
tliis area.
By,· showing approval the ·

be more likely to receive
federal aid for highway
construction in the area.
At a meeting Friday held
by the state's department of
transportation at the
Municipal Building, Thomas
Clark of the state's division

Kenosha urbanized area will

of highways said, HThe

y on

hig~hway

more support you can show
to the federal agency
through resolutions, the
stronger your case is for
ald."
He .was speaking to
representatives of Kenosha
city and county and the
Township of Pleasant
Prairie. The Township of

funds

urbanized area. Lines fre-

its of government.

quently crossed city and

Map Sets Boundaries. ';;
The map that Wa!
presented Friday simply sel

county boundaries, entering

.into the domains of the
townships, therefore the
need for approval by all four
governmental agencies.

boundaries in which werE
contained those arterial

highways as proposed by thE

Clark pointed out that it is

committee. The boundarief

necessary for all units of

were also set up by a for·
mula which used federal

government, not just in
Kenosha, to try to forget census figures.
Advantages of this type ol
whose jurisdiction certain
government involved.
roads lie in, and to begin to urbanized aid, Clark said,
Over $400,1100 Allocated
A total of $424,027 has think of the urbanized area include federal funding for
'
construction on city roads
been designated to the as a whole.
Kenosha urbanized area for
Within urban areas are . and roads within townships.
fiscal 1974. Of this total, two classes of federarfunds Previously there was. no
$266,024 has been set aside of - for urban extensions of funding for such projects.
He also said that right now
roads and streets. Although primary routes, and for high
fiscal 1974 ends July I, not volume urban arterial and whiJe funds are available
the state's highway departusing the allocation before · collector routes.
then does not mean that the . Previously an arterial ment will authorize all profunds are lost. They can be highway network was jects before them
federal aid. He warnell
.held over from year to year. proposed by the Kenosha
The meeting Friday was county jurisdictional however that in year, tO
held to present a map show- highway study committee. come funds may bec'onie
ing what has been This proposal had been short and then only priority
designated as the Kenosha approved by the various un- projects may be funded.
Somers is the fourtlt unit of

:rd'r

~Proposed new Hy.SO now

'3projected on new route
BY JIM MI!:YERS
Staff Writer
'7 - ttr · )y
. The county:s highway advisory committee Wednesilay night agreed to put the proposed new Hy. 50 on an
almost entirely new route.

Under the latest proposal, which was designed to
meet the objections.of farm owners who face the loss
l>f hundreds of acres if an all-new highway is built, this
would be the route:
::The present Hy. 50 '(75th St.) right-of-way would be
••ed from Sheridan Rd. on the city's east side to just
east of Paddock Lake.
Near Paddock Lake, the highway wonld swing north
to join with the present Hy. K (60th St.), then continue
on Hy. K.
'
The new 50 would then swing on a new route north
iu'eand New Munster and continue on· tbe new route

'0

~

jiasi·slades Corners into Walworth County to join the
~y. 12 interchange at the Playboy Club.
·~ The decision made last night is far from final,
)ceording to. Kurt Bauer, executive director of the
. !loutheastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Com·mission (SEWRPC).
l' He noted that the State Highway Commission is
under legislative order to make a feasibility study of an
east-west route between the existing portion of Hy. 158
and Lake Geneva in Walworth County.
Study to be completed soon
That study is expected to completed in the near
future, accordin1! to William A. Heimlich, district
'planning supervisor for the Division of Highways
(DOH).
Heimlich noted that regardless of what the study
\shows, "it will be up to the public, and local public
·officials, to make the final decision."
Bauer, too, emphasized that what the local officials
-on the county highway advisory committee decide
~·will have a bearing on where the actual route will be."
He said local support is needed for any proposed
highway changes, especially under new state and federregulations which are much more sensitive to public

:ai

response.

... Until last night, SEWRPC and local officials, inelud•ing State Reps. George Molinaro and Eugene Dorff,
ihad favored a new Hy. 50 from I-94 west.
: 1b:e most favored route would have carved a new

;)llghway abont a hall-mile north of existing Hy. 50 to

miss the built-up llreas along ·the present roatt.
The second most favored alternative, and one advanced by the two legislators, would have extended Hy .
!58 from its present terminus at I-94.
In addition to the new route for Hy. 50, the committee
okayed a full set of highway plans for the county which
are designed to be effective for the year 1990.
The chief topic of debate among the proposals was
the future status of Hy. 43 which connects Kenosha's
north side with Burlington in Racine County.
SEWRPC studies indicated that Hy. 43, after the
construction of a new Hy. 50 and a new Hy. 11 along the
north edge of Kenosha County, would become a secondrate road.
The SEWRPC projections indicate that Hy. 43 would
not handle much traffic, nor over long trip lengths.
The advisory. committee, and especially County
Board Supt. Earl Hollister, Bristol, a member of the
county's highway committee, objected.
·As a result, the advisory committee voted to overrule
SEWRPC's findings and keep Hy. 43 as a state highway
on the jurisdictional map. The SEWRPC findings wmild
have Hy. 43 reverting to a county highway by 1990.
Would not affect highway aid
If Hy. 43 were to revert to county highway status,. the
county would lose the difference between state-paid
maintenance costs and the much lower state aidS to
county highways.
The advisory committee will review its recommena

dations at another meeting Oct. 16. At that time, the
financial impacts of the plans adopted last night will be
available for study and could lead to some changes in
the plans.
Also adopted last night were some revisions in road
extensions due to the proposed coal-powered electric
generating plant in Pleasant Prairie.
The proposed extension of Hy. T was <II:opped along
with its interchange with the proposed Lake Freeway.
Tht That interchange will be moved south to Hy. Q
which is proposed to be extended to I-94. The Hy. Q
extension is presently in the environmental impact
study stage and is due for construction shortly.
The committee also agreed to retain the proposed
85th St. extension west to Hy. C, even though it passes
along the north end of the power plant site. The
committee agreed that the road is needed as another
east-west route to the city. ·

·county okays
Hy. Q proposal
as· teeCielt road
The county's planned extension of Hy. Q as a major
artery feeding from I-94 east to Hy. 32 could become a
reality in about two years.
The County Board Tuesday night agreed to set aside
the interest from a $313,944 accumulation of federal
liighway aid funds to boost the project.
The. interest, at more than $20,000 a year, would

ordinarily have gone into the county's general fund.
. . The fund will be added to annually with whatever
~"&m~unts the county receives in federal highway con-

,. struction aids, with the expectation that the county's 30
per cent share of the total cost will be accumulated in
about two years.
Federal funding for the project will be 70 per cent.
About two miles of roadway are needed to link the
present west end of Hy. Q over swampland to I-94.
When completed, the highway will be the only direct
east-west route into the county south of Hy. 50.
Leo Wagner, county highway commissioner, said that

right of way for the highway is still not purchased,
although a substantial portion has been donated. The
required environmental impact statement has been
submitted, he said.
Wagner said the road will cost about $1 million, and
that federal aids are accumulating at about $61,~. a
.year at present rates. He said availability of additiOniil'
federal money will depend on Kenosha County's placement on a priority list, and ho\\' many counties fail to
use their federal aids.

----

Alrea,i:f-,~~d

projects
survive' state cutbacks

Drastic cuts in the state
highway program for 1975
'will not affect several
Kenosha and Racine pro~
jects scheduled for next
year, according to the
Waukesha office of the Wisconsin Diviswn of Highways.

Allocated for road improvement programs is
$109.7 million, a drop of
$63.7 million from 1974. The
allocation is the' smallest
since 1965 when the state
spent $107 million.
InCluded in the program
are construction of four new
blocks of 30th Ave. in the
City of Kenosha and
purchase of right of way to
improve Hy. 32 south of the
City:

The widemng ol66 feet of
right-of-way from a two
lane to four lane highway on
Hy. 31 between Hys. 20 and
11 in Racine County has
been stheduled for next
year following a bid opening
in February.
Other Racine projects include the reconstruction of
Hy. 38 east of Rapids Dr.
and of Mount Pleasant and
South Sts. Bids are ten~
tatively scheduled for open~
ing next March for the
Mount Pleasant-South St.
work and m April for Hy. 38.
Robert Huber. highway
commission chairman, said
factors responsible for the
smaller program were reduced gasoline tax reven-:
ues, higher mai.ntenahce'

State road plowing
limit again .imposed
Some state roans ~~, l~~~)
volume areas of the county
may not be plowed as well
this winter as many
Kenoshans have come to expeel.
For the second winter, the
State Highway Commission
baS decided to continue the
limited maintenance policy
it set last year to · save
energy and money.
County highway commissioner Leo Wagner said
the ruling on limited plowing and salting will apply to
state roads with daily traffie volumes of 5,000 or fewer
vehicles.
These roads are mainly in
the west end of the county,
west of Hy. 83.
"From 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.,
this may mean no plowing
on so~e>- roadi,"c. Wagner
said, ''lh,on~h the _roads will
be l<ept:paolia1ile ·at least.

f'l.EA.SE
~,.,S)

MA~K

rlie
plows would go out
there is danger of the roads
if

clogging shut."
All state roads are maintained through arrangements with county highway
departments which supply
crews and equipment which
are rented by the state.
The limited winter maintenance policy was begun
when the energy crisis
started last winter, Wagner
noted.
The state highway fund,
which pays for maintenance
such as plowing and salting,
has, suffered a drop partly
because gasoline sales re.
ductions which bring reven
ues from the state gasoline
tax.
The policy probably will
, not affect heavily tr~v~Ued
roads such as thos~taround
the county from the lake
east to Hy. 83

YOUR CALENDAR

J lY 17, 1975
For the PUBLIC HEARING to be held
about the proposed improvement of
Highway 32 (Sfv_,eidan Road)
between 83rd Street and 91 st Street
in Kenosha County.
DISTRICT ENGINEER

T.lt Kinsey
310 South West Avonue
WAUKESHA 53186- (414) 547-1735
(APR. 3)

i~fi-

costs and peaking debt Ser'
vice costs in 1975 and 1976.
Walworth County projects
are Hy. 67 between Elkhorn
and Hy. 50 and continuation
of the new Hy. 15 from
Darien west to Rock Coun·
ty.
Included in the 1975 program is $69.9 million for
state trunk and Milwaukee
County freeway systems,
$16.9 million for the Interstate system, $21.2 million for federal aid projects
of the state system includ·
ing county, urban and safety
projects and $1.3 million for
miscellaneous projects.
Other major construction
starts include the Columbus
bypass in Columbia and
Dodge Counties, the
Mazomanie bridge in Dane
County, Wisconsin 11 and 81
in Green and Rock Countie,s, a segment of U.S. 16 in
Waukesha County, Wisconsin 147 in Manit~woc Coun~·
ty, Wisconsin 32 in Oconto
County, Wisconsin 21 in Os·
hkosh, Wisconsin 71 in
Juneau and Monroe Counties, the Fremont bridge on
U.S. 10 in Waupaca County
and Wisconsin 93 in Trem~
pealeau County.

0'~e

pOpUlar

inipr~sfo~ . that

the

·Iii·

~~te highway system i~ just about
~hf~hed is somewhat exaggerated, as
~terday's change in highway designa-

t!ori!l indicates.
Highway 43, linking Kenosha and Burlington, is now Highway 142.
Highway 43 hilS become the number
for tlle new Interstate segment which,
~ll.en completed, will link Milwaukee
i~ Green Bay.
'fllew l-43, long the subject of conti:i>"ersy, will run a distance of 118 miles,
3J!d portions of it in Ozaukee and
·-Siie~ygan counties are under construcAbove Sheboygan, the highway will
i)ll) parallel to present 141.
':::w~~e scheduled 42,500-mile U.S. system
is in various stages.
According to Secretary of Transportation Claude S. Brinegar, total Interstate
mileage now open to traffic is 36,021
miles, or 84.8 ;per cent. Of this total
U,262 miles are complete or essentially
complete. The other 24,759 miles now in
use include segments that are either
, currently under improvemenh~r/~iJre:-~:

'tl'?·

additional development to
standards, such .as. work on
areas, lighting, fencing, etc.
But while mileage open to traffic ilia
measure of progress, "a more objective '
indication," says Brinegar, is the
amount of funding left to be accomplished: Twenty-four per cent <J>I the
estimated total cost of the Interstate
system· remains to be funded. But this
doesn't take into account the effects of
inflation since 1972.
For instance, the 1973 price on tlle
Milwaukee,Green Bay lnter~tr,te 4~ was
$178,477,000, but state highway autllor..
ities expect tlle total cost of construction
will be $250,000,000.
Someday America will finish its vast
Interstate system - not countiing perpetual repairs and improvements, of .

course.
Theere is ooe category in whiich the
value of the Interstate system cannot·be
overestimated, or even truly estimated.
This is simply the saving in human lives
being made possible by the ·sa(er ·In;

'rerlitatll

3Ytem.

Highway plan is approved
llv JAMES ROHDE
- Stall Writer lf- 'l ~.':H.,...
The comprehensive jurisdictionanughway plan proposed for
was adopted
last night by tbe ·commission working on since it was
first presented more than a year and a half ago
The commission appointed by the County Board
approved the fB~2-~ two chapters cf the comprehensive
study prepared b)1 the Southeastern Wbconsin Regional
Planning Commission (SEWRPCI before making the
motion to adopt the plan in its entirety
In referring l t to the County Board, the commission
reccomended that the plan be adopted by the County
Board as presented or referr&i back to the committee
NEW MUNSTER -

for any changes.
The commission recommended that the County
BOard accepi. the responsibility for having the report
prinied. Cost was estimated at between $3,500 and
$4,000 for the 250 copies of the plan and will take
approximately eight to 12 weeks for completion.
Ptior to tlo;; formal adoption, county representatives
Earl Hollister, Bristol, and Glenn Miller. Brighton,

f.'Xpressed concern over some county roads being
turned back to the towns which, they said, were not
equipped to mamtain them
"!think we have placed all the safeguards in the plan
we could," Hollister said. "to insure the Intent of the
commission. l stiH foresee changes being being made
before implementation.''
Kurt Bauer, SEWHPC executive director, said he
hoped the
Board would refer the plan back to
the committee
disagreed with any portion of it as
was done in Ozaukee County
Mark Green, sE;WRPC representative, said any of
the
roads reverting back to the townships will
have to
brought to to town standards before the
towns have to accept them.

The comprehensive study was undertaken to:·
~--Promote implementation of the adopted regional

transportation plan.
-Provide a sound basis for the efficient multi-juris·
dictional arterial street and highway system and at·

tainment of the necessary intragovernmental coordination in that management.
~Provide a sound basis for the efficient design and
improvement of the total arterial system by combining
in two subsystems those facilities which, because of the
type and level of service provided, should have similar
standards for design, construction, operation and maintenance.
-Provide a basis for the establishment of a sound
long range fiscal policy and for the systematic programming of arterial street and highway improvement
and thereby to assure the most effective use of public
resources in the provisiOn of highway transportation,
focusing the appropriate resources and capabilities in
corresponding areas of need.
-Provide a basis for the more equitable distribution
of highway system development costs and services
among the level and agencies of government concerned.
Kenosha County is one of only six in the state either
working on or having adopted a county jurisdiction
highway plan.
Implementation of the plan will depend largely on the
availability of funds and it wtll require an amendment
of the state legislation relating to county highways to
permit the establishment of a county branch highway
system consisting of non·arterial highways under the
jurisdiction of the county.
Attending last night's final meeting were Roger
Prange, representing Pleasant Prairie; Howard Blackmon, Somers; Thomas Grady and Robert Lenz 1
Wheatland; Merlin Jahns, Twin Lakes; Clayton
Wagner and Glenn Miller, Brighton; Hollister, Bristol;
Robert Kolstad and Donald Holland, Kenosha; Harland
Clinkenbeard, Bauer and Green, representing
SEWRPC.
Leo Wagner, county highway ...~ommissioner, has
served as chairman of the committee since its ineep- '
tion.

--.."-...,~-._

PADDOCK LAKE- Co~
struction of a passing lane
. oh Hy. 50 near 248lh ave.
may become a reality, according village president
Phillip Dunek_

told the village
boord Wednesday that he
received a letter from Ro!J..
~rt

Huber, state highWay

commission t·hairman, re-:

porting that a distriCt engineer is making a pre-

liminary engjneering study
of the proposed proJect.
Huber indicated that
t

the project appears

simplf'. it requires an
easement and construction
could be complicated by
subsoil conditions.
are plans to secure
easement in
project t.~is

County supervisors during a recent road tour stopped
to watch a new four-yard loader in operation at the
gravel pit near Wilmot. Two scoop• from the loader
would fill a dump truck. In operation lor about six
weeks, the loader is used to feed the gravel crusher and
iakes tbe place of a tbovel and two dumpsters. rwo men
<

can crusb rock atlhe gravel pit In place of the five-man
crew formerly needed. Pictured are (from left) super·
visors Francis Pitts and Jim Amendola and Emil Ruffalo, Highway Commissioner Leo Wagner and' supervisors Earl Hollister and Fred Schmalfedt.
(Kenosha News Photo by Norb Bybee).

Dunek. h<'ls -soUght a

ing lane because of the
posed by heavier traffic
'· In· 1974, persons were
injured in a fou'r-car, t::hain~

reaction arcident.

'Old 43' will be leaving

~~

•-..,,._::)

By JIM MEYERS
11
Stall Writer
··
After Jan. 1, there won't be a Hy. 43 any more.
The major east-west route from the city of Kenosha
11ngling northwest to the city of Burlington in Racine
'founty will undergo a designation change.
· After the first of the year, it will be Hy. 142.
Generations of Kenosha have known Hy" 43 - the
¢xtension of Washington Rd. in the city - as the
Burlington Road, informally, but more often as just
plain "43."
Undoubtedly, it will still be called 43 long after the
Dew year begins, but all official references will call it
Hy. 142.
'43' Moving to Interstate System
Leo Wagner, county highway commissioner, said _the
Hy _ 43 designation will not be lost In fact, it is needed
in Wisconsin for a new Interstate highway .
. Hy. 43 will become the designation for the presllet
Hy. 57, which extends north from Milwaukee to Green
Bay. That route will be 1-43 beginning next year.
Federal highway officials would have continued to
use 57 as the designation for the new !-road, but there
is already a 57 in Illinois.
The County Board's highway committee recently
toured part ·of Hy. 43 as part of its annual road
lilspection trip.
Also as part of that trip, committee members viewed
the $1 million Hy. E construction project, which extended Hy. E from 30th Ave. at the southeast corner of
the UW-Parkside campus about a mile and a hali to Hy,
32 along the lake shore.
The bridge over the Pike River, just west of the
Chicago & North Western railroad crossing, was built
so that the roadway can drop under the tracks as a four·
lane l!ighway '!ben such a move becomes necessary in
the future.
Also in that area, work completed this summer
includes new blacktop on Wood Rd. (30th Ave.) from
Hy. E to Hy. A- alongside the Parkside campus on the
east
A total of 28 miles of county roads were sealcoated
this summer, Wagner told the commssioners. He also
noted that hot bituminous mix this year cost $20,000 a
mile, curtailing this type of work due to the extreme:-.~~
boost in prices over previous years.
A major road project still about two years in the
future is the extension of Hy. Q (McKeon Rd.) in .
~ Ple:asant Prairie about two miles to meet with 1-94.
:;
Impact Study Report Available
;<Wagner said the environmental impact study has
~-n completed and copies are in the highway depart;' mept office on 60th St., and also in the Pleasant Prairie
:~om hall.
:. Afederal okay h!l~ not yetbeen received on the study~
hO\~ever, althoug\, .\t ll! illrpeqt¢<!:.~n,

Fund• for the project are being accumulated by the
county and should reach the point where work can
begin in about two years.
The tour included a stop at the county highway
department's gravel pit on Hy. C west of Wilmot,
where a $60,000 front-end loader was added to the
equipment fleet this year.
Wagner said the loader enables operation of the sand
and gravel-making pit with as few as two men, and
makes the county's price for gravel competitive with
private suppliers.
The loader, operated continuously by one man<while
another oversees the crushing operation, permits .the
county to stockpile gravel faster than it can be useddt
is sold to other municipalities and used for county ro&d
work.

OKA~~~J§_ffWAY PLAN
The administrative committee of !I» Southeastern Wt.sconsln Regional Planning Commission recently announced'
that It had approved th.e final plan for the KenOsha COUnty'
highway jurisdictional system, pending approval from the.
state department of transportation.
Because of tbe maintenance program of the county
highway department, the plan provides for the county to
maintain certain non-arterial roads as county aid roads.
Kenosha County is unique in the slate because all roods
in townships are maintained by the county.
Tbe advisory committee must meelwlthtbeslatedepartment of transportation for approval he cause !be plan conf!Jcts
with the department's policy on granting state aide U.
counties which maintain county highways,

Berteau ~ajls' 'SEWRPC
.can count on funds
'>,-:<<

"~~~~~e chairrna n of Southest

-~'lional Plan Commission 1
!~'i!lWRPC) said Thursday
fhit southeastern W1sconsin
StiOuld be in "tine shape··
fOt" getting federal sew
erage treatment funds
George C. Berteau told
the commission's executive

>,.-~,,

-7-l~~

committee it will apply for
"not less than $5 million'' in
r"ederal funds to develop detailed plans during ihe next
two years.
At the commission's regular meeting which followed
the administratiVe commit·
tee reported it had approved

~OKAY HIGHWAY PLAN

v-~·

•'fJ

Tbe administrative committee of tbe Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission recently announced
that it had approved the final plan for the Kenosha Coonty
highway jurisdictional system, pending approval from the
slate department of transportation.
Because of !be maintenance program of the county
highway department, the plan provides for the county to
maintain certain non-arterial roadS as county aid roads.
Kenosha County is unique In the state because all roods
In townships are maintained by the county.
The advisory committee must meelwl!hlbeslatedepartment of transportation for approval because !be plan conf!Jcts
with lbe department's policy 011 granting state aide to
.counties which maintain county highways.

u ... l.t:..

ft&.c: .. .._,

Request rnore
money for
highways 11-1

the final plan for th~
K~en92h!'!.-CQ.~tr!1Llli ~way

jurisdicttonal system. p'en.O-

ing the approval of the state
Department of Transporta-

tiOn (DOT)
The plan calls for the
count v to keep certain nonarterial roads as ~ounty aid
roads because of the maintenance program of the
county's highway department
Kenosha County"s situ·;Hion is uniqu~ -in the slate
because all roads in the
townshi os are maintained
the ,;ounty.
he Advi:;orv Committee
on this will have to meet
with the state DOT for ap--

proval because this plan is
in conflict with the ,DOT's

policy on granting state aids
to counties who maintain
county highways

other action. the com·
on approved the C
of .Kenosha and the City
R;aCin¢}~~ ~ligibl~

for: _f~er­

al Utoon:Nfass Transit ald.

u,. .....i

··-._..._,·~-.

7s'

MADISON, Wis. (UPl)Gasoline taxes or .vehicle
registration fees should be
raised to provide more mon~
ey for highways, the executive director of the Wis~
consin County Boards As~
sociation said Wednesday.
Robert Mortensen said a
survey has shown that Wis~
consin counties will have
property tax levies for highway purposes of more than
twice the amount they ex~
pect to receive from the
state highway fund.
He said the county levies-,,
for 1975 total $49 million,
while estimated receipts
from the highway fund are
only $24 mtllion.
''Our __ ~urv,er. i~-~ic,a.tes
that more money Is needed
for highwa,Y- purposes/!

d to continu
discussion of highway plan
0__

By~= ~~!~RS
? .. ;?,5,tA two-hour, sometimes heated discussion over Kenosha
ll:lilaaty'a highway jurisdictional plan will be continued from
Tuesday night to a special meeting.
Board members were unable to agree on adoption of the
plan prepared over the past year and a half by an advisory
committee to the highway committee with the aid of the
Sou~heastern Wisconsin Regional Planning commission.
Six of the seven counties in the region have adopted
similar plans to aid in funneling state and federal funds to
most-traveled roads.
·
Kenosha's unique position - the county highway department contracting for most road construction and maintenance outside the city - was one factor leading to the
controversy.
Another was the priority ratings for road Improvements
embodied in the plan. Some felt the new route for Hy. 50
more vital than extending Hy. Q In Pleasant Prairie west
to I-94.
A THIRD CONTROVERSIAL point was the shifting of
some town roads and city streets which are state highways
also to the county's jurisdiction for maintenance purposes.
The discussion will be continued at an administrative
council meeting set for Thursday, May 22, in the Courthouse
Board chambers.
Also at that meeting, the Sheriff's rescue squads and the
future of emergency medical services In the county will be
discussed.
The county is faced with a phase-out of Its station wagon
ambulances due to more stringent state regulations regarding equipment.
·
New members of the Gateway Technical Institute Board
were named Monday by the three County Board chairmen
and announced last night by Board chairman Eric Olson.
SAM RIZZO, RACINE, board member at large, will be
succeeded July I by Mrs. Hilda Greenqulst, Racine. Mrs.
· Corinne Owens, Racine, and Lynn D. Janson, Union Grove,
. were reappointed. All will serve six-year terms beginning
'.July 1.
In other actions. the Board:
~~.Heard that Kenosha County will lose )86,125 in state
f ;iill!r~f:tllxes. under the Joint Finance committee state
,

~ ;iet'":

is

·state hlghwayA.
'Pt. Info misleading .j~. 'J-1r

~

SHICOT, Wis. (UPi) - Secretary of State Douglas
'ollette has accused the state Highway Department of
,forming Manitowoc County officials on the location of
!tate 43.
LaFollette told the 6th District Democratic caucus here
Sunday .two members of the Manitowoc County Board claim
information they received in 1972.from the state agency
"differs' dramatically from where 'fhe highway department
. lsi. presently planning on building• I-'43."
.
He said the highway department ,changed Its plans
~~~T:i~li.the new highway would follow tl);~,;z"resent'
The department now plans to use only .thtee.of
of Wisconsin 141 in the new roadway and. the~ch1
destroy 2,000 acres of prime farmland, LaFollette
He said he believes the Manitowoe County Board
·:~·~~::"PR,~O~~ll,~, construction if they had known

;;~~i:'

t

'"''"

budget proposal and will protest to area legislators.
-Voted to provide written copies of proposed ordinances
to Board members at the first reading.
- Voted to extend the Tri-County Manpower consortium
for another year beginning June 30, and voted to ask the
consortium to provide written guidelines regarding hiring
practices and fringe benefits to avoid union conflicts and
financial committments by the county.
-Voted to protest Governor Lucey's Integrated transportation program as being harmful to the auto industry and
American Motors Corp. while favoring import cars with
better fuel economy. The Lucey propsals would tax newer
and heavier cars more than older and more fuel"efficient
cars and increase license tag costs.
- Voted to drop a Sheriff's snowmobile patrol program
due to a cut in state funding.
- Voted to ask the state to reduce the speed limit from
55 m.p.h. to 45 m.p.h. on Hy. A from niile-tenths of a mile
east of Hy. 31 to Hy. 32.
-Voted to tum down the purchase of 160 acres in wetland
and woodland in Pleasant Prairie for county park purposes
due to the economic conditions.
- Okayed an increase in civilian court bailiff pay from
$16 a day to $20.
- Heard a report from personnel chairman Sup. Earl
Hollister that the county's new personnel director should be
hired by mid-June, and that all grievances dealing with job
upgrades will be held in abeyance by county unions if
•approved pay upgrades are made retroactive to May 1 when
and if they are adopted.
- Referred to the UW commissioners a request from
Unified school board president that the county and city
swap the UW-Kenosha center for Bradford High School.
- Referred to the zoning committee the problem of
floodplain home owners who want to repair or reconstruct
their h"'!!ec~: PeJ:~pii!IF,have been granted so far only if the
owner rmses. tils~horoi two feet above flood level.
f.loiiCe. OF plilltC' HEARING
,..,.,
,.,,.~·

~-·«

~

~

w

' t:t.t~~~~;~pg~l:~E
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF HIGHWAY

"0"

BETWEEN HIGHWAY "H"
AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 94
KENOSHA COUNTY
All Interested persons ere

hereby given notice that a Draft
Environmental Impact Statement
has been prepared for the proposed con~tructlon of Highway
"Q" on new location between
Highway "H" and Interstate
Highway 94 In Kenosha County.
,. This st11tement Is available for
public 'Inspection and copying at
the following locations:
•ofvl!ioion of HIQhways'
Central Office
Facilities Development •
Section
Rm.-651, Hilt Farms State
Offlc8 Bldg.
4802 Sheboypan Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 53702
*Division of Highways•
District 2 Office
310 South West Avenue
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186
Southeastern Wisconsin
Regional
Planning Commission
916 North East Avenue
W11ukesha, Wisconsin 53186
Kenosha County Clerk's
Office
91H6th Street
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140
Gilbert M. Simmons Library
711·59th Piece
Kenosha, Wbconsin 53140 1
•Kenosha County Highway
Commission
5512-60th Street .·.
.)
Kenosha, Wl:icorisln" 53TCO •
*Copies for sale at the~ct IOcatlollt~ 1
Cost of statement $5,20,
'

c:r;~e~~~::;e~er;:~~~~~:,~

environment will be considered
for Inclusion in the Final Er''llron·
mental lmp11ct Statement If received by May 29, 1975. COm·
ments should be directed to:
Chief of Facilities
Development
Wisconsin Olvlslon
of Highways
Fadlffles Development
Sectfon·Room 651
4802 Sheboygan Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin 5J702
Leo J. Wagner
Kenosha County

t.o'?:l7tt-i~~Y~}~Y~-.~~{"m~nio~er
"<~~1!

w:nrt} ., · ,

~{ :~,

l

In the n'lilltter Of the propond construction of County
Trunk Highway "Q" from County
Trunk Highway "H" westerly to
Interstate Hiohway 94 In the
Town of Pleasant Prairie,
Kenosha County.
A combined Location and
Design Public Hearing will be
held by the Kenosha County High·
way Committee on Wednesday,
August20, 197Sat7;00P.M.atthe
Pleasant Prairie Town Hall on
their proposal to construct County Trunk Highway "Q'' between
County Trunk Highway "H" and
Intent ate Highway 94, southwest
of Kenosha.
The proposed protect
which may be Hnanced in. part
with Federal Aid Highway funds,
would provldecompleteconstrucHon consisting of grading,
crushed aggrer;~ate base, a bridge
over the OesPlalnes River, and
bituminous surfacing. Tentative
schedules for the construction
will be discussed.
Ali interested persons are
invited to attend and present concise. relevi!lnt oral or written
statements concerning the economic, social and environmental
impacts and effects of the pro-

ft0i;e~r ~!~o~ 1t~ht~!YP~~~c ~n~~~~~~ \
andconsistentwiththegoalsand I
ob1edives of such area planning
as has been promulgated by the
community.
'
Provisions will be made
for the submission of written
'>tatements or oth~r exh!blts In
place of. or In addition to, the ore.!
st<~tements presented at the public hearing. Written testimony
and/or exhibits m11y be filed with
lhe Kenosha County Highway
Commission if received within 10
calendar days after the date of
'the public hearing. Mall to the
Kenosha County Highway Com·
mission, 5512-60th Street,
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140.
Rfght·of-way acquisition Is
antlc1pated on the proposed improvement. Information regarding acquisition 11nd relocation 115slstance is avaltallle to any lndl·
vidual, family or business who
feels that they may be effected by
this project
An Environmental Impact
Statement has been filed 11ccord·
mg to the National Environmental Polley Act. This document, as
well as maps, drawings, and any
pertinent iniormation developed
by the Kenoshll County Highway
Commission, Including any writ- l
ten views received regarding the;
pro1ect. will be avall11ble for public mspection ;,nd copying.
All information and docu·
ments referred to in this notice
are avall!!ble at the Kenosha
County Highway Commission,
5512-COth Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140, telephone 652-49311.
By order of

-'~'.ill..

,'-'.'.'1',:-.-...... '

t'i.i~

~

Wisconsin mOtorists may beatn seel'Jg
1;own and gold
Rustle Roads marker along some of the state's scenic, low
speed routes, including some Jn this area, later thls year, as'
1
the result of action taken by the Rustic Roads Board.
The now-ofncial marker will designate roads which have
been approved as. part of the Rustle Roads system. The board
has also approved petition forms (or nominating roads ud the
design cen~ept (or a brochure to be distributed to the Public
and landowners along potential rustle roads.
It Is maldng plans to distribute in(ormatluntll materials to
;!"~:lf~~l'";,a~~l5etunties and towns In designating rastk'

Aril.-7to~"fies Rec:ei~ Highway Aids
?.P- '1

. . ., :r

Racine County has ren•ived $R0,09£.1R in state
highway aids.
The state department of
transportation ha~ mail~d
checks to e~ery Wtsco.n~m
county, tot.ahng. $4.8 mtlhon
fr~m the state h~ghway fund.
,. rh_e p~yment IS a stat~~ry
dls~nbu~wn of $3.5 miihon
whtch IS allocated on the
has is of the number of motor
vehide rcJ{istrations in each
eounlytr.·plus, to~l highway
miles exclusive Of city and

yillage roads and streets. In
addition, a payment of $65 is
made for every mile of
county: trunk· highWays.
' Kenosha County received
a payment of $68,677.05 for
assistance in its highway
construction and maintenance program. Walworth
County received $62,711.93.
The basic highway aids for
county trunks are the second
of three major allotments
made to coun~ies eB.cb year~

----

State road aid
piayments made
The ;!.ie8D..~aftment of
TransportatiQn has mailed

checks to every local mu·
nicipality in Wisconsin providing funds for iinproving
county trunk highways and
local roads and streets
The payment to Kenosha
County is· $144,583.
Payments to municipalities
in the county include the
City of Kenosha, $275,866;

Villages of Paddock Lake,

Recycling comes to highways, too
A unique machine (above) thallillVOI preclouo
oil retrourceo by re-uolllg osphalt blgbway our·
lacllig was working on lly. 192 between Hyo. 50

and 43 Moaday and today. The 80-foot long
mousier, •till belllg modified .~Y Ito owners, Jim
~ockoon Contracton of Lillie Rock, Ark., will do
'the 2.5 mile stretch lor $8,000 • mile compared
wl!b $311,000 • mile lor reourlaclllg. The machine

ume• propane torcbe!l to heat tbe rl!lladway to

1,%00 degrees, ~m scarifier to crumble the tOp
tbree.fourtbs Of an lncb:~ ud a leveling device
(below) to smooth tbe roodbed. A thin layer o!
emulsified asphalt Is added, s.nd the 'jnew"
roadbed Is rolled flat and level. With a•pbalt np
to $100 o ton !rom $411 and still riming, •lmllar
devices are sprouting up around. the ceu.ntry.

pnrks- Governor

6-,;4/-"'>, --

the eight towns a total of

The experiment here wa• okayed by lbe •tate
Division of Hlgbwayo wblcb will look at !be
durability of the road lifter a year'• wlnlerillg.
H hi expected to last sevelll yean, the coutraetor
••Y•· A portion of Hy. 12 In Monroe Coaly will
be the next target of !be machine.
(Kenosha Newo pboloo by Norbert llyilee)

$39,865.
Statewide the payments
total $33.5 million. Two such
payments are made each
year. The first was in ApriL
A third "basic aid"

payment is made each'
March but is smaller than
the . supplemental highway

aid payments.

Ian Sparks attle

a

'l--' . ;s-

$13,136, Silver Lake, $10,776,
and Twin lakes. $21,540; and

Dodt~C

and

Blue Mounds.

Volatile 1ssue
While the need is <~ppnrf>nt
for
the road that
from Duhuqlie·
and Prairie du ·chien to Madi·

' son and points east, the Department of Transportation's
proposal {or a four lane divid~
,ed free\vay. from ·South of
Dod~cville to the .west edge _of
Mount Horeb has. been volatHe.
SiJeal~ing lor hUndreds of

prefer an Px~
free\\'ay because
allow grade level en~
try instead of more costly ana
land consuming interchanges.

IandDwners· alone: the

Extension Feared
Recently, frcewRy opponents
in seven towns west of Dodge~
ville- in Grant and Lafayette
Counties -were succes~ful m
getting their boards to petition
agai:p.,:~t it, although s e v,e r a 1
town--officer~ said t h c y per~

-By a JOurnal Artist

A lour lane divided freeway from south of Dodgeville
to the 'vest edge ol Mount .Horeb has been proposed.

Sbnalt~l

Th~y

f<ivored Jt._
__,_
argu_ed that_ c:;mpieti~n

·tu1:n iO 1-Jiifhwal.Ctiai{P: '1 6, '
~ ,-- .. __ ·:

>_Y::-:.'·'-.'"

~~-.,--o;-o.·:."<

_~:~Y~------_7;_._:fj·_'i~)t.'··r_;o·r_t·.-.~_"rT_~i- i~s_·_~- tr~an s4oo ·an
-,._. :··:i<-<> acl'i·::for -$1,000 an-acre farm~

DodgeVme~Mount :H!Jreb rland, ·
~reeWay would lead_ inevitably! Fiedler :said an apPeal would
to an dfort ~o get 1t e~tended have _taken too long and dropfrom Dodgeville to Dickcyvflle. 1 ping the project w o u ! d not
T h e y also oppose rebuilding r have been in the public
Highway 15~-;35-61 from Du-j tcre~t, so the Division of }-l
bu3ue ~n ~ickryn!le.
i wa~·s drcidcd to preoa.re a r~-

of a:

I

~--

Plan ·sparks

7--t 7S'"'
More
' dnily

dimlnatt>d the need for a design for faster speeds.
On the olher hand, the
Associk

P<irks- Governor ·Dodge and
BJtu:. MOunds.

By Richard C. Kienitz
·of The .Journal Stnt'f
6,000 vehicle~
and turn along

Htghw,lys 18··L)1 between

Dodgev!Ue and .Mount Horeb,
with d l' i v e r s often fuming
when the do u b I e veil ow nofor

Volatile Issue
Whl!e the need .is appar'ent
for improvmg the roud that
carries truftic .. trom Dubtique
and Prairie du Chien to Madi-

, son and points east, the

features

De~

for

ze) I

6;

partment of
.

I

I

ner ;
~ \I"~ ~!?Zii.c.·!. I

;

o.~NE. COUNTY

\

oateyVi1

I (

·

;~~

Extension !<-eared

-By a Joumal Artist

in seven

A lour lane divided freeway from south ol Dodgeville
to the west edge of Mount Horeb has been proposed.
t', 100 .. ac:r~s

n~eded

Counties - v.-eJ;'e successful 'in
getting the1r hoards io petition
3.gains-t it, aithough s eYer a i
town officers said t h c y pet·
sonnllv favored:it,
They argued that t:':/mpletiu,r;

free~
. llOW .in_

for a

way-::-:- 63%..::·~.f. it, is

freeway opponents
west of Dodge--

ville- in Grant and Lafayette

croJ?s.:.;- :s.h,ould not _be· taken
out Of faJ11li!lg~:·~P.<;l,.,tfw.tth~ 5.?

mile: RJ?. · _h~~:::ipe"~4:·.~.11-~!:t\jt~f~.·-

""'"'0!!d''"'"

16 .

..~:...:...·;;,.~-·-._____:..;~~"'-:":~. ---~~~.'~ifg.e. ·~~{:l:.:::+.?. ~i'~;:<;::.·:;t~;~~.w~·s+. 9ffe··.·rin
.. g less than $400 an
~.-/.J>:j-·. <> :Qcre·'for $1,000· an_ acre farm·
ol a Dodgeville-Mount Horeb Iland.
freeway would lead inevitabJy. 1 Fie-dler said an appeal would
to an effort to get it c:x:tended 1.have. taken too long and dropfrom Dodgeville to Dick'eyville, 1·ping: the project w o u 1 d n.oi
T .h.e y also oppose rcbmldmg have been ln the public, !n1-l:Jghway l5h35-6l from Du-ltercst,.so the Division of H1gh·
buque to Dickeyville.
Iways decided to prep~re areContinuing t~ fight for a vised impact statement
frreway, they ~aid, would only t D 0 v l e accepted thr new
hold up the "few spot an.d safe- 1/ s.tatem€nt ln April and lifted
ty improvements" thev feel the .injunction.
are needed to make the presFiedler ;;aid, "We are now
ent road adequate west .of free to proceed with the projDodgeville..
.
ect, 11 and State Rep. JaQ1e::;
.Ronal_d -Fle~lcr of Mad1son, Azim (R-Muscoda) and Sen.
d 1 s t r t c t highway. rngm~er, Kathryn Morrison (D-PlatteR g r e e s that a f!lckeyvJlle- ville) have asked that it be
Dodgeville lreeway Is not war- done
rant.ed today. The only serious I
:
.
mention of it, he sayS, was in
Aznn claimed _that the two
a preliminary planning study year delay .n~d mcreased tl:e
made in 1968, whic~ never got
$7.7 mllllon, to $37.5 milthe Hio::rhway Cornmtssion's of~ lion.

I

I
lc_ost

th~~ t~:sp~~s~o~~e ~~go~~dn~:

flcial :pproval.
.
.
Request Made.
used, Fiedler said local offiH·We've been requested .by dais preferred the new one
Grant County to proceed With and it would be "pretty, tough
a four lane highway from Die- to upgrade the existing road
keyville to Dubl!-que to handle, and still bypass the vil.lages."
commuter traffic," F i P. d 1 e r i A hearing was held 1n 1970
said.
I on the Mount Horeb-Madison
But he noted thal traffic in j se.gment of 18·151 .hut the situ·
that 151-.35-61 section was 7,, at10n was compltcated hy a
R.~O vehicles a day compared later proposal for a new ;'outE'r
w1th 3,400 on ]51 north of I beltline" around M<1dison that
Dic~eyvllle ~owardpodgevi!lc.! woul-d require .., major intN .
Ftedler sa1d .studtes b e t n g change with 1R-151 n e a r
made with low<~ . on t~e .worn~ I Verona.
some 80 y car old M1ss1sstpp1
. C
·u
River bridge on Highway 151 i
Spccta 1 omm! e~
<lt Dubuque extended up to i The Dnne County BoB.rd s.ct
Dickeyville. Hen.rings planned j up <1 special citizen.s commlithis fall·or winter will consider i tee to ponder this matter. Tn

I

I

1

~r:t~~eaZ and

expressway

altcr-j ~~~s~1~~e~(_;;1 t~J~o~~~~~. bJ~::~

No planning is underway be-l and a controlled acce.:;s high~
tween Dickeyville tand Dodge" I wav to Verona, from where
ville and none ;1; contemplated I there alreadv are four lanes.to
n?'Y• Fielder said, although the Madison.
..
htghw_ay J?lan f<?r the entire
Every effort should be made
state Is bemg revJewed,
to follow the present route,
Land Acquisition
the committee's report said in
The dispute over the Dodge· April, including selection of
ville-Mount Horeh segment be· the site for a Verona bypass
gan Simmering among a f e w when needed,
The report added: "The fupeople along the route 'lnd in~
terested groups .from ~\1adiso~ I turc trend of traffic growth
~such as the Wtsco_nsm Coah-1 will de p r. n d in significant.
t)On for Balanced 1 ranspo;:ta-! measure on fedNal energy poliJOn - w)wn land acqulsLwn i lclf'.s that have not yet been
began in 1972 after the design i
~nd <! fede~~~ environmental i
committee feels, there:~~g~~J. statement had been ap-! fore, that dl!ring this period. of
In M a r c h. 1973, the Con·~~ u n c ~' r t a I~ t y, construct: on
cPrned Citizens group went to shatJ]d , he aJmed nt meetlng
court to block- !nnd hvying and I short ran~e r<lther, than lo_n.~
lPtting of
Th:=tt July 1
p~OJE'c!ed trrn.f'! ~eeds.
Feder<~ I J u g c James Do,vle i
!J eoncl.uded, Jt was
called the impncr statemcnL in~ arpropnate
l!ght of that to
adequnte nnrt is.sued. <1n injunc- bml~ a
fnur lnnr.
ti'on. Be~ des the other imprtct.s, corndcr through western Dane
Mrs. Tl~pson ssdd, the state, County.

I

I
i

I

I

"'·-----....

IN INTERSTATE PLANS- The US Highway 141 interchange at Silver Spring Dr. is expected to be one of
the most heavily overhauled along the Milwaukee
County section of the roadway when it is brought up

to interstate standards, possibly by 1979, with the de~
velopment of Interstate 43. Current plans call for moving the sPrawling interchange west to get all parts of a
new diamond configuration away from heavily devel~

oped land along the east, and to get the ramps away
from Silver Spring and Port Washington Rd. The new
bridges would be just west of the present ones. Inter,.
state 43 is planned to run to Green Bay.

ll That Work-and 141 May Be Redone~G
By .Terry Wil}<erson
of The Journal Staff
Even before the concrete hardens on
some of the $3.8 million in safety im·
provements on US Highway 141 here,
state engineers are planning to change
the roadway again in 1979 to interstate
standards as part: of lnterstate 43 to
Green Bay.
About $1.4 million worth of those im·
provements will have to be ripped out be~
tween the Silver Spring Drive area and

And the impact on the communtty
could be substantially greater than origi·
r.al frf.'eway construction.
rlw engineers know from the road's
history, as well as that of I-43, that.

t~~~~~~~e~l~~~t~s7i~~!.~s~he

~~io:fq~~. r~~~~;~~~~ga~~er~~/t:~t~5a\::~:

$200,000 of them will be

the way do.

Anrt

"Why are they doing
this to us?"
~Motorist

tHHc

o•

1 o:J~<J

'

'"!

of

Tt'll he even rougher than they found it
r€'cent1y when side by side traffic bottle·
necks \'-'ere formE-d on Port Washington
Rd. in Glendale, where construction had
already rubbed nerves raw, and on Highway 141, where the contractor took longer than hfld.been expected.
Then why?

Whv build d~uble concrete m~ian
barrie[ walls you plan to partly take out
soon?

Why rebanl;; curves, widen bridges,
add longer merging lanes ai some en~

ing 'Nhen they will be in-part uprooted
four years later?

"'

Why not design the safety improve..
ments ~nd the new interstate features for
construction at the same time. saving
hundreds of thousands of 1axpnyer dol·
lnrs?
'Why wasn't the ultimate road built in
the beginning, back in the :mict ':'lOs.
Rvoiding almost continual improvements
since?
Or, as one motorist put it a few days

trances and ex~s and install new light·
Turn to Highway,
They were the vastly differ- [ Acheson- ~aid.
i interstate that might nOt. meet
,,_,,.--~--·-~(""':.~,~""''-:A
· He cited thP _differences b~-1 its schedule, for whatever rea·
tween the 1954 ·and 1965 edi·l sons?
!.ions of the bihle on roadh~ild-j
Many Delay~
1 n g ~ta~d<uds, the A~enran
"f can 1 0 0 K 11 t the f'ntirP:
Ass?~HttJon of State Htghw~y frpeway program her!" and .sef'
Offtc!als Bluehook as one m· that <;Chedules hAven't rneRnt a
stance of the.. chan~es t.h 11. t! thing.
hove occurred tn engmeenng.
"l n ! h e meant1me,
_
h
_
I e pns1"

Ii
I

Elevation of Curves
1 tivf' safet~' effects we havP:_ aldiHerenccs in the two! ready experienced frnm .sim1lar
Jargf. on such points! improveme-nts on ot~er s P c·
RS elevation of r u r v e s and I tinn.s of freeway indJcatcd to
mer~ing traffic lanes, he point· us_that we should do lhe same
ed out.
thmgs on thi;; portion of 141.
Concrele median hHrrler~ 1 "In ouroptnion,provislonof
Doniel A. Kasten.hol::
were experimental wht>n metal! thel'~ !i~fet:,.1 f e a t. u r e _s ?'a·~
L~ anrl rr;.ils were installed v.:ort~, 1t for P-v e ': a hm!t.ed
141. And the values of the 1t~me. Shehesta sa1d the dennew double walled harriers _! SJOn ~ou!rl have been the samf':
r-ent.er road lighting savin s I even Jf.1.41 h.ad hP.en declared
changing
on accident Oamaged 'si n a;d I the offJcta! lmk her~ _for 1-4,1
from one vear to the next.
light
and prnvisi~n of a fwe\1 b;fore thP dectston was
.
'made i\ov. 12, 1974.
They were the availability or refuge _ ~tranded motonsis
Much .of th!'\ work betwePn
!Hck of local, fit~tP and federal r1nd m;unten~nce men- could! Wi.sconsm A:·e. and Lexington
mont>y in a given -ye~r to do only he guessed then,
. wns dnne w1th an evP toward
the joh.
Many of todAy'.:; road engi· 1 thr l-4.3 imr:rovemen!s ~nd wi-lt
Ache·: he I!Sl'.hle, She.hest,q said<
Ann t ~ -"'-----------'--'------"'--

fire.

don't know
of the fP.der
he yrt. We will have
to m fl k e 'rrr.ommendations
I when we get there and find
"V~_te

out."
But experienced Pngineers,
Acheson, hrtvf> to l'l!'l·
the federal inter-

I

i

·-Ry a Journal Artist

,
.
CHOSEN R 0 U f E_ - - 11m•
maP shows the _l\-'11\waukee
County section of US Hig:hway: 1~1 . .State enginee-r.s are
?egmnt~g _~o m~p pla_n..<; _for
1mprovmg 1t agam. th.Js t1me
to meet mt.er~tate htghway
standards. 1JS 141 was chosen for the: location of the
\Ounty's sed ion of Tnterstate
4J to. Gref'n Bay nfter.con~
strurtwn nf thf': S t"' d 111
Fn"e~ay North,;., n 5

nitelv-p'ostpone-d,
·

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~~::_e__~~~ _~!.~!~~ p~.1apt

Highway
f
I

I--43 to,. Bring More Changes to 141
Fmm'vage 1

1

inglon AVP, 'north, ·instead of! struc~ion engineer, _fnult.ed nn

i
I

s?n ,<:aid, arP built on even

higher stand::uds than th~se of
1 he current 1wo. Lexington 1one m the. approximately 20
Ave is ;;;outh-nf Silver Spring! ~·ear~ of planning anri rep! an·
the last Bluebook, b_<~s~d m nn
DL '
~
! ning, huildlng and rebuilding
small, part on acoMnt data
M aj 0 r bridge revision~ to! l4L
.
.
comp1led_ em ro<~dwa_ys 1 hat
meet-interstate standards.· f 0
And the:v_ ~~m~d that bust~
were destgned h~rgely on theob 0 t h horizontal and vertical ness or_ polltJUl! mterests had.
ry.
cleanmces. That roilY mean re-. e:'er caused theJ!l to underdeValue Judgments
huilding severn! m a·j or struc-! ~~1~~ then make tmprovement~
But final decision tm when
tures, such RS ::~.t North Ave., 'i a ·
.
and what to build are still, as
Center St., Locust, Keefe, At~.
Changes tn Area
nlways, value. judgments, thP
kinsor'l, Capitol Dr. and others. I' They say the "faults," if
Officials Bluebook, R~ one inAnd Shebesta .said he conMajor interchange improve., they he correctly termed that,
ment.s ?t Silver Spring, Good 1were rather those of-the grow·
.
.sldered it "downright dangerHope Rd. and Brown Deer R~., ing: pains of the Rrea:
Robert (Bud) Acheson
ow;, maybe even unethical" for
including relocation of the S!\-, They were motoring habitst t d d
f 1 d
e
d the today's signal callers to Monv e r Spring int.rrc.hange v-:est [never precisel,v.precticta.ble .but 1 ~:;er~~n~e 0 of :nr·eu: p~Jner~ day ~orning quarterbac_k ";hat
between the .M1lwauke~ R1ver 1 even .Jess so w~ 1 en a superh1~h- I and en ineen; in 'uggling all of the 1 r prede~essors d1rl tn a
and the current 141 nght of wav is .ftrst butlt or gr.eatly tm- th
,.~.. Jts, J .
. completely different context
way lihe.
,
.
pro\,ed and some drivers be~'~hva~id~'t Henry Ford de- years before.
Resurfacing, an~ related im·! gin g~ung out nf thetr way to 1 sign 3 T-Bird?" asked Acheson
As for today's 141 improv~provements s 1 m. 1 1 a r to the 1u :o; e 1t rather than a shorter in summing up .al.l of these fac·l ments and another ¥:'ave
work now heing done. on the I route.
I tors after severll.l hours of four years hence, he ts w
Harvey Shebesta
Ea.o;t-Wcst Freewa).',
, I . They were t?e _emergenc.e of going over the records on t.41 .. to t.~ke hlame or credit. Listen
. There would be. ~o ma,~o.r I ever better bmldmg matena!s,
"Jf we'd had 1he knowledge to h1m on the matter:
d th
. ,
rl 1 nght of way acqUISJlton, eng1·l construction design, faster ved the experience we now
"How could you ev. er justify
~~~ jusf'l ~:~~~n 5 ~oa I neers now feel, ~ecau~e th_ey j hic!~s more and mor~ readily have when w~ originally de-. le<~.ving thR.t highwa:-.' Without
;.vou.\d be. e~pandm.g pr. tmanly! avaJla.hle to ~ver growmg num·. '.ig.ne.d t.he. roa.d. st.1re w. e·w. ould 1 k. nown s R f e t y featu.re. s for
Ability Grows
· m the extsttng roadway.
bers of drivers.
i have doM it differently,t!, years on the basis of <'I planned
And thev suggest hoth lhe
The _target date of 1979 fori They were the vastly diffe-r· I Ache::>on said
I mterstatB that might not mE':et
tmmat.urlty and rapid grn\l..'th begmmng lhf' work w.as Set he·
' He cited the d1rfE'rences h(:':·l it~ :-;chedu!e, for whR!ever rE'R·
. ·., ·
,
.
,· cau~e o.r.expected l!m1ts on the
tween the 1954 and JD65 edi-! .sons?
of htgl1\~·ay eng~nee:m~ 85 S( t· av::JJiab11Jty of federal mrJnf'Y
tions of th~ hible on roadbuild·!
Many Dela\'s
~-i~: .~.~~~ e ~rt~~~lo;l~~~~J~:;p~;ta~ I for
of the total cost of the
t n g ~ta~dards, the A~erica~ I
"f nm 1 o o k at, the entir~
exprrLs ar"' saving that I
Ass?~H!.tlon of .State Hlghwa~ i frpPway progrr~m herp and sPP.
.. t·d t·h'sl
. "
Offloals Bluebook as onP Jn•ithat scheduleshavpn'tme<lnt.R
h Ul.II"
t mg J.s a.
ea · · :at 1t,
stanC"e of the changes t.h R 1 I thing
hack to a siinilari ;~~,
have occurred in engineNmg.
"In. the m?(!ntime, the po:::l·
Elevation of Curve~
j tivP. safety effects we ha.vE': ;:t,!-

i

rl

I

I

.. . .

I

I

I

l

I

I
Ian

I

I

I

I

I,

The d. ifferences in the !.wo · :eady experienced from stmllar
arf nf!en !;ugf' on surh pomts 1 Jmpro\'em!."nts on other s e ras rlr-vation of curvE> s and tions of freeway inDicated tn
mr:-r~ing traffic l<mes, he point-· us that we should do the same
ed nut.·
things on th1s portion nf 141.
Danid A Kastenhofz
Concrete median hRrrler~
"In our opinion, prov1sion of
·
,
were experimental w(len metal these s~fet~~ f e a I. u .res was
whe,~ we get there (IOd fmd in g political climates in onP.I post~ ~nd rail's were mstalled ~ort~, lt for !'! v en a limited
out.
.·
.
. :community nr another nlong on 141 And thf' values of the ttme. Shebe.sta sa1d the decJBu! expP!l€nced Pngmeets, 1the route a;; well as the prr:.·
II d h .
s1on would have been the same
. 1 d.
.1
. 1
·,
· • ·
·
.'
. · I new double wa e
arners -~
1 d
11R1.·€
mcu mg: A c1eson,
ORS··vRilmgstr.teandnatlonalpoht·:
. h.
.
even 1·r 141 h a d h e~n d ecarf'
'>lime tha:. the feder<ll inter·]tca1 w·i~d~. changin~ markedly 'I ~~n~~·~i;f'~tdd! 1~a~~~·s;~:J~;~. Ihe official link her~ ,for 1·,4:1
sta.t.e m. 1nrmum .stanrlard.s can- from one vear io the next.
_,
1well hefore the. declston "<~S
1.
not he hent much to Rccommo,.
..
i l!ght pnsts Rnd prOVISIOn of a 1 made Nov. !2, H174.
date e.ven a short IE'?, of I-1,'3.
; They were t~e avalla.btl!fy or 1 r<'fuge for stranded mnt.orist::;
Much of thA v.1ork h(".t wel"n
ShelwsfH. chief of 11ack of ~neal, ~tate. and fedr:ra!: <1ml matntmance men- could, Wisconsin Ave. and Lexmgton
Milwaukee Disl rid,"i mnn.Py m R- g1ven year to ·dn: only he gur.ssed then.
was done with an eye toward
and DRniel /\.Kasten· I the JOh.
! MRny of today's roar! engi~, the IA11mprovement.s and wHI

I

i

1

I

!

I

·-By a JO!lrnnf A rUst

CHOSEN R 0 UTE -- This
map shows the Milwaukee

County section nf US Highway 141. State f'ngineers Rre
heginning to map .plans for
improving it again. this time
to meet ·interstale highway
standal'ds. tiS 141 w<~:s rhosen for the location of the
county's section of Inter.s1ate
43 to Green Bav r1f1er con"'
Mrudion of 1he- S t a d i u m
Fn:eway North was indeft·
nitely po~tponed.

"~-----~·~.~~~i-~~:~':.!·'~.~~:_~n--e~-"-A.:'_~- ~-~-~-~- wer':..~~~(>~~-~!~~. :_L~~~ent~-~2:~e··_l~~~~<:._hle. Shehesta said

"-"--.. .....,

___

,

Traffic signs and symbols, some of which are pictured on the
help make your travel in Wisconsin easier and safeL His impor!!'llL
only to learn their meaning, but to develop the habit of noticing them
and responding to their message. If some of them still stump Y<"L check
the bo.x below-and feel free to take this placemat with you fc·
reference.

For Hsounds of safety"-and messages of local coior and inten'·:st--iune
to local Wisconsin radio stations as yon drive through the state Most of
them-·on both the AM and FM dials-offer you such features'"

~·Informative

"You're the Driver"
messages and suggestions.

Vii- Information on road construction

and detours.
Safety alerts.
t~· State

and local traffic enforcement
advice.

@.Department of Transport: tiuAAA weather 3!id ro;:ld
f.'-' Accident and
tion.

int(_'riib

Tlps for travelers.

News of local events und

I; ,_

al

MEANINGS OF SIGNS: I. Twoway traffic. 2. Ways;cle . .l.
zoneo 4. No U~turn. 5. Divided highway ends. 6. Do not
lane ends. 8. Yield right of way. 9. Cattle crossing. l 0. Keep
11. School crossing. 1'2. No right turn. 13. Deer crossing. l4.
turn. 15. Traffic signal ahead. 16. Hospital, in the direction
17. No passing zone.

14¢5
L

.,~'::\)'>''

J

=
-·

··-...

ASS.IN~
~~~
NO'

17

This restaurant joins with GOVERNOR PATRICK J. LUCEY. SECPET!-.RY ()!-'
TRANSPORTATION ZEL RICE. and STATE HIGHWAY SAFETY COORDW.J.
TOR JOHN RADCLIFFE in wishing you pleasant and accident·lree

Wisconsin.
(Produced in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Adrninislrat ion
and Federal Highway Administration, and distributed by Wisconsin State

/

r--- Picture signs erected for five-year test---,

I Reaction sought from U.S., ~p~eig11 travelers on understanding symbols I
.'/'

- / ;.·;? ;

~@]~[I]~
~~[!;J[JJ
Mail

Information

ftrst A1d

Elevator

Currency

Baggago

Hotel

Torr.ts.

found

Exchange

lockers

Information

Women

To rielS

Torlell. Mon

[]]][!J[Jj]

Heliport

lost ond

CIJ OOtJ [I]

'

Car Rental

Coffee Shop

Taxi

Bar

Shops

][~~
No Smokrl"'g

htephone

Rostaurant

Smokmg

Parktng

No Parkmg

No Entry

Bus

§g
Ground

fr.tns.portatron

Rail
Transpol1atlon

Arr

Transportalron

Water
Transportation

The language banier for foreign visitors to the U.S during the Bicentennial celebration is ex"
pected to be lessened considerably with introduction of these wordless symbols and directives
In addition, the picture signs are expected to make it easier for U.S. travelers to immediately
understand the offerings of a public fadlity or commercial service - at least quicker than
reading words on a sign. Extensive testing. however, will determine if this is true.
The 33 signs are nO\.V being erected in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington.
D.C~ Williamsburg, Va.., and in various sections of Florida
The symbols are in step with the U.S. Dept of Transportation's move toward uniform traffic
signing, although the above signs, of course, will inform all travelers - not only motorists --of
various services and facilities.
]ffi~g~ns will be tested for about five years, according to the American Institute of Graphic

Trckol
Purchase

Che~:9~~r.,m

Customs

lmmtgraflon

Arts. As the reaction of travelers dictates, the signs will be modified. Also during the testing
period, says the Dept of Transportation, sponsors of the project, various colors on the signs will
be uSed until the most suitable color is determined
A final s·et of symbols wil! be submitted to the American National Standards Institute for
adoption by the U.S.
For the past several years, most states, including Wisconsin. have been slowly introducing in·
telnational traffic symbols. Used extensively in Europe for decadeS, these symbols in the U.S.
have words beneath them to lessen confusion The words will be eliminated after a long introductory period, according to the AAA Traffic Engineering Dept.
The signs currently being erected in the East and in Florida for Bicentennial travelers will not
have any words below the symbols.

r;._1

(f' I

Hy. Q extension opposed by envir.onmentalists
By JIM MEYERS .
_
Staff Writer
8 ·.ll ' 7 )
PLEASANT PRAIRIE - A proposed new traffic
artery linkiog the lakeshore area with Salem Township
on the west drew objections from environmentalists
which could cripple the project.
The objections to extending Hy. Q (McKeon Rd.)
from Hy. H to 1-94 came at a public hearing on the
location and design of the project held at the Pleasant
Prairie Municipal Building Wednesday night.

The new 1.9 mile segment is proposed by the Kenosha
County Highway Commission and Pleasant Prairie
Town Board as a major east-west route opening up the
southeastern part of the county to through traffic.
Objections came from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service of the Department of the futerior. That group
is also asking the Army Corps of Engineers to deny a
permit for the road.
J:!obert G. Reusink of the Green Bay office of the Fish
and Wildlife Service said his group and the Department
of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protec,.,!,ijln Agency are. "strongly opposed'" to the project.
\ 1 He said the PNcPosed ro~,9l"~X would destroy

wetlands and wildlife habitat where it crosses the IJes
Plaines River marsh.
Wildlife Observed
Reusink said ducks, geese, songbirds, woodcock,
snipe, northern pike, largemouth bass, muskrat and
beaver have been spotted in the area and would be
displaced.
Reusink said alternatives are available, including
routing of the new road over Hy. ML to Hy. 31 and to
Hy. 174.
.
Opposition also came from Phil Sander, Kenosha,
executive secretary of the Southeastern Wisconsin
Sportsman's Federation, who said the road will cut
through the last wildlife area in Pleasant Prairie.
Ten others spoke in favor of the project. Highway
committee chairman Sup. Francis Pitts said a meetiog
will be held with the objectors to see if a compromise
can be reached.
Among those in favor of the road were State Reps.
George Molinaro (D-64th) and Eugene Dorff (D-65th);
State Sen. John Maurer (D-22nd), former Pleasant
Prairie town chairman for six years; Charles W.
Haubrich, present town chairptan; Don H. Wruck of the
town hoard; George P. CoMolly, Kenosha, who owns

part of the right-of-way; Arthur R. WOOdward, Pleasant Prairie, a hunter and sportsman in the area for 40
years; Otto H. Sprenger, Pleasant Prairie, a realtor;
highway commissioner Leo Wagner, and Sup. James
Amendola, Kenosha, highway committee member.
All testified that the amount of valuable wildlife in
the area was negligible.
A major highway cuts directly through Horicon
Marsh, said Wagner, "and there are more geese and
ducks there than anywhere in Wisconsin.''
Amendola said there is as much wildlife in his yard
in the center of the city as there is in the 14 acres of
the 600 acre marsh that the highway will occupy.
Sen. Maurer said the roadway has been a high
priority item for the town for at least 14 years and is
essential to the economic development of the area.
Sprenger noted that the marsh is privately owned
with part of it already a hunt club and another portion
a new camping club.
"There will be little real wildlife area there in the
future anyway.""Sprenger said. "It is not in primeval
state even now."
Woodward, the sportsman. said he has hunted and
fished in the area for 40 years and has seen only
bullheads and carp, no northern or bass. He also said
the ducks he has seen have come in across 1~94 and are
hot native to the marsh.
~
Connolly called the Des Plaines "a veritable
cesspool'" holding nothing but trash fish, and asked how
officials could justify a route over Hy. ML with its
probably loss of life over a hazardous, twisting route
just to "save a few beaver."
Haubrich said the proposed highway will not disturb
any homes, businesses, parks or recreation areas and
is essential to open up seven square miles of the town
to fire, plowing and road services which now must
travel a long and circuitiouS route.
Haubrich also noted that the road will involve only
21fz per cent of the far northern edge of the marsh.
Hy. ML 'Unsuitable'
State Rep. Dorff said officials "have to face reality,"
noting that preservation of wildlife is important but
that the highway is essential to the area.
"We need a direct route to coMect Hy. 32 to Hy. 46
on the west, to relieve congestion on Hys. C and)O,',"
,Dorff sa)d. "Using Hy. ML won't solve anythiiJI!, It
would put the traffic right back on Hy. C. We h~ve to

move th€ traffic."
State Rep. Molinaro charged that the environmental
impact statement "is a detriment to the progress of
this area."
· Molinaro said that if roads are not planned for the
future development of U'1e area "you will have a
greater hodge podge than any slum you ever saw."
He said the Hy. ML route would be "full of curves,
turns and jogs," and that "you would be lucky to see
bullheads in the spring in the Des Plaines."
Molinaro said the Des Plaines is a mudflat in June,
July and August and is not subject to the navigable
stream regulations. ''Only frogs and mosquitos are
spawned here," he said.
Pitts said additional written testimony will be taken
by the county highway commission until Aug. 30. He
said the highway group will meet with anyone who has
questioll$.
If approval can be obtained on the environmental
aspects, the tentative timetable for construction begins
with appraisal of needed right-of-way in June 1976. Bids
would be let in May, 1977, with work starting in the
Sllplmer of 1977 and completion expected in 1978.
Total project cost is estimated at $790,000, with 70 per
cent paid by the federal government. The county
l!lready has $320,000 set aside to cover its 30 per cent.
Costs could be higher if an alternate route, swinging
to the north then back, is chosen. Costs would also be
higher ·if an elevated crossing is proposed over the
Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad tracks.
The tentative proposal is for a grade crossing. An
overhead would cost an additional estimated $250,000,
and was urged by a railroad spokesman who said a
grade crossing would be dangerous.
The spokesman. James H. Bolitho, said two high
speed ·banked tracks carry 18 daily freights and 12
Amtrak passenger trains travelling 70 m.p.h. in the
area of the proposed crossing.

",,'Jle. county highWay plaiJ

ftri
~,...,
By JIM
Staff Wrller

Kenosha's highway plans for the next 15
ears were outlined in a priority list ap-roved Wednesday night by city imd rural
fficials.
Only nine of the 22 members of the Techical and Intergovernmental Coordinating

and Advisory Committee on Jurisdictional
highway Planning for Kenosha County were
present.
However, the actions taken were official,
and the priority list will stand unless
amended.
County highway commissioner Leo
Wagner said the list of proposed highway

~

projects will be updated aMually by the
committee, but can be_ amended in a special
session between annual meetings.
THE PROBLEM OF ATTENDANCE will
be referred to County :Board chairman Eric
Olson, who will be asked to appoint memhers who are able to .attend committee
sessions.
Committee members viewed a highway
plan· that has been in the works for 18
!llOnths, and which was ordered by the
->eourity Board in 1968.
__/lbe hiehwav nlan is oart of the South-

Funding of the projects is a question,
meaning that most would not be constructed
in the time frame indicated on the plan.
"We will be able to build the projects as
funds become available," said Tom Clark of
the District 2 office at Waukesha of the
state Highway Commission, "but we don't
See any money coming at the present time."
A half-dozen changes in the printed plan
were made by the committee, mostly to a!ld
projects to the priority lists, before they
were adopted.
Two C'.itv

nroiP.l!.t.<~

are alrP.adv scheduled

include three more projects.
A state project added by Holland is
ington Rd. (Hy. 142), 32nd Ave. to 22n
1979, and two county projects: 30th
60th St. to Roosevelt Rd., 1977; and
Ave., 60th St. to 75th St., between 1981 and
1986.
State projects already on the priorityJist .
for the 1975-1980 time period are:
Hy. 32, 91st St. to 60th St.; Hy. 142,
to 1-94; Hy. 50 (75th St.), 52nd A
Sheridan Rd.; Hy. 75, 60th St. (Hy. K)
50: Hv_ 83. Hv_ 50 to the Illinois sta

rg

I

The new L9 rni!e segrn.ent is proposed by the Kenosna

Commission and Pleasant Prairie
east-west route opening up the
to through traffic.
S. Fish and Wildlife
of the Interior. That group
Corps of Engineers to deny a

is also
permit for
:;bert G. Reu.sinkoft.heGreen
of the Fish
Wildlife Service said his group
the Depa.rtment
of 0!a.tural Resources and the Env1ronmentat Protec~

Uon
He

to the project.

would destroy

·"''

Kenosha's highway plans for the next 15
years were outlined in a priority list approved wednesday night by city and rural
officials.
Only nine of the 22 members of the Tech~
nical and intergovernmental Coordinating

/

l

and Advisory Committee on Jurisdictional
highway Planning for Kenosha County were
present
However, the actions taken were official,
and the priority list will stand unless
amended.

County highway commissioner Leo
Wagner said the Jist of proposed highway

rI 7._

execuuve l'it::t:tc~dl:J v1 ,_..,c....., ...........~~-~~--"·
Sportsman's Federation, who said the road will cut
through the last wildlife area in Pleasant Prairie
Ten others spoke in favor of the project. Highway
committee chairman Sup. Francis Pitts said a meeting
will be held with the objectors to see if a compromise
can be reached.
Among those in favor of the road were State Reps.
George Molinaro (D.jj4th) and Eugene Dorff (D.jj5th);
State Sen. John Maurer (D-22nd), former Pleasant
Prairie town chairman for six years; Charles. W.
Haubrich, present town chairman; Don H. Wruck of the
town board; George P. Connolly, Kenosha, wlw owns

projects will be updated annually by the
committee, but can be amended in a special
session between annual meetings.
TilE PROBLEM OF ATIENDANCE will
be referred to County -Board chairman Eric
Olson, whO will be asked to appoint mern·
hers who are able to ,attend committee
sessions.
Committee members viewed a highway
plan- that has been in the works for 18fnonths, and which was ordered by the
County Board in 196!L
The. highway plan Is part of the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning
Commission's plan for the physical development of the seven·county area in this corner
of the state,
It was adopted by the County Board
earlier this year and with last night's ap~
proval as amended, is ready for implemen"
tation.
Keith Graham of SEWRPC told the committee that unless a highway or road project
is on the master planning priority list, fed<
era! and state funding·would not be granted.
COUNTY, TOWN AND CITY officials
said they felt they had included all possible
road projects through 1900 in the plan in the
event funding should become available.

the 000 acre marsh that the highway will occupy.
Sen. Maurer said the roadway has been a high
priority item for the town for at least 14 years and is
essential to the economic development of the area.
Sprenger noted that the marsh is privately owned
with part of it already a hunt club and another portion
a new camping club<
"There will be little real wildlife area there in the
future anyway,'' 'Sprenger said, ''It is not in primeval
state even now_"
Woodward, the sportsman, said he has hunted and
fished in the area for 40 years and has seen only
bullheads and carp, no northern or bass. He aiso said
the ducks he has seen have come in across I~94 3nd are
not native to the marsh"
Connolly called the Des Plaines "a veritable
cesspool" holding nothing but trash Hsh, and asked how
officials could justify a route over Hy ML with its
probably loss of life over a hazardous, twisting route
just to "save a few beaver,,
Haubrich said the proposed highway will not disturb
any homes, businesses, parks or recreation areas and
is essential to open up seven square miles of the town
to fire, plowing and road services which now must
travel a long and circuitious route
Haubrich also noted that the road wHi involve only
2~~i per cent of the far northern edge of the marsh.
Hy. ML 'Unsuitable 1
State Rep. Dorff said officials "have to face
noting that preservation of wildlife is kmportant
that the highway is essential to the area.
"We need a direct route to connect
32 to Hy, 45
on the west, to relieve congestion on
C and 50,··
Dorff said. "Using Hy. ML won't solve anything, it
would put the traffic right back on Hy. C We h0ve to

ay
Funding of the projects is a question,
meaning that most would not be constructed
in the time frame indicated on the plan.
"We will be able to build the projects as
funds become available," said Tom Clark of

the District '2 office at Waukesha of the
state Highway Commission, "but we don't
See any money coming at the present time.
A half~dozen changes in the printed plan
were made by the committee, mostly to al)d
projects to the priority liSts, before they
were adopted.
Two city projects are already scheduled
for start in 1976: Reconstruction of Hy. 32
from B3rd St. to 9lst St., and reconstruction
of 30th Ave. from Washington Rd. (Hy. 142)
to 34th St.
TilE IIY, 32 PROJECT is a state highway
job, to be done with state aids, and the 30th
Ave. project is a county aid project.
City street projects on the priority list are
39th Ave., 45th St. to Washington Rd. (fly.
1421, 1977; 18th St., 22nd Ave. to 30th Ave.,
1978; 85th St., Sheridan Rd. to 7th Av~.•
1979; 47th Ave., 45th St. to Washington Rd.
(Hy. !42), 19BO, and 85th St., 32nd Ave, to
39th lwe., 1981.
City public works director Donald Holland
got approval to amend the priority list. to
N

~uca.Ju- L~5"'""~•'-'•·~·

spawned here,'' he said.

Pitts said additional

W'

by the county highway <
said the highway group"

questions.
If approval can he ot
aspects, the ten~ative tin

with appraisal of needed
would be let in May, IS
summer of 1977 and cor

Total project cost ts es
cent paid by the fede1
~!ready has $320,000 set
Costs could be higher
to the north then back,
htgher if an elevated c

Chicago, Milwaukee anc
The tentative proposa
overhead would cost an
and Was urged by a ra
grade crossing would b1
The spokesman. Jam
speed banked tracks c
Amtrak passenger trail
area of the proposed ct

Ia

include three more projects.
A state project added by Holland is Wash'
ington Rd. (Hy. 1421, 32nd Ave. to 22nd Ave.
1979, and two county projects: 30th Ave,
BOth St. to Roosevelt Rd., 1977; and 22nd'
Ave., BOth St. to 75th St., hetween 1981 and
1986.
State projects already on the priority list
for the 197[>.1980 time period are:
Hy. 32, 91st st. to BOth St.; fly. 142, fly. 7&
to 1-94; Hy. 50 (75th St.), 52nd Ave. to
Sheridan Rd.; Hy, 75, 80th St. (Hy. K) to fly.
50; Hy. 83, Hy. 50 to the Illinois state line,
PROPOSED FOR 1981-1985 construction
are Hy. 32, 7th Ave. to 12th St. in Somers;
Hy. 32, 9'st St. to the Illinois state line; Hy.
45, Racine county line to the Illinois s~te
line, and Hy. 50, Hy. 45 to 1-94.
·

There are 17 county highway projects ·on

the priority list for 197[>.1980, and 16 on the
1981-1985 list,
The only county project likely to be completed - with funds already committed -.is
building a new stretch of Hy. 9 (Mcg:.Op'
Rd. ) from its present terminus at ~y,- -u--

westward to meet Im94.
The long-pending Lake Freeway, a' stat~
project, is scheduled for constructlop.
between 1986 and 1990, as is the new !!y, 00

..f.Y. ·Pianll.lfr~.~~~.
·. · ih
· • • ,.
il•~·

s~,H(-?'6

• BY TOM LUECK
.:;' Staff Writer
}.Construction oUhe Lake
Freeway; •a .muttl-laJie higbway planned for immediateiy,)Vest.of rudstlng state Hy.
31. 1!1\tween th~ nllnols line
and;J\tilwauk~e-, was _en~
dorsed by .KenOsha's chief
planner Thursday night
before tbe Snutheast Wls·
consin · Regional . Planning
Co~lssion (SEWRPC). .
Robert Kolatadt, director
of community development,
told. SEWR~C representatlv~s that because of pro-.
jected population growth
and· new Industry expected
to emerge around the
planned . Pleasant Prairie
powet plant; tile prop(Jsed
freeway is "essential to
KenoSha County."
Kolatadt's remarka came
at a public meetlnlf&t
.•M~unt Pleasant (Racine_

County) town hallregardlng
SEWRPC's transportation
•"'\·land ~se pia'?" for the
Kenosha and Rac111e areas:
The regional planning
commission is currently
considering revisions in a
long _range regional plan,
looking forward to the year
2000, which was adopted ln.
1966.
'Similiar public sessions,
soliciting public Input into
the proposed plans, have
already been held in''Mll·
waukee, West Bend, and
Elkhorn. A final meeting Is
planned tonight In
Waukesha before SEWRPC
staff members finalize their
recommendations lor a .re;vised plan.
George Berteau, Racine •.
chairman of the regional
commission, said final plan
revisions expected to--be
submitted to countyboards

'. . Tile Lake Freeway, a maltl-lue blgbway .IDieaded lo
:•t'iillev~ COIIJeolloo 011 l·t4 be!!eea .tbe llltaolo Jill~ 111111
'•~~~ Mllwankee, lo ea~lly beiJII CODoldered for
;lli~uoloD

.

.,r

In tbe regional traaJporl~lloo plau:. .tbe

..~tlleaot Wl!leOIIolll Restoiw PIOnlllg Commloilloo; It
:.1•·.~.~ ttilo mapi'UIIilll:l eaat ol 1-114, almost psrallei
;,~flile .exillllll!alote Hy. 31.

r=tre,eway a. 't11WJSt'

'S. ...L
in the seven county region,
state highway com·

th~

mtssion, and 'other. state

bodies by January/ 1977.
MAJOR. revisions to both
the land use aod transport·
ion elements of, the regional
plan .are being considered.
SEWRPC said three separate transportation plans,
and two .land use plans are
under consideration.
Three options are being

considered in

transporta~

lion planning, SEWRPC executive director Kurt Bauer
saidc
A "no build alternative"
would provide for virtually
no major highway con~ttruc­
tion, and 43 miles of new
arterials in Kenosha County
by the year 2000.
A <~transit intensive alternative," he said, would deemphasize- highway construction, and emphasize
plans for. public transit. It
would provide for 59 miles
of new highways and
arterialS in :Kenosha Couri$
ty, but would not include
· plans for the,Lake Freeway.
A ... highway intensive al'
ternative-~" the only alter~
native plan presented by
SEWRPC which includes
construction of the Lok'
Freeway, would provide 'for
a total of 80 miles in new
highways and. arterials in
Kenosha County.
PLANS FOR the Iillke
Freeway were lncludud.in
the original regloriai tra~s'
portation plan, adopted '.!II·
1966. !lertaau said the fr..,.
way has been .endorsed by.·
city and county officials in'
both Racine and Kenoohe,
but has been opposed by of·
ficials in. MllWankee.
• Bauer said he "cannot
predict" whether the pro,
posed freeway will .be included in the revised transportation plan, but said the
final plan "may Integrate
elements of the second. two
alternatives,"
Two dramatically different .land use plans are
being .considered.
A "controlled centializa·
lion" alternative - essentially the same. land use
plan adopted in 1968, 7
would encourage resldanttai.;
development around the ex·

The decentralization· al·
ternative would provide for
a population -decrease ln
metropolitan Milwaukee,
and population increases m
Kenosha and 'Racine would
be less than under the cur·
rent land use plan.
'
Berteau said those pre·
sent at the three public
meetings prior to the Mount
Pleasant meeting Indicated
"they favored the first alternative (controlled cen-'
tralization) 100 to one."
Little comment was of·
fered by those in the ~u~
dience at Mount Pleasant
regarding specific pro~
posals in the two plan elements, Instead, citizens ob-o
jected to the planning pro-

ceedure and and the way
SEWRPC has conducted
public input sessions.
Wynn Gerhard, a Madison
attorney representing the
Center lor Public Representation which she described
as a "pUblic interest law
firm" objected to "the lack
of ·meaningful citizen par~
ticipation in SEWRPC's en·
~ire -planning process."
She charged that the regional commission may be
violating federal statutes
because it "has not had a
full fledged public hearing
with advance- publlc n<r
tice."
Following the meeting,
Bauer said SEWRPC is' 'not
required" to hold public
hearings on Ute current re~
gional plan revision, and
has done "all It can" to solicit citizen input.

isting metropolitan areas In
the region. Medium density
residential development Is
planned stretclllng to the
north, south, and west of
Milwaukee; 'Racine, and
Kenosha up to the year 2000.
Bauer said SEWRPC was
asked to explore the second
option, a "controlled decen·
~ralization" 'plan, by county
officials in the region. He
said it "reflects current
trends.''
THEPLAN envisions

rna·

jor subutban. deVelopment

west of a line intersecting
Silver 'Lake in Kenosha
County, and running north
through an area just east of
Waukesha and West Bend.

Reb ilding

Hy~50

not on schedule

4 r t:>'-?{c
lly JIM MEYERS ·
lation increase or an 85,000
Staff Writer
population increase dependMILWAUKEE - The ing on how much urban
Kenosha County delegation sprawl is permitted.
was less than,pleased. with
At the same time, Gov.
transportation proposals un~ Patrick Lucey told the day~
veiled as an update of the long conference that the
original 1966 plans by the state would step in with constaff of the Southeastern tro1s if local governments
Wisconsin Regional Plan- fail to enact strong regional
n 1 n g C o m m i s s i o n plans to control costly ur~
(SEIVRPC).
ban sprawl.
As revealed at the Red
Regional planning efforts
Carpet Inn Wednesday, llle have failed so far, Lucey
proposats.have left out con~ said, permitting urban
struction of any east-west sprawl to gobble up large
highway in Kenosha County. sections of the Wisconsin
Specifically, this leaves landscape m this area out reconstruction of Hy. 50 faster than anyone had imfrom !~94 west
agined a few years ago.
"You can bet that this
The alternatives offered
isn't going to be the final local governments by
plan," said Highway Com- SEWRPC officials and staff
missioner Leo Wagner.
members for planning for
Additional, local, hear- development through 2000
ings will be held on llle !and mc!uded:
use and transportation
-A plan to help concenplans before they are sub- trate people, jobs and committed for adoption by local mercial activities near ex~
governments.
isting urban centers over
The latest proposals have the next 25 years, which
been revised due to a drop would result in using about
in the expected population 65,000 acres of open land.
- a plan that would pergrowth of soullleastern Wisconsin through the year mit decentralization under
2000.
controls, following existing
The proposals also reflect patterns of decentralizaa choice given local govern·· t.ion, that would result in
ments as to how growth and turning over some 150,000
development will be or- acres to urban growth dered in the coming de- more than double the
cades.
amount in the first alter~
Kenosha County, for in~ native.
stancej has been projected
The latter choice would
for either a 57,000 popu- result in a big loss to Mil·

'

. --~, ...

waukee County m popu~
lation, and a corresponding
increase in the six surround~
ing counties, including
Kenosha.
The Lake Freeway, a new
major highway paralleling
the CNW tracks about four
miles east of I-94, was an~
other controversial point.
Kenosha and Racine officials said the road should
be built, and it would be,
under one transportation
plan alternative.
The so-called "highway
intensive" plan would provide for the Lake Freeway,
Kenosha County Board vicechairman Francis Pitts said
that both Racine and
Kenosha are deeply interested in having the new
road built.
''Even now, I~94 is
jammed with three lanes of
traffic in both directions,''
Piitts noted.
City Planner Robert
Kolstad was critical of the
mass transit plan for
Kenosha which shows an
eventual need for 17 city
buses. He said the city has
18 running now and needs all
of them.
The answer, SEWRPC officials said, is that Kenosha
is already at the point ofintensive transit use
.+

-·-...

.

"~··at

end ot.road

~>
~~· .rl!er
Sept. 30 wilrmark.the reC

Jirement of a inan who.h&.S
1\iid more blacktop, plowed
more snow, spread· mOre
road salt, and ~en called
out .of bed at 4 a.m ..more

often than you or I could
imagine.

Leo Wagner,-,65, will re-tire as commissioner Of the
Kenosha Co, Highway
Dept., ending a 42-year care¢!' -that he says started in
a blizzard during the de·

pression.
F·our decades on county
ruts, roads, and highways

ha:·s. given him plenty to reminisce about.
''.Back in '35 we. had a
hofribl~, wirit~r.J :waS driY~
ing-.a caterpillar t-·and-· we
wefe out there 14: hourS a
da~; -six_ days

a w~elf, for six

sohd_-weeks," he· recalled

Wednesday, sitting in ·a new
office next to the 60th Street
·eounty garage.
That garage, he can tell
you, was put up by the.
WorkS ·-Prp'gtess 'Adtninis~
tration (WPAl five years
after~the .big storm, movmg
a bulky .collection . of

De,pression·era graders,
and ttucks

ca~·erpilhfrs,

frOm :quarters in -w,hat is
nOW ihe Kenosha -SeniOr
Citfzens Center, 2717 67th

St'
Silt 'bac'k

to

that

nle_ritor3ble·_-winter of '35~
'}:I :was getting 45·cents an

hour, .and only

paid for 10

hoyrs'out.of 14. But in those

day.scj(ou didn't complain you·. were happy to get 10,"
he. said withoUt' blinking an
ey~,

And even the best efforts
of'highway department
crewmen jn _the .thirties
didn't -keep cOUnty· roads

(virtually all of which were
gravel) as clear as they are

today.
"You'd plow a track down
the-center. That was enough
for the few cars on the road

to get through," he said.
"And if it wasn't, every~
body had horses that would
make it through."

Wagner spent his. first
years with the county as a
crewman operating-_.high~
way equipment, and in· 1940
was promoted ti:Vforeman.
In 1960 he was made second

Highway commlooloner LIK> WegMr, $8§!®d~ let!,
lo preoented with • modal ro•d grader by County
Board Sup. Earl Hollloter, cholrman of the HI!Jhwoy
CommiiiH, ol Wagner'• r•tlr,.ment porty mt !lrlotol

Sept. 30, the 76-man highway staff will lose a chief
who knows the county, road
map like the palm o! his
hand.
"Every mile" of county
road has been blacktopped
since he over the last' ·40

Will b'e responsible to the Kenosha County Highway

accommodate what he says

Committee for Highway Deportment program planning and
developmem, intlu~ing construction, maintenance and repair

"must haVe been a 1~000 per
cent increaSe in traffic,"
but all rOads were also re~

on ;State and COunty rood systems, fiscal planning and
budget preparOtiOn; and for direction of deportment work
force.

namedo
Back in the 40's, he recalls, highway staffers were
ca tled upon to shorten the
polysyllabic proper names
of county roads to initials.
They gave the job a
'personal touch.
"JR going through Petrifying Springs - that's
named after Jay Rhodes,
who was chairman oi
Somers. JF was named af~_

Must hove -10-15 years experience in highway planning,
fa·yout, _construCtion and .maintenance, and- method!.~ materials, _and equipment used therein, along with working knowledge of Federal, State and local statutes and regulations
relating .to highways, A degree in Civil Engineering, Or in
Gi:neral Engineering with Highway -Engineering courses, is
preferred.
Consideration will be given, to county residen1s and non
residents; however, the applicant seiecied as Highway Com·
missioner will<be required to reside i~ Kenosha County.
ApplicCtions will be accepted until July 31, 1976. Send
letter of application, ,and resume, to1

ter Joe Fox, chairman of
Trevor," he said, running
his finger over ·a Kenosha

County road map. "SA, _of

of patrOl -_'supei'intendent 1

course, is named for_ th~
Salavation Army. they had
a camp out there, and-MB is
named for ,. .,
Later, in the· mid~fifUes,
county roads were again renamed with-numerical des·
igria tions in order to comply
with state mapping requirements. But he says "when I
think of many of these
roads, the initials still come
to mind before the numbef,
Wagner was m'irried the
same year he joined the

and was appointed commissioner b'y"'the county
board in 1967
The new highway commisSiOrier has not been
named. COUnty board inembers,_. however, have indicated Wagner's successor
will-be a civH engineer, the
firSt to serve as head of
highway maintenance in
Ke.nesha County.
; 'Whatever qualifications
are brought to the job after

COUNTY OF KENOSHM ;vt,

And not only ·were ·au
gravel roads resurfaced to

hOlding the job

Township, have raised six
children,
Of the 42-year career

HIGHWAY ·coMMISSIONER

years, he said.

in command _at -the highWay

departm~nt,

highway department staff.
Since then he and his wife,
wh_o now reside in Brighton

Ooko Wednosday nlllhl. Standing, from lei!, are lh"
other Highway committee members, Sups. Roger
Jornt, Emil Ruffalo, Fred Sehmalfeldl and Jameo
Amendola.

LABOR RELATIONS AND
PERSONNEl DEPARTMENT
Counfy of Kenosha

·

Room 209
912 56th Str<~et
K<tnosha, Wl•conoln 53140
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNI"rY EMPLOYER

which will end next month,

he said he· ''loved every
minute of it.'

·----,

ounty Board el'ects Highway
n.

By. BARBARA HENKEL

/

.

.

Staff Writer
The County Board Tuesday night elected the De Pere,

Wis., public works director the 'new Kenosha County
Hi-gtlway Commissioner, to succeed Leo Wagner, who is

retking.
The Board also elected, or recommended for reappointment; two men to two other posts, under circwnstances
one 'supervisor said was less than desirable,
In other action, the board:
Placed the county-wide swine flu immunization pro-.
gram in the hands of the city Health Director, despite the
objection of one supervisor to the County Nurse's refusal
@I

to participate in the pr_ogram.

Elected an ad hoc committee, to be the Board's
Finance Committee, to investigate the County Humane
f)

Society.

• And voted to borrow $355,000, to be paid back over
four years, from the Amencan State Bank, for an irriga~
tion system for Petrifying Springs golf course.
·The Board unanimously elected William Waldoch, presently the De Pere, Wis., public works director, to the
Highway Commissioner post that Wagner will vacate
Sept. 30

'·· Waldoch was selected by the Personnel and Highway
i~~ffi'fnittees from among a total of six applicants. Two
:applfcants were present County employes who withdrew

their applications. Two other applicants, Highway Commit tee vice~chairman Earl Hollister said, had at one time
operated highway construction companies, but neither
had engineering degrees.
Waldoch and another applicant both are registered
professional engineers and have graduate engineer
degrees. Waldoch also at one time worked eight years at
a Milwaukee consulting firm that specialized in highway
construction planning, traffic analysis, budget prepara!ion, design, and specification writing.
Hollister said Waldoch was selected over the others
because of this experience.
·Hollister said it was also one reason the committee
recommended Waldoch's salary be $22,000 a year.
Wagner earns about $21,200 a year. Another reason for
th~ higher salary, Hollister said, was because the com~
m1ttee did not want to pay moving expenses, as Waldoch
requested.
Hollister suggested the board look at salaries for all
elected employes before new employes take office following the fall election.
Death or retirement accounted for four vacancies in
eight Courthouse posts this falL
Sup. Donald Brevitz noted that Waldoch's salary is
much higher after fringe benefits are calculated.
Waldoch's term expires the first Monday in January,
1978

Sup. Richard Lindgren d8th) tried to defer the election
of a replacement on the Brookside Care Center Board of
Trustees, to replace Charles Schulte who died last week.
Lindgren objected to the matter coming up before the
supervisors had a chance to review the matter and seek
other candidates.
Lindgren's motion to defer lost on a 12-10 vote, with five
supervisors absent. Voting for deferral were Supervisors
Walter Johnson (17th), Stanley Kerkman (25th), Wayn~
Koessl i23rd), Larry Negri (14th), Charles Short (21st),
Gerald Smith (21st), Mark Starzyk (27th), William
Werner (2nd), James West (19th) and Lindgren. Absent
or excused were Supervisors Joseph Andrea (lOth),
Angelo Capriotti (6thl, George Hanson (12th), Roger
Jornt (1st), and Waldemar Lange (15th).
Nominated to fill the unexpired term, through Dec. 31,
1977, were Louis De Marco, president of AFL~CIO COPE
(Committee on Political Education), and Frank Platts,
long-time Twin Lakes Trustee.
DeMarco told the Board that he felt they should know
what he stands for, and that, "! think everybody knows
I play a straight game."
Starzyk, who nominated Platts, said he is a lifelong
Twin Lakes resident, a Trustee since 1952, and
responsible for getting a sewer project in the township,
as well as being involved in many community organiza~
lions.

The vote

Lindgren a

Board recorr

per to the ~
Commission.
either DeMa1

things are "'
bad a chano

Board Cha
complaint w
The recom

vote.
City Heal!
soon as swir
planning im1
the county
for 14 days ii

wishing to

innocula ted
respiratory
guard again

Others will
Werner \

_,County Nun

ew courJty highway commissioner back
/1)'' .._i.

/ft.

to start here last Monday.

MEYERS
W:dter
.Kenosha County officials are once
again looking for a new county high~
way commissioner
The man who accepted the $22,000 a
yea~ post l~st August has turned.down
the JOb befo~e he started. He ~1te~ a

lack of ~ous.mg that would smt htm
and h1s tam1ly.

Last Friday Waldoch told County
Personnel Director Charles Rude that
he had reconsidered, but .Rude urged
him to rethink his decision over the
weekend,
On Monday, Waldoch wrote his of~
ficial letter declining the job. The

of DePere, Wis, - just
Green Bay- before quitting

letter arrived Thursda .
Y
Waldoch was contacted at his home
T~:Iursday afternoon by the News and
eonfirmed that he could't find suit,
~ble housing here. The News learned

the Kenosha job. He was due

from uther sources that Waldoch has

Waldoch, 36, was the
tr ~ublic works director

accepted another post beginning Nov.
1. Waldoch will become engineer for
the town of Fitchburg (south of
Madison.! at the same salary he would
have received here, $22,000.
Waldoch was the unanimous choice
o~ the County ~oard's pers?.nnel and
highway commtttees ?ver fiv~ other
apphca~ts. Wal?och IS a reg1stered
professional engmeer and would have

been the first engineer to hold the
highway post here.
The new highway commissioner
will su~ceed Leo Wagner who worked
himself up through the ranks of the

highway department and retired
Sept. 30.
Highway committee chairman Sup.
Earl Hollister said he will continue to
be acting highway commissloner on a
part time, unpaid basis until the post
is filled. He said his committee will

recommend to the County Board at
the Nov. 1 meeting that the position
be advertised once again
"It wouldn't be fair to select one of
the other candidates," Hollister said.
"We should start all over again even
if it means we won't have a com-

~way Commissioner

I
!

:.~~~tr..~ .~!~~~.~,.

Committee forHighway Department program planning
and deVelopment, including construction, maintenance
and repair on State and County· road systems,fiscal
p!Onn!ng ond budget preparation, and for direction of
dej:lartmenwork force.
Must hove 10-15 years experience· in highway pian·
ning, layout, construction and maintenance, and methOds; materials, and equipment used therein, along with
working knowledge of Federal, State and local stat·
Utes_and regulations relating to highways. A degree in
Civil Engineering, or in General Engineering with
HiQhway Engineering cpurse, is preferred
Construction will be given to county residents and
no'n residents; however, the applicant selected as
Highway CommissiOner will be requird -to reside in
Kenosha County.
Applications wilL be accepted until N~mber 22,_
1976. Send.letter of opp!icafion, and rf!sum~

-

labor Relation$· and
• Personnel Department
County .of Kenosha
Room 209 - 912 56th Street
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

" I· HeA~ FoRI7S60NNA U~6 OUR..
Ci",b.SOUNS' TAXE~ fPR MASS TRANSITTHAT;; JUST Wf.IATWENfED-A SUBWAY/"

....,..._......___

mis~,ioner

1

Voting for f
Smith and F

until January.'

ln his letter Thursday, Wald
said his deCision was "difficul

reach." He said he had spent ··~
siderable time and effort searcl
for a home at least comparable to
one we now enjoy .. ,

Waldoch said he and real es
dea[ers had "traversed the Com
for 11 days and he and his wife
two children ''concluded we will
readily find an existing prop'
without severely compromising

style and quality of life."
Waldoch said he had consid4

.•

~,.,...._.-~.-

-

---,·:·>~:-

. .;_···._-

:<:

3oar ilects itJhway
ere,
mty
.o is
>int~

:tees
pro'the
:usa!
trd's
nane
over
riga~

pre-

o the
wate
hway

Two

1drew

their applications. Two other applicants, Highway Committee vice-chairman Earl Hollister said, had at one time
operated highway construction companies, but neither
had engineering degrees.
Waldoch and another applicant both are registered
professional engineers and have graduate engineer
degrees. Waldoch also at one time worked eight years at
a Milwaukee consulting firm that specialized in highway
construction planning, traffic analysis, budget prepara~
tion, design, and specification writing,
Hollister said Waldoch was selected over the others
because of this experience.
Hollister said it was also one reason the committee
recommended Waldoch's salary be $22,000 a year.
Wagner earns about $21,200 a year. Another reason for
the higher salary, Hollister said, was because the committee did not want to pay moving expenses, as Waldoch
requested.
Hollister suggested the board look at salaries. for all
elected employes before new employes take office follow~
ing the fall election.
Death or retirement accounted for four vacancies in
eight Courthouse posts this fall.
Sup. Donald Brevitz noted that Waldoch's salary is
much higher after fringe benefits are calculated.
Waldoch's term expires the first Monday in January,
1978.

eom missioner

Sup. Richard Lindgren (18th) tried to defer the election
of a- replacement on the Brookside Care Center Board of
Trustees, to replace Charles Schulte who died last week.
Lindgren objected to the matter coming up before the
supervisors had a chance to review the matter and seek
other candidates,
Lindgren's motion to defer lost on a 12-10 vote, with five
supervisors absent Voting for deferral were Supervisors
Walter Johnson (17th), Stanley Kerkman (25th), Wayne
Koessl (23rd), Larry Negri (14th), Charles Short (21st),
Gerald Smith (21st), Mark Starzyk (27th), William
Werner (2nd), James West (19th) and Lindgren. Absent
or excused were Supervisors Joseph Andrea (lOth),
Angelo Capnotti (6th), George Hanson (12th), Roger
Jornt (1st), and Waldemar Lange (15th).
Nominated to fill the unexpired term, through Dec. 31,
1977, were Louis De Marco, president of AFL-CIO COPE
!Committee on Political Education), and Frank Platts,
long~time Twin Lakes Trustee.
DeMarco told the Board that he felt they should know
what he stands for, and that. "l tllink everybody knows
I play a straight game."
Starzyk, who nominated Platts, said he is a lifelong
Twin Lakes resident, a Trustee since 1952, and
responsible for getting a sew~r project in the township,
as well as being involved in many community organizations.

The vote was 18 for DeMarco and four for Platts.
Voting for Platts were Supervisors Starzyk, Lindgren,
Smith and Fred Schmalfeldt (26th).
Lindgren again objected when Hollister suggested the
Board recommend the governor reappoint Donald Klapper to the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning
Commission. Lindgren said he didn't really object to
either Del\!arco or Klapper, but just to the idea that these
things are "sprung'' on the supervisors before they have
had a chance to think about it.
Board Chairman Francis Pitts (13th), said Lindgren's
complaint was well taken.
The recommendation was adopted by a majority voice
vote

City Health Director Barry Lloyd explained that as
soon as swine flu vaccine becomes available, the city is
planning immunization clinics at seven sites throughout
the county. He said the clinics will be held continuously
for 14 days in hopes of innoculating all those in the county
wishing to be vaccinated. Lloyd said the first to be
innoculated will be the elderly and those with chronic
respiratory problems. They will receive a vaccine to
guard against swine flu as well as the Victoria strain,
Others will be innoculated with a swine flu vaccine.
Werner (2nd) felt the Board should examine why
County Nurse Irene Kowaleski has refused to participate
'
! continued on Dage 3)

ty highway commissioner backs·-out
~

?re last Monday.
iday Waldoch told County
Director Charles Rude that
~onsidered, but Rude urged
think his decision over the

day, Waldoch wrote his of;er declining the job. The
ived Thursday

h was contacted at his home
afternoon by the News and
that he cOu!d't find suitring here. The News learned
~r sources that Waldoch has
j

accepted another post beginning Nov.

highway department and retired

L Waldoch will become engineer for
the town of Fitchburg {south of
Madison) at the same salary he would

Sept. 30.

have received here, $22,000

Waldoch was the unanimous choice
of the County Board's personnel and
highway committees over five other
applicants. Waldoch is a registered
professional engineer and would have
been the first engineer to hold the
highway post here,
The new highway commissioner
will succeed Leo Wagner who worked
himself up through the ranks of the

Highway committee chairman Sup,
Earl Hollister said he w'ill continue to
be acting highway commissioner on a
part time, unpaid basis until the post
is filled. He said his committee will
recommend to the County Board at
the Nov. 1 meeting that the position
be advertised once again.
"It wouldn't be fair to select one of
the other candidates,'' Hollister said,
''We should start all over again even
if it means we ·won't have a com··

missioner until January."
ln his letter Thursday, Waldoch
said his decision was "difficult to
reach." He said he had spent "considerable time and effort searching
for a home at least comparable to the
one we now enjoy.··
Waldoch said he and real estate
dealers had "traversed the County"
for 11 days and he and his wife and
two children "concluded we will not
readily find an existing property
without severely compromising our
style and quality of life."
Waldoch said he had considered

building a home but decided against it
"due to its inconvenience and anxieties, and in this instance, the poten~
hal of temporary housing or separa~
tion from family."
Some county officials who talked
with Waldoch said he had mentioned
other negative factors, including the
school system and crime in the
streets, as reasons for not taking the
job here. Waldoch refused to com~
ment on those items when asked by
the News saying only that "every
person has certain things he looks for
in a community."

~.

" I HEA~> FOR.DS,!iONC\14U~E OU12.

GASOUNS:TAXES fOR MASS TRAN51T..
ntATI:; Just WI~Ar WE NEED-A SUBWAY t"

~---... ........"

•..··•·. . . ;;·. ····.·<·.····.·. ••·· ..·.·····. . · .•...•... ,...........

·.·······"}ni'~llf~)~;,~~~/ . ·•.·• • ;,·,~· '~a~fer,.•qls~p . ·~eq~est

··.:e•
·.·•,.._
. ·.·'.~{'n·e····.·•w···
· ::····J:.~··u·········t·~•.··
'}ifi·g·hw.·•'
~--·.·a·.,.·:.•:i.• ~.·.·.·.·.··~s·.·. . . . . s~'.e·.
.ft:':J····
I<"U·
V~-"i\<-,

•.. ·.·•. ·f.·.

_ , .. . , . , _ ,__ -

pel'll~ l'aYfi.

. .... · . ··

·'the two men said thst
.•.• •.. ;-,,.,54!1D·Ihe1teno-· · froJ:n.!97110()ctobi!r,.l976,
.J\acCountyarealn.Je~•tllan thet~ were 11114 •.ccldents
~en.~ears and a·.!Dove Is
wit.li ll02. personaL injuries
afoot .10 ~ .some.thlng about besides the 18 deaths on the
.J.i new ·Jlljlllway
...· . sh'etch of highway from KeState.!lencJohll J .. Maur<!r
nosha Ill Lake Gl!neva
(0-Ken~ha) and State Rep.
"These statistics,;• they
Russell . A .... olson (R·
said, "provide ample testi·
Bassett) ilre calling f~r. a
many for the .need for an
mee.ting wi!JI the .Kenosha
immediate effort "'? upCounty. Highway Com:
gracje the pre..,l1t. mademJssi~·:. . . _ _ ,_. _
qua~ system." _ _
The .leg> stators will ask
Several attempts> have
Sup, . Ear\. ~olllster, com- been. made .over the past
mittee chairman, .Ill . condozen years Ill replace ex·
!sting. Hy, 50 with .a new
vene the commls~ion to discuss the de':'eloprmmt of a highway a half-mile to the
new. major ea•otWest high·
north. Another recent at,
way.
tempt, initiated by former

·.

..

.

,State Rep. George
Moli.naro, cal.led for an extensiOnofHy.!58(52ndSt.)
from Its terminus at 1-114.
~o far the state Depart·
ment ~~ Transportation has
pleaded inadequate funds to
Jll!rmit . a new ea•l-west
route here.
Olson .Said it appeared
that Ken6$ba County will
have to mount a new e!fort
starting from_., ..sera~;_ :~ ~
get the route .6\f l!ie slliti!' s
priority list
. . · ·
''II we dili!'tclo8olnething
to get this rolling we'll never get the highway," Olson
said.

Hlf/hV/~y 50
needs help
To"'the Editor:
Cong~~u'!Itfuns
K-,,
. . .to
. . , the

j'~~Y--Jr'

State Senator John Maurer (D. - Kenoshat
and State Representative Russell Olson (R .
Bassetti today called upon Earl Holli~er, Kenosha County Highway Comnuttee Chairman, to
convene a meeting to discuss the development
of a major east-west highway in western Kenosha
County.
Accident statistics since 1971 reflect the
need for a modern, safe travel route from Hwy.
!-94 west. From 1971 to October, 1976, there
were 894 accidents, with 602 injuries and 18
deaths. These statistics provide ample. testi-·
mo~.!' J?r<the need to upgrade the present inad~qua~ · ~ystem, Maurer and Olson said,

/,

-~J~y

Li!!\¥.(:(l~n.~\'.. ...·,. . . .,
ha;teS 1!i~eh advocating a

lly TOM LUECK
Slafl Wrlier
A series o! . public in·

change In this. highway
since early 1973: In my lil~s 1
··"'there-, are Jo·articles ·frOm. i
~:Wsp~pers about this' mat:-·1
~r ~nd,no.acbon_was forth<;?:mmg _~y ·our politicians
arid citizens.
,As regards to the need for
a new highway, I "(ish to ·
present the. following facts
and let them stand for
themselves.:
· Clp this dangerous stretcll
•or:road, about .24.5 miles,

~n

newly appointed· county
highway commissioner
George· Swier, and other
county Officials.
Olson said public meet'
ings in ·.townships and the
city ·of Kenosha . would he
intended to generate public
input into alternative plans
for the· enlarged east~west
highway. He said they
would t:lso assist the County
Board's highway committee
in taking action on the pro-

formation meetings on-con~
struction of a .ne)V Hy. 58
will he urged by. state· and
county officials.
At a meeting Saturday at
Pleasant Prairie Town Hall,
state Sen, John Maurer told
about 25 county residents
"if the -r:oad iS going to be
btiilt in -the next -ten or
twelve years, we_h~vegot to
get the public involved in
posaL
pla'nnlng now.~·
Expansion of the existing
Maurer fielded questions '.Hy. 50 was first proposed by
on the proposal along with state and county officials in
.Rep. Russell Olson, Basset,
1968. The state ~ighWay

-33.-passmg· zones,

totaling JL5 .miles, leavigg;
IS miles of no passing rQI!tl;f
The danger of this stret~h of
highway is illustrated·· by
the fact that II· contains 9
"S'.' curves,. 20 "T" roads,
34 blind hills wher.~ oncoming traffic is not visible, 6
·crossroads, 4 villages and 84
businesses.
Let's all stand behind
State Sen. John J. Maurer
and State Rep. Russell A.
Olsen by writing letters to
them asking them to Jcy to
change th~· mos_t da~gerou~
stretch of highway In Wis·
consin .. . the killer high"(~y .50 from l-114 west. to
L::ik~ ·&en~va
. •

'

Eye tp future

~-

the·re'._~re

.av. Imp.·rovements

,>"',''•-

. . . : ,: .· ,·: ,.1 '.X/• 7? ··.

commission has given con~
cept approval to construct·

den'

ing a four-lane road north of

cl

the existing route.

Sf

FUNDING for, the project
has thus_ far been un-

available. In 1976, the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional

Planning Commission
(SEWRPC) left the proposal out of its plan update
for Kenosha County.

Maurer, Olson,
ty officials have
positton that an
east-west road is
They point to an

and countaken the
enlarged
essential.
unusually

high number of traffic

hi·

d•
c•

s:

u

I<
g
~

c
b

acci~

'The
·7 I

It's a well-known C:wt .. when

Summcntme rolL~ around, WisconSinites love talking about and laking
to the "Grc<.ll American Road."
But whcl! 1.-; lhe "Gre:t! Amcrkan
Road"'? Up and clnwn the E~1s! Co<.1Sl.
l Rth

colom<.;ls !raveled the

'N:ttchez Trace· hclrcd
f'rnnticrsn1e11. traders.
bJ l'fS
10

···Charleo A. For<!

N<ttt:hcz, Mi.s~i.ssiprn. wnte thts Nahcrit<Jge in the cariy 10
St:lle, !he equtvalcm
litarv Romi' l~uilt in
Fnn I Inward
(Green Ba\') and Fort Ci'awford
\Prairie du- Chien) \'i<l Fort Winnebago !Pnnagc), the rn,Jd w;tc; mnstructcd two rod') In wtdth with unduroy <;tretchul over
the path in
from Pwirt·e du Chien !o
were .'in!diers under the comnf' CoL land later Pre.sidcnt)

Zachnry Taylor

Charting "The- Old Military Road"

out

to conneL:l

on the construction
of
'road west', ~\utllOr
Herbert Quick in 1855 wrotf' "f!..::rc

The
son of a new truck
term!ne whether it would

really be worth an t>sti~
mated $13,000 savmgs off
the list price.
Badger Ford of MHwau~
kee has four 1977 trucks it
ordered for a busi.ness that

went bankrupt. George
Swier told committee mem~
bers that the $37,000 price of
tlie Badger is within $1,000
of what the county would

1n

. ~• nat inn 11n
the cnmmn!ion
Rnud'

,·niu'/,, !/)

cnnstruc!ion cill-m.s is lncatcd.on U.S
18-lSJ, four miles e<Jsl of

pay for a new, but smaller,
!978 model for which delivery wouid take six
months

Committee chairman
Earl Hollister questioned

what the savings would realp
!y he. He doul>ted the county

could find a buyer for a
large Oshkosh truck that is
about 12 years old, but
might get something lor it
on trade--in for a new modeL
~<I've got to be convinced
a ·is a real savings,''

')"}

Hol1ister said. He suggestet
.Swier and committee mem
bers inspect t.he vehicle il
Milwaukee following nex
week's Wednesday mornin1

meetin.g.
In other Wednesday ac
tion, the Committee:
-PreSented a servic
plaque to Art Voltz, who i
retiring after 26 years {
servic·e in the .highway D1

partment. Voltz is the· fir:
county employee to receh
a plaque recognizing h
years of service to the cou)
ty. County Board Chairm'
Francis Pitts, who made U

presentation, said he
the board adopts a !

esbblishing such a pr
gram.
~Directed Grorge Swl£
highway commissioner,
lnvestigate. the comput
system used by Fond du L
County's Highway Depa
ment, in preparation f
computerizing . the .1
ment

ne:n:t

OOmetime.

;/":f.

c-:c::··"-'. "'f-~·-··'-"

-·

... ··.r-:· .·::.~~~-C"c:~-·-·~-·----- ·-.. - -.-

~ ·

·

1 Keno

County
highways g-et
priority service

A winter maintenance program designed to provide
priority service for state highways based on traffic
volmne is being conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the fifth consecutive year.

I

I
I
I
,
:......·-·-·---·-·

Most state highways in the eastern portion of
Kenosha County, plus l-94, have been given the highest
maintenance priority.
John White, chief maintenance engineer of the
Waukesha district of the Department of
Transportation's Division of Highways, said that the
guidelines are based on traffic counts and are designed to reduce costs and improve energy conservation.

Kenosha County

Top maintenance priority, meaning around-theclock service plowed to bare pavement as spon as

CLASS I A.D:r. 5,000 or moreCLASS II A_.o:r. 1,000 to 5,000~
CLASS-Ill A.D.T. less than 1,000=

1-!~·'7S

priority, b•ecl on trllfllc volume.
{ttlgllwaplndlcatecl by a black line are•au!Mr--

< ----------------

Plowin"g• .Ptiority
,_ 4. r"• '';I
Hwy. 50 from 1-94 _as far as Silver. Lake is
'Cortsidered a .. top mainterial}_c~ priority" for
winter plowing. For the fifth consecutive year, a
;·winter ma·intenance program which provides
'priority service based on ~raffle volume... is being
"conducted by the Wisconsin Department of
.J'ransportation.
, ,..- Top priority ·.meims around-the-clock service
;"and plowing to bare paVement as soon as
''possible. The major portion of state highways in
~ ;Westosha are designated class .two priority. They
receive reduced service between 8 p.m. and 4
!'.m. on weekdays and all day Sunday, with
g to the bare P,BVerilent as soon as possible
that schedule.
, highways included in clas
83, 142, 75 and 45. Most
in the eastern portion of the
priority.

·_

.· .. _. . - ,------------~--.._.-:-----~_-.. ------_---·-----_.-_-----c--r_·:•;~-1-

lzed lor around-the-clock ••rvlcB, pl-lr'll to
bare pavem•nt •• Boon •• poaalble. The
reminder of the hlghwap (designated by •
,broken line) arad•lan

possible, is planned for l-94 and Highways 31, 32, 50 (as
far west as Silver Lake), 142 (west to Highway 192)
and 158.
The rest of the state and federal highway system in
Kenosha County has been designated Class 2 priority.
This category will receive reduced service between 8
p.m:and 4 a.m. on weekdays and all day Sunday; with
plowing to bare pavement as soon as possible within
that schedule.
·

Siillpervlsor~~-fPend night in garage
BY JOHN,ANDREAS
their wives ·they probably
Staff Writer
would have preferred to
If you ask Slipervisqr Earl sleep at home too.
W. Hollister, 24th District,
But Thursday night, they
he probably would have pre- didn't have a choice and
ferred to sleep at home they spent-the night huddled
~s~a~ night. Supervisor in chairs and on the floor of
Fre c malfeldt, 26th Dis- the County's Street Departtrict, would have probably ment offices.
agreed. And if you asked
The four were· returning
;•J t, .. 7r/
from a conference in Milwaukee and were unable to
get through snow-covered
county highways. Also
spending the night at the
county garage, 5512 60th St.,
were about 12 to 14 truck
drivers. Having been called
in off the road, the men
decided· to sleep in their
trucks, County Highway
Commissioner George
Swier said, instead of trying
to get home.
_~' ~'Xhe men did·one hell of ajob putting in as many hours

as they did," Swier said
Friday afternoon. "I want
you to know that Kenosha
County kept its roads open
longer than any of the other·
surrounding counties. We
kept Highway 50 and the !system open all night."
Swier said the county had
28 pieces of equipment out
Thursday and Friday to
clear away the snow. They
will be out again today and
Sunday if they have to be, he
said.
The county is responsible
for approximately 600 miles
of state, county and township roads.
One of the worst roads hit
by the blizzard was Highway
31. It was closed Thursdaymorning and wasn't opened'"
until Friday afternoon.
::we had a wing plow and
a snow blower work on 31

between 60th and 75th
streets for four hours Thursday and they couldn't open it
up. There were just too
many cars left in the road,"
Swier said.
Everyone was working
extended shifts, including
the garage mechanics. The
plow crews averaged 16'"
hours.
"Ever since I became
commissioner I heard nothing but talk about the storm
of '36. Well." Swier said,"!
don't want to hear anymore
about the storm of '36, I'll
settle for the storm of '78."

''--0
V)

-....___

_
,

countY Btlard
may contract
road repairs

I< 3t1 ---·
By JOliN ANDREAS '
Slof! Writer
While sections of the midwest continue to dig otit of last week'!'
blizzard, the Kenosha area is baCk 1.-o
near normal today with just clean up
operations going on in the city and the
county
"We've got ali the roads open, ·at
least punched through with one lane
of traffic," County Highway Commissioner George Swier said_ "Everyone can get out as far as we know.''
In the city 1 plow crews were sent
out Monday morning to clean up city

By Fred Orehek
but we'll get to them

e's still a fot of deanlng up
thal's always the slow process
occur<> after a storm .. ,
Holland cautioned drivers to be
careful at intersections blocked
the roadside. He

whrre we usuallv haul a lot of students . .Jenkins said.
'~.l think we nroved to the commt
that this is- a service that will
stop, that they wm still be able to get
back and forth ,,

streets,

Area

ind~:st.ry

a!so returned back to

work ktday, ·
AMC's

for
"We had
$300,000 for
snOw removal
year,'' Swier said.
us over that
"This storm wm
amount. ·That
leave us at
thl_ng for snow removR:i for the end
lh€

dipped to the 20-

b€loW-zero rangP across much of
northein V/isconsin early tod.ay with
tlH: official low a 22 beloYv· at Spooner.
rt was 18 below at La crOsse, 17
belmv at
15 below at
Port Edwards. 14
at Park
Falls, 13 below at
and 12
below at Neenah, Juneau.
Madison, G-reen
and Eau Claire.
Milwaukee was
warmest re-porting station overnight with a 7-~,ero

COOK COUNTY Officials are conSidering t2rning
over road maintenance to private firms in·tbe wake of
the latest loafing scandal in the county highway department, County Boord Presidenf George Dunrl<! said
Tuesday.
Dunne said he has asked "experts" to look into the
feasibility of giving repair contracts to the lowest bid~
der.
His comments followed the firing Monday of lour
county road workers and the suspension of 43 others
for loafing on the job.
..
The action followed an investigation by the Better
Government Association that foimd widespread loafing
by county highway maintenan~ crews.

IT WAS the- second tim.e in fOUr ye_ars ~·~_the BGA
had charged loafing in the highway t!epartment. Alter
the first accusations four years ago; the County Boar.d
paid $150)000 for a private study_ and recommendatiotts ·
on how to curtail loafing.
:
_ .
,
But J. Terrence Brunner, BGA _executive 'directOr;
said the most recent investigation· ''shows that thf{
same .wasteful practices we. revealed four years_ agostill persist."
· Dunne said '1\Iesday he will revamp the•five maL~te­
nance sections of the aso-man work force :in the highway department while he looks. into contracting'road
repair work to private· bidders; He-noted'that ..the.county has been pleased with private maintenance contracts at the Audy Home for juveniles and at the
county morgue.

Dt::NNE ALSO SAID he is looking outside .tho high.
way department for a replacement for 'Hugo Stark; 71,
who resigned as highway deportment superintendent
OIJ>.Oct. 18. The job pays $41,000 a

director, said that some buses
areas were slowed !
only one lane open, b1
that everything else was running c
scheduie.
Sheriff Gerald Sonquist said ihf
h1s office is swamped with acclder
reports covering incidents that N
curred during the hlizzard< People, h
who were lnvo!ved in an ac<'
have been asked to fill 01
ac('ident repnrts once the emergenc
is over.
Sonquist said all roads were ih goo
winter driving conditions with a fe 1
scattered slippery spots. Anyone wh
has still not located their car, Sm
said, should not call the sherifl
tment, but rather the wreckin
services,
kept a record of what w\u
they
away," he said. "We ke!

no records."
said the storm mav hav
$3,000 and $4:000 (
manpower.
All dfy ~llses were back on sche<

cost

overtJ~e:_fo,_r,_._acl~itional

I

1-3(1· ,~
Jl. .p!~w

Just plo

ahead

.thalli would be lhrae !lays balore plowing
surges ahead on Kenosha Rosel (47111
be.cort~p!eled. (Kenosha News photo by
~,Ava.)souttl'o,l1:!2ml St. as snow removal move~~
:~ead in Kenosha Counl)l. Officials .said tod~·; · ~l'ii!dri ckson)
; i!'ial a!! county rmids now hsd one !ana open, !nil

>N($'w·· road. 'out'

yl' 50

tched-u.
·~;·JI'.j'J

By BARBARA HENKEL
Staff Writer
With slim prospects of Highway 50
being reconstructed along a different
route "in our lifetimes," a request is
now being made for funds to at least
upgrade the present Highway 50, Su·
pervisor Earl Hollister told fellow
Highway. Committee members
Wednesday.
Hollister reported on a meeting last
week of the Technical and ln·
tergovernmentai Coordinating and
flaMing'• ¢ornmittee. That group is

recommending a feasibility study be
made for upgrading H>ghway 50 along
its present route
Hollister suggested the committee
inform the County Board through a
formal report "so they know exactly
what happened and why."
Expansion of the existing Highway
50 was first proposed by state and
county officials in 1968. Hearings have
been held as recently as February
1977. Still, the project remains 92nd on
a priority list for funding.

ty
By BARBARA HENKEL
Stall Writer

Improving the present Highway 50
rather than building a new highway in
a different location was recommended
Tuesday night by the County Board.
A feasibility study of rebuilding
present Highway 50 into a four·lane
highway is being proposed. The
project would leave little unused right
of way, but would not require the
demolition of property,
Supervisor Richard Lindgren. who
voted'"for the motion, said he regretted
doing so if it meant the county wasn't
interested in having a new highway
built.
Supervisor Earl Hollister, chairman

must su ce

That ranking means funding of the
project is highly unlikely. for quite

sometime.
"About the only way we can get
anything done is by special legislation
authorizing money," said Hollister
He said it would be beneficial to get
Highway 50 upgraded now, using whatever funding sources are available.
"If we have to inherit 50. we couldn't
afford it." said Hollister.
Several proposals have been made
for constructing a new road, including
. a four-lane road atiout one-half mile

north of the existing east~west route.
Proponents of Highway 50 improvement point to an unusually high
number of traffic accidents on the
narrow and highly traveled road, Including 18 deaths between 1970 and
1977.
Committee member Supervisor
Waldemar lange said, "With the
number of people killed on Highway
50, what bothers me is they spend
money on construction in wide open
spaces," such as rural northern coun~
ties.

y50

II
II

promised that no taxpayers' money
would be spent.. The expenditure was

of the board's Highway Committee.
said it is very unlikely a new l
would he built. That proposal
on a priority list for funding.
Hollister said the present location of
Highway 50 is the route jllany would
probably take anyway to get to two
county parks and the county's recreational lakes.
Hollister said if Highway 50 was
relocated the present Highway 50
would revert to the county or the
townships, and neither could afford
the upkeep. Hollister said the four
bridges along the route all need re·

defended as a necessary expense by

the county in order to have a say in
future plannin~ at Kemper,

-- Referred to the Zoning Committee a resolution unanimously adopted
the 72 residents attending Salem
Apnl 13 annual meeting.
on says assessing duti.es in
Salem should be restored to the town
board.
-- Heard Board Chairman W:ayne
Koessl announce a Committee of the
·whole meeting Tuesday, May 9 at 7
to discuss the jail study and self~
ance for health-medical and surgical care.

pa1r.

The resolution supported recent action by the Technical and Intergovernmental Coordinating and Ad

ig hway 50 overpass
considered .~Y county
By IIARBARA HENKEL
Stall Writer
Reconstruction of the Soo Line Rail·
road overpass on Highway 50 may get
under way he! ore a feasibility study on
reeonstrucling the highway is started.
County Board went on record Tues·
day night supporting a request for the
study by the state Department of
Transportation.
·Members of the board's Highway
Committee learned Wednesday morn·
ing the state plans to ·rebuild the
overpass, possibly in fiscal year 1980.
·.Committee Chairman Earl Hollister
has·. said ,pe is hoping the feasibility
stoo~.will .come out in favor of a fourlane to~d for Highway 50.

The proposed new overpass at about
312th Avenue is designed as a two-lane
structure, with shoulders and safety
zones,
No construction date has been set
for the overpass, but purchase of
right-of-way is scheduled to begin in
fiscal year 1979, which starts July !,
said James Fetzer of Waukesha, representative of District 2 of DOT.
Hollister said it would probably take
at least two years for a study to be
completed.
Members agreed it would be in the
county's interest to allow the overpass
project to proceed. Fetzer said if
Highway 50 was ever rerouted upkeep
of the overpass would become either
the county or nearby township's responsibility, and they would have to
come up with the money sooner or
later to rebuild. The state will do the
project using funds from the Bridge
Replacement program, which is 75
percent federally and 25 percent state
funded.
Hollister said it is unlikely Highway
50, if rebuilt as a four-lane road, could
be four lanes west of the Fox River
where many businesses are built on
the right of way line. He said the
highway would have to funnel into two
lanes at some point, an d the overpass
may be a likely spot.
Two of the alternatives available
were not viable - to do nothing, or to
continue annual patching repairs to
the structure. The alternative selected
was to rebuild the structure slightly
north..of its present site. The present
bridge. would continue. to be used
during a !!'~jar portio'n ofth~ reconstruction; eliminating theneed lor
detours.
·
The other alternative was .to rebuild
slightly south of the present structure.
That would improve the profile of the
bridge, but one bad kink would remain, and it would cost more in
acquiring private property
The selected alternative is expected
to cost about $ll40.000.
The overpass has high priority on
the state•s list of bridge replacements .
..-.t.. •• -1 ....

~~

.......... ,.,rato

h~vP

f::.llen from

S{lonsibility, and tney WUUlU uav~ ....,.
come up with the money sooner or
later to rebuild. The state will do the
project using funds from the Bridge
Replacement program, which is 75
percent federally and 25 percent state
funded.
Hollister said it is unlikely Highway
50, if rebuilt as a four·lane road, could
be four lanes west of tile Fox River
where many businesses are built on
the right of way line. He said the

highway would have to funnel into two
lanes at some point, an d the overpass
may be a likely spot
Two ·Of the alternatives available
were not viable - to do nothing, or to

'COntinue -annual patching repairs to
the structure. The alternative selected
to rebuild the structure slightly
site. The. present
to. be used

The other alternative was to rebuild
slightly south of the present structure.
That would improve the profile of the
bridge, but one bad kink would remain, and it would cost more in
acquiring private property.
The selected alternative is expected
to cost about $840,00(L
The overpass has high priority on
the state's list of bridge replacements.
Chunks of concrete have fallen from
the bridge.
John F. Jones of District 2, said the
bridge is deterioratLng rapidly. He
said traffic counts show 5,000 cars a
day over the bridge, with 10,000 daily
estimated by 1999.
Speed is now restricted to 45 mph,
but the proposed structure has a de~
sign speed of 60 mph. Jones said
numerous accidents occur on the over~
pass due to faulty design. Jones said
the traffic count warrants a four~lane
divided highway, but it is unlikely
such structures would be builL He said
four-lane roads are steered clear of
because of the problems and cost in
acquiring the necessary right of way.
The $840,()()() price tag took tile com·
mlttee aback somewhat. That exceeds
the entire original estimate of $750,000
to extend County Highway Q from
County Highway H west two miles to

l-94.
If County highway Q is extended, it
would also cross over railroad tracks
Highway Commissioner George
Swier read a letter from Ge<>rge Alexander of the Chicago district office of

Propped up
Cribbing, including lh~ pi!!ICII
th"l looklll like a ullllly pole, Is
"ued lo shore up ont~ !!M:tlon of
!hill 45-year-oid Soo R11llroad ov•rplll&t!l on Highway 50, 111 11bout
3'l21h A~em1e.
the Environmental Protection Agency. Alexander, writing to the U,S.
Corps of Engineers, said the EPA
would exercise its ve to power if the
Corps were to grant the Q project a 404
permit. A 404 permit is needed ·to
construct on designated wetlands,
Swier said EPA has boxed !!self into
a comer and would probably stand by
its threats. Swier said if EPA did veto
the permit, it would set a precedent
for it to block other projects,
Swier said one recourse is the meet~

!ng planned at 11 a.m. Sunday at the
highway office, 5512 60th St, with U.S,
Representative Les Aspin, D-Racine.
At that meeting the future of Highway
Q will be discussed.

Kenosha NIIM5 photos by Norbwt DybMI

Span support
breaks sway

AI concrillllilll brilll.llk!l IIIW!IY lrom
lhfl !IUpportllll! columns, lhfl
111!<1f supportm become oxpoolld
to !he llll~~mooilll. In time, lhll$1!1
oould ru~l lhrougll end lmp~lr

extension

ghway 5
lor c9~!ltY Board
f:i':

The Highway Committee
report
onight at the County Board meeting
n upgrading of Highway SO along its
1resent route, being recommended
:ow instead of reconstructing the
:ighway along a different route.
: The board will meet at 7:30 p,m, in
toom 310 of the courthouse,
Expansion of the existing highway
0 was first _proposed by state and
l(}UlltY,,tJ_J~!dals ln-1968~ but the project
!

~u~p.·~-,.orLa -~iority list for funding.
:

,

,

.$~/1

By LES R YSHIWS
Staff Writer

The committee will also present its
annual report, which by law must be
submitted to the board separate from
oilier annual reports.
There are no resolutions for a second reading, but one of the five firstrearling resolutions may be acted
upon, That would designa'te May 15 as
Law ;Enforcement Day.
Among other. agenda items is a
communicatiOn from the Salem town
derk objecting to assessing,

Chances of Pleasant Prairie's County Highway Q ever being extended
west to !,94 are getting slimmer,
a~rding to the county highway com~
mission which met Wednesday morn
ing.
"I'm not going any further with
this," said Supervisor Earl Hollister,
htghway committee chairman, after
Spervisor James Amendola ask.ed,
·.~When to we.throw in the sponge?"
. The committee was reacting to a
meeting held last Sunday with Con'l"'""man Les Aspin, D-Wis., who outlined a plan to extend County Highway

; .,l~ris supports Hy, 50 plan
".

'~··

'

PARIS_:, ~~pport of a plan to rebuiltl-CHighway 50.came from the Paris
1T.·own-:_ Board Monday night when it
;voted to
.. send its endorsem.ent. to the
~county
.
.
', Aug~t-Ztrbel, town chairman, satd
,the board went on record favoring the
,proposed updating of the current eastw··.·.·.<!S
. . . t·•. ~. . .·.l!\1
...•· wayrather than construction
of-- a: -new road to serve the western
lpoftio.~ 'of Kenosha County.
The.board will send its recommen-

t·,

l

· •.

1

I "'

"'"

·.· .

.

.

S'•·l··1ll

'

· ·,

.y.·.••

, , ,, . ··.· . .
-.>:

! ·

I .
I

..

·_

.··•··..
· ..

. •

.,

.

.

s- /7-

4

':

'11\'

ML to meet the interstate.
Plans to extend County Highway Q
io J-94 hit a snag when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said
it would do environmental harm,
It now appears that the $350,000 that
was earmarked for the project might
go toward another county highway
project, but approval would have to be
authorized by the Cmmty Board. About
$800,000 in federal -funds are involved,
according to George Swier 1 county
highway commissioner,
State Rep, Joseph Andrea, D·
Kenosha, was surprised at the
committee's attitude. He said he was
not going to give up_ on the project

A. ·.

7

The'e~tension of Highway Q to 1-94
is dead.
The eulogy, written by the Environ·
: 'mental Protection Agency (EPA),
: 'wa,s· --delivered to the County Board
; Tuesday night by Highway Committee
i ¢haiim.an Supervisor Earl Hollister,
24th District.
"H.ighway .Q is dead " Hollister
.
,
l _ 5aidJ'The EPA has said it will veto it.
i.It·.·;is.~a little frustrating to put all the
, effort into this project, spend more
'\ 'f:1i3n _$80,000 on environmental studie~;
and-now come to the end of the road.

Approval !or the $L15 million twomile.extension o!Highway Qhas been
an issue for the past 16 years. It was
, being designed to provlde a straight
1 .east-w""t access from the lake to l-94
In the southern ·portion of Kenosha
County, Highway Q presently ends at
County Highway H.

'f!\ei!;.:PA maintains that extending

; mgnwify- ,Q

to the Interstate would
endanger the .environment . The, land
thatwould be built on is a feder:Hly
! protected wetlands .. The. EPA also
' ~id !lie build-up of commercialventufl)sthat would follo)N an extension of
" Highway. Qwould also be harmful to
: .theiarea,
'fh~. way appeared clear for . the
l.""~~~y Q construction earlier this
f:y.,ar •,~hen the U.S. Army Corps of
! Eitilljlli<!rs said they would grant a 404
pennit1: _needed to build across wet
i land a'~eas.
. ·"HOWever, the road would apparently.<;orifl\ct with a presidential order to
i
EPA .to preserve wetland areas
' wherieyer possible, The EPA has said
that It' "will overrule the. corp's 404
pe?J!it;.if; lJjis iS!Jued; Ho~ister sald,
EPA~a~ .f~OII)II)~nde<(.·t~t

til•

Chamber
Kenosha.

of

and the
and Em·

were still !n-

te!'eSted in pursuing iL
The committee felt that recent state
legislation passed involving purebase
ot right-of-way for highway projects

would also be a hindrance to the Q'
plan,
Swier said h~ thought the E?A
would "take a long look" at the
project when it reached Washington,
because of much larger projects that,
he said, had been qpproved though
thev caused much more environmenR
tal ·damage,

In other action, the committee

overhead project on Hy. 50 should
start within a month. They committee
accepted. a three-quarter ton truck
!rom the army, and discussed the
possibility of purchasing a new truck
rather man spend $40,000 to repair two
old ones.
Th~ cGmrnittee also heard a report
I
that Kenosha County was allotted
.
,~ . 1
$45,000
for right~ofpway purchaSing V
~,
IYV til
l\179 state budget, while
\-.,ur -7 ~would get \11)00,!100 and Walworth l
,
By BARBARA HENKEL
Dodge cou. nties, $1.4 million eact//
Slalf Wrller
special
proj eels.
·
Reconstruction of .Highway ;o becomes more imminent with each pas~
sage of resolutions by governmental
units in the county favoring thereconstruction.
Members of the county's Highway
Committee learned at their meeting
Wednesday that the state will not
allocate any funds for the project until
1! knows all county officials and
citzenry are in support of the project.
NEW wwm;nm - 'Vh tl
GeorgeSwier,countyhighwaycomr Town Board has voted t ·, 1ea and

State asks
lnput on
b•9h Ul8y

and~- -~.- ·-·.'·i~ner, ~id

the

RaVji'

V,

50

supported by

r~commendation.

,Jt~ri~~f~rt ~

m.e.·nt.. to···,··attend .Its June 10 dance
it is important that all'
of L1e
' '
c:>'
setJ~ne 19 for Its next regular board: munlctpalilles pass resolutions simi- Highway Committee to update 0fh~
, If the Highway Q PrOJOC\!8 dropjiOO. meeting,,
lor to one passed by the County Board extstmg Highway 50,
·
the county may loss the $000,0(10- !n
May 2.
.
,Ge_orge Swier, county
federal funds it received for the
·. That resolution,as,ked for a feasibili· mtsswner, submitted a copy of the
project The county has $350,000 ?fIts
ty stud~ of rebu!ldmg present Htgb; recommendatiOn which also calls for
own money _set aside for the proJect.
way 50 mto a four~la.ne htghway. !Jlf d.roppmg plans for the eventual relocaSwier said the county's money
project would leave little unused ngh' ti~n of Highway 50 because of its low
would most likely be spent on another
~f wa!:- but would not require tlu pr~r1ty status.
highway project, while the federal
·~~:liOn of prope~ty,
. ,
tonte town board is scheduled w meet
dollars may go to some other county
h' rfequest is beHit'nghg made m heu o S 1 ght Twtth represema. tives of the
.
pus tng or a new
way 50 locate a em own g 0 ... d "
for an approved proJect.
north of the present route. Tha commission and ;.r ' >.~tatp
~·
.·
p.roject is 92nd on a priority list fo commission a.t ;: 3~e,co~nt
50
·
i
'funding, and unlikely to be built at an concerning plan< fo;n. ne
,
·
l :-1 :
tim~ in the next f~w decades.
Highway 50 over~ass in~~;:av;J:~d the
•
r · t .'
Htghway committee members sai In other actwn, the board this w~k.
they f~I something must be done no• . -Recommended approval of
- ·
to alleviate unsafe driving c~ndition:,_iance requested
William Ho~ar~
In other action, the comrruttee:
co~s~ruct a 6 by
addition to to
-Referred two requests for safet;t:Xtstmg barn on Schaal Road
an
features to. the state Department c. - Announced a crackdown ~ 11 build~
Transportation.
mg permrt violations A
.
1~
, - Hea~d a report that the state required prior to th~
of
m~estigatmg a r~uest for addition construction or remodeling.
any
dnvovays onto Highway 50 west
- Approved operator r
1·94~md complaints of difficulty ms plications .from Alan Wei 1 ~e~-;eJ ap~
ing trns in that area.
Stadnyk,
s an
ohn
- nd planned several future me
- Granted a beer r
ings;~ay 31 with state and townsJ Wheatland Fire Depart~en~e r to ;he
offici.s regarding access onto Hit weekend of July 21 _23 ' en "0 r .he
way ~ _June 14 with city of Keno! - Announced plans io
.
oflicil to discuss joint purchase Wheatland Center S h mlee~ With the
grav,e.nd salt, and to discuss the c discuss the request ~f "fhe ~ard t.o
P.ubhC:tus~um; and· to meet sor: Advocates for Youth for fundi en~s~a
.ume Ia ttme to be annou~ced: ir Western Kenosha Count
ng. 0 Its
closed,ssion to discuss coneerY:.. velopment Project
Y Youtn Debe conered during negotiatioq _ , - Announced that the f'
,
er thisar with union employt ' tion of the new fire st" f 1 ~al ~nspec~
for 6:45 ~.m. Thursd~;, wn Is panned
A public hearing was held on the
~Ja!'is B fer:mented malt beverage
hcense apphcati_on for the Mallo
Country Store . In Wheatland. Th!
board granted the license along with
an operator license for Lois Malloy.

The

i. Hig!i\V~y.ML,l~t"!lone.mlle •?lith

. of !Iighway ~>'~!'! used as an ·~.ce·• to

the:!nte~,s~~.l<1·
·. , ..•. ·. •
·H?~iste;.;'and. jlounty Highway
~issioner George s,wler, have
Iab\!led Highway ML as "totally mlilc-

; ce~~~l.;,n

Commerce

p!oyers'

because too many groups such as the · heard a report that the Truesdell

dation to George Swier, county high- homes a' nd the manner in which 'they
way commisswner, to be filed as a are constructed.
matter .of record.
Zirbel announ.ced a hearing at 10:30
Burt Watring of Weston Homes,
a.m, Monday m Room 310 of the
appeared before the board seeking
c?.urthgus~ m which th~ Depar~ment
town authorization to permit the fac~
ot Nat~ral Resou~ces wlll constder a
tory built structures in the town even
complamt regardmg a culvert on the'
though they fail to meet the current
Ray Ehlen property, Zirbel .said that
building code spec.ifications
he and a town supervisor will. attend
·
the hearing even though -the-complaint
The board. tabled Watring's req~yst does not involve the, Town of Paris,
until it has an opportunity to vlewthe· The complaint was filed by Laurence
.
W1SnefskL
.
.
·
li!'the only other action, the board
1111
,
approved a request from General Tel.:·
.
. .,; . . . .
,ephone Co, to install an underground
callle along !28th Street (Silver Nail
·. :.
·. ·.·
.
RoadL
The board acknowledged an invita.._
_-'
tion from, the ~omers Fire DepartR

say; ng: Ep.
ik·•·. 1111·1
ff· 'J:i·. .· Q
s. o. · .Y.· . .. . ·. . ·. ·.
i!llllll

,

'F · .••

"EV;~n.cif.'tHig~w~y ML) were,·we
we; wo~ld r\m into trouble with the
F.eder.al <cHighW'ar: Administration.
They woo't:all~w 'an access to the
interstate: at ML · because Russell
Road acces.s.isjust a half-mile away,"
S'j'ier said he hoped that the corps
would issue the 404 permit, anyway,
There's always a chance the EPA may
change Its mind, he said,
""·--~~- ....

M(hat 6~5 capsed'.,Ut~. d·elat?~···'·

.,

hwa···.,·•··50 ·...

~ if'·'?'

By BARBARA HENKEL
Staff Writer
'Inaction by state representatives, or

was requested through a resolution by
Molinaro and Dorff. On June 21, !973,
the resolution approved by- the As-

of~icials,

sembly by a unanimous vote, the rules
were suspended, and it was messaged
J;o the Senate aH in a matter of five

ivided_ opinion among local

dependmg on who you listen to, rs why)

10 years later, Highway 50 -is still
unimproved.
State Sen. John Maur~r, D-Kenosha,
in answer to a question posed at a
luncheon meeting Friday, said Highway 50 hasn't been improved because
"in 1973 two legislators from this are~

asked for a study to put 50 elsewhere.
The legislature at the time was ready
to rebuild 50 ... When the report was
ready, they didn't release it because
they didn't want to embarrass the
local legislators."

Although Maurer didn't name them,
the local legislators he referred to are
State. Rep. Eugene Dorff, DMKeriosha,
and former representative George
Molinaro, D-Kenosha,
~
Molinaro and Dorff hoth said this
morning that they asked for the
feasibility study to get things moving
on Highway 50. -The feasibility study

minutes.
. Dorff said_ the study vi• as complet~d
m February ?r Ma.rch of 1974. He sa1d
the.~tudy said an tmproved east-west.
fac1~1t,Y was nee~ed. but so
was
addltw.nal ~nv1ronmental Jm~act
s~udy. He satd the st~dy at the time

t:m

{hd no~ name a location for the proposed I~provem~nt.
That mform~tiOn about the study
was con tamed m a May. 9, 1978, let.ter
to Dorff from H.L. Fiedler. actmg
administrator of.the state Department
of Transportation, in response to an
inquiry from Dorff about Highway 50.
Fiedler also wrote that since the
study, "decreasing availability of fiM
nancial resources" has precluded a.ny
expansion. Maurer Fr1day said that by
tbe time the feasibility study was
completed, funds that pad been available in 1973 hact dried up.

ighway
PLEASANT PHA!R!E- Prospects
for the extension of Highway Q to 1~94
may appear dim, but ~t. is still not a
dead tssue, C. Tom Wood, town chair·

man, said Monday night.
Wood said letters .have been sent to
" Congressman Les As pin and Senators
William Proxmire and Gaylord Nelson
seeking their support and asking for a
meeting on th€ issue.
However. George Swier, county
highway commissioner, told the town
board he has just been. notified by the
WAnny Corps of Engineers that the 404
,permit needed to build across wetland
areas has been denied.
, Earlier, the corps had approved the
~extension which would have provided
a dir-ect east~west link between SherJdan Roa,d_~ndJ~94 ~~ ~e-_southern part
of the township. The Protect was then

tmy

Dorff and MoHnsro this J.DOrning
said subsequent action Was the result
of 1 'inac0ori" b);' local officials.- Tbey
said the· loc~l Highway- Commisston
fai!ed to,_estabHsb- Highway_ 50' as a

priority Hem- JJihen making a· Jist of

priorities fot the state.
Dorff referred back to a portion of
Fiedler's letter, in which Fiedler
writes that local people have to come
tc a consensus as to what they want
before the state can act.
the Highway CommitBoard recommended
the present Highway 50

build a new highway in a
different location. Townships and vi1~
!ages in the county have been asked to
pass similar resolutions.
Molinaro said the 1973 resolution
was lntrc.Ouced m the hopes that imM

provPmer.t and extension qt Hy . 158
would be found as a practical solution.
Molinaro said at public hearings
held
to 1973, sentiment was
over seve:ra.l proposals.
Farmers objected to one proposal to

pr~~~pects
t.;..

By BARBARA C'OLICKI
Area Editor

II byroa

I-

.

re)ect;ed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPAJ which cited
future development along the proposed Highway Q as detrimental to the
SOO-acre wetland and wildlife area.
The $1.15 million, two-mile extension
has been in the planning stages for 16

years.
In other highway matters, the town
board voted to support the proposal to
e the present Highway 50 and
the relocation of the highway
from the Jurisdictional Highway plan.
The board also adopted an amendment to ·the platting ordinance setting
new road standards which call for
blacktopping for subdivision roads
prior to acceptance by the town,
The towrl board concurred with rec~
ommendations by the planning com~
mission and approved the installation
of a street light on Highway C at the
west entrance of River Oaks Subdivision and denied street light re-

,~;

Water lines will be extended on 9lst
Street from 18th Avenue to 26th Ave.,
south (on 26th! 390 feet south of 91st
Street, 24th Avenue to the south side of
Springbrook Road, and 22nd Avenue to
about 200 feet north of 9lst Street.
Roger Prange, town clerk·, said
assessments will be $9.50 per front
foot plus a $400 fee for installation of
laterals The amount may be paid in
full by Nov. 1 or paid on a 10-year
installment plan at 8 percent interest
on the unpaid balance.
The board approved an agreement

Corps of Engineers came as no suprise
to the county's highway comrriittee
Wednesday morning, it just made the
death of. Highway Q official.
A letter .from Howard N. Nicholas,
LTC, Corps of . Engineers, verified
what county officials feared. Due to
the Evinronmental Protection's
Agency·s opposition to tbe highway
pJani _ the corps -wiU not issue its
permit either.
NICholas said it has been determined that "the propOSed work is

not in the public interest and therefore
the permit is denied."
Some encouraging words were giv~
en on the future improvement of High~
way 50. George Swier, highway comM
missioner, said that letters supporting
the study of the improvement of Highway 50 have been received from every
city, viJlage and townshiP in the coun-·
ty except Somers and Paddock Lake.
A.s it stands now, Highway 50 is not
rated as a prtoriti~ --construction
project by the state, S\vier said, but
with the letters of support he hopes the
state will recognize Jts importance to
Kenosha County.

limited access was sup

of Jhe present route.

widen present Hy, 50 to
in one direction, with Co
handle traffic in .oppos
Support of doing someti
5D comes from a numb
including
Paddr
Bu~inessmen's Associat
Unif ied School
Technical Instill
School District
Education Associatlol
Prairie, Paddocit Lake
ganizat.ion, and Kenosha
cil.

The suggestion was -a

A review of newspaper files provided tbe following background·
July 1968 - State plans to spend
$403,000 in 1009 in engineering and title
searches in t.he county, for a route not
yet designated.
February 1969 - Opinion expressed
at a public hearing ls that state should
improve present Highway 50 before
turning it over to the county when a
new route is completed. The Paddock
Lake Businessmen's Association goes
on record that the cost of a new Hy. 50
outweighs advantages, The suggestion

April 1976 - Southeasl
sin Regional Planning
deletes from an update o
construction of any ne1
road in Kenosha coUnty J
drop in~ population exp~
l9BO.

is made to rebuili:t !>U along its present
route, eliminating dangerous curves
and hills.
May 1969 - The County Board approves a new Hy. 50, with limited

access, 1/:a mile north of the present
route, in return for a promise from the
state to spend $750,000 in improving
the existing route.
April 1973 - At a public hearing at
Paddock Lake, a new Hy. 50 with

was

and

still, n1U'IIed in Plea

quests for the· east River Oaks entrance, 79th Street and Green Bay
Road and 69th St. and Green Bay
Road.
The board authorized the preparation of bids for the extension of water
service in South Kenosha which will
serve Manu-Tronics, ~115 26th Ave.,
and a number of area residences.

lette~. Q:!fikes

By JOHN ANDREAS
Stlill Wrlier
The letter from the U.S. Army

extend Hy. 50 west froth l-94 by
following a route about 1/z mile north

with Ben Salica Builders, Inc., coverM
ing the installation of sewers for the
Greenhill Farm Subdivision. The town
will bond for sewers under the agreement with repayment by Salica in two
years
Kenwal" Construction Co., Kenosha,
was awarded the contract for the
Greenhill sewer installation on a moM
tion by Supervisor Richard RandalL
Kenwal submitted the lowest of the
five bids on the project at $71,070.
other bids ranged from $72,314 to
$113.220.
A request by Eugene Sunday, 8935
3rd. Ave.. for a variance from
shoreland zoning ordinance for highway setbaCk to construct a home on
Lot 36 of Unit W, Carol Beach Estates.
was approved and sent with the town
recommendation to the county board
of adjustment for a hearing ai. 7 p.m.
Thursday at the courthouse.
Approval was also recommended

' '

Approval has been received from
the state, Swier said, to begin
ing the right~of-way for the
ening out of Highway JF where it runs
into Highway C.
Highway EZ, 39th Avenue, will also
be getting some attention by the county. Plans are being turned in to the
state for its reconstructwn from l
way 174. north to 80th StreeL
county will try to get federal funds for
the project.
A number of county highways will
be closed or under construction in the
coming weeks. Drivers should be
aware that Highway A, between High-

t

by Charles
condiUonal
blocks alo'
te of .Lake Michigan on
and 24. Carol Beach Unit 5, and
'N Country Building Corp .. :~OJ
St.. for a change from residentJ;
commercial on the south h;
vacated 76th Street. Tentativ
to the final 1
pending
foot
adjustment
for

~oncrete

The

denied a

neth and Charlene M
Ave.,for a change from

commercial.
All the requests will be refen
the county zoning eommit.tee he
at. 7:30 Wednesday at the courth
In other action, the board:
George Swier t<

final

31 and Wood Road wil! be closed
Friday night People interested
!n reaching Petrifying Springs Estates
must iZO through the golf course.
to enter the park should
K (60th Streetl will
a week in July, from
Highway :n to Highway 192, tor reconstruction of the railroad crossing.
Also, county road crews will be

working on county Highway MB, be·
iween Highway 50 and K, next week
for three days. they wm be reconstructing the roadway and there
will be fresh oil being laid down.

i

-....~----~

y.roa

II

Vf!Y 56
was requested through a resolution by
Molinaro and Dorff. On June 21, !973,
the resolution approved by the As·.
sembly by a unanimous vote, the rules
were suspended, and'it was messaged
to the Senate all in a matter of five
minutes.
Dorff said the study was compieted
in February or March of 1974. He said
the study said an improved east-west
facility was needed, but so too wa.s
:fdditional environmental impact
5tudy. He said the study at the time
jjd not name a location for the pro)OSed- improvement.
' That information about the study
;vas contained in a May 9, 1978, letter

.o Dorff from -H.L. Fiedler, acting
tdministrator of the state Department
tf Transportation, in response to an
nqUiry from Dorff about Highway 50.

, Fiedler also wrote that since the

Dorff ·and

,.MolinarO~.

this. inorning

said ·subseque.nnu:!tion was the result
of "inaction'' by ~ocal ofllci~ls. They
said the local Highway Commission
failed to establish Highway 50 as a
priority item'·when making a· list of
priorities for the state.
Dorff referred back to a portion of
Fiedler's
in which Fiedler
writes that
people have to come
to a consensus as to what they want
before the state can act.

In early May the Highway Committee and County Board recommended
improving the present Highway 50
rather than bu.ild a new highway in a
different location. Townships and vii~
!ages in the county have been asked to
pass· similar resolutions.
Molinaro said tile 1973 resolution

1ancial resources" has precluded any

was introduced in the hopes that im··
provement and extension oi Hy. 158
'l.vould be· found as a practica"i solution.

~xpansion. Maurer Frtday said that by
he time the feasibility studv was
ompleted, funds Jhat )lad been' ava!lble in 1973 had dried Up.

Molinaro said at public hearings
held prior to 1973, sentiment was
divided over severa! proposals.
Farmers objected to one proposal to

tudy, "decreasing availability of fi·

extend Hy. 50 west from l-94 by
following a route about 1/e mile north
of:the present route.
· A review of newspaper files provided the following background·
July 196!! - State plans to spend
$403,000 in 1969 in engineering and title
searches in the county, for a route not
yet designated.
February 1900 - Op!nfon expressed
at a public hearing is that state should
improve present Highway 50 before
turning it over. to the county vvben a
new route js completed. The Paddock
Lake Businessmen's Association goes
on record that the cost of a new Hy. 50
outweighs advantages .. The suggestion
is made to rebuiiO :JU along its present
route, eJimlnating dangerous curves
and hills.
May 1969 - The County Board approves a new Hy. 50. with limited
access, 1!2 mile north of the present
rout~ 1 in return for a promise from the
stat.~ to spend $750,000 in improving
the existing route.
April 1973 - At a public hearing at
Paddock Lake, a new Hy. 50 with

limited access was supported l1J0.14.
The suggestion was also made to
widen present Hy, 50 to carry traffic
in one direction, with County Hy, K to
handle traffic in .opposite direction,
Support of doing something with Hy.
50 comes from a number of. g·roups,
including Paddock Lake
Businessmen's Association, Kenosh;t
Unif led School District, Gatewa· ·
Technical Institute·, Kenosha Unifi~
School District and the Keno•
Education Association·, Plea~

Prairie, Paddock . Lake Citizeri"
ganization, and Kenosha Civic
cil

April 1976 - S0utlleastern WiS<
sin Regional Planning Commisf
deletes from an update of a 1966 p
construction of any new east-v
road in Kenosha County because (
drop in population expected thro
1980. "
Molinaro said today, "LtJCal gover
ment
inVolved'. 0,~ maybe
was
a ssemb!y) ~oo lor;

and

left 'earher,"'

» ospects still~ mulled in Pleasant Prairie
{;5?\'.

ed bv the Environmental Prol Aciency (EPA) which cited
development along the proHighway Q as detrimental to the
·e wetland and wildlife area.
.15 million, two--mtle extension
en in the planning stages for 16
highway matters, the town
.rated. to support the proposal to
·e the present Highway 50 and
the relocation of the highway
le Jurisdictional Highway plan.
board also adopted an amend~
J the platting ordinance setting
md standards which call for
ppi ng for subdivision roads
1 acceptance by the town.
own board concurred with rec~
dations by the planning com~
' and approved the installation
eet light on Highway C at the
ntrance of River Oaks Sub~
and denied street Ught re-

~her

'

quests for the east River Oaks en~
trance, '/9th Street and Green Bay
Hoad and 69th St. and Green Bay
Road.
The board authorized the prepara~
tion of bids for the extension of water
service in South Kenosha which will
serve Manu-Tronics, 91!5 26th Ave.,
and a number of area residenCes.
Water lines will be extended on 9Ist
Street from 18th Avenue to 26th Ave.,
south (on 26th I 390 feet south of 91st
Street, 24th A venue to the south side of
Springbrook Road, and 22nd Avenue to
about 200 feet north of 91st Street.
Roger Prange, town clerk", said
assessments will be $9.50 per front
foot plus a $400 f"ee for installation of
laterals. The amount. may be paid in
Iull by Nov. 1 or paid on a 10-year
installment plan at 8 percent interest
on the unpaid balance.
The board approved an agreement

Iter makes
'-' !'#: • ..,~

not in the public interest and therefore
the permit is denied."
Some encouraging words were given on the future improvement of Highway 50. George Swier, highway com~
missioner, said that Jettefs supporting
the study of the improvement of High·
way 50 have been received from every
city, village and townshiP in the county except Somers and Paddo.ck Lake.
As it stands now, Highway 50 is not
rated as a priority· construction
project by the state, SWier said, but
with the letters of support he hopes the
state will recognize itS importance to
Kenosha County.

with Hen Salica Builders, lnc, cover~
ing the installation of sewers for the
Greenhill f;'arm Subdivision. The town
will bond f'or sewers under the agree·
ment with repayment by Salica in two
years.
Kenwal' Construction Co., Kenosha,
was awarded the contract. for the
Greenhill sewer !nstaJ!atwn on a mer
tion by Supervisor Richard Randall.
Kenwa! submitted the lowest of the
five bids on the project at $71,070.
Other bids ranged from $72,314 to
$113,220.
A request by Eugene Sunday, 8935
3rd Ave., for a variance from
shoreland zoning ordinance for highway setbaCk to construct a home on
Lot 36 of Unit W, Carol Beach Estates,
was approved and sent with the town
recommendation to the county board
of adjustment for a hearing at. 7 p.m.

requests by Charles Graf,
Antioch, IlL, for conditional use to
('oncret.e blocks along .:tbe

!e of Lake Michigan:ortLcts 23
and 24, Carol Beach Unit 5, and Town
'N Country Bmlding Corp .. 3016 85th
St., for a change from residential' B ~0

commercial on the south half.. of
vacated 76th Street. Tentative ap'al was given to the final plat: of
La'\-'ler Subdivision pending. a 33:
foot roadway adjustment.
The board denied a request by Ken~
ncth and Charlene lYi('ntek, 6300 '88th

Ave ,for a change from agricUltural to
commercial.
All th€> requests will be referred::to
the county zoning committee hearing
at 7:30 Wednesday at the courthouse

Thursday at the courthouse,

Approval was also

recomrr~ended

'Nho

resigned because he is moving into the
city
..::_Received notice from the Kenosha
Department of Public Works that it
will no longer circulate petitiOns of
annexatwn on small annexation requests.
-Extended to July 15 the deadline
for completion of the sewer project on
Highway H at the request of Jensen
aprl ,Johnson, town engineers, necessi~
tated·, ih part by electrical damage in
a recent storm.
-H.eferred to the plan commission
a request for a streetlight at 106th
Street and 22nd Avenue,

....:..Awarded all sales of gasoline, oil
and diesel fuel to Mobile Oit Co., low
bidder, for the year ending July !,
1979, and· all automotive parts to Land
M Auto Parts for the same period. L
and M was the sole bidder.
-Approved four operator licenses.

' death nal

Approval has been received from
the state, Swier said, tot
ing the right-of-way for
ening out of Highway JF where it runs
into Highway C.
Highway EZ, :J9th Avenue, wilt also
be getting some attention by the county, Plans are bemg turned in to the

state for its reconstruction from I
way 174 north to 80th Street.
county will try to get federal funds for
the project.
A number of county highways wm
be closed or under construction in the
coming weeks; Drivers should beaware that Hlghway A, between High~

31 and Wood Road will be closed
Friday night. P(:opie interested
i.n reaching PetrHymg Springs Estates
must go through the golf course.
Golfers trying to enter the park should
use Highway JR.

County Highway K i&Oth Street I will
be closed for a week in July, from
Highway .~1 to Highway 192, for re·
construction of the railroad crossing.
Also, countv road crews wlH be
working on c~unty Highway MBJ be~
tween Highway 50 and K, n~xt week
for three days. they wn't be reothe roadway and· there
oil being !aid down.

·--....~-.........,

-arfffle
~ w;s requ:sted througb a resolution by
18,

or

:ials,

why,
still

~xtend

Hy. 50 west from I-94 by
f9llowing a route about \-2 mile north

Molinaro and Dorff. On June'21, 1973,
the resolution. approved' by' the As-

> of]the present route,

' ' ?1\.}~eview. of newspaper files pro·., ,vided the .following background:
! July· 1968 - State plans to spend
$403.000 in 1969 in engineering and title

sembly by· a unanimous vote, the rules
were suspended, and it was messaged
.to the Senate all in a matter of five

minutes.
>sha,
at a
iighlUSe,

area
1ere.
eady
,was

a use
:the

Dorff said the study was completed
in February'or March of 1914- He said
the study said an improved east-west
facility was needed, but so too was
additional environmental impact
study, He said the study at the time
did not name a location for the proposed improvement.
That information about the study
was contained in a May 9, 1978; letter
to Dorff from . H.L. Fiedler; acting
administrator of the state Depariment

hem,

of Transportation, )n response lo an

o are

inquiry from Dorff about Highway 50,
Fiedler also wrote that since the
study, "decreasing availability of fi·
nancial resources" has precluded-any
expansion, Maurer Friday said that by
the time the feasibility study was
completed, funds thai']lad been available in 1973 had,;lried tlik

)Sha,

!Orge

i this
1

the

oving
ttudy

Dorff referred back to a portion of
Fiedler's letter, in which Fiedler
writes that local people have to come
to a consensus as to what they want
before the state can act.

searches in the county, for a route not

yet designated.
February 1969 - Opinion expressed
at a public hearing is that state should
improve present Highway 50 before
turning it over, to the county when a
In early May the Highway Commit- new route is completed. The Paddock
tee and County Board recommended Lake Businessmen's Association goes
improjring the present Highway 50 on record that the cost of a new Hy. 50
rather .than build a new highway in a outweighs advantages. The suggestion
differeriUocation, Townships and viiis made to rebuilil :Mialong its present
!ages-in the county have been asked to route, eliminating dangerous curves
pass similar resolutions.
and hills.
May 1969 - The County Board apMolinaro said the 1973 resolution
was introduced in the hopes that im- proves a new Hy. 50, with limited
provement and. extension qt Hy. 158 access, Vz mile north of the present
would be found as a practic:tl solution.
rout~. In return for a promise from the
Molinaro said at public hearings · sta\<1 to spend $750,000 in improving
held prior to 1973, sentiment was . the existing route.
divided over several proposals.
, : ~ : April 1973 - At a public hearing at
Farmers objected to one proposal to ·Paddock Lake, a new Hy. 50 with

rQ pr-sspect's still;
;

(..,.;3·71'

.

reject,ed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which cited
future development along the proposed Highway Q as detrimental to the
600-acre wetland and· wildlife area,
The $1.15 million, two-mile extension
has been in the planning stages for 16
years.
In other highway matters, the town
board voted to support the proposal to
improve the present Highway• 50 and
delete the relocation of the highway
from the .Jurisdictional Highway plan.
The board also adopted an amendment tO'the platting ordinance setting
new road standards which call for
blacktopping for subdivision roads
prior to acceptance by the town.
The town board concurred with recommendations by the planning commission and approved the installation
of a street light on Highway C at the
west entrance of River Oaks Sub-:
division and denied streef light re-

Water lines will be extended on 91st
Street from 18th Avenue to 26th Ave,,
south 'on 26th) 390 feet south of 91st
Street, 24th Avenue to the south side of
Springbrook Road, and 22nd Avenue to
about 200 feet north of 91st Street.
Roger Prange, town clerk', said
assessments will be $9,50 per front
foot plus a $400 fee for installation of
laterals. The amount may be paid in
full by Nov. I or paid on a·10-year
installment plan at 8 percent interest
on the unpaid balance.
The board approved an agreement

;letter m·.akes
~AS

i

-----..
~

J.S. Army
nosuprlse
zommittee
. made the
i.
; Nicholas,
', verified
d. Due to
•tection's
' highway
, issue Ill
been ded work is

l.t•

J"•"?i

not in the public interest arid therefore
the permit is denied."
Some e.,couraging wo~S were given on the future improvei!fent of Highway 50. George Swier, hfghway commissioner, said that letters supporting
the study of the lmproveiliertt of Highway 50 have been·recelv<ld from every
city, vil~age and townsh~P i~ the county except SOmers arid Paddock Lake.
As It stands now ,"Highway 50 is not
rated ,as a priori~y~:: construction
project by the state, ~\vier said, but
with the letters of suppor( he hopes the
state will recognize its importance to
Kenosha County.

Businessmen's"' 1\ss~ia~dh~·~<K~r,Ws~,

Unif ied . School ;9istrict; ~Gatl!V.:i!¥'
Technical InStitute;· •KenoSl!a;.trhillect
School ·District·.. ·and~· lite ·; I(efill!ihll
Education Association;< .Pleat··
Prairie, Paddock · Lllke Citizen
ganization, and Kenosha Civic
cit
April 1976 - SI)Utheasteill WIS<
sin Regional· Planning Commls•
deletes from an·up<late of•a.t966 p
construction of any new , ,~ast-9
road in Kenosha County beCause c
~:f. ~~~ population expected thro
Molinaro said today, ';L(>Cal gover
ment hilS. to 11et involved. :Or maybe
was ~etei(fn'Jhe aS.eni!Jly); tOo ton
and shoUld l!a'Ve left earlier/1'"

ed in Pleasant Prairie

•

quests for the east River Oaks en.
trance, 79th Street and Green Bay
Road and 69th St and Green Bay
Road.
,
The board authorized the preparation of bids for the extension of water
service in South Kenosha which will
serve Manu-'fronics, g115 26th Ave.,
and a number of area residences,

limit.;(j. access was supported .100:14.
The suggestion. was. also· made' to
widen present Hy. 50 to carry .traffic
in one direction;\vith County J!)';K to
handle traffic. in\n~itll''tlif!\ction.
Support of doing. $Oinethi~g ,qitb Hy.
50 comes fr.om .a nUIJlber of. groups,
including . P'ad'd'D)Ck,..·Lake·

with Ben Salica Builders, Inc .. covering the installation of sewers for the
Greenhill ~'arm Subdivision. The town
will bond for sewers under the agree--

ment with repayment by Salica in two
years.
Kenwal' Con~truction Co., Kenosha,
was awarded the contract for the
Greenhill sewer inStallation on a mo-tion by Supervisor Richard Randall.
Kenwal submitted the lowest of the
five bids on the project at $71,070.
Other bids ranged from $72,314 to
$113,220,
A request by Eugene Sunday, 8935
3rd Ave., for a variance from
shoreland zoning ordinance for highway setbaCk to construct a home on
Lot 36 of Unit W, Carol Beach Estates,
was approved and sent with the town
recommendation to the county board
of adjustment for a hearing at 7 p,m.
Thursday at the courthouse.
Approval was also recom111ended

for zoning requests by Charles Graf,
Antioch, Ill., for conditional use ·to
place concrete ,blocks along.· ttte
shoreline of Lake Michigan'on.L<ifs l!3
and 24, Carol Beach Unit 5, and Town
'N Country· Building Corp.; ;30!G\'85tli',.,
St., for a change from residentil!tB·tlJ,
commercial on the south half: of
vacated 76th Street. Tentative approval was given to the final plat;of
the Lawler Subdivision pending a>33-*.
foot roadway adjustment.
. ·
The board denied a request by·Ken;.
neth and Charlene Mentek; 6300" 88tlf,,
Ave. ,for a change from agricultural'l<f ~­
commercial.
, ,, " '
All the requests will be referred·to
the county zoning committee heari~g
at 7:30 Wednesday at the courth!ius~. '·
In other action, the board:
-Appointed George Swier to the
p1arinTtig commission replacing Jack.
Beckman, commission chairman. who

resigned because he is movirig into til
city.

-Received notice from the Kenosh
Department of Public Works 'that
will no longer circulate petitiOns c
annexation on small annexation rf
quests.
-~~xtended to July 15 the deadlin
for completion of the sewer project o
Highway H at the request of Jense
E!~d .JOh!'JSOn, town engineers, necessi
tated;'iiFpart by electrical damage i:
a ~recent storm.
-Referred to the plan commissiOJ
a; request for a streetlight at 10611
Street and 22nd Avenue.
,-Awarded all sales of gasoline, oi
and diesel fuel to Mobile Oil Co,, lov
bidder. (or the year ending 'July 1
1979, and all automotive parts to L aru
M Auto Parts for the same period, 1
and M was the sole bidder.
-Approved four operator licenses.

'0' deith''flnal'

Approval has been received from
the state, Swier said, to begin purchasing the right-of·way for the straightening out of Highway JF where it runs
into Highway C.
Highway EZ, 39th Avenue, will also
be getting some attention by the county. Plans are being turned in to the
state for its reconstruction from Highway 174 north to BOth Street the
county will try to get federal funds for
the project
A number of county highways will
be closed or under construction in the
comii;lg wee!£s:,£ Drivers should bl:'
aware ihht lfigliway A, between High-

..

way 31 and Wood Road will be closed
until ~'riday ,night People interested
in reaching Petrifying Springs Estates
must go through the golf course.
Golfers trying to enter the park should
use Highway JR
County Highway K (60th Street! will
be closed for a week in July, from
Highway 31 to Highway 192, for reconstruction of the railroad crossing.
Also, ~ounty road crews will be
working on county Highway MB, between Highway 50 and K,: n.Xt week
for three days, they wlll be re-,
constructing the roadway and there
wi II be fresh oil being laid down.

--.....___

unty r a
a

just a/,
>v
h

·_l ')_

?•
W - Road going to Wilmot.
T ~ Town hall of Pleasant Prairie.

By DAVE ENGELS
Slafl Writer
You're cruising down a rural high·
way, taking in the scenery on a warm
spring afternoon. Yo-8 glance at the

"IT'S NO BIG DEAL," said Mrs.
Marlatt. "They just picked a person
the initials.
There's no particular sense to it."
"One day I was sitting in the ofD
hce," she said. "Harold Herzog, who
was commissioner then, came Up to
me and said he needed some initials
for a highway. Then he put down my
initials and walked away."
Mrs. Marlatt said highway com~
missioners would simply choose people mvolved in highway or county
affairs and use their initials for high~
way names. The procedure never involved any formality,
Before the Depression, tbe high·
ways had names such as Berryville
Road and McKeon Road. The lettering
system began when the highways were
being paved in the early 1930's, as part
of the New Deal programs including'
the Works Progress Administration

Kenosha

KD

Joseph

J(erkman,

once

Wheatland town chairman, and
Georg£ Dean, once Randal! town
chairman
ML - Marge Larsen, former _employee of the Univers_ity Extension
oHice.
~
MB - Milton Meredith, once Paris

(WPA).

Mrs..· Harriet Marlall, former Kenosha County
Highway Department employee, poses near the
highway and the eign that were named .alter her
by former Commissioner Harold Herzog.

-

said, "I love it,.

1

town chairman, and William Bacon;
once Bristol town chairman.

WITH FEW EXCEPTIONS, the
county highways with single letters
were named randomly from the
alphabet.
The members of the Highway De·
partment compiled a list as best they
couJd a few years ago. It is still
incomplete. The list, given here, tells
the name of the county highways and
their origins;

/

/

I

county line.

EZ - Ernie Zanders who owned a
tavern on Highway 174 and 39th Avenue tEZ).
FR - B'red Rasch, once Randall
town chairman
HH -- How3rd Herzog, oOce hlg~~
way commiSsiOner.
HM
Harriet Ma~latt, once h~
way department employee.
--:
JB
Jim Brooks, once a county
board member.
JF ·-Joe Fox, once Salem town
chairman.
Jl -~ Julius Ingwersen, once highway commissioner.
JR - Jay Hhodes, once a county
board member.
JS- C!arence Jackson, once. Bristol
town chairman, and William Alfred
Schmidt, once Salem town cf.airman.
K- Travels nearly the length of the
center of the county . . thus K f'or

they knew and used

Highway
her

Kenosha~Racine

KR -

EA - Elaine Angelo, former high·
way department worker.
AH ·- Arthur Hartnell, once Salem
town chairman.
BB Named so because of crossing
with County Trunk Highway B.
CJ ·- Clarence Jackson, once a
county board member.
EE - An extension of County Trunk
E.
EM - Named after the Twin Lakes,
Elizabeth and Mary.
EW- Eleanor Wagner, wife of late
commissioner.

side of the road and see a sign that
says "County JB." Or maybe it said
KD, AH or ML. At one time or
another, you've probably wondered
where those initials carne from. Now,
you're going to get an answer.
Those county highway names are
the initials of former county board
members, highway commissioners,
highway department employees and
rural town chairmen.
Mrs. Harriet Marlatt, 5912 50tb
Ave., retired in 1975 after 40 years
with the County Highway Department.
There is a highway named after herHM, located in Randall Township near
Twin Lakes. ·

She looked over tbe list of highways
named after people. She said she knew
most of tbe people and all but •
handful have long since passed on.
During her 40 years with the department, she worked under six commissioners: John Herzog, Howard
Herzog, Hans Guttormsen, Harold
Herzog, Julius Ingwersen and Leo
Wagner.
Forty years was enough for Mrs.
Marlatt. About her retirement she

a

NN- An extension of Cquflty Trunk

Highway N,
PH - Peter Harris, once a county
board member.
SA- Salvation Army camp located
on the road.
UE - Urban Eppers, once

town chairman.
WU William Gleason,
Bristol town chairman.

I

I

·~

<:::::::·~

C ount.y>> refuslri · ito share salt
~ -•j .. ,

By BARBARA HENKEt •
Slat! Writer
A shortage of road salt will canse a
"public relations problem" this win·
ter among members of the Wisconsin
County Boards Association who hsve
been_caught short.
Kenosha County isn't one of them.

Last fall the county and city ordered
18,000 tons of salt, and has most of that
left from last winter.
Many counties in the state 8:re

without salt. The Wisconsin County
Boards Association· estimates 24 coun~
. ties face a total shortage of 43,825
· ..tons ..

Highway $s
to be used
for "·31-'
.overhead

Representatives of many of those
counties got together this month and
discussed their mutual problem, according to John Laabs of the association. They learned about a poaslble
group purchase from one of the Eu·
ropean salt mines, at a cost of $35 to
$40 per ton via ocean freight and truck
deli•ery.
Trainloads from Utah would cost
about $70 a ton, said Laabs., He said
there is an unconfirmed report ol Utah
salt going for between ~ and $42 per
ton. None of the prices Include cost of
unloading salt from the freight cara .
Kenosha County's purchase was at

$13.89 a ton, plus the cost of two salt
sheds to store the salt ln. The cheap
sail became available when a barge
got trapped in Ice In Lake Michigan.
Laabs said those present at the
special meeting recognized they would
have a public relallons problem and
possible safety hasard If tw<>-thlrda of
the state's counties have adequate
supplies and spread salt normally, and
one-third have a short supply and hsve
to cut back applications, or use none at
all.
Laabs said motorists may encounter
difficulties traveling at a higher rate
of speed on bare roads !ben croosln•

as

into" a county that hasn't salted
much.
Laabs said in a letter to member

counties, 'Public relations
1

pr-.,D~\:!'1.8

may very well develop concerning salt
spreading policies, In both the counties with salt and those without. Ad·
mittedly, these problems will be
greater in those counties without salt,
but environmentally concerned
citizens may raise questions in adequatly supplied counties, about
spreading policies compared to neigh·
boring· counties that may not hsve
salted."
Laabs asked counties with normal
or more than adequate supplies of salt
to contact him to arrange a sale to
counties without salt.
Kenosha County's Highway Committee Wednesday morning reviewed
Laab's written request and decided
against sharing.
"We're not going to do it," said
highway chairman Earl hollister.

'1'1
Seeing llftle prospect for fW>dlng in
the near future for reconstruction ol
Highway 50, west of 1-84, the county
Highway Committee Wednesday
agreed to allow the state to use
$350,000 set aside for the project.
The funs will be used to replace and
realign the Soo Railroad line overhead
on 50 at about Shorewood Terrace,
near the Fox River.
Supervisor Earl Hollister, highway
chairman, said, "We're talking about
millions to fix Highway 50. This money wouldn't begin to touch II."
The money is coming In a IW>d held
by the state to reconstruct 50.
Hollister said the fund has grown to
$450,000, through annual allotments.
This year, he said, the county wao
allocated $116,000.
Bids will be opened in February,
with completion of the project contemplated for fall 1980.
In other action Wedneeday the committee beard that the Town of Salem
will guarantee up to $150,000 lor re.~I>IA~~ blacktopping on county roads
111 1uesulfol 'sewer line Installations,

--~--

••. to Bloomington, 111.
")

Kenoeha Newt pholot by Mar•hall Slmon!Mfll

Accessible
only by boat

Flood condition wor!141ned today In •everal
area.. ol Kenosha County around the Fox
River. The home abov11 on 3121h Avenue

cuts may delay Highway 50

Bud

t~ ,!/'"?~'

'
looking over three proposals to

mittee will comment at a 1~ter date.
The three proposals would change the
existing formula: give towns ;md
counties money on a one-shot basis: or
move money from the construction
accm~nt to maintenance.
Sw1er saicl·he is weighing the merits

Major highway projects originally
accounted for $65.6 million of state

111

crease state ~ids. Swier said the com-

million. Senate Democrats,
working on the package in caucus last
we.ek. cut it still further to $21.3
milhon. Democrats added to Jomt
$34.7

existing roads, however, bringing that
category to $59 million. Dreyfus' origmal proposal had earmarked $66.6

mill_i~n for .improvements, .

Charity begins at horne, and the

g

q u I tt·l n g

I e r's

.~llll...

Ill.

1111

bw·
.

·

·.

t
I 8 u. r prISe ac I0 n
-

~r·s

new job came as a surprise

on the County Board,
qf whom have said they knew of
teawn for Swier to quit
lr hadn't wid any County Board
riwrs about his plans t<> leave
~ter the Kenosha News told him
t had learned of his position in
iington and planne~ to run a
,about it·. Swier then hand-de~ his letter of resignation w
~rs of the Highway Committee,
,eJr; homes. He. got w one
rtwr's house at 11 p.m. last
day. The swry ran Friday.
friday County Board Chairman
1 Koessl and Highway Commitjllrman Earl Hollister said they
;took inw the possibility of rais~ryone

Swier. said.Hehe oold
w. •• reco.
nsi.d.. erln
. .' ....•rt•. •.
cepting.
Bloomington
porters today that he wavered Tbur.
day beCause he didn't want w.qll
before. starting vacation.fro. .m .h
Kenosha County job, which starti
today,

Wheo county officials lea111i
underground oil storage facility, and a Thursday night that Swier might qill
strike at a third mine
they talked about giving him a ps
Swier said the stat~ Transportation increase to get him to stay.
Department reported' that 33 of the .. County Board chairman W~yt
state's 72 counties have adequate sup- f<'oessl was surprised .Thursday afte:
plies. Bids are pending for 12 counties, noon by the news. Asked why Swle
but 2o others who had asked for bids who has been commissioner silK
got none.
January 1977, would want. w qui
Two recent bid prices were $28.11 a Koessl said he didn't know.Swlerwl
ton and $29.27 a ton, said Swier. He quitting._ "I talked to him· justJM!fOJ
said the state is estimating a shortage lunch. He didn't say a word ahoutlt,

county won't be selling salt road salt
to those outside the county, except m
extreme emergenctes.
That wa~ the deCJswn Thursday by
the county s Highway Committee.
. The/ommi~e~h also, Inbflosed. ses-

~:~~· ~~cu~~e hwae p~s:n~i~~~~g:a;

°.

.
said Koessl
of 16,000 tons for counbes and of 75,000
"
'.

stay on, but under the present terms,
with no additional salary increase.
Swier will let the committee know his
deciSion Monday. Swier has accepted
the job of Bloomington, IlL, city engineer.
Swier reported to 'the committee
that the S It 1 t't t.
d' t
h

Kenosha County, however, is in a
good position. Last fall the county
ordered 18,000 wns of salt that became
available when a barge got trapped in
ice in Lake Michigan. The price was
$13.89 a ton. Two sheds had to be built
to sUlre the salt and at the time Swier
est' mated th ' t 1
f

re e and doesn't !Ike being threat- supply m the Midwest this commg
c as •.
winter.
~nn~ ~~~~-resignations 11 an increase . The Salt Institute is a trade associaswfer current! earns $2S 967 8 , twn whose. member compames m
year plus $SS4 a y~ar in cost-of-living: North Amenca account for 95 percent
adju~tments
•
1 of all dry salt productiOn.
Tb 81 nit 1 n sitlon starts at i The Institute said salt stocks were
327 5 ~ 0 8 ';.,a/~ 1~ lwo pay increases 1depleted by ·last year's severe winter
du;ln the e '
.
and problems alfectmg . production,
In go the{ ~~~!ness the Highway ,tncludiilgan explosion at one mine, the
Committee Wednesday:
· converswn of anothe; to a government
• Approved designating County
Highway JF an atery w westbound
traffic will swp at Rock Lake Road,
Trevor.
••
• Approved a report allowing !lie
Parks Department w add 34 00,o.bo
sewer project for Silver Lake Pat-k; .~·
its ltst of capital lmprovemeri,l J)r<>;
grams. The departmentis applyiJII.f~t,
a grant w pay lor 50 percent .of ·!lje
project.
·

mgs by buymg salt m bulk would pay
for the sheds. Swier said Thursday
that based o~ current salt prices, and
apparent savmgs, "the buildings have
already patd for themselves."
The committee agreed to supply,
salt to anyone in the county, but In
those outside the county only in diti!
emergency. In those cases .the ..sal( ·is
w be replaced, or paid for aL the
h1gher replacement cost

c-·

'...::~..,

officially named today.
When. asked about It Tburada•

G
s · g s yt
C
•tte
eorge w1er ep . 4 . _ ommt ee
Chairman Earl Hollister said the comH

1111

fill

By BARBARA HENKEL
. Staff Writer
,
unlikely the County Board w11l
up with a salary mc:ease sufflto entice G-:orge Swter, county
ay commissiOner, to stay on.
!r was announced Friday as the
ity engineer for Bloomington,
ta 1 s 1 4 s · · i T
'8 • r
ep: · Wier 18 n exas
a lion, and 18 due back early next

1979-81 biennial budget. The three are
th~
Arrowhead Bridge, Dubuque
Bndge and the addition of a third lane
to. !~43 .,b~tween Sheboygan, Wis. and
Gte-en Ba~.; Wis:,

By BARBARA HENKEL
Stall Writer

.

}

George Swier, Kenosha County
highway commissioner, today ws
named Bloomington, Dl., city eng
neer. He will start by Sept. 3.
It was teamed by the Kenosha Ne'fl
Thursday afternoon that Swier ha
been offered the job, and was to t

'1

co~~ter ~fi~:~~t ~~m";;;~~==da~ t~:
g

?1

·f'J5)

By BARBARA HENKEL
Staff 'ft'rlter

The state budget cuts left only three
a dozen majpr transportation
proJeCts included in the original

'sa It seller'

Fmance's $33.6 million to improve

.;">

Swier quite
as county
road chief

of each proposaL
of

c I t y won 't b e

money
in Gov.
Dreyfus'
budget
posaL .Joint
Finance
pared
thatpro~
to

~

ln~

Cuts to the state highway budget
''did not hurt Kenosha on the six~year
plan," said George Swier, Ken<?sha
County highway commissioner, "smce
vve didn't have anything on the plan."
Swier said the cuts "have a chance
to hurt Highway 50 in the future." The
county has proposed improving Highway 50 on its present alignment.

Y

near Highway 50 wae aurrounded by water,
rnultlng In picturesque raflactlone but making life difficult for raeldanla.

-~':

'

mg Swier s salaq w get him W stay
on. At Wednesdays Hlghw~yCommt~tee meeting, Holllste~ satd it wasn t
l!kely that a salary ratse would come
through.
.
Observers say the board IS reluctant
to give one department head a salary

increase and not give others an in~

mittee told Swier he was welcome to

. a

ns 1_u e pre 1 ~ sa s

tons for the state.

?rt .

1

, ree 0 . our years 0 sav~

'

..

I know we cut h~~ budget,· but-¥1
do th~t to ?Veryone, he added,
Sw1er sa1d Thursday afternoon till
he wa~ consl6erlng not . taking U
Bloommgoon position, which .!las
>

~tartmgpayo~$2'1,500ayear,witht'll

mcreases dur~ng the year. Swier ~u
rently earns $26,986.94 a year, pit
$6114 a year In cost-of-living adjus

ments.

After being contacted by the New

S~~e; made a point of pefSQDB[
VlStt.mg Koess} and Supervisor Ea
Holhs~r, chamn!'n of the Higbw!
Committee, at thetr respectivebom•
:Tbu~ay night.
,· .~th Koessl and Hollister said toe!!
~a; they. had wantejl Swier 00 Jta:
Ho\lister said he. spent S()me tin
Th!;irsday night trying oo convill<
SWier W stay.
. Koessl said Swier oold him 1
·wasn't unhappy with the .count•
hasn't had any pressuresfroiJI boai
members nor · any .lnsurmountabl
problems. Koessl said. Swier w~ ~
turbed that a salary increase reque~
for biiJiself.alld ~ighway supervli!Or
personnel was b~JIP ll!·eommltte
for quite a while. ; ·.:¥ · ··· ,
''

·-...___>

I

I

un~

work was their first experience on a
large scale"

However, when officials in Williams
Bay Wisconsin, decided to move a
street away from the busy !akefront
area, they chose a unique construction
technique as the most cost-effective
way of dealing with local soil conditions.

"The road performed well through the
critical freeze-thaw period," according
to David L. Belongia of Soil Testing
Services of Wisconsin, That firm's
expertise was utilized by Donohue's
professional staff in coordinating the
Williams Bay project.

On the recommendation of soil engineers, a tough, woven polypropylene.
filter fabric was laid under a base of
crushed limestone to provide stability
under the road bed. This eliminated
the need for extensive excavation in
an area of soft, peat soil and high
groundwater, and saved both time and
money.

Although their experience with the
fabric has also been limited, the soil
engineers recommended its use to provide tensile reinforcement for the road
bed and to prevent Joss of the subgrade material into the underlying soft
soils and/or the intrusion of the organic soils into the limestone fill.

Tough Job Made Easy
"I would recommend this type of fabric. It made a tough job very simple,"
said Lawrence "Babe'" Mann, president of Mann Bros., Elkhorn contractors. His firm had used the fabric
previously, but last fall's relocation

Williams Bay lakefront development
began in 1976 with approval of the
plan submitted by an Illinois landscape architectural firm. Officials subsequently directed engineers to proceed with the plan's first phase- the
relocation of Geneva Street.

Relocating a roadway is not an
usual project in itself.

Soil Studies Necessary

A tough filter fabric provided a
stable base for this street relocallon
project. A bulldozer spread a
12-inch lift of limestone.

Soil borings were taken in the fall of
1977. Donohue personnel and soil
engineers worked together on roadway alignment, pavement design and
construction specifications. They recommended relocation of the street
about I 00 feet to the north, in an
area once occupied by railroad tracks.
A literature search was conducted on
various brands of filter fabric, Belongia said, Bid specifications were based
on strength and stretching characteristics, \Veight and a general review of
the manufacturer's experience with the
fabric. Engineers also specified that
limestone, rather than gravel, be used
for the subbase to provide better support under the high groundwater conditions,

Construction Procedures
During construction. existing surface
fills were removed, and excavations
made from 18-30 inches" After the
subgrade elevation was reached, the
filter fabric was laid, overlapping at
the joints and extending to the outer
edge of each shoulder.

(Continued from Previous Page)

The limestone aggregate was then
backdumped onto the fabric, spread
and compacted, "We did the laying
of fabric and stone in about 50-foot
sections," the contractor said. The
fabric and limestone provided a stable
base for the heavy trucks working on
the road, he added"
Additional layers of limestone were
placed until the base grade was
reached" A thin layer of traffic bind
stone preceded the four-inch binder
course of bituminous concrete.
Fabric Less Oostly
Bids on the project were let in August
of 1978. Work began in September
and was completed by late October.
With use of the filter fabric, engineers
estimate a savings of more than
$125,000 over the conventional
method. Total construction costs for
the Geneva Street relocation were
$326,888"

(Continued on Next Page)

The road was opened last fall to see
what effect traffic and the change of
seasons would have. It is generally
agreed that Geneva Street withstood
the winter well, so that no remedial
work was necessary in spring. The
surface course was completed this
past June, in time for the summer
season.
Beach improvements at Williams Say
involved relocation of Geneva
Street, to right, adjacent photo.
Use of a filter fabric and limestone
provided a firm base in the soft,
peat soils of the area.

The village js proceeding with the
phased Jakefront development. Future
plans call for creation of areas between the new roadway and the Jake,
where contour mounds and plantings
will help create views of beautiful
Lake Geneva from a Williams Bay
perspective .

.__..,

__.

<flighway
should be

high
A State ·evaluation of conditions On
Jtighway 50 indicate that reconstruction of the highway should be a high
priority project, said State Sen. John
Maurer, D-Kenosha, and State Rep.
Mary K, Wagner, D-BristoL
Maurer and Wagner had urged the

state Department of Transportation
(DOT)

to consider reconstrucUon of 50

from a two to a
between

[~94

four~lane

highway

and New Munster.

In a letter to the two legislators,
DOT Secretary Lowell Jacksun said a
50 project deserves more attention.
Deficiencies on 50 warrant in~
creased attention from DOT, including hearings, environmental impact
statements and right-of-way activities<
Harvey Shebesta, district director
of DOT's Division of Highways, when

1

asked to comment on Jackson's letter
Friday said, "The status of ;x) has
been considerably enhanced!'
Both Jackson and Shebesta stressed
that such a project probably wouldn't
be slated for construction before a
dme fram~ set in 1986-1990, but should
J!e then,
Because oone of the preliminary
Work is completed, 50 has not been
included in earlier lists of high prlority projects. DOT is currently conducting an in-depth re-analysis of aH major
project priorities, and from a preliminary examination of the nee.:i ft.ff"
reconstructing 50, it has been concluded that it should be included on the
department's high priority majof
project Jist.
Shebesta said the list does not rank
projects in order of priority.
Maurer said DOT figures indiCate
the 13.8 mile stretch of highway currently has one of the highest accident'
rates of any highway in the state.
"It's literally a deathtrap,'' Maurer
said, "and until this project is com~
plet.ed, several Jives will be unnecessarily lost."
The latest action on 50 by DOT was
the result of a meeting between Jack·
son, Maurer, Wagner, and other county officials in April.
"It looks like the slow wheels of the
bureaucracy are finally beginning" to
move on Highway 50," Maurer !laid.

jHlghwaySO
Should Be
Priority
Proiect
"i?
r>.'l<l'}

A state evaluation of conditions on State HW}r,
(STH) 50 indicate that reconstruction of the
highway should be a high priority project
according to State Senator John M~urer
(D,Kenoshal and State Representative Mary K
Wagner (D-Salem),
Maurer and Wagner had- urged the state
Department of Transportation (DOT) -to consider
reconstruction of STH 50 from a two~to a four-lane
highway between l-94 and New Munster"

In a letter to the two legislators, DOT
secretary Lowell Jackson said a STH 50 project
deserves more attention.
·'Deficiencies on STH 50 warrant an increased
departmental effort on project development
activities," Jackson said. Such activities would
include hearings, environmental impact state~
ments and right~of-way activities.
The secretary indicated that such a project
should he slated for construction "early in a
1986-1990 time frame." STH 50 has not been
included in earlier lists of high priOrity projects
because none of the preliminary work has been
completed, Jackson said.
The latest action on STH 50 by the DOT was
the result of a meeting between secretary
Jackson, Senator Maurer and Representative
Wagner several months ago.
"It looks like the slow wheels of the
bureaucracy are finally beginning to move-- bn'
Hwy. 50," Maurer said.
Maurer said DOT figures indicate the~'13',8
mile stretch of highway currently has one :9f_ t~e
highest accident rates of any highway in the_·State;
"It's literally a deathtrap,'' Maur~_r-__ said,
"'and until this project is completed, several lives

w.m .hP~ unnecf~.ssadl:v- Ja.c;t_ · ',

.""--

To Be Reviewed
:J~1-79

(Westosha) --State Senator John Maurer
fD-Kenosha) announced recently that Secretary
of Transportation Lowell Jackson has consented
to attend a meeting with the Kenosha County
Highway Committee, Senator Maurer, Representative Mary K. Wagner (D-Sa!em) and Senator
Tim Cullen (D-Janesville),
Senator Cullen is the choinnan of the Senate
Transportation Committee which oversees Wis<>main's total highway program, The meeting will
take place on April23 at 1:30 p.m. at the Kenosha
County highway garage,
The purpose of the meeting will be to discu98
the upgrading of Hwy, 60 and its priority in the
Department of Transportation highway program,

'• As the citizens of Kenosha County are well
aware, the accident rate on Hwy. 60 requires that
the Department of Transportation take action to
upgrade it," Maurer said,
''This is a matter of vital importance to the
citizens of Kenosha County and we intend to
itnpre~--~ that fact upon Secretary Jackson.''
Maurer further stated.

tghwlt50

review Mc:mday
The ~~ni;(;;r{ g; .Highway 50 (75th
Street) will be rev.iewed. Monday by
the- secretary of the state Department
of Transportation (DOT), Lowell
Jackson.
Jackson, with area state legislator,
and the county Highway Committee,
will hold a short meeting at 1:30 p.m.
at the highway office, 5512 50th St, to
discuss the problems and hear any
complaints from inte~ted _p~r~ons
.before" beginning the con,site insjlec,
tion.

t

State highway
By BARBARA HENKEl,

Stall Writer
Will the

r~construction

'I "'"" '1-" I
of Highway

50 be treated as "politics as usual"
Kenosha representatives at a special
meeting Monday afternoon wanted to

northern half that serv;ce tourlsts.
Maurer. Jackson and .others noted
that SLate Rep. Cletus VandfCCD•err•en
D-Green Bay, chairman
the
Assembly's Highway Committee since
1973, is nicknamed "Concrete Clete.'
State Rep" Joseph Andrea, D-

know.

Kenosha, said, '·You can't

Lowell Jackson, new secretary of
the state Department of Transportation (DOT) promised that he would
take a "professional look" at the
proposal t.o reconstruct Highway 50
a tong its present alignment, with con-

er inch of concrete
Brown
(where Green
is located)_"
Jackson said
the reason
Hlat reconstruction of
Jsn't on the
DOT list of projects is becnuse there
has been disagreement among local
officials as to how 50
constructed.
Highway Committee Chairman Supervisor Ear! Hollister, 24th
said all affected

sideration given to rerouting around
particular areas !ike New Munster,
where buildings are already near or on

---

Hwy. so Problems

the right of way"
State Sen. John Maurer, 0-Kenosha,
arranged the meeting Monday between Jackson and local officials.
Those officials bemoaned a system
whereby unsafe highways such as 50
are)gnor~'~P the southern half of the
stat_~_ at the expense of roads in the

unanimity in
"Th~ route is

anoth-

50

reach agreement on," said Maurer.
·Not evt>ryone is happy with it, but

we<ve agreed to it'
,}rtckson and
Shebesta, disDivision of·
trict director for
said the present six-year
program lists 20 priority
Kenosha's is not among
They saul he exoects to get
for
six of the 20 projects.
is nnt included
a !ist of aOOut 100 priorlty projects
to be done if there were monies
ava!lah1e after those in the six-year
t are taken care oL
sald he·s been meeting with a
number of simlla r groups concerned
about bad roads. "A !ot of projects
havrm·t got attention w past· years
because they weren't made a priori.. said Jackson.
Don't.ldll the messenger, but,'' said
Jackson, ''I
c.an say (50) wHI
b~ gwen
but I -don't
know how it will tt1rn out"

-----

hWfJY 50 i
;, /&c

By BARBARA HENKEL
Staff Writer
Two area legislators Wednesday
vowed that a plan to increase the state
gasoline tax would not get their support unless Highway 50 is included on
the state's six-year improvement pro-gram.
State Sen. John Maurer, D-Kenosha,
. and State Rep. Mary K. Wagner, D-

Bristol, told members of the County
Board's Highway Committee of their
intentions at the committee's meeting
Wednesday.
For more than a decade area officials and the public have sought
•< i'eU~ from the winding, hilly, narrow
lt:r~e~:~;~est road from I-94 to

':/;

·oo

Statistics available from the early
1970s gave the road a rating of 11.75
fatal accidents per 100 million vehicle
miles, compared to a 5.5 rate for an
state highways.
In August 1979, as the result of a
meeting four months before with area .
officials, the state Department of
Transportation agreed that improvement of the road should be included on
the department's high priority major
project list Now, because gas sales
are off, the state is receiving less
revenue from the gas tax and faces a

$50 million deficit for st»te transportation needs.

, DOT Secretary Lowell Jackson
Wednesday recommended an 8
percent gas tax. At the estimated cost

'·'\:~egislators criticize no

,;Highway,SO funding
~----

:z ' ;> ·:;:; () '
The exclusion of Highway 50 in the

·state's Six-Year HighwaY Improvement Plan has disappointed state Sena tors John .Maurer and Tim Cullen,
;Who w~ote of their disappointment to
L01A1~ll Ja~kson, state secretary of
.
.
. transportatiOn.
A stretch of 15.6 m1les of B1ghw~y
50, from Highway 83 to I-94 m
Kenosha, d1d not re~eiVe fundmg ~or
highway reconstrucbon for the penod
198: 85 ·
K
h
d C 11
f

·Jane~~~~~~. b~r;s .;e~~crats~ ~~k:d

;·Jackson what criteria was used to
determine which highways were inM
'eluded in the plan and what specific
'asons were given for 'not including
' y 50's 15.6 miles.
fatality rates and generally
rivinll conditions on this high~
,, .. .: .:

..........

~

,~~"?<·

and

MBUff'\

Jackson also recommended a $20.6
million borrowing pian, paid from

state taxes, for major state
construction, and higher
for overweight trucks.
Maurer exolained that Gov
is ''not taki~g the initiative to
we have a problem and that an in·
crease in taxes i.s inevitab[e.''
He said the Legislature would be
reluctant to introduce legislation to
meet the deficit crisis, since
could veto it. "He has more

F_

CU!l('D

nf th~·
mittee. whose

Trar~wort1tion Com~

It's time to
howl
··' . '1 . ',•

It was 12 years ago when the
state first expressed an interest
in
improving Highway 50,
way makes in imperative that it receives immediate attention from the
Kenosha County's main eastDepartment . of Transportation
west artery.
(DOT)," said Maurer and Cullen.
And here it is, 1980 and HighTheir letter outlined the seriousness
way 50 is still a narrow, hilly,
of the situation especially in the sumwinding, inadequate and dangermer months wjlen there is heavy
ous road.
traffic from the Milwaukee and Chicago metropolitan areas to recreational
Okay, there were problems in
spots in the Lake Geneva area.
the past, allegations that some
"The new Bong recreational area
state representatives didn't try
will only exacerbate the problem,"
hard enough, that local officials
said Cullen and' Maurer.
couldn't agree on where a rebuilt
"The people in this a~ea deserve •
highway should run, that
modern and safe comdor between
Kenoshans in general just didn't
Kenosha and points west. F?r this
care very much about the highreason we urge DOT to reconsider tts
. _.earlier decision and get to work on · way plans.
Highway 50 as soon as possible," the,
Frankly, in the words of Rhett
legislators said.
Butler, we don't give a damn
about the problems of the past.

:•· c;

state Senators Tim Cullen
(D-Janesville) and John
Maurer (D-Kenosha) in a
letter to the Secretary of
Transportation,
Lowell
Jackson, have expressed
"disappointment"
concerning the exclusion of
Hwy. 50 in the state's sixyear highway improvement
plan.
.
A stretch of 15.6 miles of
Hwy., 50, from State Trunk
Hwy. 83 to l-94 in Kenosha
did not receive funding for
highway reconstruction for
~~~~".? ~~~- Maurer
requested answers to the
following two questions: (1)
. What criteria was used to
determine which highways
were to be included in the
plan?'
(2) .What specific reasons
were given for not including
that oarticular portion of

about 9.5

-

:c;;'State Asked To
.R'. cons i.der
Hwy 50
.! .
"e'

of fuel in January
would be the equivalent

cents per gallon, compared to the
present 7 cents. The switch to the
percentage system would allow revenues to grow with the rise ln fuel prices.

•

conditions on this highway
make it imperative that it
receives immediate at~
tention from th~, Dept. of
Transportation,
stated
Maurer and Cullen.
The letter went on to explain the seriousness of the
situation, especially in the
summer months when there
is
heavy traffic
the
Milwaukee
and from
Chicago
metroplitan areas to the
recreational spots in Lake
Geneva.
"The
new
BOfii!X·:
recreational area wms'~lll*'
exacerbate the proljlem, ·.
stateCullenamdMaurer:
'
-/',' _.,·1'1>

:a~.w~~o ·c:.:; ~:;e ·:.~on;;
blame then .

Now we have another chance.
The state Department of
TransportatiOn has scheduled a
"data gathering session" for
Wednesday, from 4 to 9 p.m. at
Central High School in Paddock
Lake
·
.
What the DOT IS re~Ily looking
for IS Citizen mput - 10 short, do
we give a damn if Highway 50 is
rebuilt as a four-lane divided
highway from 1-94 west to Lake
G
eneva.
.
Gov. Lee Dreyfus, speakmg
recently with the Kenosha News
editorial board, noted correctly
that alf oyer the state there are
communities Interested in state

funds for roads.
"As I go around the state, the
story's the same, only the high·
way number changes," Dreyfus
said.
So we're competing with others for paving funds.
The needs are clear enough.
Ten thousand cars a day use
Highway 50. An astonishingly
high percentage of the 23-mile
stretch from the "I" to Lake
Geneva - 56 percent - is designated "no passing." The accident toll has been fierce over the
years,
· Sen. John Maurer, who has
worked hard for the Highway 50
project, has said it appears only
a third to a half of the major
highway projects planned by the
state will be funded in the immediate future.
Need isn't enough .
By now, we ought to realize
that the state will take us seriously only if we demonstrate
seriously that we WANT a new
Highway 50.
The first place to demonstrate
that is at· Wednesday's hearing at
Central High School.
If a dozen or so folks turn out to
speak in favor of the highway
project, forget it! If a hundred,
or hundreds do, maybe we can
prove to the state that the Highway 50 project should be at the
head of the priority list. It's time
to howl - and howl loud.

"The people in th~:·;:~~pa
deserve a modern an~;~~e
corridor between Ke~iOsha·
and points west ~or this
reason we urge 'the Dept. of
Transportation to reconsider
its earlier decision and get to
work on Hwy. so~~~s.;soo,rr~.~s
possible," concludetl Maurer.
and Cullen.

-

-·"-.... ..

DO'f responds to charges
By JOHN ANDREAS
Stall Writer
An official of the state Depart·
ment of Transportation today denied
that the department Is trying to
force a highway construction bond·
· ing program on the Legislature.
"The department does not feel
, that it is doing anything under; handed/' said WilJiam Buglass, dep. uty secretary of DOT;
· Buglass was referring a (J!roposal
announced earlier this week by DOT

, Secretary Lowell Jackson. Jackson
has asked that 20 of the state's 72
counties hold a special referendum
on April 7 asking residents if they

wil1 support a $12 increase in the
state's annual $18 car registration
fee.
The money from the increase, he
said, will support a $350 million, 20·
year bonding program that will fi.

nance 14 major highway construcu
tion projects in the state, incudlng
the widening a 13.8 mile section of
Highway 50 in Kenosha County from
two to four lanes.
The intent, Jackson said, is to
show state )egislators that the pubu
lie supports highway construction,
even if motorists have to pay higher
fees.
"If we are going to get involved in
any major construction,;· Bugloss
said, "it's going to require some
special funding. Without obvious
support from the public we just
don't think that the legislators are
going to be very anxious to recom~
mend a program."
State Sen. John Maurer, D~
Kenosha, blasted the referendum
proposal, calling it "pure fakery."
He said the move was designed to
pressure the Legislature into pass-

Maurer li
By JOHN ANDREAS

State

Staff Writer
Sen. John Maurer,

D·

Kenosha, today blasted the Dreyfus

Administration for playing politics
with the state highway fund. He said
the reason Highway 50 is not being

rebuilt is because the Republican
governor did not win Kenosha COOn·
ty in the 1978 election,
"To me," Maurer said, "Highway
~lis the number one priority in the
state. Not because I live there, but
because I know the dangers of that
~-roact- I am grieved by the lack of
>untJerstanding by the Department of
-,'f:Fiansportation.

.,:<.';I think-they are playing politics.
The reason they are not spending the
·money here is because Dreyfus
dltltl't win Kenosha County. They
-know there are no Votes for him in
Kenosha. They are spending the
morley where the votes are."
In the November 1978, election,
Dreyfus received 13,521 votes in
Kenosha County. Martin Schreiber,
his Democratic opponent, received
18,981 votes.
Maurer made the comments when
to respond to· a proposal by
ecretary Lowell Jackson that
of referendums be· held to
· public will support a $12
in auto registration fees,

raising the annual cost to $30 per
car, to finance a 20"year bonding
program for 14 major highway
projects.
The list includes the widening of.
Highway 50 from two to four lanes
from Highway 83 to l-94, a distance
of l3.8 miles. The estimated 1980
cost of the project is $19.9 million.
Jackson's referendums would be
held April 7 in the 20 counties where
the 14 projects would be built. They
would, be advisory referendums.
They would ask; "Do you favor
continuation of major highway con~
struction in Wisconsin, including
completion of (name of project) to
be financed by the 1ssuance of longterm state bonds to be paid back by
an increase of $12 in registration
fees for autos and an equivilant
increase for trucks')"
George Bechtel, dtrector of the
DOT's office of transporation information, sa:ict the referendums
represent a point Jackson has been
trying tO impress on the Legislature
and the public.
"There is no such thing as a free
lunch, or a free road," Bechtel said.
He added that lf the referendum
questions are approved and the
bonding program passes the Legislature, the 14 projects would be built
within the next eight years,

ing a bonding program for highway
construction, something that it has
never done before.
Buglass responded, "You have to
remember there was not one- major
construction project in the
Governor's budget, and there was
nor one major project in the
department's recommended budget.
"Many people feel that the completion of these 14 major projects is
important to the economic ftealth of
the state."
Maurer also charged the Dreyfus
Administration with "playing politics" with DOT money because of

the low ranking of the Highway 50
project on the depaf.tment's priority
list. It is not included in DOT's sixyear construction plan which is now
without funds.
He said part of the reason for the
low ranking was because Dreyfus

did not win Kenosha County in the
1978 election. The department's
money is being spent in those coun~
ties that Dreyus won, Maurer said.
"We are not spending the money
anywhere," Buglass said, "because
we don't have the money. As far as
the charge of 'politics' iS concerned,
I don't think it's appropriate to
comment on that. We in the department don't play those kinds of
games."
Even though voters in only 20 of
the states 72 counties wiJI be asked
about the fee increase, Buglass said,
everyone in the state will benefit.
"There are a lot more projects to
be built than the 14 being considered. The only way to get to those
with a lower ranking is to get the
higher ranked ones out of the way,"
Buglass said.

litics, highway
"The referendum proposal is pure
fakery," Maurer said. "It tells nothing, guarantees nothing. We have no
idea what the other 52 counties are
going to do ... What they are tr
to so is biudgeon the Legislature
supporting a long-te-rm bonding program for highway construction."
Maurer said he wants Highwc:y 50
to be rebuilt, "but not at the expcmse
of an exorbitant increase m

ST!\TE SEN. JOHN MAURER
Jackson announced his proposal
Tuesday, the same day Dreyfus pub·
licly announced the details of his
$!4.2 billion 198!-83 state budget
fhe budget includes a five-cent-a·
gallon increase in the state's
gasoline tax. The increase is needed
. to maintain existing roads, Dreyfus
said. The budget does not include
any money ror the l4 construction
projects on Jackson's list.

fees~"

State Rep. Mary K. W&gne;, D·
SaJem, was hesitant to support the
Jackson proposal until she had more
information about the plan. She said
the DOT is having serious financia:
problems.
"They need more money," Ms
Wagner said~ "And the only way
they can get it is to raise the gas tax
orjncrease fees. The department is
out on a limb, and just about everyn
one is willing to saw them off."
She said she received a Jetter
from DOT this week asking that no
amendments to the governor's
budget that would add people or
projects to the department's 1981-83
budget be approved because it just
doesn't have the money to pay for
any new construcion.
"It's the first time sine~ I've been
up here that I've r:eceived that kind
of a letter," she said.

I:..:1ah..·
I

tcq-~.
'--~·

'

'

---

1GLORIADAVIS
!f you've lived in the western part of
.enosha County for any length of time, you

!ready know that the children of the area's
avorite bedtime fairytales are Goldilocks,
ted Riding Hood, the Dredging of the Fox
tiver and the Improvement of Hwy. 50.
H seemf> that every few years some agency
~:ti~~~· up one or the other of the last two
~<J,t.-. -.. only to have it sink slowly in the west.
;-,:--~-Yl.: 1'HE Wisconsin Dept. of Tran·
>n t WDOTl is studying the posof improving Hwy. 50 between 1-94
12 in Lake Geneva, the scene of

:ies and 70 accident injuries last
year, and is looking for input from those who
would be most closely affected, the residents
of the areas along the highway.
On Wednesday, May 21, the WDOT held a
publlo hearing at Central High School.
During these five hours a steady stream of
150 residents looked at the proposal maps,
asked questions of Wes Shemwell, Federal
Highway Administration, and Jim Jovie,
state department of transportation, and
gave them their opinions on the highway's
problems and possible solutiOns.
Among the certain improvements already
proposed to correct the highway's safety
hazards are four lane widening and spot im-

r

ts
ot

Earle Ho11ister were among those present.
According to Schmalfeldt, "We'd like to
get the matter of Hwy. 50's renovation at
least into the six year plan.
Ralph Schroeder, a design supervisor for
the WDOT, who is in charge of the Hwy. 50
project, says, "We will take this input from
the people and couple it with some general
engineering information and come up with
some alternative ways of solvmg Hwy. 50's
problems."
He continued, "After we arrive at a variety
of ways of handling the problems, especially
in areas like Paddock Lake, we'll return 'to
the people with construction costs, right-ofway involvements, environmental mvolvements and drafts of an environmental
impact study.
"! FEEL THAT there is enough of a sense

Explain Hwy. SO Plans
Area residents give input and received information on the -plans for Hwy. 50's
renovation at hearing of Central High School. From left, are County Supervisor
Earle Hollister, County Supervisor Fred Schmolfeldt and Jim Jovi, state department
of transportation<- Photo by Gloria Davis.

a~nera

~estions

of urgency to justify two men working on it,
full time," he went on.
The transportation department will bring

this informatmn to the western county
residents next spring and ask for their
response.
The plan is to make ali the corrective
recommendations to be implemented from J.
94 to Hwy. 12, and then to take them according to need priorities and budget
allowances.
:,provements.·,
Schroeder says that the amount of time inSupervisors Fred Schmalfeldt and volved should allow people affected by any
changes in the highway to adjust
"This will allow the people to develop
around what will be the ultimate roadway,''
was Schroeder's summation.

.. CountY

FLORENCE NASH, Bristol. 'We've
lived on Hwy. 50 for over 30 years. In
front of our house is a hill that blocks
our view for entering

the highway

safely. We would like to see the hill
leveled since there have been many ac~
cidents at that point."

Salem, "''ve
and out of Kenosha for 38
. 50 and I think they have
to puf'."itl a decent road so traffic con
tro:vel 'at the normal rote. They talked
abOut this around 10 years ago, did
nothing and now it seems to be starting

all over again."

Hwv· 50's New Bridge

7tN -f<l

q,nStr,IJ~~ti~n of new overpass over the Soo Railroad on Hwy. 50 is underway. -

ARLENE FREYER, Paddock Lake, ''I'm
from illinois ond have only lived here
live months and still travel back and
forth to work. It needs widening badly,
but if. ~hey·h<1v~n't got the money, they
-shaul!;l. i!p!,Tlediately put road markers
'on:';':flfe.".;bo8way edges lor night

driVing/:',.

ELMER MICHALS, Salem, "The rood
can handle the traffic, the main
problem is the passing zones. People
became

impatient

end

dangerous places, 1 think if p<
widened to·,ol,leviate po~sigg·,
many cct:idenfs will be elimiOO

pass

i_[f

Hearing may shape f!}tpre of
By ARLENE JENSEN
Stall Writer

What Kenosha County residents do
next Wednesday could have a strong
bearing on the future of Highway 50.
The state Department of Transpor·

tation has scheduled a "data~gather­
ing session" from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednes··
day, May 21, at Central High School
in Paddock Lake.
And the state has made It clear
that if the long-awaited Highway 5{)
lf:~abi!Hation is to get a high priority
t()r,~_~s:~~t.~ funding, strong loc3l suppoi"t.~,j~-~-~.~0~;.,.
1
·~~··

·"The .project that goes is the one
-that gets the backing of the public,"
Ralph Schroeder, DOT represent·
ative told a gathering of state representatives, town and county officials
at a meeting at the county highway
garage Wednesday.

; - , ' -~
.
l-94 to Lake Geneva.
.
New Munster will pose serious quesAerial maps of the routes will be
tions, according to Schroeder. since
shown, said _Schroeder' as well as
the highway r.uns through both ~H!ages The fmal recommendatJon
accident statistics Jn traffic maos.

could include re-routing around those

Schroeder said studies of the 23mile route are just under way, but
"we know that Hlgh;;ay 50 is used by
10,000 cars per day.

"If the people of Kenosha County

war;tt something done about Highway

50, they had better make their feel~

ings known."
Purpose of next Wednesday's hearing is to get public comment on the
proposed iff,tJ•:r~\i:,~me~t -of the
county's malfr--e&.st~w~t ~route from

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS,
he said,. will await completion of the
studies but will likely include construction of a four-lane highway
along the existing route.'
The villages of P:'lddock Lake and

communities he said.
Passing on' the narrow, hillv route
is considered the most senou:s prob·
Iem, said Schroeder, with 56 percent
of the route designated "no passing"

zones.
Although the accident rate on
Highway 50 was once higher than the
state average, Schroeder said, it ba~
dropped and is currently near tht_
state average.

I finally li ured
never beco g
out why
world.
me a success
Most of the thin s ta
childhood guar g . ught rr.
his tor h v
anteemg me a
Y a e become obsoletf
Take the sheep shank k
trying to move up
tus ~t Glrl Scout to flrst cia
sha'nk ;as led to believe the
hett not .was my ticket out
~ne 0 and I~ to. the big time. 1
Tu could t1e It except mf'
whesday at 3:151 had a "knott
_0 ~..~u~d ~ake me aside and 1
"Of 6{i''fn";¥J'-n'~i'ro,c~ .... ~: .... ,....

:e~~

flighway 50 discussed

~omethi
By ARLENE JENSEN
Staff Writer
PADDOCK LAKE - About 150
persons attended a data-gathering
session Wednesday to tell the state
·Department of Transportation what
they think of Highway 50.
The message they delivered to
DOT representatives was almost
without exception: "Do something
about Highway 50."
DOT officials planned the session
to take comments and suggestions
from residents of Kenosha County
concerning the rehabilitation of the
23-mile stretch of highway from 1-94
west to Lake Geneva.
Ralph Schroeder, DOT design supervisor, said all information
gathered from residents, be it oral or
written, will be taken into account
when plans are drawn for improving
the highway.
John Becker. who lives on Highway 50 near MB, brought color photographs of his smashed auto to illustrate his point. The car was
wrecked in an accident near his
home.

In_. the 15 yearS Be"cker has lived on

must be

Highway 50, there have been four
fatalities in the immediate neighborhood, he said.
"Something has to be done," he
said. "The road in front of my house
is marked for 'no passing,' but you
should come and sit in my front yard
and watch them pass."
During 1979, there ~ere 186 acci·
dents on the 23-mile" stretch, five
fatalities, 71 injury accidents and 110
causing property damage in excess
of $200. Minor accidents with damage
less than $200 are not included in the
statistics.
The 1979 rate is down slightly from
preceeding years with 210 accidents

tallied in 1977 and 204 in 1978.
Robert Acheson, DOT chief d~sjgn
engineer, said he thinks the' ·final
plans will include a four-Jane road
He said acquisition of property would
be a big factor in a four-lane plan,
said Acheson.
The current Highway 50 right-ofway is 66 feet with 22 feet of paving.
A four-lane rural highway would require 200. feet of right of way and
include a 50-foot median strip. In
areas such as Paddock Lake, the

Highway 50
done,~ hearjng",set

median strip could be deleted.
Acheson estimates that one mile of
rural undivided two-lane roadway
would costs a minimum of $350,000. A
divided four-lane rural roadway
could cost a minimum of $500,000.
Funding is linked to the state's
priority list, according to State Sen.
John Maurer with those projects at
the top of the list getting first crack
at available funds.
Persons who attended the data·
gathering meeting at Centrat·· High
School were asked to fill out questionnaires stating their .conce-.. about the road and suggestions i
improvements.
"We ·--~xpect to come back here
before _the end of the year and conduct an information session," said
Schroeder. "We will be ready with
some plans and several alternatives
at that time!'
Schroeder said he welcomes writ~
ten comments from those who did not
attend the hearing. Letters should be
addressed ro Schroeder at the Wisconsin Department of Transports¥
tion, District 2, 310 S. West Ave.,
P.O. Box 649, Waukesha, Wis., 53187.

'~oN)·· 'A

A data-gathering hearing to get
public input on improving Highway
50 between 1·94 and Lake Geneva will
be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday
at Central High School in Paddock
LaKe.
The state Department of Transpor~
tation announced the hearing will
have a strong bearing on future plans
for the highway and state priorities
for funding the project.
Ralph Schroeder, DOT represent·
ative, said aerial maps _and accident
statistics in traffic maps will be
exhibited. Studies of ~~. :t:!·<pil~,
route used by 10,000 ca~ ~a dBY<I\!1'.
under way, according ta'Sch~;c

Detour on 50
To Replace Bridge
) . ;:/. Y'
Road construction on Hwy. 50 at the Silver during part of the construction operations, with
Lake overhead in Kenosha County is now in prog- access only to local property owners. It is anticipated that it will be closed July 7 and will be re·
ress.
The work consists of replacing the old bridge opened about Sept. 15. A suitable detour will be
over the Soo Line Railroad with a 3-span concrete provided by the state. The marked detour will folbridge and 0. 9 mile of approach grading and low County Hwy. B north to County Hwy. JB,
then west on County H wy. JB to Hwy. 83 and
bituminous paving.
south on Hwy. 83 to existing Hwy. 50. It is anticiThe project is being done under a contract let pated that this project wilJ be completed by Oct.
to F.C. Raemisch and Son, Inc. of Waunakee, at J. 19RO.
an estimated cost of $1,280,000. Financing will be
Every possible effort will bE> made to provide
shared on approximately an 80·20 percentage by
the Fed era) government and the State of Wiscon- continuous and safe ingress and egress to all
sin respectively, from funds provided primarily business and residential properties during this
by gas taxes. George Busch of Waukesha is the reconstruction, but pedestrians and motor1sts are
project engineer for the Wisconsin Department of urged to use caution in the constru~ion.;;,zo~e!
Transportation,
ac(~ording to Wisconsin Department of Transpor*
Highway 50 will be closed to through traffic tation.

·--

f;:~

tg may shape f11ty.re of Hig
" . I' .

ilts-do

1trong
ay 50.
lspor:tther-

""'The project that goes is the one
·that gets the backing of the public,"
Ralph Schroeder, DOT representative told a gathering of state representatives, town and county officials
at a meeting at the county highway
garage Wednesday.

~dnes­

"If the people of Kenosha County

;chool

war:n something done about Highway
50, they had better make their feel-

clear

ings known."

ay 50
iority

sup-

Purpose of next Wednesday's hear-

ing is to get public comment on the
proposed

i.!JH~r;py,eme_n~

of

the

county's ma.lri east~west ~route from

1-94 to Lake Geneva.

Aerial maps of the routes will be
shown, said Schroeder, as well as
accident statistics in traffic maps.
Schroeder said studies of the 23mile route are just under way, but
"we know that Highway 50 is used by
10,000 cars per day."
FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS,
he said, will await completion of the
studies but will likely include con-

struction of a four-lane highway
along the existing route.'
The villages of P~ddock Lake and

New Munster will pose serious ques~
tions, according to Schroeder, since
the highway runs through both viJ ..
!ages. The final recommendation
could include re-r'outing around those
communities, he said.
Passing on the narrow, hilly route
is considered the most serious problem, said Schroeder, with 5fi percent
of the route designated "no pas;;;;ing"'
zones.
Although the accident rate on
Highway 50 was once higher than the
state average, Schroeder sald. it has
dropped and is currently near the
state average.

ay 50
Ear! Hollister

be attribu\ed to le!'s use

tired of trying to drive
are finding alter·
Hollister.

"1

StatP SE'nawr John Maure-r agreed.
'I don't use Hlghwa.v SO." he said.
u~f' H\ghwavs C or K instead.
forced to go out of
Highway 50."

he would fight to
priority rating for

the state, 20 to 30 will be funded.,"
said Maurer. ''I'm sure Highway 50
is in the wp 20, but I would like to try
for No. L"
It was Maurer and Senator
Timothy Cullen of Walworth County
who pressed the DOT for another
look at Highway 50. In February,
they criticized the 1979-1985 highway
reconstruction plan which did not
\nclude Highway 50.
•
Last week, William Buglass. DOT
deputy secretary, said all projects
listed with Highway 50 would be reanalyzed to determine whether the
priofity list should be revised.

· 50 discussed

ethi
VSEN
About 150
a-gathering
II the state
:ation what
•livered to
as almost
something
he session

,auggestions
County
ion of the
from 1-94
jesign suormation
! it oral or

50
must be done,:~y :Highway
hear)nR,,,set

Highway 50, there have been four
fatalities in the immediate neighbor~
hood, he said.
"Something has to be done," he
said. "The road in front of my house
is marked for 'no passing,' but you
should come and sit in my front yard
and watch them pass."
During 1979, there .~ere 186 accidents on the 23-mile" stretch, five
fatalities, 71 injury accidents and 110
causing property, damage in excess
of $200, Minor accidents with damage
less than $200 are not included ln the
statistics.
The 1979 rate is down slightly from
preceeding years with 210 accidents
Jail led in 1977 and 204 in 1978.

Robert Acheson, DOT chlefd~~Jgn
engmeer, said he thinks tfie rtilal
plans
will include a four.faQe road.
mproving
He said acquisition of property would
factor in a four.Jane plan,
be
a
big
on Highlor ohoto- said Acheson.
The current Highway 50 right-of.
lto ·to II~
car was way is 66 feet with 22 feet of paving.
near his A four-lane rural highway would re·
quire 200 feet of right of way and
:lived on include a 50·foot median strip. In
areas such as Paddock Lake, the
J account

median strip could be deleted.
Acheson estimates that one mile of
rural undivided two-lane roadway
would costs a minimum of $350,000. A
divided four-lane rural roadway
could cost a minimum of $500,000.
Funding is linked to the state's
priority list, according to State Sen.
John Maurer with those projects at
the top of the list getting first crack
at available funds.
Persons who attended the datagathering meeting at CentraJ,··"High
School were asked to .fill out questionnaires stating their .conce .."'abom the road and suggestions l
improvements,
''We ·expect to come back here
before the end of the year and con·
duct a'n information session," said
Schroeder. "We wiiJ be ready with
some plans and several alternatives
at that time."
Schroeder- said he welcomes written comments from those who did not
attend the hearing. Letters should be
addressed to Schroeder at the Wfs~
consin Department of Transportation, District 2, 310 S. West Ave.,
P.o. Box 619, Waukesha, Wls.,'53187.

o:l,>ii:J'•e c'•>
A data-gathering hearing to get
public input on improving Highway
50 between I-94 and 'Lake Geneva will
be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday
at Central High School in Paddock
Lake.
Xhe state Department of Transportation announc-ed the hearing w111
have a strong bearing on future plans
for the highway and state priorities
for funding the project.
Ralph ·schroeder, DOT represent·
ative, said aerial maps and accident
statistiCs iJ! traffic maps will be
exhibited. ·Studies of t!lll,ec~.-e'?J.I~
route used. by ·10,000 cafjle:a:cti!)\ al(e
under way, according to\~ilroel~,';.

etouron ~P?To Replace Bridge
oad construction on Hwy. 50 at the Silver during part of the construction operations, with
overhead in Kenosha County is now in prog- access only to local property owners. It is anticipated that it wiH be closed July 7 and will be re~
he work consists of replacing the old bridge opened about Sept. 15. A suitable detour will be
the Soo Line Railroad with a 3-span concrete provided by the state. The marked detour wilJ fol:e a.nd 0.9 mile of approach grading and low County Hwy. B north to County Hwy. JB,
1inous paving.
then west on County Hwy. JB to Hwy, 83 and
1e project is being done under a contract let south on Hwy, 83 to existing Hwy. 50. It is antici7. Raemisch and Son, Inc. of Waunakee, at pated that this project will be completed by Oct.
imated cost of $1,280.000. Financing will be 1, 19RO.
:l on approximately an 80-20 percentage by
Every possible effort will be made to provide
~deral government and the State of Wisconspectively, from funds provided priffiarily continuous and safe ingress and egress to an
~taxes. George Busch of Waukesha is the business and residential properties during this
t engineer for the Wisconsin Department of reconstruction, but pedestrians and motorists are
:Jortation.
urged to use caution in the constru~~q-9_'>~o,ne,c­
according to Wisconsin Department of_ -Thitfsppr.g-hway 50 will be closed to through traffic tation.

....

'--.......,~ ~

Highway

PfOQ~em:

By BARBARA HENKEL
Staff Writer

There are also six supervisors,
four office workers and two engi-

When it snows, scheduling prob·

terns reign for the Highway

snow jobs

Depart~

ment.

Supervisor Earl Hollister, chairman of the County Board's Highway
Committee, said at Thursday's spe-

cial Committee of the Whole meeting that over the Thanksgiving Holiday and deer hunting season two

years ago there were only six union
employees working.
Gene Scharfenorth, highway commissioner, reported that at one time
there were only 14 highway employ-

ees available to plow snow out of the
64 on the payrolL

neers in the departrl:enL
Scharfenorth said that at any given
time, there are six union men off
due to vacation or illness.
Hollister and- other committee
members told the board that the
committee isn't seeking more em~
ployees, despite a chart that ~hov.red
winter work crews are ll workers
short and summer details are IH
men short.
Hollister and others complainetl
of contract and other constraints on
scheduling. Hollister said there
were a number of ideas he wouldn't
share with the board since they
couldn't discuss the matter in closed
session.
The committee met later !n
closed session to discuss upcoming
tontract negotiations with the
Kenosha County Sheriffs Union and

Blame Politics for
Highway 50 ~hange
I/,..:.\ " :->'

It will be some lime before traffic will be able to travel

,:,uvttJ••••

the Sliver Lake overhead bridge. Construclion crew•
have atarted building a $1.28 million, three-span concrete bridge to replace the old Highway 50 otructure
which 111'18 traffic over the Soo Une Railroad. Tral'llc on
Highway 50 will be routed around the bridge during
mo8t of the conotructlon time. A detour route Is marked.
The new bridge should be open by Sept. 15, wllli
completion expected by Oct. I. The bridge Ia belniJ
financed by 80 percent federal and 20 percent ®lalf!
funds. F. C. Raemlsch and Son, Inc., of Waunakee, le the
contractor on the project.

bridge
underway

(SP - WR) -- State Senator John J. Maurer
(D-Kenosha) and State Representative Mary K.
W ngner (D-Salem) were advised recently by the
Department of Transportation that planning
money budgeted .for improvement of Hwy. 50 in
Walworth and Kenosha counties is being
withdrawn due to the fiscal constraints presently
placed on the Department of Transportation.
"Obviously, this is a political attempt by the
governor to embarrass the Democratic legislators
who represent the area through which Hwy. 50
runs,'' Maurer stated. •'I recognize that the
Department of Transportation is experiencing
financial difficulties, however, coming this close
to the election, I cannot help but believe that
there is some political chicanery involved.''
''The governor knows. full well that from ari
objective point of view the planning money for the
reconstruction of Hwy. 50 is desperately needC!'i_·
It has one of the highest fatal accident rates of
highways in Wisconsin," Wagner said. "Perhaps
an alternative to these kinds of antics would be for
the Legislature to identify specific projects in the
biennial budget bill. This is something that we
presently avoid in order to allow the basic
engineering decisions to be made by the
Department of Transportation. However, the
ramifications of the governor's action may leave
us with no alternative but to pursue this in the
upcoming budget session," Maurer said.
'~As strong supporters of highway develop~
rlierit, we find it inconceivable that the governor's
~C~_?n is anything other than politically inspired,''
-::Wakner stated.
·~: -"I am appal1ed at the governor's action.
JiE;presentative Wagner and I intend to work
unce'a-.:i.J!gly during the next Legislative session to
reinstate those funds so that work o~- H\VY ._ 50
m:iglifprOgress," Maurer concluded.

ay 50 work is lost in

,~,

jl' A l

for n'ianning impr'lvPment
of fiirzl1Wa\' 50
51
being cun-

a ,;\odcm:Jtc a~ 10 whethPr
32 w Hi£hwav }42 should
prnvrd
(<ln{'elting rhe
[1~

lin-

drl

isi<lfors uo for rt'>eiPction

Ht!n·r·v Shrbe:-;ta, head of DOT's
officP at. Waukesha. on Tut>sofficia!s of DOT's
me<muonm .e"''ce; planning mon

di~trict

fOc·t<><lii~'gning a

lS.n-mne '>trf';tch

Highway 50.
Shebe~ta said Wednesday, ''There

is no point in going through the
npen~e of planning wherl there is no
fprr-seeab!e financing of the
projl'Ct ·
StatP Sen. John Maurer, D·
Kenosha, said Wednesday that the
funcl cancellation "is the political
whip Gov. Dreyfus is applying to
embarrass Democratic legislators
1n their own back yard just prior to
an election.
·'Vle know there is a shortfall of
highway funds. But the planning
money i5 not that much. Shebesta
couldn't f'Veli tt>ll me how much-was

involved. Jn the next session of the

legislature we wHJ have to provide

Shebesta said the 142 p
not been engineered. bu
ready to let bids in MaT

Stnte Rep. Mary K. Wagner, D·
Brighton, ~aid Highway 50 1s one of
the most dangerous in the state.
"Certainlv there must be some kind
of plan they can make to make it a

Highway 32 project.
He said DOT places at
ty on 32 and will probably
have 32 done first.
Shebesta and the comr
back and forth at the c
mePting Wednesday

::;ate highway,'' she said.

Sht>be~ta said DOT do€

DOT wants to improve Highway
32 north to Racine. The committee
Wednesday refused, saying Highway
142 should be improved first
Shebesta told the committee that
its refusal will only result in 142
work IJeing pusht>d back further

enough funds to do all c
tennnce and constructi(
quested.
He suggested that the
urge its state and nati
senratlves to vote fcif;m~
aids

half-diJV

call in a ha!f-hour
time tn
rfasnn
nbsenc"' ant
notice
whethe-r
will be cha
to casual davs, :md a orovision
<!!lows
nn

to.l4 emploYef'S at a tim;
betwE'e-n Nov. i~ ~m(

Jan. l~
Scharfenorth s8id lt is also .dif
ficuH to call employees back to
" snowstorm after regular
hours.
"They're either not home or don'

answer their phones," he said.
In other acti,on, the committe(
voted to recommend that the nev
county administrator report to ar
ll·member cnrnrnlttee consisting o
the board chairman and vice chair
man and the chairmen of the Fi
mmce, Personnel, Building tmc
t:Jrounds. Courts, Agrlcultural anr
Extension. Planning and Zoning
ancl Sheriff's rommitt€'f'~
nf
Social Service~ Board
Administrator Clifford G
Steff
he could work with an)
size committee. "A lot of what
would likC' w do is to bring things H
bounce off someone. This may affec
everyone, so a group that represent!

all df>.panments and interests wou!(
be advantageous. It won't be s<
much a cleclslon-making body as. ar
idea-making body." he said.

[Today's

iJ'"

specific language on which roads
will be rebuilt. We will do our
utmost to restore it, and I bell eve we
can," sa 1d Maurer.

~:tten<

th(' closed sf'ssion on thf' deputies
thi« tn0Pllfl12: tha

1

Snow storm
in Montana
By United Press International
A blustery storm brought up to
3.

foot of snow and an early

winter to eastern Montana and

western North Dakota early to~
day, knocking out power and
creating hazardous driving con~

ditions.
The National Weather Service

'"•--.,_.

___

.: 1i!

Pr~blem:

Highway

snow

By BARBARA HENKEL

; There are also six supervisors,

Stall Writer
When it snows, scheduling proba
!ems reign for the Highway Depart-

four office workers and two engineers in the department
Scharfenorth said that at any given
time, there are six union rn£;n off

ment.

Supervisor Earl Hollister, chair~
man of the County Board's Highway
Committee, said at Thursday's spe"
cial Committee of the Whole meet·
ing that over the Thanksgiving Holiday and deer hunting season two
years ago there were only six union
employees working.
Gene Scharfenorth, highway commissioner, reported that at one time
there were only 14 highway employ·
ees available to plow snow out of the

64 on the payroll.

due to vacation or illness.
Hollister and other committee
members told the board that the
committee isn't seeking more em-

ployees, despite a chart that showed
winter work crews are 11 workers
short and summer details are 18
men short.
Hollister and others complained
of contract and other constraints on
scheduling. Hollister said there
were a number of ideas he wouldn't
share with the board since they
couldn't discuss the matter in closed

session.
The

committee

met

later

in

closed session to discuss upcoming

contract

negotiations

with

the

Kenosha County Sheriff's Union and

Blame Politics for
fiighway 50I - \~hange
s:
/,

~':'ft.

II will be &orne lime before traffic will be able to travel
the Silver Lake overhead bridge. Construction crews
have otarted building a $1.28 million, !ltree-•p8111 concrete bridge to replace !be old Highway 50 ~ttructure
which lifts traffic over lite Soo Une Railroad. Trafflc on
Highway 50 will be routed around the bridge during
most ~Jf the construction time. A detour route Is marked.
The new bridge should be open by Sept. 15, wi!lt
completion expected by Oct. I. The brld11e Ia being
financed by 80 percent federal and 20 percent state
funds. F.C. Raemlsch and Son, Inc., of Waunakee, lo the
eoatractor on the project.

--,............_

-

J

~,

~

(SP - WR) ~· State Senator John J, Maurer
(0-Kenosha) and State Representative Mary K.
Wagner (D-Salem) were advised recently by the
Department of Transportation that planning
money budgeted for improvement of Hwy. 50 in
Walworth and ·Kenosha counties is being
withdrawn due to the fiscal constraints presently
placed on the Department of Transportation.
"Obviously, this is a political attempt by the
governor to embarrass the Democratic legislators
who represent the area through-which Hwy. 50
runs," M&urer stated. ''l recognize that the
Department of Transportation is experiencing
financial difficulties, however, coming this dose
to the election, I cannot help but believe that
there is some political chicanery involved.''
"The governor knows. full well that. from an
objective point of view the planning money for th8
reconstruction of Hwy. 50 is desperately needed_.
It has one of the highest fatal accident rates Of
highways in Wisconsin,'' Wagner said. "Perhaps
an alternative to these kinds of antics would be for
the Legislature to identify specific pro:jects in the
biennial budget bill. This is something that we
presently avoid in order to allow the basiC'
engineering decisions to be made by the
Department of Transportation. However, the
ramifications of the governor's action may leave
us with no alternative but to pursue this in the
upcoming budget session,'' Maurer said.
',,~As strong supporters of highway developDfe'nt, we find-it inconceivable that the governor's
;~C~_~il is anything other than pOlitically inspired,''

0

]

s

A~sistant

Attorne.vs Association.
The highway workers' contrac[
E'Xpires Dec. 31, 1981.
S\harfenorth. who didn't attend
the clo:;:ed session on the deputies'
contract, said this morning that

Hollister \s concerned that the deputies· contract could set a precedent for the highway contract
The pre~ent highway contract provides for such things as up to five
weeks vacation, of which fivp davs
mav be taken in half-dav incfe-

me~ts: up to an nddltlo~al five
cnsual davs which may he taken in
half-day i-ncremems; ihe ability to
call in a half-hour before starting
time to give reason for absence and
notlce of whether it will be charged
nnd a provision that
Pmployees at a time
betwpen Nov. 15 and
nn
Jan. if).
Scharfenorth said Jt is also difficult to call
back to plow
a ~nowstorm
regular working
hours
"They're either not home or don't
answer their phones," he said.
In other a_cUon, the committee
voted to recommer1d that the new
countv administrator report !0 an
11-mPmber comrnirtee consisting of
the board chairman and vice chairman and the chairmen of tht"' FiPNsonneL Building 8nd
Courts, Agricultural and
Extension.

and

Zon\ng.

anct
committees
of
Social Service" Board.
Countv Administrator Cllfrorrl G.
Steff said he could work with a:
:-;[ze committeE'. "A lot of what
would !ike to do is to bring
to
bounce off someone. This may
evenmne, so a
that represents
all d€panments
interests would
be advantageous. It won't be so
much a deciswn~making hody as an
idea-making body," he said.

'W;,g,er stated.

'~-'L :;"I am appalled at
~epresentative Wagner

the governor's action.
and I intend to work
uh'cea·.;:lJ?-gly during the next Legislative session to
rein~~.ate those funds so that work on- Uyr)'. 50
rili~ht_prpgress, '' Maurer concluded.

'ay 50 ,qrk is lost in budget crunch
enr
an. of

nty
! tl

~

vay

1PY

tor
0V·

f!f:!,-

T'<;
e;:;-

T's
lPY
\Of

/t}

said Wednt>sdav. "There

point in going thr-ough the
cxpensf' of planning wht'Ti there is no
f(ln'see.nb!e financin~ of the
projPct."
State Sen.

John Maurer, DKenosha, snid Wednesday that the
fund cancellation "is the political
Gov. Dreyfus ts applying to
-rass Democratic legislators
in their own back yard just' prior to
an election.
·'WE' know there is a shortfall of
funds. Bur the planning
money
not that much. Shebestn
couldn't even tell me how much was
involved. In' thf' next -oession of the

lE'gis!ature we will have to provide

Shebes!a said the 142 projE'rt has

specific language on which roads
wi!! be rebuilt. We wlll do our

not been engineered, but DOT is

utmost to restore it. and I believe we
can," said Maurer
State Rep. Mary K. Wagner, D·
Brighton, said Highway 50 is one of
the most dangerous ln the srate.
"Certainly there must be some kind

Highway :tz project.
HP said DOT places a high priori·
on 32 and will probably hold out to

of plan they can make to make it a

safe highway," she said.
DOT wants to improve Highway
32 north to RBclne. The committee

ready ro lPI

bid~

in March on the

32 done first
Shebesta and the committee went
back and forth at the committee's
meering Wednesday morning.
Shebestu said DOT does not have

enough funds to do all of the main
tenance and construction work re-

Wednesday refused, saying Highway

quested

142 should be -improved first.
Shebesta told the committee that
Its refusal will only result in 142
work helng pushed back further

urge its state and -nat.i()naLrepresentatives to vote for:.-~Ore' hrghWay;
aids.
,

He suggested !hat the committl'e

He said each time DOT ::;ets work
priorities, it alienates legislators
whose areas are left out.
Commitlee members questioned
DOT priorities. citing Highways 142

allotment fund. Tlw committee
allow money tn accumuiatP ,_;o there

and 32.

will be enough !o ref'onstruc! J4'L

Committee members accused
DOT of sf'tting a higher priority on
resurfacing 32 because it travels
north, and communities north of
Kenosha are the ones really in~
rerested.

''Who's pushing for 32')" asked
Supervisor Waldemar Lange, "The
2,000 AMC workers who live in
Racine? We've got a lot of people
unemployed in Kenosha who could
use those jobs."

Committee mernbPrs refu:;ed

authorize DOT to tap Kenosh2'"
share m the sta(<;o trunk higt

The fun(J can
mutual consent of

year. based on driv~'r
of an annual $R million
way Ulf'
will get lts priori tiP.''
onto the mom-'y

br> used by
and 1l1P local

ID$cp.or.tation association urges
upgrading
Hwy . 50 to four lanes
.
,;rGo~/

The Transportation Development Association, a state-wide organization which

supports a quality transportation system for
Wisconsin, recently released a list of 18
highway projects that they felt deserved

usefulness of some of the states major
travel corridors served by aging roads from
another era. ''They are a threat to motorists
who drive them, as well as a disaster for the
communities through which they pass,"

attention. Highway 50, between I-94 and

said Walker.

New Munster, was included in the report.
Tom Walker, executive director of the
Transportation _Development Association,
called for a. renewed state committment to
solving the state's worst traffic problems.
Walker noted that economic growth and
increased traffic loads have undermined the

The report outlines proposals for 18
major highway projects aU around Wisconsin. Most of these projects have been given
a high priority ranking by the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation and the
legislature.
The budget bill submitted by Governor
Dreyfus would cut off all funds for major
projects after the completion of 1~43 next
year. The legislature is considering seVeral
proposals to fund a moderate program in

the 1980's.
The report on Hwy. 50 states:

"Hwy. 50 is one of the main east~west
roads of southeastern Wisconsin. It carries
traffic from Kenosha and northern illinois
to the western part of the county and the
Lake Geneva region in adjacent Walworth
County. The traffic load is now beyond the
design capacity of the highwa:Y and is
expected to increase further.
''The project would involve upgrading
Hwy. 50, A four lane facility would be
required in the 13.8 mile· stretch between
I-94 ·and the plaCe where Hwy. 83 joins
Hwy. 50, near New Munster. The rest of
Hwy. 50 to Lake Geneva, a distance of 9.2
miles, would be upgraded in stages later.

THE NEED
·'The present Hwy. 50 is a very old road.
It was constructed in stages between 1919
and 1929, and repaved and widened to 22
feet in several stages between 1948 and
1960. A 22-foot pavement today is
considered a narrow highway, The standard
width for a 2-lane road is 24 feeL

'·The highway carries several different
kinds of traffic, including .trucks, local
travel, commuters to Kenosha and Illinois
and weekend recreations] traffic. There is
daily rush-hour congestion, plus weekend
congestion from recreation-seekers.
''Despite some improvements made in
,1910-71, the road has major safety
problems. Curves and hills require that half
or more of the road be posted 'no
passing.' The twisting, narrow nature of
the highway, combined with congestion aqd
poor shoulders, cause its accident rate to be
above average. In 1979, there were 141
_accidents in the 13.8~mile stretch, including
jive fatalities and 51 accidents involving

injuries.
''Traffic along the road is expected to
increase and, unless improvements are
made, the accident rate will likely rise as
well.
THE BENEFITS
"There is general agreement among
transportation engineers, Kenosha County,
and the Southeast Wisconsin Regional
Planning commission that a high-capacity
highway is needed in this corridor.
Although in the past there was debate as to
where it should be located, the consensus of
public opinion now seems to be that
Highway 50 should be upgraded on or about
its present right of way. However,
alternatives being studied include one
along County Trunk K to the north and a
combination of the two. A preferred
alternative has not yet been selected.
''Reconstructing Highway 50 would
reduce the accident rate and ease traffic
flow between east and west Kenosha
County, with consequent savings in time
and fueL It would forestall the almost
certain deterioration in service that will
occur as traffic increases over the next
decade.
''The project has widespread support in
the area. Supporters include local governM
ment officials, the Kenosha County Board,
and area legislators.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
AND ALTERNATIVES
"Because the project is still in the early
planning stages, it is impossible to tell just
what the total environmental impact of the
new facility would be,
"Simply to improve the present 2-lane
road would not correct some of the more
serious problems, such as the increasing
congestion. To upgrade it to a 4-lane
expressway would require additional right
of way. To relocate to a new right of way
(such as ~he route now followed by County
Trunk K) would be more costly' and have as
many impacts as if located on existing
alignment.
·'Another question yet unanswered is
whether the new facility should pass
through communities like Paddock Lake on
the route, or bypass them. The public will
be given an qpportunity to express it:,
opinion on this before final location is
selected.
"Ultimately, the entire stretc'h of
Highway 50 to Lake Geneva will require
upgrading for safe travel.''

Hy. 50 renewal looks good - on paper
By BARBARA HENKEL
Stall Writer
,~-. 1- fi j
While. reconstruction of nearly 14
miles of Highway 50 may be on the
state's two.year major project list,
it will take an aet of the Legislature
to fund the work.
Gene Scharfenorth, county High·
way Commissioner, told members
ol the County Board's Highway
Committee Wednesday that he was
surprised and pleased to see the
project included on a list prepared
by the state's Department of Trans·
portatlon. Scharfenorth saw the list
while attending~ ·a District 2 con·
terence In Fond du Lac County
Monday.
Scharfenorth said he was glad to
see that DOT acknowledged the
need .for the project, whi.ch has been
lobbied for, locally dor more thari a

E:arl Hollister,. 24th

District, committee ~chairman, said, sidering the state's budget bill.
""By the time they .get through ac· , The committee also received
knowledglng it, we'll be long dead." copies of the county Highway
Hol1ister added, however, that it Department's 1980 financial report.
was some comfort to note that the · Scharfenorth pointed out that the
project has come a long way from a cost of operating machinery and
few years ago when it was ranked equipment l85t year was $633,815,
while the revenue those operatiOns
92nd on a list of projects.
Thomas Winkel, a planner In the brought in amounted to $534,578,
District's Waukesha office, said said
He said If there bad been heavier
it Is unlikely any but two projects, snowfalls the department would
near Green Bay. and Superior, which have had more work, and thus more
are already under way, will be revenue, from plowing town, village
completed this biennium bt:cause of and ·state roads.
lack of funding.
But given the present state of
Winkel said. It would take more equipment, those additional. reven·
than passage ofGov. Dreyfus's addi· ues might have been wiped out by
tional 5-cfmtS·~:gallOit gasoline tax the' cOst of repairs_.
"The state figures the .estimated
for Highway 50 to be built.
Winkel said both houses of the lifespan of equipment at between
L<iglslature would have · to pass a seven and eight years," said
specific .Jiro.vlslon to r.ebuild High· Scharfenorth. ''We have 1989 Fords
way .!10• -and he do"!'n't kl\ow of any wber~ the springs are pulling out of
such proposal; · ·
· the schackles.
The Legislature I~ currently con·
"We're trying to prolong the life

of the equipment because we don't
have the tnoney to buy new.''
Hollister said he didn't know how
long the county could expect to
continue operating at a loss.
"Private contractors would go
broke in three Y.ears at this rate,'' he
said.
The committee received names of
two local private appraisers whose
names wilt be forwarded to the state
for determination of qualifications
to condemn property needed to
widen 39th Avenue. The two are
John Hil!llins, Pleasant Prairie,
former county assessor, and
Michael Pitts, 940 Green Bay Road,
The committee also heard that
complaints are continuing about ve·
hicles parking in no parking zones at
a .tavern on Highway. 31 at County
Highway C. The committee plans to
meet with representatives of the
Sheriff's Department to expi9re llOI'
sibllities of curtailing the. problem. ·

---,.,.--~-...~.

'ing from road work pre

Highway
By BARBAJU.,II£NKEL

Slllff Writer
R.econstruc;tion of Highway 50
'again ts not: ,on the state's list of
projects to -be funded over the next
six years.
· And even those 14 projects
p1aMed lor Kenosha County could
be postponed if the Legislature
doesn~t approve sufficient funds for
the next bleMium.
That was.lhe word officials. of the

state's Department of Transports~
lion, District 2 office, had for mem•
bero of the County. Board's Highway
Committee Wednesday.
Gov. Dreyfus has asked for a 5\>·
CentS-a.gallon increase on gasoline.
District 2 Director Harvey Shebesta
Sllld 3\> cents of that is needed "just
to !let us out of our deficit."
DOT's deficit resulted when motorists began buying less gasoline
because of soaring prices and more
elfltient autos.
Reconstruction of 14 miles of
Highway. 50 remains on the state's
Proposed li!it of major projects, but
the wotk Would require special legIslation for lundiog.
Only if the governor's proposed
gas tax increase or some measures
ptoviding the equivalent amount of
"-~~~~~- -~~f!_ pll~Sed, can DOT's six:year'.jilall ga forward, said Shebesta.

FY Hy. Work to be llono
'83 32 lloeondltloa, !!late

Six-year Kenosha County roads plan

line lo city

'83 158 Reeoudlllon, 1-94 to
city

10 '86

50 lleplaoe Fox River
brtdge
50 llehab brlqe ovor
C&NW l!il !ncb
i-94 Replace ""''11~!11
14Z lloeorull!lon, liy. 75
to 1-94
32 Re~os~~rud, PUtt:
l!lver lo 71!> """·
192 ~~eo..m·:o.. Hyo. so
to 142
31 lleaurface, state
Uoe to Hy. 50
45 lleourfsco, Hy. 50 to

II '118

50 lleaurfste, Hy. 83

3

'84
'84
'84
'84
'85

8

'85

'118

Union Grove
weot to cnty. line
12 '118 50 lloeontlllloa, 1-114 to
city
13 '87 14% Major rec:oad., 1·114
to Hy. 31
14 '87 142 lleourfaoe, Hy. Silo
58th Ave.

l'ro)ects to be done ftecal year& 1983-85 (marked In red)
The- proposed funding would in~
crease the road' maintenance pr<r
gram, but still fall short of main~
taining roads at previous levels, said
Shebesta.
The state's six-year program runs

from fiscal year 1982, beginning this
July 1, through 1987. For Kenosha
County, it calls for 14 projects cost~
ing a total of $12,967,000 in 1980
dollars.
Tbe first projects are two planned

Projecte to be done fiKal year& 1986-117 (marked In &old)
for fiscal year 1983. They would
recondition Highway 32 between the
City of Kenosha and tbe Illinois
s~ate li~e,_ and re_condition Highway
!58 i>e(ween f·ll4 and the city.
Starting later this calendar year,

the state will begin acquiring rightor-way to resurface and widen some
areas and improve sight clearance
on Highway 142 between Hi£hway 75
and l-94, Construction is contemplated for fiscal year !984,

MlltiJriukee to Kenosha

Agency se~~s~ 3--county highw,
By JOHN KREli.OWICZ
Stai!Wrlter

1'1,·1

iliii

,_,o--y.-~

The 18-year-oid . Lake Freeway
plan to- Connect MilwBukee and the
Wis~onsin/llllnois, State Line may
be\ replaced with a cheaper version.
the Southeastern WiSconsin Re8i0i'lal -PiBnhi_n·g ·---\~COiiultiS_Sion_ on
Thursday decided, to ,ask the state
secretary of tranSportation to study

from Milwaukee's Hoan (Harbor)
Bridge to East Layton A venue.

construction _of" a highway between

East. LByton Avenue in Milwaukee
and some .point in Kenosha co·unty ~

said SEWRPC _Executive Director
Kurt -Bauer.
A highway's, cost would be onethird that _of a freeway, ,he said.
Bauer said a highway can ,have
liccess by driveways . an4 .inlersects
With other roads Bt their levels.
Freewa,Y~ are divided Bnd are built
over roaQ intersections.
-;:~J:>~"'prO'~imately 32 _miles are in·
~"YO.lvfid,-; Jhe _six·lane freeway was
;p~f?OSed to run east of the Chicago
~~~---:J:lOi"th Western Transportation
:co:.'!f railroad freight line, A four·

The commission also approved a
$30 million, 3.2-mile highway in Mitwaukee as part of the plan. 1t will be

Proposed Milwaukee-Kenosha highway would run :ea&l of CNW
tracks (In red), and would end somewhere In Kenoeha County.
lane highway would run the same

route, Bauer said.
The highway would run to a

"logica~_"_ e_Jldpoint in Kenosha Coun·
ty, although _no specific intersecting
road wa·s· mentioned, he sa1d.

Bauer said money may be available for the entire highway
if
the proposed state gas tax
mo+
tor registration fee_ increases are
approved by the Legislature.
In 1975, the proposed freeway
from East Layton Avenue to the
state line had an estimated $116.5
million price tag, Bauer sai<t No
cost was estimated t'or the new
highway section to Kenosha County,
he said.
"That would come out of the
feasibility study," he said.
Construction of the highway
would mean tearing down "very few
houses" along the rRilroad path,
Powers said.

The Lake Freeway plan originally
was to connect with a roadway from
Chicago through northe&~tern lllinois that followed the old'- No
Shore Electric Railway corr'idbr.

'"~

'Sing from road'wbrk proposal
f1(

Six-year Kenosha County roads plan

'113

lly. Work to he doae
sz lle<oodlllon, otato

Hue to city
'113 158 lleeondltloa, 1·94 to
'84

elly
50 lloplaee Fox lllver

'84

50 llebah brldfie - ·

bridge
C&NWRIIinlclol

5
8
7

8
9

'94 1-94 Replace meollau
'84 142 lle<ondltloll, lly. 75
to 1·114
'85 32 lleconolracl, Pike
lllver to 7tb Ave.
'85 192 lleourfa<:o, H,-. 50
to 142

'86

31 lleearlaco, elate

II '86

Uneto lly. 50
45 lleourface,lly. SO to
Ualen Grove
50 Reoarl'ace, lly, OS

IZ '86

SO lle<oodlllon, 1-94 to

10 '86

"""' to cnty. Hae
dly

13 '87 14Z M'llor """""d" 1-94
to lly. 31
14 '87 142 RHurfaee, lly. 31to

39111 Ave.

l'roJectll to be done flacal yeara1983-85 (mlllrlled In red)
The proposed funding would. In:rease the road- maintenance pro~ram, but still fall short of main~
:aining roads at previous levels, said

from fiscal year 191!2, beginning this
July l, through 1987. For Kenosha
County, it calls for 14 projects ~osting a total of $12,967,000 in 1980

ihebesta.
The state's

dollars.
The first projects are two planned

six~year

program runs

l'rojecte to be done fl~~ellll ye&m~ 1988-87 (mlllrlled ln11old)
for fiscal year 1983. They would
recondition Highway 32 between the
City of Kenosha and the Illinois
st~te line,_ ~nd re~ondition Highway
!SS.l>etjveen.l-!J-Iand the city.
Starting iotet this calendar year,

the state will begin acquiring rlghtof.way to resurface and widen some
areas and improve sight clearance
on Highway 142 between Hlgllway 75
and 1·94. Construction is contemplated for fiscal year 1984.

Other projects planned that year
would replace the two bridges on
Highway _50, one over the Fox River
and the other over the Chicago and
North Western Transportation Co.
railroad tracks at the Bain over·
head.

Also planned is replacement of
bridge overlays and median barriers
on 1·94 from the state line to the
Racine County line.
Two projects planned in 1985
would reconstruct High9fBY 32 from
Seventh Avenue to the north Pike
River structure by widening it from
two to four lanes, and resurface
Highway 192 between highways 50
and 142.
Projects planned for fiscal year
1986 include two lmprovenlents to
Highway 50 - resurfacing between
the Walworth County line and Highway 83 and reconditioning between
I-94 and the City of Kenosha.
Other projects that year would
resurface Highway 31 from the state
line to Highway 50 and recondition
Highway 45 between Highway 50 and
Union Grove.
Planned for fiscal year 1987 are
two projects on Highway 142 reconditioning between I-94 and
Highway 31 and resurfacing between 31 and 39th Avenue.

~enosha

r

seeks 3-coun
6 , ? s-,

The commission also appruv.eo a
$30 million, 3.2·mlle highway in.·Mn·
waukee as part of the plan. It will b~
from Milwaukee's Hoan (Harbor)

Bridge to East Layton Avenue.
Bauer said money may oe avail·
able for the entire highway
if
th~ proposed state gas tax
mo·
tor registratwn fee increases are
approved by the Legislator£'
In 1975, the proposed freE
from East Layton Avenue to
state line had an estimated $116.5
million price tag, Bauer sa1d. No
cost was estimated for the new
highway section to Kenosha County,
he said,
''That would c-ome out of the

feasibility study," he said

·

Construction of the highway
would mean tearing down "very few

l'ropoaed Mllwaukee-Kenoalia hillhway would run eaet of CNW
tracks (In red), and would end somewhere In Kenosha County.
lane highway would run the same
route, Bauer said.
The highway would

run

to a

"logical" en~point in Kenosha County, aUhP_U.'gh·.-rw specific intersecting
road was ·m-entioned, he said.

houses" along the railroad path,
Powers said.
The Lake Freeway plan originally
was to connect w-ith a roadway from
Chicago through northeastern lUinois that folloWed the
Shore Electric Railway

---------

·

'[f}f'l~l/iing on the job

I, NoT.ic·&·-:-0~.-~..~1T.-~NncY
TO REQUEST

A 'PUBLIC' HEAIIIING
ON THE LOCATION
AND DESIGN
[ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSED
IMPROVEMENT
OF HIGHWAY 14'Z
BETWEEN HIGHWAY 75 AND
INTERSTATE HIGHWAY '"
IN THE TOWNS OF BRIGHTON
AND PARIS
KENOSHA COUNTY

f
I

Highway panel discusses alcohol
By MAD NEPPIEIII.
St.ff Writer
County Highway workers sometimes drink on the job, County
Board Supervisor Earl Ho!Uoter
said Tuesday.
Hollloter told other members of
the Highway Committee, "We can't
have this happeolng."
Highway Commissioner, Gene
Scbartenorth oaid the county s corporatlon coullllel told blm that even
if supervisors smelled alcnbol on an
employee's breath, they could take
no action but to call a sheriff's
depoty who would request a breath
teot.
Scharfenorth said there has been
a problem with employee drlnklns
whlle operating county vehicles.
Amendola said be didn't think the
employees should drink at all while
they were working but said some of
the men otop In at taverns for a few
beers over lunch.
Highway Committee chairman
Earl Holllster said he thought it was
wrong that the county had Included a
letter of understandlne In the contract with County Highway Employ..,. Local 70 that the men can go Into

Not aH highway

workers drinking
To the Editor: - '; :?f:f
In response to the article in
Wednesday's 6/24/81 paper about
county highway workers drinking on
the job, I would like to add to that.
First of all, I agree drinking on
the job shOuld not be tolerated, but
Earl Hollister's statement that
county highway workers sometimes
drink on the Job is very misleading
to the publiC.
This statement makes people
think all county highway Workers
drink on the job. The fact is three or
rour workers may d.rink on the job.
These few -workerS may have a
serious drinking problem and what
have you supervisors or bosses done
to correct it? Nothing! Why?
These same people who drink on
the job sometimes come into work
di"un_!t.- :The·, boss .still sends the-m out

t;.A:<;,J'/

taver1111 for lunch.
Hollloter said supervisors are finding beer In the vehicles the men are
driving.
Schar!enorth said he asked lor the
corporation coulltlel opinion because, "We have to make ourselves
aware of any drinking problem and
crack down as much ao possible. If
we see It w~ have to know how to
deal with it.
Department rules prohibit drinklng on the job.
In other business, Scharlenorth
said the Highway Department Is
waiting lor a commitment from the
Federal Highway Commission to
share costs of alleviating a 39th
Avenue drainage problem before beginning reconstruction of the road.
Highway Commissioner Gene
Scharfenorth told the Highway Commltte that engineering for the reconstruction of County Highway EZ
(39th Ave.) Is done. Right-of-way
acquisition will be held off until a
commitment tor federal funding of
75 percent of the project Is received.
The federal aovernment paid 70
percent of the $50,000 engineering
phase.

If the federal government agrees
to share costs on the right-of-way It
will pay $75,000 of the $100,00 cost.
The Highway Department Is undertaklng the project ocheduled for
1983 because Highway T (93rd
Street) floods on both sides. A
culvert to a drain tile is too small to
handle the water after heavy rains.
The highway department plans to
direct water Into 8 new storm sewer
Into the city retention pond on 89th
Street west of 39th Avenue
·
Scharlenortb said that even
though the federal Highway Commission may balk on helpln& with
the $120,000 cost of the storm sewer,
"We told the people In area of the
drainage problem we were going to
lake care of the water and !think we
should.
"We are responsible for the water
coming into the roadway and we are
respollllible lor getting rid of it. We
don't want the water to bolld up and
flood over the h lgh way •"
Scharfenorth said.
Waldemar Lange, highway commlttee supervl110r, said he was concerned ttiat people living near the

construction would tile their yards
"" that all of the water would run
into the highway department storm
sewers.
Supervisor J.ames Amendola said
that the committee Is goln& to lmprove the property of the people
living In that area.
The committee Is askinll the coonty Finance Committee lor approval
of a tr1!11sler of funds from one
highway department account to another to repair several trucks.
"We need to repair the equipment
If we are going to keep the roads
plowed In winter," Scharfenorth
said.
Scharlenorth said he would notify
the University of Wloconsln-Mllwaukee graduate school that the commit tee selected 11 to do
archeological surveys for the Highway K-Kllbourne and Highway EPike River brldp projects to determ!ne If there Is linythlng historlcal that needs to be saved.
The committee al110 approved the
l'flqiii!St for a zoning ordinance that
would· lower the speed limit on
Hlibway z to 35 mph on a half-mile
otretch wes_t.o! Highway 0.

I
I

AII interested pE!r~ons are ad·
v1sed that the Wisconsin De·
partmenl ot Tr.an~portation i~
planning <HI improvement
proiect on SlaTe Trunk. High·
[ way 142 between Stl'lle Trunk

I

l ~:~~::; 9~~ T~7~ p~~r=~~~~~~
.,._olves. widening end recondl·
I 11onmg
the roadway surface,
' widening the
and regrading the ditches where necI essary_
The proposal includes
~houlders

I

"'.flen1ng curves, add•lional
wodenmg around cur'>'e~. and a
m1nor relocalion to rne north ,aj
the Root Ri'>'er

I

!lna~much as

improvement, an opportunity t!
oelng. afforded to al! intere!tt~<
persons to reqwesllhat a publu
hearmg be held.

Information concerning
pro
posed improvement is ava1labh
at the Depart~ent's District :
Olf1ce 1n the C1ty ol WauKesha

An Environmental Assessmen
of the propMal's en,.ironmenta
impacts and effects has bee1
prepared and tiled according h
the Slate and National Environ
mental Policy Acts. This doc~
ment indicaTes that no signili
cant en'>'ironmenlal impact
are <Jnticipated to occur <!1\
'I result of this improvemen~
Cop1es of thi~ document ar
available for inspection and C(

I

, f,~~,',

A ta•payer .anot
a county highway worluor

Wagner pushe1st~~y. 50 project

Rep. Mary K, Wagner today asked Gov,
Lee Dreyfus to retairi_Hwy. 50 as.the sixth
most important constrUction p_roject, as
listed in the state's 1981-83 Biennial
' Budget.
.
The budget is now before the governor

'lor his consideration.
.
By_.moving.the Hwy. 50 project up-_to
sixth from the Department of TransporU'·
tion's ranking of ninth, the project could
possibly begin next year at a savings of
$13.4 million, Wagner said in her letter to
the governor. The department had the
project slated to begin in 1985 and expected
to be finished bv 1990
''According' tO Department of Transportaion figures, if the Hwy, 50 project began
in 1985 and was phased out by -1990 the cost
wouldbe$44.7million,'' Wagner said. ''By
moving the project up to this biennium, the
cost could be' reduced to $31.3 million.''

Wagner asked- the Governor to either
not veto the legislature's priority list in the
biennial budget. bill, use his "creative
Ye~o'' pow'er to keep the priority level of
HWy. 50 even if others are vetoed, or to
inS~,ruct the Department of Transportation
~-:r:etain the project's importance
I)r~~fus vetoes the rest of the list.

Highway 50 work
back in budget
By BARBARA HENKEL
StaH Writer
Legislative Democrats apti
proved a $14 billion 1981-83 state
budget raising the gasoline tax 4
cents a gallon, boosting automobile registrations $7 a year and
and begins funding a program to
rebuild 14 major highways in the
state, including Highway 50 in
Kenosha County.
Also Included in the budget was
a $40 million state borrowing pro~
gram to provide up to 50 percent
funding to communitie_~. includ·
ing Kenosha, to pay for correcting
combined sewer overflow prob·
lems, and funding of a new prison
near Oshkosh.
The measure, drafted by Demo·
crats controlling the legislature,
passed the Assembly Friday
morning, 51·44, and -the Senate
Friday afternoon, 18-15. It went to
Republican Gov. LeeS. Dreyfus,
.whO was expected to use liberal
item vetoes to change the bilL
FoJlowing action on the budget,
lawmakers adjourned the session
until September 30. A major issue
during the fall session will be
what to do about the impact of
federal budget cuts on Wisconsin.
Meanwhile, five Republican
legislators have asked Dane
County District Attorney James
E.Doyle Jr. to conduct a John Doe
probe into their charges that the
budget process was "pockmarked
with unconscionable logrolling.''
Logrolling refers to the politi·
cal process in which legislators
promise to exchange mutually
beneficial votes. Logrolling is itlegal in Wisconsin. It is punish~
able by a· fine of up to $1,000, a
j)rl~on term of up to three years,
Of both.
State Sen. John D, Maurer, D·

. ~'I
Kenosha, said the five Republican
legislators are "at the bottom end
of the Assembly as far as effec·
tiveness is concerned. They took
themselves out of the budgetmaking proCess because they
knew full well that the governor
would approve things they didn't
like. This year's process was no
different than what was done on
any othe~ budget."
The five are Reps. George
Klicka, Wau~atosa; Cloyd
Portern, Burlington; Joseph
Tregoning, Shu~lsburg; Esth~r
Luckhardt, HoriCon and Ervm
Conradt, Shi?cton.
Maurer said charges of logro1ling come up after every budget is
set. He said, "When you have a
fairy balanced Legislature, you
can't afford to fund one element
without funding another, If that is
logro~!ing then nothing is sa·
cred.
Ma~rer s.aid a program to f~nd
14 major htghway reconstructiOn
programs _over the next six years
IS started m the budget set for the
next tw~ ye~rs .. Hi.ghway 50, is
ranked SiXth lfl-PrlOrlty On the ltst
but probably wOn't started during
the next two years, said Maurer.
"But we can start the advanced
planning," h~ said.
.
Maurer said the borrowing pro~
gram for COmmunitieS With COm·
bined sewer programs was incorporated in the budget in the
last few days to get the approval
of the highway improvements by
urban legislators.
Maurer said he felt that while
Dreyfus may line veto,a number
of items in the budge_t; he won't
veto the entire budge_t, as is his
option, nor would preyfus veto
line>ltems that would affect
future;lmlding of Highway 50 re,
constrUction.

-~~--

''

th• tollowmg

'"'

District 2 Office
Wisconsin Depi
of Transportation
310 South West
P.O. Box b49
Waukesha. WI. 53187

Av~nue

1

into an $80,000 or $90,000 truck -to
drive in a blinding snowstol-tn. t
would call that poor management sending him out to risk his own life.
innocent people and expensive
equipment makes no sense to me,
but then I'm not the boss either.
As a taxpayer I feet these men
should be helped or take disciplinary
action to keep them out of our
equipment,
1 would like to say I don't think
there is anything wrong with an
occasional beer during a worker's
lunch hour as long as they don't
abuse it. If you paid them this half
hour I would feel different.
Again, as a taxpayer, I would like
to know what the Highway Commit~
tee drinks and eats every Wednes·
day afternoon?
Maybe Kool-aid and peanut butter
and jelly sandwiches.

Federal Aid High

I ;fat~=~i~~~~~; ~e~~~egr~~:~
I'
th~
I!

I

Bureau o_l Environmental
Ana1ys1~ and Re'>'iew
Wisconsin Dept.
ot Transportation
480!1 Sheboygan Ave. RoOm '9!
P.O. Box 7916
Madison, WI 53707

Comments req11rdlng the-_~'!\
vironmenlal Impacts and '.e
tects of the proposed impfov·
men! 11re irwilefl to be -.sul
milfed to the Department •
Transportation by October
1981. Mail to R.W, Bl'!k.er,:-c
rector, Bureau of Environmt
tal Analysis and Review, at'tt
prev1ous\y-named addres~. ·

1t is noi anticipated that tt
relocation of persons. bu~
ne~~eos., farms or non·profit a
ganizations will occur as a r
~u11 of the proposed improv
men!.
Any person inleres.ted in or <
fected by the proposed ir

, f;ro~~~~~~r~~Y~~~!!I'b~n=~
, mittin 11 "' written·request·to-,
; ~~%r~Ttic"2 H~:~~:~,n;,be~
making such a requesi perso

;r;~l:i~~o~~~~=d~~~ ,~~n~~:P~
o~ exp~essin~ their 111ews

&

~~~uc~~~n~f w;~~ t~~o~: 1 ~~~

,

e hearing
=~ 1 ?~ci;,~~~~ ~~"~:r ;~e~~:n;

concern t_hem. If

tailed design aspects of ,the PI

~~~~~Tc~roav:dm~~~i:~~~~~
~~~!~ts ~~dP~~t!~~~~:~e ~
whether improvement is or

~~~s;~,:~; .f~~!ijh~nt;~:~:

:
ob1ections of area plan111ng
A request tor a pvbllc hear'
may be made oy sut>mittmfi

~;~~:~engq~:~~e~~~ --:~
trict Office on or before OC

~~~h\ ~~q,~e~~ i~h~e:;j~~~.'~
!lee

I

?f

the time and ptace oft

~~b~~~a~:~r~~~e~ 111

be publlst

~~APTAER~:;,e~1-icg;s1N

TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS AI

~~~~~~~?:sTATION

(Jornmittee ,:t)l!Jctfs revamp
of Hwy. q50
over freeway
'/(],~,

Reconstruction of Highway 50
should take priority over any free~
way construction, the·county's High·
way Committee decided Wedesday.

Otherwise the committee con.
curred in a recommerldation the
Kenosha City Council also approved
Wednesday night to not oppose con:
struction of a freeway extension in
Milwaukee County but to oppose the
south lee; of it, known as the Lake

Freeway South corridor, from Mil·
waukee through Kenosha County.

The actions accepted recommen·
dations made last month by the City
Plan Commission. It approved a
plan for construction of a four-lane

limited access highway from the
Daniel Webster Hoan Memorial
Bridge on Mirwaukee's lakefront to
East Layton Avenue in Milwaukee
but opposed construction of the ex~
tension from Layton to the
Wisconsin-Illinois state line
The county committee Wednesday
concurred in those recommendations, With the added proviso that
reconstruction of Highway 50 should
take priority.
That recommendation will be
presented to the board's Zoning
Committee before going before the
full County Board,
At the August city plan meeting,
City Planner Ray Forgianni said
residential properties would be disM
located and prime agricultural lands
used in the southern leg of the
freeway, which would require a 90to 300-foot right of way east of the
Chicago and North Western Trans~
portation Co, rail line and west of
Highway 3L
The location is on the west side of
the city's industrial park.
J:orgianni said SEWRPC's plan
-,:J\l'~S·;suitable for Milwaukee because
' '-. ~t~3;~ts dense population and for
;cfi&Cfne County because of distances

~Tqwns,

from Racine to the Interstate. He
said these problems do not exist in
Kenosha.
Reconstruction of Highway 50 has
been discussed since 1968. Initially,
it was held_up over a controversy of

whether it should be built along a
new route. In recent years, lack of
state funding has held up construction, although it has been recently
included on a listing o.f priority jobs
if funding should become- B.vS.ilable.

fifAhway 50 repairs
priority
receive lqvver
"''¥'
!1-

iBJ DIAIIIIIAJIA HENKEL

Staff Writer .
".
Highway 50 iS not liSted in the
stat-e's proposed six~year highway
improvement program but several
other major projects niade the list
alloUnced Thurllday,
The state Department of Trans·
portatlon had moved Highway 50
higher on the priority list lor state
spending, but Gov, Dreyfus' budget
cuts this summer knocked it further
down on the list
, County Highway Commissioner
Gene Scttarfenorth said he was surprise<! and pleased to see that the
state tentatively plans to completely
reconstruct Highway 32_ {Sheridan
Road) from the North Pike River
south 1<> Seventh Avenue, in 1985,
This summer Highway 32 was -red
constructed from the Pike River to

Racine.
Scbarfenorth said he was also
surprised and disappointed to see
that the state doesn't plan to replace
the bridge on Highway 50 over the
Fox River until 1984.
"I don't know If it will last that
long," said Scbarfenorth, "Trucks
are r'outina around the bridge and
using our cOUnty roads and beating
those to"death,"
' No projects are slated in Kenosha

Caunty in 1982, the first year of the
six-year plan, The plan calls for a
total of about $1 billion in spending
statewide over six yers.
Only two projects are planned
here for 1983, minor reconditioning
of Highway 32 from Kenosha to the
Illinois state line, and Highway 158
from 1·94 to Kenosha, lor a total
estimated cost of $922,000,
In 1984, besides the Fox River
bridge replacement, estimated at
$88,300, the state plans nearly $2A
million in repatrs or replacement
work on about 30 other bridges in the
county; nearly $2,7 million in medi·
an barrier work on 1-94 and nearly
$2.1 million for major reconditioning
of Highway 132 from Highway 75 to
1·94.
Besides the Highway 32 work
planned lor 1985, the state proposes
resurfacing nearly 2.6 miles of HighM
way 192 between Highways 50 and
142 at an estimated cost of $228,000,
In 1986 the state proPoses nearly
$2.6 million of work on three
projects. It proposes resurfacing
Highway 31 from the Illinois state
line to Highway 50; major recondi~
tioning of Highway 45 from Highway
50 to Union Grove and minor reconditioning of Highway 50 !rom l·H to
Kenosha,

villages must request work

CoUnty to .require contraCts for road
~

"' -" 1

Illy JAMES ROHDE

ment will no longer perform normal
Stall Writer "
maintenance on town and village
SALEM -Formal contracts with roads unless -.requested to do so in
the, county will be required in the writing<
very near future if the County HighHe said the county has no objecway Department is to continue perM tion to being responsible for road
forming work on town and village work it performs, but it does not
1
·roads.
want to be sued for repairs not
That was the word given town and specifically requested by town or
village officials Wednesday " by village officials.
members of the County' Highw'LY
"We are putting the responsibility
Commission, highway co"na· for maintaining town and village
roads back in your hands," said Ear!
missioner Gene 'Scharfe~orth
assi'stant corporation. co~rlfei Hollister, chairman of the County
Bernard Vash at a meeting at t~e Highway Committee. "We will conSalem Town Hall.
'
~ -;. tinue to do your road work but only
Vash said the new requirement after you specifically request it."
Vash said contracts will be sent to
-~.t~W-~,- from lawsuits against the
county involving work on_ town all municipalities within the next
r~ads, He said the highway depart· .'three weeks. The target date for

·pnd

completing the agreements is Nov.
15.
TOWNS WITH NO highway de·
partments formerly relied solely on
the county to patrol their roads and
perform normal maintenance.
Under the new agreement, town
and village officials will be required
to tour their roads regularly and
notify the county when repairs are
needed.
All work must be requested in
writing 1 except for emergency re~
pairs, which will be made upon
verbal requests from town officials.
The contract requires town and

village officials to request taw en·
forcement agencies to notify them
of tlny hazards on the 'roads under

.
their jurisdiction.
The county is to perform regular
winter maintenanCe when requested. Special salting, sanding or
~nowplowing may be requested in
writing.
Scherfenorth said the cost to municipalities will be based on actual
costs of materials, labor and machinery. He said copies of the
county's machinery rental and wage
agreements will be sent along with
the contracts.
Either party may withdraw from
the agreement with 30 days' written
notice.
Bristol Supervisor Russell Horton
asked whether the highway depart~
ment will notify the m)Jnidpality of
the date work will be performed.

Scharfenorth said it would be im·
possible to say when specific work
would be accomplished but in~
dicated municipalities could be
notified a couple of days in advance
of projected work.
He said special events such as the
county fair, parades or local celebrations could require a change in
scheduling to complete repairs prior
to the event.
The contract contains a provision
in which the town or village agrees
to "hold the county harmless and
indemnify it for any damages, in~
juries or court costs, attorney fees
and disbursements that may be incurred as a result of work· performed by the county for the town or
village."

v
rele
bilii

, lige
H

·tim1
perl
frar
bilil

roat
forr
and
pas1
S·
the
resl
of
ffiOI

e i·uac~ revamp
~:j.·
·.• ·. •.· •1~".~.·.·.·.1· · ·.\1i~c· ·.• ·. ·.i.·.:rf;..·.·.·.··r.
. ·. ·. ·. ·.

~0

·.··•. ... · ·.• •.· . '.··. ·.·. ·.· . ·." .•. ·..•.

..

.·.·.••..
..

over freeway

n Racine to the Interstate. He
1 these problems do not exist in
tosha.
teconstruction of Highway 50 has
n discussed since 1968. Initially,
ras h~ld;;lJP over a controversy of

whether it should be built along a
new route. In recent years, lack of
state funding has held up construc-

tion, although It has been recently
included on a listing,o.f pri4:)~r,i.ty jobs

if funding should become available..

Highway· SO repairs
receive low~.r
priority
.
Jl~ 'l·~l
ly BllltiiAII.A HENKEL

Staff Writer
Highway 50 is not listed in the
state's proposed six-year highway
improvement program but several
other major projects niade the list
anounced Thursday.
The state Department of Transportatlon had moved Highway 50
higher on the priority list for state
spending, but Gov. Dreyfus' budget
cuts thjs summer knocked it further
down on the list.
County Highway Commissioner
Gene Scbarfenorth said he was sur~
prised and pleased to _see that the
state tentatively plans to completely
reconstruct Highway 32 (Sheridan
Road) from the North Pike River
!lOUth to Seventh Avenue, in 1985.
This summer Highway 32 was re, constructed from the Pike River to
Racine.

Scharfenorth said he was also
surprised and disappointed to see

that the state doesn't plan to replace
the bridge on Highway 50 over the
F'ox Rivet until 1984.
"I don't know if it will last that
long," said Scharfenorth. _"Truck_s
are routing around _the bridge and
using our county roads and beating
those to·death." .
·
No projects are slated in Kenosha

County in 1982, the first year o! the
six-year- plan. The plan calls for a

total of about $1 billion in spending
statewide over six yers.
Only two projects are planned
here for 19&3, minor reconditioning
of Highway 32 from Kenosha to the
Illinois state line, and Highway 158
!rom 1·94 to Kenosha, .lor a total
estimated cost of $922;000.
In 1984, besides the Fox River
bridge replacement, estimated at
$88,300, the state plans nearly $2.-4
million in repairs or replaceme-nt
work on about 30 other bridges in the
county;_ nearly $2,7 million in medl·
an barrier work' on 1·94 and nearly
$2.1 million for major reconditioning
of Highway 132 from Highway 75 to
1-94.
Besides the Highway 32 work
planned for 1985, the state proposes
resurfacing nearly 2.6 miles of High·
way 192 between Highways 50 and
142 at an estimated cost of $228,000.
In 1998 the state proposes nearly
$2.6 million of work on three
projects. It proposes resurfacing
Highway 31 from the Illinois state
line to Highway 50; major recondi·
tioning of Highway 45 from Highway
50 to Union Grove and minor recon·
ditioning of Highway 50 from I-lk to
Kenosha.

n.ust request work

to require contracts for road work
-'l

will no longer perform normal

enance on town and village
unless ,requested to do so in
g.
said the county has no objec·
o being responsible for road
it performs, but it does not
to be sued for repairs not
ically requested by town or
e officials.
e are putting the responsibility
1aintainlng town and village
back in your hands," said Earl
ter, chairman of the County
iBY Committee. "We will con·
to do your road work but only
you specifically request iL"
1h said contracts will be sent to
lllnicipalities within- the- next
weeks, The target date for

completing the agreements is Nov.
15.
TOWNS WITH NO highway departments formerly relied solely on
the county to patrol their roads and
perform normal maintenance.
Under the new agreement, town
and village officials will be required
to tour their roads regularly and
notify the county when repairs are
needed.
All work must be requested in
writing 1 except for emergency re·
pairs, which will be made upon
verbal requests from town officials.
The contract requires town and
village officials to request law en~
forcement agencies to notify them
of any hazards On the 'toads under

their jurisdiction.
The county is to ~rform regular
winter maintenance when re~
quested. Special salting, sanding or
snowplowing may be requested in
writing.
Scherfenorth said the cost to municipalities will be based on actual
costS of materials, labor and rna·
chinery. He said copies of the
county's machinery rental and wage
agreements will be sent along with
the contracts.
Either party may withdraw from
the agreement with 30 days' written
notice.
Bristol Supervisor Russell Horton
asked whether the highway depart·
ment will notify the mJ.micipality ,Of
the date work will be performed.

Scharfenorth said it would be im·
possible to say when specific work
would be accomplished but in·
dicated municipalities could be
notified a couple of days in advance
of projected work.
He said special events such as the
county· fair, parades or local cele~
brations could require a change in
scheduling to complete repairs prior
to the event.
The contract contains a provision
in which the town or village agrees
to "hold the county harmless and
indemnify it for any damages, in·
juries or court costs, attorney fees
and disbursements that may be in~
curred as a result of work· per·
formed -by the county for the town or
village."

Vash said the clause dOes nc
release the county of its responsi
bility resulting from any active neg
' ligence in performing the road work
Hollister indicated there may b€
· times when the county is unabl.e to
perform work within a specific fime
frame and that its first responsi·
bility is to maintain county and state
roads.
"I think we can continue to perform the road work in your towns
and villages as we've done in the
past,'' Hollister said.
Scherfenorth said, in reference to
the budget cuts, "In the past county
residents received the Cadillac type
of roads.' In the future it will be
more of a Chevrolet type service."

--------......-.....

Fltghway Department
faces budget~repairs
'By BARBARA HENKEL
Stall Writer

! /-

J I'" ~ f

The county Highway Department's proposed
1982 budget has to be pared some $646,000, county
Finance Committee members decided Tuesday.
Highway Commissioner Gene Scharfenorth and
Highway Committee members said they would
prefer deciding where the cuts will be made.
Finance agreed. The revised budget will be
resubmitted next week.
Finance Chairman Walter Johnson said he
expects finance will continue to meet through
next week on the proposed budget that will be
presented to the full County Board for a first
reading but no action next Tuesday. Adoption of
the budget is scheduled for Dec. L
Only certain departments were selected to
consult with finance this week. some in closed
session to discuss possible ways to reduce labor
costs, the major cost in most budgets.

Scharfenorth told finance, "Kenosha Coufili'
has_ the _distincti_()n __ !>f . paying___ th~fifg"fiW_ayo
wag·es·"in~ ihe··st8.te."
That means the department isn't reimbursed
fully for work it does for the state, because

payments are based on average labor costs
statewide, plus other factors. Scharfenorth said
attempts are being made so that counties with
higher wage rates won't be penalized as much.
Supervisor Wayne Koessl, a finance member,
said those efforts are being blocked by counties in
rural parts of the state that have low wage rates
and so benefit from the averaging formula.
"When I got on board in 19~0 l saw me money
just wasn't there," and didn't buy anything that
year," Scharfenorth said.
This past year, he said, he replaced three
vehicles badly in need of replacement.
Supervisor Earl Hollister, highway chairman,
sald, ''Some of our trucks are 35 years old. A good
winter will test them."

County Board Chairman Ronald Frederick
observed that a good winter can be both a bane.
and~ a boom. The Highway Department will
generate revenue from the state for plowing snow

on its roads, but those efforts may cripple the
,
aging fleet.
The Highway Committee had proposed a 1982

vebe important

fhe proposed program does no1
mclude reconstruction of !:JighV!:_El)
50 from 1-94 west. At one poitltiffia;;:
of Transporta" '1)€etl'-move0 higher on the priorit~
at 7:30 list for state spending, but Gov
i-latl, Dreyfus' budget cuts this summet

down on the list.

budget of nearly $6.6 million, compared with the
$6.8 million expected to actually be spent this
year
County Administrator Clifford Steff recom·
mended nearly $919,000 be reduced from the

budget, to reduce the $2.6 million the department
budget recommended come from the county tax
levy.
Finance Tuesday recommended the depart·
ment devise a budget that requires no more than
the $2,015,000 county tax levied for this year.
Finance also reviewed the budgets of the
Department of Planning and Zoning, county
surveyor and county assessor. Part of the review
of the county assessor was made in closed
session. In open session the commtttee recom~
mended deleting $7,640 in conferences from the
budget, leaving a request of $847,524, compared
with $941,995 approved for this year. Steff had
recommended S36,77l be cut from the budget.
Finance left intact the surveyor's budget reM
quest of $32,823 ($23,120 approved for this year).
Steff had recommended cutting $1,333.
Finance also left in a $50,370 contribution to
Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Com·
mission after a rOusing endorsement by Zoning
Administrator George Melcher and Supervisor
Francis Pitts of the work done by SEWRPC. It
provides technical and engineering expertise for
member counties that are often necessary for
grant applications and other uses.
Melcher's budget request of $327,229 was cut by

$2,550 for outlay Items. Steff had recommended a
cut of $15,000. Budgeted for this year was
$256,226.
Most department budgets have significant inM
creases over this year's budget because for the
first time costs of fringes have been distributed to
each department instead of carried in separate
accounts.

¢punty sued by highway workers
FE\Ie

county highway department employees

hav:e< Ill~ suit .against Kenosha County, contend·.
·bag.,discrJmination because some nonMunion work·
f:rs :r:eceived casual day pay and others did not.

Tli suit was filed by Robert Middlecamp,
Qaytord .,Maleski, Allan Kirchner, Merlin Jahns
~d -~.). .~'~m Elfer~, plus the ~s~ate of the late
WarrtiD' ·t';ross, who worked for the department.
.
.

.

Also-tiiined B.s defendari.ts are Cha.rles Rude,
fortner ·county personnel director, and Brooke
K~-~~ ,~o has been personnel director since
Novr,,),.j ··•.
.
T~ :rfa_intitrs are not members of a union or

bargal~ll8.

group.

~n

j
1971, according to the suit, the Kenosha
County Board extended to non-represented em~
'ployees the same fringe benefits received by the
county's union employees, The suit says that
approval has never been rescinded but that in
1977, Rude disallowed any paid casual days off to
non-represented workers.
Since 1977, the plaintiffs have not received such
benefits. But, according to the suit, some other
non-represented county employees were given
casual days without loss of pay.
Contending this is discrimination, the
are seeking lost wages and casual leave tinle in:
individual amounts ranging from about $900 tomore than $1,600, for a total of about $8,000

·,··--~-.

plLql<>

The county ha11 two operable pieces of snow plowing equ!pmenl.

Plows snowed under by
By BARBARA HENKEL

I.

~--~;cl..

Staff Writer

Vintage wine improves with age, but not county snow·
plowing equipment.
"We have one wing truck from 1948. Another from 1951,"
said County Highway Commissioner Gene Scharfenorth.
"When equipment gets to be more than 30 years old, the
reliability just isn't there."
Heavy snows, such as this past Monday, also affects
reliability, he told the County Board Highway Committee
at its meeting Wednesday.
Of the six wing trucks and four graders at the county's
west end garage, only two of each were operable after
Monday's storm. That is why thei'e are still many one-lane
roads in the county.
Scharfenorth said on Wednesday nine of the
department's 36 trucks available for salting, sanding and
ploWing, were down. He said he hopes to have most of the

wing t.ru~ks bacK oo
trucks w1ll be back n1

age
todFJv and that all but three
by the Pnd of the week. One

truck is being junked. Its blown eng me won't bf' repaired,
said Scharfenorth.
Scharfenorth said he is
predicted fo; this weekend

that thf' cnld front
include
vv')nds

again, because. of the
off the roads
He said the

snow

i;; m the statE' it"s m hecc:1usc nf
budget
Tl1ree trucks wert' orclerf'cl two
months ago out of I98l rundo;, bln won't be rciJCl\' for
another four months. ht> !.'aid
He said the
of
equipment. He said
con;;Jderable sums
machinery repairs.
"You have- to whf'c
dl1n't have u. rnac!nnery
replacement program,·
~charfrnorth.
.

COunty, ,,truck leasing debated

,,

Board to terminate the lease if it
Faced with an aging fleet of snow
dete_rmines -at some poin't in time
plowing e·q·uiprnen( and no money,
that the county can't affOrd it.
the county Highway Committee
Wednesday tliscussed the possibility
Scharfenorth said the committee
of leasing eQuipment.
is considering leasing a new, sixIt. heard a presentation by repre~
wheel drive truck large enough and
sentatives of Wisconsin Truck Cen·
with enough power to wing . back
ter, Milwaukee, which· has as its , heavy snow, yet with enough maneucUen:ts "the city and county Of Mil·
verability to plow town roads.
waukee·, ·Madisori and Winnebago
He said the truck lists at $142,445
.cOunties.
CoUnty· Highway Commissioner but the company offered the county
Gene Scharfenorth said terms of~ a purchase discount and a- discount
fered Were .$2,000·a-month payments for taking a demonstrator, bringing
for five .years, at which time the the price to $97,000. Lease payments
over five years would total $120,000,
coun~Y. . ._~,9uld OY/n the equipment.
Scharfenorth. said if the Finance
;:~~---.-~·a.~~_:tll~re would be a clause in
Committee and County Board agree
)he/agr~ement allowing the County

to the lease, money for payments
would come from ·the department's
machinery account. He said the
truck would also be able to generate
revenue and cost less hi repairs than
the trucks it would be replacing,
some of which are- more than 30
years old.
The committee also discussed
proposed legislation to restrict the
use of salt to melt snow. The bill was
discussed Tuesday by a state Senate
Committee.
Scharlenorth said county highway
departments were represented by
Walworth County repr~sentatives
who were to protest to legislators
that the bill takes away the pro~

fessional. judgment of those who
have been making decisions on when
and bow much to salt.
Scharfenorth said the bill could
also result in· traffic hazards. It
would allow salting on hills, intersections and dangerous curves or
when necessary to avoid dangerous
conditios.
"That could mean we would have
clear spots with icy spots down the
tine and someone will be driving up
to speed then hit a slippery spot,"
said Scharfenorth.
He said _it is also necessary to
have a brine. solution down so snow
doesn't accumulate and pack down,
making removal more difficult.

~-

.,........._

_____

ad maintenance irks
Town of Randall officials
I , ,· ,,

By ARLENE JENSEN
Stalf Writ.,.
BASSETT - Supervisor Mark
Starzyk said Thursday a winter road

maintenance agreement between

'Z :

Starzyk, "because subdivision roads
w~re ignored. We did not have access to .arterial highways until
noon."
Starzyk criticized the plowing op--

the Town of Randall and Kenosha

eration

County is not working.
After blowing, drifting snow
clogged roads last weekend, Starzyk
said, arterial roads were cleared by

thought behind it One plow goes

county crews but subdivison roads

were neglected.
"Residents could not get out and
go to work Monday morning," said

and

said,

"There's

no

down the road, plows, and puts down

sand and salt. A second plow comes
past five minutes later and removes
the sand and salt"
Starzyk urged that a winter emergency plan signed by the town and
county last fall be reviewed.

Municipalities to receive
$56,009 ~.n highway funds
i

Municipalities in the county will
shortly receive a total of rnorf' than
$.16.000 ·in suppiemental transporta-

tion aids.
The state Legislature in !ts last
session agreed to give each munici~
\palit;; $70 per mile each year of thf'
,~~6-~~J33\'b!enn i u m.

Highway

:¥.A,

'

County Commissioner Gene
ScharfeOorth told the Countv
Board's Highway Committee at it:~
WednE'sday meeting that the county

Highway Department's share· for 267
miles !s $18,690. The city of Kenosha
will receive $16.505, The Town· of
Paris will receive the· leaSt of any

Commissioner Gene

S('.hnrfenOrth nnd officials of the
state Department of Transportation
met for three hours Wednesday to
di~cuss

i"Hes. llt an
f0 $100,0\HJ

County
Hh~mher~

Elghw.::ly Commltn:·e
Town of Wheatland
C

'RldlRfd
BrJRrrl

County
I\("rkman.

25th

the project
The present bridge is so bad that
heavy trucks aren't allowed. Sine!:'
!ast .summer trucks have been rerouted onto county roads ''and are
beating our roadS to death." said
Scharfenorth.
The committee signed a $222.000
state contract for resurfacing County H.ighway C from Trevor to
Wllmot. The county wlll use its own
crews. The projeCt ls 75 percent
federally funded and 25 percent
county funded.

unit in the county, $478.
Checks will be mailed Monday by
the state Department of Transportation. A DOT spokesman said the
supplemental aid was approved as a
hedge on· budget cuts made earlier.
Sharfenorth also reported to the
committee that the department
ended 1981 with $1,577,000, all of
which has already been designated
in the 1982 budget. Scharfernoth said
the incidental labor account ran
about $40,000 short, because of a
number of· early ··retirements and
and extended il1nesses. That account
pays for such thi'ngs as accident and
siCkness leave,, and· unt:>mployment
compensation. The shortage,
Scharfenorth said, was made up in
other accounts.
Included in the nearly $1.6 million
from 1981 i5 more than $500,000
designated for the project to extend
County HighWay Q, money for machinery equipment purchased but
not vel bllled and $100,000 In a
revolving account for the setf.sus~
taining gravel pit operation,
Scharfenorth said. He said some of
the $1.6 milliOn will be needed to
cover unanticipated overtime costs
fOr snow plowing operations this
year

"They are not doing what th
said they would do," he said,
THE TOWN BOARD set Monda
Feb. 8, at 8 p.m. as the date for
public hearing on a gravel pit pt
posed for an area off Highway 1
near Oeerpath Subdivision.
Supervisor Gerald Graff ss
prospective developers of the gra\
operation have asked permission
install the pit on 120 acres of agric1
tural land. The operation would i
elude 80 acres for the gravel pit a·
the remainder for other develo
ment, he said.
Plans were presented to the to'f
planning board at a December met:
ing, said Graff, "but in the bE
interest of everyone, a public hea
ing should be scheduled,"
Board members signed a resol
tion authorizing rown attorney R()
ert Leibsle to take legal actl1
against two Illinois developers, Ro
ert Borchardt ood Fred Targe.
Borchardt and Targe agreed
complete a,._roadway in Deerpa
and dedicate it to the public by De
30, 1979, but the work has not be<
done.
Board members announced
meeting of the town planning boa1
has been scheduled Thursday, 1 a
21, and will include a discussion ,
the proposed Farmland Preserv
tion Plan for Kenosha County,
presentation from Communi!
Cablevision Co., and recommend
tions for appointment of a Rands
resident to the county Council <
Economic Development.
Starzyk said, "We better tell tl
planning board members to brir
their sleeping bags."
In other action, the· board:
-Passed a yearly ordinance tb:
assumes town Jiability in lieu of
treasurer's bond.
-Received a report from Elm~
Scherrer, building inspector, i1
dicating· that $67,000 in new cot
struction was permitted in the tow
in December.
-Urged residents to attend a pul
lie hearing on the county's Farn
1and Preservation Plan on Jan. 'll 1
7:30p.m. at Central High School I
Paddock Lake,
-Set a meeting of the town tlr
study committee for Feb. 15 at 7~~
p,m,

Fox River brfqge plan draws generally good
'

lly JAMES IIOIU>IE
ilialf Writer
WHEATLAND - Plans for re·
placing the Fox River Bridge on
Highway 50 met with a geneni1ly
favorable response from the 23 per·
sons who braved the snow Wednesday to attend a Department of
Transportation information meet~
ing,
A joint proposal to relocate Highway W, north of Highway 50, drew
mixed reactions from abutting prop-

erty owners who expressed fears the
new road would trap floodwater
from the Fox River during wet
seasonso
Ralph J, Schroeder, DOT district

:),!."!)

design and data processing superAccording to Schroeder's timevisor, said two plans are under table, a study report on
consideration for replacing the old Wednesday's meeting will be prebridge: one to build a new bridge pared during the next two months
north of the present structure and for submIssion to David Strand.
the other to build It south of the , state design engineer. From there it
existing bridge, He said the depart·
will go to Harold Fielder, adminis·
ment favored the first proposal.
trator of facilities and development,
Schroeder said the concrete who will make the !ina! decision,
Schroeder Indicated the acquisii
bridge has deteriorated to the point
lion of rights·of way could begin
where it's more economical to reduring
ll!e 1983 fiscal year which
place it than repair it.
begins in July and construction
He said the bridge has a sufficien· could beghn as early as July 1983,
cy rating of 19 (in poor repair) and
Although no public hearing is re·
was a contributing factor tn the quired on the project, county high·
number of accidents at the Intersec- way committee chairman Earl
tion of Highway W.
HolHster asked Schroeder to return

to Wheatland next month with a
profile and grades on the
project which will be submitted to
the state.
Schroeder said the plan to re~
locate the intersection of Highway
W. north of Highway &», eastward so
that It would enter Highway 50
between Top Deck E8st and Sonny's
TV Service, would create acceleration lanes off the bridge and im~
prove sight distance in both directions.
He said current plans call for the
new bridge to be the same length as
the existing structure but four feet
shorter in width than the Soo Line
overhead.
final

------.

"We don't see the new ~b
much higher than the existing~

ture.,." Schroeder said. "If yoU
seen Ice banging against the ·pt
bridge, the new structure c~
two feet higher,' '
'
Schroeder said the departrn
prevented from raising the :1
level of the Fox River by more
l/10 of an inch regardless· 0
design.

By relocating the bridge nOJ
the existing structure, some 18:
the northwest side of the riv'ei
have to be filled in, and Schn
said this met with Departni~
Natural Resources approval.

Road maintenance irks
Town of Randall officials
By ARLENE JENSEN
Staff Writer
BASSETT - Supervisor Mark
Starzyk said Thursday a winter road
maintenance agreement between

I cci '\
Starzyk, "because subdivision roads

"They are not doing what they
said they would do," he said
THE TOWN BOARD set Monday,
Feb. 8, at 8 p.m. as the date for a
public hearing on a gravel pit pro-posed for an area off Highway W,
near Deerpath Subdivision.
Supervisor Gerald Graff said
prospective developers of the gravel
operation have asked permission to
install the pit on 120 acres of agricultural land, The operation would in~
elude 80 acres for the gravel pit and
the remainder for other develop·
ment, he said.
Plans were presented to the town
planning board at a December meet·
ing, said Graff, "but In the best
interest of everyone, a public hear·
lng should be scheduled."
Board members signed a resolu·
tion authorizing town attorney Rob·
ert Leibsle to take legal action
against two Illinois developers, Robert Borchardt and Fred Targe.
Borchardt and Targe agreed to
complete a~,roadway in Deerpath
and dedicate it to the public by Dec.
30, 1979, but the work has not been

were ignored. We did not have ac-

ceSs to arterial highways unt;J
noon."

Starzyk criticlzed the plowing op-

the Town of Randall and Kenosha

eration and

County is not working.
After blowing, drifting snow
clogged roads last weekend, Starzyk
said, arterial roads were cleared by

thought behind it. One plow goes

said,

"There's no

down the road, plows, and puts down
sand and salt. A second plow comes

county crews but subdivison roads

the sand and salt."

were neglected.
"Residents could not get out and
go to work Monday moriling," said

Starzyk urged that a winter emergency p1an signed by the town and
county last fall be reviewed.

past five minutes later and removes

Municipalities to receive
$56,00Plt~ highway funds
Municipalities in the

count~r

will

unlt in the county, $478.
County Commissioner Gene
Scharfenorth told the Countv .
Checks will be mailed Monday by
the state Department of TransportaBoard's Highway Committee at itS
Wednesday meeting that the county
tion. A DOT spokesman said the
suppleme>htal aid was approved as a
The state Legislature in its last Highway Department's share for 267
"hedge ·on .budget cuts made earlier.
miles is $18,690. The city of Kenosha
session agreed to give f'ach municiSharfenorth. also reported to the
paliry $70 per mile each year of the will receive $16,505, The· Town .of
Paris will receive the teas't of any
committee that the department
~982'!lJ biennium.
ended 198t with $1,577,000, all of
which has: already been designated
in the 1982 budget. Scharfernoth said
the incidental· labor account ran
about $40,000. short,, because of a
number· of_ early "-retirements and
and extended illnes·ses. That account
pays for such things as accident and
.sickness !Pave,· and' unemployment
compensation. The shortage,
Scharfenorth said,· was made up in
g bOfud for Highway Commissioner Gene
other accounts.
Sch~1rfen~rth and officials of the
ng H new
Included in. the nearly $!.6 million
N the- Pox state Department of Transportation
from 1981 iS more than $500,000
met for three hours WednesdAy to
designated for the project to extend
dl.,cuss the project.
County Highway Q, money for maThe present bridge is so bad that
chinery equipment purchased but
heavy truckS aren't allowed. Since
not vet billed and $100,000 In a
last ·summer trucks have been rerevolving account for the self-susrouted onto county roads "and are
taining· gravel pit operation,
ng W Is to beating our roads to death." said
Scharfeilorth said. He said some of
Scharfenorth.
Hh
the $1.6 million will be needed to
The committee signed a $222,000
t of
cover unanticipated overtime costs
state contract for resurfacing Coun·
for. ~now plowing operations this
ommlttee ty Hlghway C from TreVor to
year.
Wilmot. The county will use Its own
Wheatland
crews. The projeCt !s 75 percent
Schipper.
shortly receive a total of more than
$56,000 in supplemental transportation aids.

ponders cure
50 bridge

)r StanlE'y
i, County

~r
,_
y

rederally

funded

county funded.

and

2~

.perc~nt

done.

Board members announced a
meeting of the town planning board
has been scheduled Thursday, Jan.
21, and will include a discussion of
the proposed Farmland Preserva·
tion Plan for Kenosha County, a
presentation from Community
Cablevision Co., and recommendations for appointment of a Randall
resident to the county Council on
Economic Development.
Starzyk said, "We better tell the
planning board members to bring
their sleeping bags."
In other action, the board:
-Passed a yearly ordinance that
assumes town Jiability in lieu of a
treasurer's bond.
~Received a report from Elmer
Scherrer, building inspector, Indicating- that $67,000 in new construction was permitted in the town
in December.
-Urged residents to attend a putJ..
lie hearing on the county's Farmland Preservation P1an on Jan. '11 at
7:30p.m. at Central High School In
Paddock Lake.
~Set a meeting of the town fire
study committee for Feb. 15 at 7:30
p.m.,

"

br(d,ge plan draws generally good response

I ~,. \)J
design and data processing super·
According to Schroeder's timevisor, sai.d two plans are under table, a study report on
consideration for replacing the old
Wednesday's meeting will be prebridge: one to build a new bridge pared during the next two months
north of the present structure and for submission to David Strand,
the other to build It south of the · state design engineer. From there it
existing bridge. He said the departwill go to Harold Fielder, adminisment favored the first proposaL
trator of facilities and development,
who
will make the final decision. 1
Schroeder said the concrete
Schroeder Indicated the acqulsH
bridge has deteriorated to the point
tlon of rights-of way could begin
where it's more economical to reduring lite !983 fiscal year which
place it than repair it.
begins in July and construction
He said the bridge has a sufficien- could beghn as early as July 1983.
cy rating of 19 (In poor repair) and
Although no public hearing is rewas a contributing factor in the quired on the project, county highnumber of accidents at the Intersec- way committee chairman Earl
tion of Highway W.
Hollister asked Schroeder to return

to Wheatland next month with a
final profile and grades on the
project which will be submitted to
the state.
Schroeder said the plan to re~
locate the intersection of Highway
W, north of Highway 50, eastward so
that it would enter Highway 50
between Top Deck East and Sonny's
TV Service, would create acceleration lanes off the bridge and imR
prove sight distance In both directions.
He said current plans call for the
new bridge to be the same length as
the existing structure but four feet
shorter in width than the Soo Line
overhead.

"We don't see the new bridge'
much higher than the existing structure," Schroeder said. "If you have
seen ice banging against the present
bridge, flle new structure could be
two feet higher.' '
Schroeder said the department is
preveJted from raising the water
level of the Fox River by more than
l/10 of an inch regardless of the
design.
By relocating the bridge north of
the existing structure, some land on
the northwest side of the river will
have to. be filled in, and Schroeder
said this met with Department of
Natural Resources approval.

Schroeder said the present bridge
would remain ~en to traffic durlns
construction of the new span.
Residents expressed opposition to
raising Highway 50 east of the River
for fear it would create a dam
rather than allow water to flow over
the road during high water period1.
Schroeder assured them Highway
50 would be no higher than three feet
above the current elevation or above
the 100-year flood stage.
"There is no way we are going to
create a worse flooding condition
than exists now. It won't be any
better, but it certainly won't be any
worse," he said.

"~~-~-,

/;Ji:ghway 142 rebuitding
slated fo~i.~81 in Paris

By ARLENE JENSEN
Stall Writer
PARIS - Reconstruction of State
Highway 142 will finally get under
way In 1984, Town Chairman August
Zirbel told the 40 persons attending
the annual town meeting April 13.
Zirbel said the word from the
State _Department of.Transportatlon

In Waukesha Is that plans will In·
elude construction of a 24·foot,
bhicktop roadway with 8-foot shoulders.
Mapping of the future right-of·
way will be completed by June,
according to Zirbel, and sent to the
state. for approval. The purchase of
right-of-way property will begin In
1983, he said.
Reports at the annual meeting
included an accounting of the financial affairs of the town which had
revenues of $88,499 and disbursements of $87,596.
On the revenue side, most of the
town's Income comes from state

shared revenue which totaled $68,937
In ·1981. Other Income .Includes In·
teres! earned, $4,756; state !Ire
dues, $3,250; transportation aids,
$2,868;

machinery and manufac-

turing exemption, $2,502, and build·
lng permits, $1,487.
Disbursements Include $25,320
paid to three neighboring fire departments for fire and rescue service during 1981. The town paid
Bristol $13,021; Union Grove,
York11ille, $7,100,and Somers, $5,198.
Other expenses were upkeep of

seven miles of town roads, $18,751;
board members' salaries, $13,470;
.,lh,tJ.~.w}l.<tp .. of Hand and Quinn for
~IUga,tlon concerning a landfill site

in the town, $11,040, and payments to
the Kenosha County Highway De·
partment, $7,404.
In an accounting of taxes collected and disbursed, Parts received
$817,496 In real estate and personal
property taxes and dog licenses.
The tax account was distributed in
the following manner: Paris School,
383,589; Central High SchooL
$185,385; Union Grove Grade,
$20,644; Union Grove High, $19,50!);
county levy, $144,983; town levy,
$1,750, and dog tax, $762.
In a discussion of efforts to overturn

the

current

countywide

assessing system, Zirbel was asked
how Paris would handle assessing
responsibilities If the task Is returned to the towns.

"We would probably join forces
with a' couple other towns and hire
our own assessor," he said.
Several residents complained that
a blue ribbon committee appointed
by the County Board to study the
assessing system has only one
farmer among Its members.

Supervisor VIrgil Gentz said he
had been assured by Alan Guskln,
committee chairman, thftt the ·committee would receive suggestions
from residents whether they are
committee members or not.
Supervisor Mark Wlsnefskl predicted, "The state will be watching
the outcome of the study com mitt~.
It will have an impact on the entire
state."
In other reports, town attorney
Cecil Rothrock said the town's dispute with Waste Management, Inc.,
over a landfill at Highways K and 45
Is still In the courts.

"Litigation Is still pending," said
Rothrock, "and we're waiting for
hearings and evidence on both
sides."
The town has recently hired
agronomists to do test borings of soli
at the landfill site.
Asked how much the town has
spent In legal fees to fight the
landfill, Zirbel estimated the cost
near $30,000, spread over several
years.
Zirbel announced that Marcia
Capodarco, Paris' first volunteer
emergency medical technician, has
earned certification and wiH work
with rescue squads that serve the
town.
According to Zlr.bel, N!r.s.
Capodarco will be alerted to all calls
for help coming from Paris.
•
"She may get there before the
rescue squad," he s&td. "If she's
there first, she can gtve treatment."
Robert "Broadway Bob"
Metchler, promoter for Great Lakes
Dragaway, told the audience the
1962 schedule at the drag strip will
be similar to past years with events
on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesdays.
He said the only Wednesday event
that will be louder than normal Is a
United Drag Racing event scheduled
July 21. The cars were not available
on a weekend, satd MetchJer.
He promised residents all other
Wednesday events will Include only
local cars.
Metchler Invited Paris residents
to attend an event at the drag strip
"as our guest. We k'noW you e~n
hear our operation. Maybe you
would also llke'.to see it."

Revive Hy. 50 project
.

'

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Is planning to hold public hearings .on a major
reconstruction of Highway 50 by the end of 1984,
said County Highway Comlssloner Gene
Scharfenorth,
A tetter sent to State Rep. Jo.eph Andrea, D·
Kenosha, and reviewed by the County Board's
Highway Committee this week Indicated the DOT
will have a consultant study the project. Andrea,
State_ Sert. Maurer, D-Kenosha, and State Rep.
Mary Wagner, D·Salem, attended the committee
meeting along with Mayor John Bilotti and
County Executive Gilbert Dosemagen.
Scharfenorth said legislators and local government leaders were assembled to discuss a unified
strategy to push the Legislature and DOT for the
reconstruction project.
"We want to get across to DOT that Kenosha
County Is going to present a united front for
getting this project off the ground," Scharfenorth
said. "Senator Maurer pointed out that there Is
~ot.. enough money for all the major highway
.pJ:oject• that ohould be done.
~':it's up to the Leglolature to get more money.
'!1111·" until there Is more money available the
:major projects will be postponed.

"We want all parties concerned to have the
same thinking In what should be done to the road.
If all parties stay united, I think we have a good

chance or convincing the Legislature we do need
the highway Improvement."
Scharfenorth said the mayor, county executive
and the Highway Committee will send letters to
the DOT Indicating, "We want the project to
proceed as fast as possible and that we want the
public hearings and consultant studies to be
done.''
The letter from Transportation Secretary
Owen Ayres to Andrea said the consultant would
prepare environmental Impact documents. The
consultant's report would be used to formulate a
final design for the project, ouch as If the highway
should be expanded to four lanes, Scharfenorth
said.
In other bUsiness, the committee approved
$3;000 worth of chatn 1tnk fence for the east and
west sides of Wilmot Dam to keep people off the
dam. The work will be done by Highway Depart· ,
ment- crews.
--- ,
Scharfenorth said walking on the slippery aan\.
surface ls extremely dangerous.

RESOLUTION NO. Z

Endorsement of ReconstrucUon of State Trunk Highway 50 Fox
River Structure
t~~-- .- <~ _ ·r.~ .,.,.,, -·~.;_].,._.;,,,.
WHEREAS, the Stafe of Wisconsin Department of Transportation
plans to acquire right-of-way on State Trunk Highway 50 In 1983
with anticipated replacement of the Fox River crossing and
relocation of the C.T,H. "W" intersection approximately 180 feet
easterly in 1984; and
WHEREAS, the State has requested that Kenosha County review
the reconstruction plan; and
WHEREAS, The Kenosha County Highway Committee bas
reviewed the reconstruction plan and recommends endorsement of
the project to the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Kenosha County
Board of Supervisors that the plans for the right-of-way acquisition
and replacement of the STH 50 crossing of tlie Fox River and the
relocation of the C.T.H. "W" Intersection approximatelt 180 feet
easterly, be and are herby endorsed.
Dated this 28th day of April, 1982.
Introduced by members of the HIGHWAY COMMI'ITEE as flied

~:rlc~t:fo&l:r:r. Chairman
James Amendola, Vice-Chairman
Fred C. Schmalfedlt, Secretary
Francis Pitts
Richard H. Lindgren
It was moved by Supervisor Hollister to adopt the resolution,
Seconded by Supervisor Schmalfeldt. Motion carried.
with

Plan work gets started
for Highway
50 project
F' , .,;
~

Planning work for Highway 50
construction has begun with a state
request for lnformatJon needed to
hire an engineering consultant
Jerome Smith, a road design engineering supervisor with the Department of Transporatlon, said the consultant will develop design plans to
be used when funding Is available
for the work.
Smith said Highway 50 from 1-94
to just west of Highway 83 Is the
target for the work.
"The idea ts that when the consul·
tant finishes, the plan wm be on our
shelf and when the money Is
avaia1able we wfll be ready for
construction," Smith satd.
The state DOT secretary sent the
director of district two, which In·

Y.-~

eludes Kenosha County, a letter
asking him to prepare Information
for engineering consultant con~
tracts, including environmental impact studies and public Information
meetings, said State Rep. Joseph
Andrea, D-Kenosha.
Andrea said he, Mayor John Bilotti and County Executive Gilbert
Dosemagen will attend the 10 a.m.\
Wednesday meeting of the County
Highway Committee to discuss the
project.
"It's movement," satd Andrea of
the state's request. "We've gone
through countless hearings on High.
way 50, and It's my hope we start
moving."
The work would Include surface
improvements and widening, Andrea said.

®
<
0

SILVER LAKE

Section
propo11ed
to be rebuilt
to four
lanes

®

Illinois

The proposed plan to upgrade the section of Highway 50 from 1-94 to Highway 83.

Plan could be on next budget

Lo

~st

By DAVE ENGELS

Stall Wrlter

sees hope for Hy.

eliminated by Gov. Lee Dreyfus
when the 1981-83 transportation
budget wa!l under consideration.

Overdue Improvements on State

Highway 50 may be around the next
bend If current planning on
Wt•consln's biennial budget continues.

That word was brought to
Kenosha Tuesday by Thomas Walker, executive director of the Transportation Development Association
of Wisconsin, a lobbying organization dominated by contractors and
business- Interests.

"The Legislature always conslder<!d the proposed Highway 50
project an Important one," Walker

said, "but they never gave It priority status. ·we think there I• enough
sllpport now to Include the project In
.me_next two-year budget.''

··Walker said Wisconsin's political
yolatlllty could throw the program
out. The Highway 50 improvements
were among the last to be

,l-

A DT A report for 1979 shows 141
accidents along the 13.8-mlle stretch
between Interstate 94 and Silver
Lake, Involving 51 Injuries and five
fatalities. Walker said the statistics
have remained constant, excepting
fatalities, during the last two years.
"Reconstruction will reduce the
accident rate and ease the traffic

flow," Walker said. "There are

enough voices In local and state
government to put Highway 50 back
on the map again."
A final plan for the highway will
depend to some extent on the reac~
tton of propertY owners and voters.

Turning the road Into a four.Jane
highway could mean the expensive
and ttme·consumlng process of ac·
qulrlng further right-of-way. It has
also been suggested the new rightof-way could follow part of the path
now taken by County Trunk K.

Whether or not to bypass Paddock
Lake and other rural communities
along the route is another matter to
be settled before the heavy machinery· moves tn.
City and town officials, the County Board, and area state legislators
have long since gone on record In
support of the Improvements.
Walker said the good Intentions
will mean nothing If funding Is unavailable.
"A lot of transportation Is funded
by fuel taxes and this Is a serious
problem we'll face In the next 20
years. The number of gallons used is
declining despite more vehicles on
the road. Part of the state's revenue
Is !led to a declining resource."
So far, Walker said, the gas tax
has kept the state even in transpor·
tatlon funding - only a 25 to 35
percent decrea•e In the last 15
years. Nationally, the funding level
has dropped about 50 percent. For
Wlscon.ln, It was the result of both

hard economic times and one other
factor, according to Walker.

"Wisconsin Is not getting Its !air
share," Walker said. "This state
paid

the

federal

government

2

percent of the gas tax, but Is getting
only 1.5 percent of Its return.
Drivers fn Wisconsin are paytng two
cents a gallon to build roads In other
states."
The Highway 50 project, though
not alone, becomes a more desper·
ate need every passing year, Walker

said, Once a rural highway begins
the deterioration process, the decay
increases at a raster rate.
"Right now, Wisconsin repairs Its
highways every 22 to 25 years,"
Walker said. "The last major Improvement on Highway 50 took place

In 1960."
The highway's biggest problems,
the TDA says, are narrow, twtstfng
traffic lanes that are a passing .and
safety hazard. vehicle congest!on,
and poor road shoulders,

.

...__

'•"--. .__,~

' ·,,·,,-~*~{ ~-~::,·--:~'::·f'•'·•.-t.,'l~-1 .·,;;.

50
'cfoVerup denied; ,~i~~Way
due for aid
..... r-1..7-'1?3

in KudeHa
auto mishap

~~Kenosha

By DENNIS A. SHOOK
/) _S~~talf Writer
Alderman Stephen Kudella, ll th District, was
involved in an accident Thursday morning that
resulted in damages to truck he was driving and
injuries to a 16·year·old- Illinois girL
The News learned of the accident from unnamed sources because no report or any news of
the collision was given out by the sheriff's
department.

Stephanie Block, Gurnee, IlL, remains at
Kenosha Memorial Hospital in fair condition,
suffering from a fractured leg. She was taken to
the hospital by the Pleasant Prairie Rescue
Squad,
Kudella, employed by the county highway

department, was near 4300 Springbrook Road at
approximately 11:25 a.m. Thursday when the
accident occurred.
Kudella said he would reserve comment until
the· accident report is completed at the Public
Safety Building.
.Block's. parents could not be reached for
Co:'~ment Saturday.
.::: :::·~urces informed ilbout the accident told the
N~Ws of the accident. No report was available on
dte .. sheriff's department normal log of accidents
of(':Thursday, Friday or Saturday:
Shift Commander Lt. Donald_ Preston said
s·f!tUrday the report would probably not be avail·
ablf;_l~Jltil Monday. He said the deputy who ma~e,
th(:' repo'rt out made some possible errors.
· ·"
Until it is corrected by the deputy, who was.~ff
on Friday and Saturday, the report will not be
complete, Preston said. He added, "Until the
report is completed, it is not reviewed."
He said no reports are given to the public until
they are reviewed for errors in fact or confused
f3cts or narrative.
Preston claimed the report wouJd be placed on
the accident Jist on the day which the report is
finalized, rather than when it is filed.
He said there was no attempt ot hide the report
and that "this is standard procedure."
Kudella added he thought there had been no
attempt to cover up the accident because he is an
alderman or. a county employee.
"It may be a jazz~up at the police station,"
... ;!<_~~ella added, saying the move to the Public
-~-~f~ty Building recently may have caused some
.COntusion.
·;~~~ dOn't think they're hiding anything,"
':::e:~~.;said. "That does ,not have anything t<?.dO

AOV:ERTISEMI!NT _FOR Bltfs
FOR KENOSHA COUNTY;·

HIGHW::uf:.e:::;MENT';

Sepai:ate seale~ bids will be
feceiv'ed·by the Kenosha County
H!ghW11y Committee, 5512 60th
Street, Kenosha, _WisConsin
53142, up· to 10.00 ··A.M"·Wednesday, March ·23, 198J.for the Following Equipment:
Three 35,000 lb. GVW ·Minimum 4)(2 Truck Chassis
One 41,000 lb. GVW Mini!'num
4)(4 Truck Chanl~
lor use of t~e Kenosha County
Highwilly Department. The bids
will -be publicly opened end read
at the! time SpeciflcaHons m•y
be obtained at the higihway
commissioner's office, .5512 60th
St., Kenosha, Wisconsin, 5310.
The Kenosh11 County Highway Committee ·reserves lhe
right fo reJect any or al! bids or
to accept the· one moSt' adven·
lajWous to Kenosha County
G'~NE A. SCHARFENORTH,

,-

P.E.

County~s

Highway 50 is slated to
receive almost $25 mil~
Hon for improvement~
and construction under
Gov. Earl's transpP~;i-­
t~tion borrowing ~i,.~::·~
posal, according <:tQ:::
state officials.
~
The proposar, which'
would complete a
number of long._de·
layed Wisconsin .High•
way improvements up
to a decade ahead of
schedule, is to be pres·
en ted Feb. s· as part of
Earl's budget pro·
posal.
"The

bulk

of

the

package has a ·good
_chance· oV· survival,"
said .. State Sen. John
Maurer.-, D~Kenosha.
"As far as Highway 50,

I am abSOlutely certain
it.will_-·pass with-the
rest ol the proposaL"
Under the plan, the
state ·would. borrow
$155 mil Ilion_ over· the
next four years to
speed construction of
major highway
projects. Future vehi~
cle registration fees
would be used to repay
the borrowed money
under· Earl's plan -~
the Jirst time revenue
bonding would be~ u5ey
for highway imporv:e~
ments, state Transpof.;.
tation Department of-_
ficials said.

Red line shows area of Highway 50 slated for Improvement

Three years down the road

'" ")- «'

Highway 50 repair on agenda
Relief from 8.5 miles of outmoded

and dangerous Highway 50 is prom~
ised in about three years.
Design plans for expansion of part
of the heavily traveled highway,
from 1·94 west to Highway 83 in
Salem, will begin on March I. The
18-month contract for the work was
to be signed and submitted to the
state today.
The design consulting firm of
Jack E. Leisch and Associates,
Evanston, l!L, will hold heanngs in

summer 1984 and have a final design
report due by September I, 1984.
Right-of-way property is to be
bought in early 1985, with construction beginning later that year.
Sen. John' Maurer (D·Kenosha)
said he would try to trim time from
that schedule.
''Now at least we have a prod·
uction schedUle, _which we didn't
have before," he sai~ on_ Thursday
after meeting wlth ~tate-. Depart·

ment of Transportation officials.
The design work will include pr
posed improvements and where th1

should be done.

Gene Scharfenorth, county hi~
way department commissioner, s·~
that traffic on the two~lane--highw
is ·'well beyond the limit" w!
more than 11,000 vehicles on it ~
day. He said between 8,000 and 9,(
cars per day iS;•U~uaJiy the m1
tmum for a two*Jane road,

Hy. 50 plan
to be viewed
at meetings
$ ::J
~.

Lowell Jackson, secretary of th~
left are: Richard Lindgren, Gene
Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Scharlenorth, Kenosha County highway
met with representaHves of Kenosha commissioner; Stan Kerkman, Kenosha
COunty 1 s Highway Committee and dis~ County board chairman; Lowell Jackson,
cussed tbe proposed reconstruction of secretary [DOT!; Earl Hollister, chairman,
Highway 50 from 1-94 west ro Highway 83. Kenosha County Highway Committee;
A final design report Is to be completed Francis Pitts. Seated: Fred Schmalfeldt,
Sept. 1, 1984. If opproved, right-of-way Silver Lake, and James Amendola. Also
purchases could start fn 1985, with present but not pictured were State Sen.
constructkln in 1986.
John M0urer and State Rep. Cloyd Porter.

By KAY JONES
Staff Writer
Consultants planning the Highway
50 rebuilding project will schedule
three public information meetings
before a public hearing on the plans,
County Highway Commissioner
Gene A. ·scharfenorth said W€'dnesday
Scharfenorth told the county
Highway Committee Wednesday
that the first public meeting will be
in about two months, the second in
about six months and the third in
about eight months. The public hear.

ing would be in about a year.
Scharfenorth said information on
the hearings came at a meeting
Monday at Department of Transportation offices in Waukesha with the
project's consulting firm, Jack
Leisch and Associates, Evanston,
IlL
Work is expected to begin on the
h<ghway in 1985 or 1986.

Highway Commissioner
March l, 2, 3 ;t'f ~~-'!

~-

/(?!- >--'-:_:,;~,-::;··,{:>>!. .-~:-\)<:: : ,'·;·-_ --- ':- .- :::-:?\:;'\i /:-~;+;~-~-:-:'i:;:~: /~''.­

;'/;staljlitt>p, ploydPi>¥i:• ..S<>nc:llolm ·
;:)~~~uier-.:; :~-n~- -SC:hatf~riO_~h;, ···Kf3nosha
;~~_unty-Highway commissioner, and
·Ft~d S.chmalfeldt, Kenosha County

~,l>~,ard Highwa~ C.ommittee board mem;
·-_Q_er;met·Feb_ .. 28-with representatives of

'the State Department of Transportation,

;r~eral· Highway Administration, State
:·~artmen·t of Natural Resources, and
't~

consultant employed to initiate the

J.~~ation and design of the proposed
improv~ments

of Highway 50, at the
WaUkesha Transportation District 2
offices.·
"The purpose of the meeting was to
talk with the consultant, Jack E; Leisch
~d AsSociates,-; who has been retained
by Wisconsin .DOT . to conduct the
necessary engineering work regarding
procedureS they would use in- conducting
their research to determine the most
feasible methods for proposed improvements for Highway 50,'' Porter said.
In:formation·regarding _the project
development, ·target completion_ dates,
establishment of a direct line communications system to keep local govern~
m·~nts, the ,public who reside ·'along
Highway 50, and other interested people
informed was presented.
Scharfenorth suggested that a meeting be scheduled as early as possible
with local government officials to explain
t6 .them the procedures the consultant
1\iiluld use to keep them and the public
, uiformed. A tentative date was estab~

listi~ct icir{,f;;~Yt,',~~ 1,i~rcfr.,f6llowirtg

iErt1e.~s·>g.

[ao

,;;·,_-~~

~1!~--i33:::;-

~a;-~~ ~m ~§a

tfj

z

f!h·:!! "0 c: ~ ~- 0 3 ;:; 8 §: g- c:l : : - ~
t~r~~~-~ gi~:•r
t'=~ 0'~: ~!=D ~"E.~g~ 0.2::

thiS ·nle~~ing._;8. .public irif()_rmation_al
meeting would probably be held at
Central High SchooL .'.:
The ~ohsultantjS going·~o establish a
newsletter. communication system for -all
interested indiVidualS and _a draft will--be
presented _at the meeting w.ith local
governments. This newsletter will be
mailed to-those wishing copies of it, and
to the local news media.
"Effective Feb. 28, the consultant,
Jack E. Leisch and Associates, put into
place a Route 50 informational telephone
line for the purpose of. answering any
questions from the public regarding the
development of the project, The toll free
number is 1-800-621-9142," PortM
added.
"The consultant will be initiating the
proposed location and design studies
and preparation of an _environmental
impact statement of state Highway 50
between U.S. Route 12,. Walworth
County, and . Interstate . 94 m Kenosha
County/' Porter explained.
The initial Highway 50 improvements
between. state Highway 83 and l-94
would be 1mplemented over_ the next ~ew
years, with consideration of completmg
the entire project to U.S. Ro~te 12 at a
later date, as · funding is approved, he
said.
..
.
.. .
The consultant w11l be cons1dermg
the following alternatives, plus _others ___
which are approve'd as feasible imprp:v!!it~/ i-'

=

mal maintenance.
2. Recon-strUct state
:
.g; ,...o03 tn §i·§ro ~~C:!!'>
along. its Present location to a
divided. section (s,3) with bypasses of
~~~g~~~~ ~~~~sa~~~
New Munster and Slades Corners. Go
33~~~5~~ ~~!~ ~~~~
~-m~~~mg ;•is~!~~~
through Paddock Lake with a five-lane
urban section.
8_~-g~·§ g.·~- 5.[:! a~~~
3. Reconstruct state Highway 50
partially on relocation; between Slades
~~"~35·g.~ ~~=-~d~al
Comers and the Root Riv,er. (14 miles):
a;;·qo·~~§oB·
This relocation would fully utilize the "8;.~;-@;:gg;~
7 (1) (1) 9 ;. 7 0. 7"
:r ::r ~ ::::-< 9 tii
existing county· trunk H-ighway K
right-of-way l mile to the north. The
remaining 9 miles to be reconstructed
along· the_ existing route. Proposed
> ~ I @. ; ·< I
! \ ~ ~ ~· ~- > ~ ~
section is a four-lane divided section
(s-3). Existing state Highway 50 from
state Highway 75 to the Root River ~~•c 0 m~=~~~~~
•~o~
would be upgraded within the existing ~ ~ ~ ~- ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ .. ~~ 3 (YO
~
right-of-way.
oo
n
m~mqmom
w~roo~~
~~~~~~i~:~~
~~i
Reconstruct state Highway 50 partially on relocation; between Slades ~!~~~:~~o~i ~i~i=~
Comers and a point just east of Paddock :~~m[~§~
~z ~~~-~~
Lake (10 miles). This route would also
~~-~e g~ g~·ei~
fully utilize the county trunk Highway K ~«
g_ wcrco ro~ ftlrt>"2.ftl cro
right-of-way 1 mile to the nortll. The ~i
~ :~n g~
2~§_ •
remaining 13 miles to be reconstructed
~~~ ~~ ~~~[
along the ·existing route. Proposed !£ :
section is a four-lane divided (s-3).
Existing state Highway . 50. from state
~
~ ~! ~
...;
~
Highway 75 through Paddock Lake
ro
would be rebuilt to a four or five-lane
~ g; ~
urban section.
~ &
~
~ 0. §" ~
Porter concluded, ''If any interested
~~c.
3~;
~
s
"2 ~
wants their name placed on the
~~~­
mailing list for the newsletter'
~~3Q
can contact me by letter or post ;;
~ m~ -·
Simply state, 'Highway 50 newsand include your name and
~diii-5
:; - please print. A list will be ~ ~ ;:;
no r;a. ~ ~ $~
ftl ::r ""~ ();) ..., oe
·:z:~bmoiled and forward-ed to the co,~.8 g;
~
0 ~
~ 'Jl ~ 3
~ ~
0
The first newsletter may,:be- w :J_ ~
m ~ o ro
ro m
inmid~or.lateApril.''
:<<·.-_-. g_~ o
~ 5.
[]~~~
. ·. •. ·. '{ou.c"? write to Rep. Porter a\32\l.. i
:':~~~t~fi:;:\:.$:t~.t~: C,~_pitol, Madison· • .-)~11·.: 5- g.::: 8 s- 2. 2 51~ s_ ~ > ;:~~ g
:-:6~1~;~-t:-~-·-·!' rn r1) ~ 5 ~ ~ ~ g· ~ g. ;? 3 5 S. J;. ~- g 3

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~f)unty Highway Landscaping ""t·· 'o ·
lr!!es and bushes along.side.of rood onHwy: JF, Trevor, were hacked by Keoo'ho
'S9!Jnty Hwy. Dept. in style resembling small tornadoe's aftermath .. Res\d!'!'ts

'.J~P<>rt<id that there was much .debris left along roadside. Some was entually's)i,lept
'011 road by traffic. -

Photo by Glorio Davis

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fie~ - state highways
Bille- county highways

0
Benet lake

This map identifies highways in Kenosha County that are the most hazardous to drive, based on accident reportS

Accident report
.On some county h ·
By,pAVt EN.GELS
Staff Writer
r•; Wo~r .(!hances of avoiding an
·~:Cidellt on state af!~ county
roads In ru·ral Kencisha are
J .~tgy,ay;~y from

higliy;~~s~:

...~r~o;.e'!sy, .rigbt?'<But

you
· *ould lie alii!! t.~;se~iD)Isly con,si!ler lllternati1'e'rco.!l}es if you
! kllew. 'i;Yrierli'•rrto'st0ot;flie accit?
acci~

dents. ar~ ha~pln'in'ii"w~ere the
population is higheSt,. where
there •i~ .~·h~avy' fl<!w of com~m~ter\ 'ar!Cliw~'lit.e.7ille~'e<l~ an
•.i~ttrac'ho~f~itha( il~iiws .··large
crowds. :And, as'law enforcement reports show. they also
happen wh~re there is a con., . ·centralion• of •taverps:

State highways
. In

Ke~o;,~· couf!ty,~ighway

5o has heen the site of more
... accidents than any other
j{enosha roadway. f!lr:;the past
five years. The·east-west highWay stretches for 18 miles from
1-94 to the •Walworth · County
line.
Highway 50 has been haunt-.
ing local officials for more than
20 years. Some are skeptical
improvemetns will ever be
made. Now there is a glimmer
of hope because the road has
made Gov. Anthony Earl's list
of projects io' receiVe funding in
the next two years>
The problems of 20 years ago
are sliU there todar .. However,
the biggest one is. still congestion. According to .1981. figures,
as many as 8,300 car a day
rumble along certain stretches
of Highway 50. Th'at makes it
one of the most crowded twolane roads in all of south·
eastern Wisconsin.

There were 421 accidents

Drive at your own risk!'
rural road/' said Ekornaas.
"There are driveways every
few feet, and there are many
sideroads that look like driveways. When drivers slow down
to turn on stderoads, the fast·
moving tailgaters have problems.

''The problem on 31 is 'thrutraffic.' Racine and Illinois
drivers, not to mention our
own, use this highway to travel
through the county."
Highway 83 ranks fourth
most dangerous for well-known
reasons._ Visibility is poor and

its southerp tip is lined with
taverns. Lastyear there were
157 accident• on the five miles
of roadway'that stretches south
from .Highway 50 to the
Wisconsin/Illinois border. In
·1981 there were 133 accidents.
The fifth worst state highway
is 142 with Ill and 142 accidents
in 1982 and 1981 and the sixth
worst was 1-45, with 98 and 94
the past two years.

County highways
The leader among county
trunk highways was C, which
runs diagonally through four
towns in the southern part of
the county.
The hoped-for benefits in the
1982 improvements to a portion
of Highway C haven't shown
themselves yet- it's too early
to telL A 3-mile stretch between Wilmot and Trevor was
widened and resurfaced with
the help of federal dollars.
Between Wilmot and Trevor,
C was the site of 45 accidents
between March 1981 and the
end of 1982. (The county first
started keeping accident records by highways in March
19g1. All figures for county
roads reflect the 21 month peri-.
od from March 1981 through
1982.)

been 77 accidents. The highway
is most accident prone at the
intersections of Y, G (30th Avenue), Highway 31, and H.
·
Congestion is also the problem with E: Parkside, Petrify·
ing Springs park and being a
major east-west roadway draw
traffic.
"E is at the top of our list ior
next year," said Gene
Scharfenorth, county highway
commissioner. "We're going to

have a consultant look at the
problem and offer a suggestion
on what to do,"
To resurface it, Scharfenorth
said, would be a wast~ of money. The road must be rebuilt
and constnictlon could start in
1985.

.

0 ther noteworthy roads
- F, between Silver Lake
and Powers Lake, It's ·hilly,
curvy and packed· during the
warm weather months. There
were 49 accidents between
Bassett and Camp Lake during
the months surveyed.
- K, between 31 and Paddock
Lake. It's become a popular
detour for those who want to
avoid 50. .It is clogged daily
with American Motors Corp.
traffic going in and out of the
city. There were 70 accidents
on this highway,
If county and state officials
know where the most dangerous roadways are in Kenosha
County why isn't something
done to make them safer? The
answer is easy - it takes money and lots of it.
"We have 267 miles of county
road in Kenosha," said
Scharfenorth, "For blacktop
resurfacing, it costs about
$42,000 a mile. To rebuild a
road, costs $60,000 or more a
mile,"
No matter what the state or
county does, Scharfenorth said,

I

··-........_

Camp Lake·r

\ 9

~·

~~
Tr~o~

1

~~,-

0

Benet lake

This map Identifies highways In Kenosha County that are the most

hazardous to drive, based on accident repom

Accident report
On some coun

highways it's Drive at your own risk!'
rural road," said Ekornaas.
"There are driveways every
few. feet, and there are many
sideroads that look like drive-

Jly. PAVE ENGELS

Staff .Writer
;>•):'our.chances of avoiding an
Jal<;'cident on state and county
'rliads · in rural Kertosha are
·~J ~f Y\l~ S!!W away from

ways, When drivers slow down
to turn on sideroads, the fast-

lriiY:etei{ tiighw!'ys:•

moving tailgaters have problems.
"The problem on 31 is 'thrutraffic.' Racine and lilinois
drivers, not to mention our
own, use this highway to travel
through the county,"
Highway 83 ranks fourth
most dangerous for well-known
reasons. Visibility is poor and
its southern tip is lined with
taverns. Last year there were
157 accidents on the five miles
of roadway that stretches south
from Highway 50 to · the
Wisconsin{llliriois !>nrder. ·fn
1981 there were 13.3 accide1ros.
The fifth worst state highway
is 142 with Ill and 142 accidents
in 1982 and 1981 and the sixth
worst was l-45, with 98 and 94
the past two years.

. · t so. easy ,,right? .eut you
' would lit\ able to s~~.iqusly con•Sl~er ~lternatiye !'OUti(S if you
:tiilew wli~re rrtcist offlthe accidents ar~,~appening,<right?
·· To no~n~·s:s~~pri~!l'ine accidents. are hap~ning :!'here the
population is highest, where
there·is,~:heavyflow . ~f com'lmuteril a'ff!':wlier.,;lhtlte ,is an
ifiiurac'tio~. ,; !bat . iitaws · · large
crowds:· And, as law enforcement reports show' they also
happen wher~ there . is a con' centratiim· of:(averns.

State highways
In Kenqsha County ·~ighway
5o has been ·the site of more
-·

~ccidents

than any. other
· Kenosha roadwaY::Jor the past
five years. The eilst-west highway stretc~es'fot 18 ~Hes from
1-94 to the 'Walworth ·County
line.
, Highway 50 has been haunting local .officials for more than
20 years. Some are skeptical
improvements will . ever be
made. Now there is a glimmer
of hope because the road has
made Gov, Anthony Earl's list
of projects to receive funding in
the next two years' ,
The problems of 20 years ago
are still there tod~Y· . t~owever,
the biggest one isostifl congestion. According to 1981 figures,
as many as 8,300 car a day
rumble along certain stretches
or Highway 50. That makes it
one of the most crowded twolane roads in all of southeastern Wisconsin.
There were 421 accidents
(figures include accidents from
minor fender benders to fatal
crashes) on the roadway in
1982, 12 · less than the year
before.
·~It's a hilly road and most of
it has the 'no ~assing' :restriction," said sheriff!s Capt. Fred
Ekornaas .. "When.· you have
heavY, traffic, ·you have. the
impailence .of certain .drivers
who wilit~ytqpass)Il~gally,''
Highw!ly,50;a1Jsorbsiplenty of
lllinois·traffic, a combination
of commuters and tourists, the
latter heading for the "lakes"
region and .. the Lake Geneva

area . .
With accident numbers much

County highways
The leader among county
trunk highways was C, which
runs diagonally through four
towns in the southern part of

the county.
The hoped-for benefits in the
1982 improvements to a portton
of Highway C haven't shown
themselves yet- it's too early
to tell. A 3-mile stretch between Wilmot and Trevor was
widened and resurfaced with
the help of federal dollars.
Between Wilmot and Trevor,
C was the site of 45 accidents
between March 1981 and the
end of 1982. (The county first
started keeping accident re. cords by highways in March
198 L Ali figures for county
roads reflect the 21 month period from March 1981 through
1982.)

Thla stretch of Highway 50, near Paddock Lake, showa many of !he problems
·- hills, narrowness and heavy traffic that have made It the most hazardous
road In the county.

Troubled
highway

lower, highways 32 (Sheridan
Road) and. 31 (Green·· Bay
the most
Road) follow 50
hazardous state thoroughfares
in the county.
In 1982, there were 196 accidents on Highway 32 and 208 the
year before. On Highway 31

as

there were 180 accidents last
year and 200 m 198L Both roads
run nbout 12 ~1ilcs through
Kei!Osha County. The accident
totals du not include mishaps
that occurred within city llmits
on either highway.
"32 is heavily-populated for a

"C is heavily traveled during
the skiing season (Wilmot Ski
Hill) and during the summer
season around the lakes. It has
a few curves that might throw
drivers off," said Sheriff's Lt.
Lee Ormson.
Added Ekornaas: "Where C
meets highways 45 and 83 it is a
diagonal road and the Intersections are not 90 degrees. That
leaves drivers with a blind
spot." Both intersectL;ms of C

are four·way stops.
Another worrisome spo!
among cm.m ty trunks, is ~: In
Somers between Y (22nd Avenue) and H (about one mile
east of 1·94) where there have

been 77 accidents. The highway
is most accident prone at thE
intersections of Y, G (30th Ave·
nue), Highway 31, and H ..
Congestion is also the prob·
Iem with E: Parkside, Petrify·
ing Springs park and being a
major east-west roadway draw
traffic.
"E is at the top of our list for
next year," said Gene
Scharfenorth, county highway
commissioner. "We're going tc
have a consultant look at the
problem and offer a suggestion
on what to do:"
To resurface it, Scharfenorth
would ·be a wastli'of mon.

'Jt-i1:rrn

¥r.:..:::-c 49 <:tee:_
Bassett and Camp
the months
-K, between
Lake. It's become a popular
detour for those who want to
avoid 50. lt is clogged daily
with American Motors Corp.
traffic going in and out of the
city. There were 70 accident!
on this highway.
If county and state official'
know where the most danger·
ous roadways are in Kenosha

County why isn't something
done to make them safer? The
answer is easy - it takes mon·
ey and lots of it.
"We have 267 miles of county
road

in

Kenosha 1 "

said

Scharfenorth. "For blackto~
resurfacing, it costs about
$42,000 a mile. To rebuild a
road, costs $60,000 or more •
mile.''
No matter what the state or
county does, Scharfenorth said,
it is only tempOrary, "A new
surface only has a life of 12 tc
15 years. For the future, yoL
have to start considering re·
construction of all roads."
The highway department''
engineering technician Gary
Sipsma, said it would be im·
possible to tell when bad road'
actually cause accidenH
without going through the
sheriff's rep<:~rts c~e-b;'-nne.
t~egardJess

accidents.

"·'-..

--·--

.·~
~

'

1 I

1

1/7/

I

I
I
/

/4'7

I~~~

~I

I

County buys site- at Hys. 50 & 45
5-/ t-- 'ito/

By ARLENE 1ENSEN

Stall Writer
Kenosha County has taken the

first step toward relocating some of
its services and offices west of 1·94.
The county has purchased a

34~

acre si'te at the northeast corner of
Highways 50 and 45 in Bristol, about

five miles west of 1·94.
The purchase of the 1,135· by

1,050-foot tract from Bryant and
William Benson for $105,000 was
announced at a press .conference
May 7.
"While there are no immediate or
ready plans for development of the

property," County Executive Gil·

bert Dosemagen said, "the increasing demand for offiCe space for

services of the county, as well as the
long range planning for a consolidation of highway garage facilities,
·will guide our planning."
The County Board approved the
purchase in a closed session, May L

A down payment of $5,000 has been
made with the balance to be paid
upon closing after soil testing is
completed sometime in June. A to~
tal of $150,000 was transferred from
the general fund to allow for the
purchasf' soil testing, preliminary

site deVelopment and architectural
planning and conceptural designs
for a facility and its expansion on
the site.
"I've never seen the county gova
ernment work as fast as we did on
this project," said County Board
Chairman Angelo Capriotti.
The site is near the geographical
center of the county and on two
major highways.
"We:ve been looking for land for
the past year," Dosemagen said,
"and this site is perfect. It will need
a minimum amount of improvea
ment. It was already on the market
so we bad a willing seller-willing
buyer arrangement.. ''
Utilities for the site are available,
said George Melcher, director of
Planning and Zoning. A new water
line is being installed by the Bristol
water utility and it runs along the
east side of U.S. Highway 45. Sewer
is available in the nearby village of
Bristol.
"We're looking for ways to provide services to the rural part of
Kenosha County," Melcher said.
"This is a more efficient way, a
logical step. It doesn't make sense
for everybody in the western end of

the county to travel downtown every
time they need county services. It's
not fair that some people have to
drive 20 miles to get to county
offices."
Although officials stressed that
currently there are no specific
plans, planning will get under way
soon.
"One of the first steps toward
designing a new facility ·will be to
inventory the needs of each county
department to estimate future space
requirements," said Larry Brum·
back, zoning administrator.
Dosemagen said he envisions a
building complex that will house
services essential to the rural end of
the countye ,
To start, that probably will mean
the county highway department.
Two aging highway garages, one on
the west side of Kenosha, the other
in Silver Lake, would be replaced
with one centrally located garage<
Earl HoHister, highway commita
tee chairman, called the Highways
50-45 intersection ''ideaL" This is a
much better plan than having a
garage at each end of the county,
and it will give us much better
access to 1~94."

It is expected that the county's
Planning and Zoning office will be
moved to the rural office facility.
"We can do a better job of serving
the people on the west end," Brum~
back said.
"Our staff will be out there. We'll
be taking the services to the peo·
pie."

Other offices which might be
moved include the University Ex~
tension Service, with its four depart~
metlts, agri·business, horticulture,
4·H, and home economists·; Land
Conservation; Health and Emergency Government. Some agencies,
such as Social Services and the
office of the county assessor could
have rural offices as well as those in
the downtown area.
"We currently rent space further
west in the county for Social Serm
vices and in Union Grove for Land
Conservation, in cooperation with
Racine County and the Federal Soil
Service," Dosemagen said.
Also being considered for the new
site is a Sheriff's Department superm
visors' substation,
A large meeting room would be
included in a new county building. In
addition to being available to county

i

groups and organizations, it ~ 11¥1
visioned that at least some C~vN.T'1
Board meetings would be condVc f.t d
there,
"A major meeting room [
facility that is sorely needed thdt
Brumback said.
:
The land already has been 1~115;cJ
to an area farmer for the i
growing season. Other than soil
ing tests to determine suitabilit!i
building, there are no plans for ,(h t·
development ln the immeJ ~ut<efuture.
'
Interestingly, the same c~
was offered to the county juj-:- 10

I

~:~~:ho~~~. ~he85of~er si~~s f~~~r~ed
down, and the present building I

up on 56th Street and Sheridan W
William Bacon, a descendant oj~
original land owners, was chai~ m,;, );

of the County Board that madl <Ae_

decision at that time.
1
The land is part of some 200 ~ c~ ~ 5
settled by Levi Grant and his tv'' fe
Julia, who came here from Quee
Vt., along with many other V.otmonters who pioneered in thatlp.wt
or the county raising wheat o•tl
sheep.
r

i.

I

~

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-------.

I

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DOT decides on pref~rred Highway 50 route
,:./~}...'{\

iWR,SP) - Work has started on a
final Environmental Impact Statement
for a four-lane, controlled access Wisconsin Highway 50 from Lake Geneva to
I-94 in Kenosha County based on the
preferred alternative route announced
last week by the State Department of
Transportation.
The preferred route closely follows
the existing 23-mile Highway 50 corridor
except for a 4. 7-mile section between
New Munster and just west of Slades
Corners.
Based on public hearings, information from other governmental agencies
and DOT's draft environmental impact
study, Secretary Lowell B. Jackson has
recommended that the preferred route
should follow Alternative lN in the
western segment, Alternative 3 in the
central segment and Alternative 6 in the
eastern segment.
The final Environmental Impact
Statement is expected to be completed
by early summer. Both the draft and
final EIS are full disclosure statements
required by the National Environmental
Policy Act and the Federal Highway
Administration.
Local officials began working for an
improved highway in the late 1960s

because of increasing safety and capacity
problems. DOT traffic projections indicate those problems will continue to
grow substantially unless roadway improvements are made.
Current plans call for construction of
the eastern portion from New Munster to
l-94 (point C to Don the map) to begin in
1986 and be completed by 1989.
The western segment from Lake
Geneva to New Munster {A to C) will not
be built for some time. Current traffic
projections indicate that traffic volume
will not justify construction of a four~ lane
highway in the western portion for at
least 15 years.
The existing two-lane Highway 50
was built in the early 1920s and has
design problems that contribute to the
higher-than-average accident rate. Problems include; narrow and sometimes
deep ditches; trees, posts and other
physical obstructions dangerously close
to the edge of the road; and numerous
hills and curves that limit sight distance.
.More than half of the current road is
marked "no passing,'' and the many
driveways and local roads combine with
the sight distance problem to pose
special hazards for slow moving vehicles
and school buses.

The accident rate in the east section serve, enhance and expand the Palmer
(from C to Don the map} is 290 accidents Creek~Fox River wetlands just east of
million miles traveled and 411 in the New Munster.
:.Ve-st section {from A to C} compared
A memorandum of agreement is also
with a statewide average of 244 being negotiated with the Wisconsin
acddents per million vehicle mi!es for State Historical Society, the Department
other two-lane highways,
of the Interior and the Federal Highway
Travel forecasts for the corridor by .Administration to preserve the history
the DOT and the Southeastern Wiscon- associated with the Cinko/Kirchner
sin Ret-,>ional Planning pommission indi~ house in the Jacksonville settlement east
cate the average daily traffic volume will of Paddock Lake and just west of the Des
more than double on most sections of the Plaines River. The house will either be
highway by 2006.
moved and preserved or thoroughly
Highway planners are aware of documented according to federal prosignificant impacts on residences and cedures, including photographs and
businesses, farm lands and operations, architectural drawings, before construcwetlands and other sensitive natural tion begins.
resources, and an historic building, and
are working to lessen the effects.
Highway plans , will be drawn to
In cooperation with various regula- minimize the effect on Old Settlers Park
tory agencies, the DOT is developing a at Paddock Lake by designing the
mitigation plan to minimize effects upon narrowe·st practical roadway and by
wetlands. Agencies include: U.S. Fish replacing any land needed for highway
and Wildlife Service, Environmental construction.
Protection Agency, Corps of Engineers,
The department also plans to work
Department of Natural Resources and' with the affected property owners in the
the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional town of Wheatland to mitigate as much
Planning Commission.
as possible any adverse effects on farm
In particular, plans are being made, land and land development.
in addition to customary erosion, noise
(Map on PageS)
and traffic control measures, to preP<Yf

PRD.JECT ALTERNATIVES S.T.H.
(Story on Front Page)

0

Wetland Mitigation Area

DOT Preferred Alternative Route
Other Alternative Routes

f::.

Jacksonville Settlement

--rwil!llMifotillll

~

Bridge isn't too short,
the swamp is too wide
,:,

')_

By JIM ROHDE

Staff Writer
WHEATLAND- Redesigning
the Highway 50 bridge across the
Fox River at Highway W is
necessary to satisfy environmental concerns, not because
the bridge design is too short to

span the river, project engineer
John Wickler said Thursday.
The delay was announced to
the County Board Tuesday by
Earl Hollister, chairman of the
county Highway and Parks Committee. Hollister said the 27-foot
bridge design error was spotted
when project bids were opened.
Re-doing the design will mean
postponing construction, possi~
bly until fall, and also delaying
the Town of Wheatland's plan to
reduce the size of a hill at the
New Munster ball park.
Wheatland officials had hoped
to dispose of 25,000 cubic yards
of fill dirt taken from the ball
park by using it at the bridge
site,

Wickler took issue with the
report carried in the News that
the original design was for a
bridge so short it would have
fallen into the water.
He said the first design was

perfect, but environmental controls called for the use of less fill
and more bridge. He would not

comment on why designers were
not advised of the change.
"The new bridge was designed
to meet the 100-year flood stage

as well as to be more

economi~

cal," Wickler said. "The redesign of the bridge is due to
environmental concerns, not be~
cause it would not have spanned
the river."
He said the new design, which
will be 27 feet longer, will cause
less disturbance to the wetlands
along the river and less fill dirt
will be required.
The DOT hopes to let new bids
in September so work can begin
in the fall, said Wickler,,Unlike

the first bidding, which included
one bid on the bridge and another for relocating Highway W, the
new bids will be sought on the
entire project.
"If everything goes according
to plan and bids are let In September, the new bridge, which
will be approximately 65 feet
north of the present structure,
could be completed by June of
1986," Wickler said.
Wickler said the existing
bridge will remain open to traffic during construction.
Wheatland's plan to cut into
the hill at the ball park is part of
a long range program to provide
additional parking space and a
permanent site for the town
transfer station.
"We'll just have to wait until
they (Department of Transportation) get around to doing the
project," Wheatland Town Clerk
Sheila Siegler said Thursday,

State says it'll pay top dollar
for High~Cl.Y 50 land needs
·] •'

lly ARLENE JENSEN
Staff Writer
BRISTOL - The Department
of Transportation will pay top
dollar for land needed to rebuild
Highway 50 from the interstate
to state Highway 83, a state
official told a Bristol audience
Monday.

James Machnik, DOT real es-

tate supervisor, said property
owners will be offered a price for
the right-of-way needed for the
new road, In some cases, the
state will purchase buildings as
welL
"But you don't have to take
our first offer," Machnik told the
group of about 100 residents.
''You can hire your own ap~
praiser at the department's expense."
People whose homes are in the
path of the new highway will be
given a year to relocate,
Machnik said.
"When we start buying rightof-way, the first contacts we'll

"'""""
-?:;

~

~-s.·.

·'·''
make are the ones that include
houses." Once the state buys the
home, residents will be allowed
to stay in the homes for about a
year under a use and occupancy
agreement that "costs less than
you now pay in taxes," he said.

"We don't run around with
blank checks," Machnik said,
"but we have a job to do and we
will treat you fairly."
Les Faford, DOT design supervisor, said the new highway will
follow existing alignment as
closely as possible. The only
portion of the highway now
planned for reconstruction is
from 1-94 to Highway 83.
DOT plans a four-lane divided
road, said Faford, with a 50-foot
median and 24 feet of pavement
on either side. Total right-of-way
will be 200 to 250 feet, including
shoulders.
The exception is in the Village
of Paddock Lake, where the new
road will be five lanes and constrqcted with curb and gutter,

thus requiring less right-of-way.
Faford said the final environmental impact statement for the
project is being written and will

be ready for a public hearing in
1\ugust. He expects a record of
decision by September.
The first stage of the project is
that portion in Paddock Lake.
Construction will likely begin

next summer.
The Paddock Lake to l-94 portion wHI be next, with construction planned for the summer of
!987. The remaining portion,
Paddock Lake to Highway 83,
will likely be done in 1988 or 1989,
said Faford.

Reconstruction

of

the

re-

mainder of Highway 50 is at least
10 to 15 years away, he said.
"The Legislature has not even
funded it yet."
But, he said, Highway 50 between Highway 83 and Lake Ge-

neva is scheduled for resurfacing, a project that will also
include flattening hills Jnd
widening curves.

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Hlpway 1•••1•

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Employee panlnc

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-Employee entruce

KENOSHA COUNTY
REQUEST P'OR
PROPOSALS FOR

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Preliminary plan for new county faclllty to be located near highways 45 and 50

Dosemagen unvejls building plan
By DAVE. SACKMANN
Staff Writer
County Executive Gilbert
Dosemagen lifted the curtain
Wednesday on preliminary
sketches for a new county office
building at the Intersection of
highways 45 and 50.
In a presentation to the Coun·
ty Board's Administration Committee, Dosemagen outlined
plans for a 144,500-square-foot
facility. He estimated the build·
ing would cost $6 million to 6.5
million.
All Highway Department op·
erations, now split between the
garages at 5512 60th St. and
Silver Lake, would be combined
In the building. Plans call for the
offices of land conservation, soil
conservation, surveyor and
Communlty & Family Health
Services and the Parks Department to move into the building,
to be kn~wn as the Central County Faclhty.
The plans Dosemagen dlscussed evolved from department
head meetings over the past six
.
.
.
months and did not mclude mput
from professional building englneers or architects, which would
come later.
"We decided that for once we
would ask the people who are

'7-JJ-

.s

Plans call for the offices of land conservation,
.
d C
.
. &
SOl1 COnservatiOn, surveyor an
ommuntty .
Family Health Services and the Parks Department to move into the buildina to be known as
••
O>
the Central County_Factltty.
going to work In a building what
Metten said he saw a need for
they wanted before getting the a satellite facility at the inprofessionals involved," tersectlon, but he said it would
Dosemagen said.
be a disservice to move the
The executive urged creating Highway Department and other
the position of facilities coordl- offices out of the City of
nator, a person trained in engl- Kenosha, where most of the
neering who would work with an county's population resides.
architect to develop the project.
Dosemagen said the facility
He also asked that a Special was planned to meet service
Project Committee be created,
needs In the next five to 25 years.
similar to the Joint Services "I think the 1990 census will
Board that oversees pollee and show a major shift In the popusheriff's operations in the Safety latlon (westward),". he said.
Building.
The Administration Commit·
After being hired to oversee tee vote<! to have Dosem~gen
building of the Central County _ present his plans to a Committee
.
..
of the Whole meeting.
Facility, the faclh!Ies coordiAlso included in plans for the
nator woul~ manage all county· central facility are a minimum,
owned eqmpment and property,
250· t
dlt r1
Oth d •
Dosemagen said
sea au o urn.
er e
·
partments with percentages of
The executive's presentation
total oper~tions, to be located
drew immediate criticism from
west of I-94 Include: the ComSupervisor Donald Metten, Ad·
prehensive Board, 20 percent;
ministration Committee chairAssessors office, 75 perent;
man.
Planning and Zoning office, 95

The services of an
architectural/engineering firm
are sought by Kenosha County
for the purpose of creating a
report on projected cost and for
: the preparation of detelled pre·
1 llmlnary plans for the construe·
t I on
of new office,
hearing/meeting, and highway
department facilities.
The firm selected must include
A.I.A. registered archltech and
have iiYallable the services of
registered civil engineers.
Those firms wishing to be considered for the prolect must submit such request, together with
resumes and references. to
George E. Melcher, Director of
Planning and Zoning, 912 56th
Street, Kenosha Wisconsin 531.0,
prior to Friday, August 15, 1916,
at 4:00P.M. C.S.T. Those firms
wishing to submit their proposal
shall obtain a copy of the Scope
1 of Prolect for Cost Analysis and
I Preliminary Design of the Construction of New Office,
Hearing/Meeting, end Highway
. Oepertment Facilities from the
Kenosha County Office of Plan, nino and Zoning Administration
at the above addren.
Proposing firms fnust Include fn
their resumes the names and
credentials of the architects end
engineers available for our
project. A list of previous
protects completed by the firm
must also be includ@d along with
the resumes.
Following review of the resumes, the appropriate county.
officials will select a group of
firms for Interview. Those firms
selected for Interview must appear at the Interview prepared
to discuss their qualifications
and project costs for the comple·
tion of the cost analysis and
preparation of the preliminary
design. The fil-ms must be pre·
par@d to present to the Interviewing committee a concep.
tual plan for the proposed facll·
lty for the committee's review
and consideration.
The Interviewing committee will
select one firm and recommend
to the County Board that firm's
selection. Following board action a contract will be executed,
and the firm will then proceed to
work with the county officials to
complete the project.
July 11, 11. 19116.

'I

-~·~-J
Vloltorplnlnc

COST ANALYSIS AND
PRKLIMINARY DI:SIGN
FOR CONSTRUCTION
Ofl NEW OFFICE;
HEARING/MIITING#
AND HIGHWAY
DEPARTMI:NT .. ACILITIES

percent; Social Services Department •. 30 percent; Dep~rtm~nt
on Agmg, 25 percent; Umversity
Extension, 80 percent; Sheriff's
Department substa~io.n, 5
percent; and court facilities, 5
percent.
Added space would be avail·
able for County Board use, meet·
ing rooms and possibly a second
Emergency Government office
in a basement area.
Dosemagen called for longterm debt financing to fund the
project, adding that construction
could be completed in phases.
The county bought about 40
acres of land on the northeast I
corner of the Intersection in :
June 1984 for $105,000.

-~

~

·-·-·-·-.

Highway 50 EIS
plan announced
/o-))1-

~:>

Plans to publicly acquire and
develop nearly 92 acres of
wetlands are included in the
final Environmental Impact
Statement for construction of
the four-lane, controlled-access
Highway 50 from l-94 to Lake
Geneva<
As much as 55 acres of
wetland wi II be lost during construction despite efforts to minimize wetland loses, according
to the final EIS, now available
from the state Department of
Transportation.
Publication in the final EIS
formally commits DOT to the
plan to mitigate adverse environmental impacts of the
project.
Other impacts of the plan include acquisition of about 500
acres of farmland for the entire
23-mile project, primarily in
narrow strips added to the existing right-of-way, according to
the Agricultural Impact
Statement prepared by the State
Department of Agriculture,
Trade and Consumer Protection,
Current plans call for construction of the eastern portion
between New Munster and l-94
to begin in 1986 and be completed by 1989 at a cost of about
$26 million, said Les Fafard,
DOT design supervisor in charge
of the project.
One of the first projects will
be the Paddock Lake section.
The Fox River bridge will also
be let to contact in February.
The western segment from
Lake Geneva to New Munster
will not be built for !0 to !5 years

or more.
To improve the highway along
its existing alignments will require the acquisition and demolition of several buildings in the
Jacksonville area, an !840 settlement site east of Paddock Lake
and just west of the Des Plaines
River. One of the buildings, the
Cinko/Kirchner house. is
eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places.
However, an alternative
known as the Jacksonville
Bypass would have created a
new set of significantly adverse
impacts including removal of
farmland, severance of farm
fields, encroachment into a golf
course, creation of a new cross~
ing of the Des Plaines River. and
destruction of wetlands.
An agreement has been negotiated with the Wisconsin State
Historical Society, Department
of Interior and Federal Highway
Administration to preserve the
history associated with the
Cinko/Kirchner house. The
house will be thoroughly
documented, including photographs and architectural drawings, before construction begins.
Highway plans are being

drawn to minimize the effect on
Old Settlers Park at Paddock
Lake by designing the narrowest
practical roadway and by replacing any land needed for highway construction.
The final EIS is a lull-disclosure statement required by
the National Environmental Policy Act and the Federal Highway
Administration. It clears the
way for real estate acquisition to
begin in the Paddock Lake area
later this year, said Fafard.
Cynthia Morehouse, director
of the Bureau of Environmental
and Data Analysis, said, "The
Wisconsin DOT has established
a goal of replacing this lost
habitat value on an acre-for~acre
basis,"
Enhancement of existing low
quality wetlands and creation of
wetlands, including areas now
being used as cow pastures, will
result in the 92 acres being
roughly the equivalent of replacing 60 acres of wetlands in terms
of habitat value.
Wetlands will be affected at 29
sites along the preferred route,
announced earlier this year,
which closely follows the existing 23-mile Highway 50 except
for a 4.7-mile section between
New Munster and Slades Cor-

ners.
Beyond customary construction mitigation techniques and

design considerations, most

res~

toration work will be done near
the Fox River crossing. Tentative plans include five wildlife
ponds, restoring Peterson Creek
to its old channel and possibly
diverting Palmer Creek through
three wildlife ponds to help control flooding and water levels
during waterfowl migration periods.
The existing two-lane Highway 50 was built in the early
1920s and has . serious design
problems that contribute to its
higher-than-average accident
rate.

Local officials began working
for an improved highway in the
late 1960s because of increasing
safety and capacity problems.
DOT projections indicate the
problems will increase substantially without roadway improvements.
DOT plans to work with property owners affected to mitigate
as much as possible any adverse
effects on farmland.
Copies of the final EIS are
available for public inspection
and copying at the Paddock Lake
Village Hall, Lake Geneva Public Library, and Kenosha Public
Library, Southwest Branch.
Copies are available from the
Department of Transportation.
District 2 office, 141 N.W.
Barstow St., P.O. Box &19,
Waukesha, Wis., 53187.

~DOT annOUf"!Ces

land acquisition plans
for the new Highw9y 50 construction
;o~3o,lf~>

(WR,SPI - Concept plans to publicly
acquire and develop nearly 92 acres of
wetlands are included in the final
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
for a four-lane, controlled-access Highway 50 from Lake Geneva to l-94 in
Kenosha County.
Although efforts were made throughout the project planning to minimize
wetland losses, as much as 56 acres of
wetland will be lost during construction.
Publication in the final EIS - now
available from the state Department of
Transportation (DOT) - formally commits the DOT to the plan to mitigate
adverse environmental impacts of the
project.
"The Wisconsin DOT has established a goal of replacing this lost habitat
value on an acre-for-acre basis,'' said
Cynthia Morehouse, director of the
Bureau of Environmental and Data
Analysis.
Enhancement of existing low quality
wetlands and creation of wetlands 1
including areas. now being used as
pasture for cows, will result in the 92
acres being roughly the equivalent of
replacing 60 acres of wetlands in terms
of habitat value.
Wetlands will be affected at 29 sites
along the preferred route announced
earlier this year. The preferred route
closely follows the existing 23~mile
Highway 50 except for a 4. 7-mile section
between New Munster and Blades
Comers.
However, beyond customary con~
struction mitigation techniques and
design considerations, most restoration
work will be done near the Fox River
crossing. Tentative plans include five
wildlife ponds, restoring Peterson Creek
to its old channel and possibly diverting
Palmer Creek through three wildlife
ponds to help control flooding and water
levels during waterfowl migration
periods.
The final EIS is a full-disclosure
statement required by the National
Environmental Policy Act and the
Federal Highway Administration. It
clears the way for real estate acquisition
to begin in the Paddock Lake area later
this year, according to Les Fafard, DOT
design supervisor in charge of the
project.
'The DOT developed the mitigation
plan in cooperation with various regulatory agencies, including the Department

of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Environmental Protec~
tion Agency, Corps of Engineers, and
the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional
Planning Commission.
The existing two-lane Highway 50
was built in the esrly 1920s and has
serious design problems that contribute
to its higher-than-average accident rate,

Local officials began working for an
improved highway in the late 1960s
because of increasing safety and
capacity problems. DOT traffic projections indicate those problems will grow
substantially unless roadway improvements are made.
However, highway planners encountered significant impacts on residences and businesses, fann lands and
operations, wetlands and other sensitive
natural r~sources, protected park lands,
archeological sites and an historic
building - virtoally every land value
conflict that highway planners encounter.
Current plans call for construction of
the eastern portion from New Munster to
l-94 to begin in 1986 and be completed
by 1989 at a cost of about $26 million,
Fafard said. One of the first projects will
be the Paddock Lake section. The Fox
River bridge will also be let to contract in
February.
The western segment from Lake
Geneva to New Munster will not he built
for 10-15 years or more. When it is, the
EIS points out that special care will be
required in the final design and
construction of the crossing at Spring
Valley Creek near Ivanhoe Lake.
The srea around the existing highway at Spring Valley Creek is an
uncommon type of wetland known as a
calcareous fen (swamp) community
inhabited by rare and sensitive plant life.
The existing route was chosen primarily
to avoid the fen. The EIS calls for staking
the exact limits of the fen, creating
sideslope retaining walls or spanning the
fen to avoid disturbing the area.
The mitigation plan also calls for

New Fox River bridge
delayed:~fPr

a year

Replacement of the Fox -River
Bridge on Highway 50 will be de-

roads. increasing county maintenance- bills, Scharfenorth said.
The state wants to know the route
of the new Highway 50 before replacing the bridge.
"I can certainly see the logic of
their position and we want to keep

layed another year, rounty highway
committee members learned
Wedne·sday.

---v\

improving Highway 50 along its eximing
alignment which will require the acquisition and demolition of several buildings
in the Jacksonville area east of Paddock
Lake and just west of the Des Plaines
River, aD 1840 settlement site. One of
these buildings, the Cinko/Kirchner
house, is eligible for listing on t.he
National Register of Historic Places.
An alternative, however, known as
the Jacksonville Bypass, would have
created a new set of significant adverse
impacts including removal of farmland,
severance of fann fields, encroachment
into a golf course, creation of a new
crossing of the Des Plaines River, and
destruction of wetlands. Therefore,
cooperating resource agencies rejected
the Jacksonville Bypass alternative.
As a result, an agreement has been
negotiated with the Wisconsin State
Historical Society, the Department of the
Interior and the Federal Highway
Administration to preserve the history
associated with the Cinko/Kirchner
house. The house will be thoroughly
documented, including photographs and
architectural drawings, before highway
construction begins.
Highway plans are also being drawn
to minimize the effect on Old Settlers
Park at Paddock Lake by designing the
narrowest practical roadway and by
replacing any land needed for highway
construction.
According to the Agricultural Impact
Statement prepared by the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, about 500 acres of
farmland will he acquired for the entire
23-mile project, primarily in narrow
strips added to the existing right of way.
The DOT plans to work with the affected
property owners to mitigate as much as
possible any adverse effects on farm~
land,
Copies of the final Environmental
Jmpact Statement are available from:
Department of Transportation, District 2
Office, 141 N.W. Barstow St., P~O. Hox
649, Waukesha, WI 53187, or Bureau of

Bud Atchison, state Department
of Transportation district design en·
gineer, told committeemen the
project scheduled tor this construe~
tion year wm be delayed until after
the environmental statement is
completed on the route for the new
Highway 50 - a one-year delay.
County Highway Commissioner
Eugene Scharfenorth said the county was hoping the bridge would be
replaced this year because its current 28-ton weight limit forces semitrailers and large dump trucks to
use alternate routes on county
toads
The heavy traffic damages county

the Highway 50 project moving, but
we were hoping to get that bridge
replaced as soon as possible,"
Scharfenorth said,
The committee also opened bids
for [WO dump trucks and a pickup.
The low an·d high bidders for the
dump trucks were Badger Ford,
Milwaukee, $65,678 and Otter Sales,

Burlington. $73,492~
Low and high bidders for the
pickup were Badger Ford, $8,!35~
and Hartnell Chevrolet, Salem,
$8,400

Environmental and D'ata Analysis,
Department of Transportation, 4802
Sheboygan Ave., Room 951, Madison,
WI 53702.

Copies are also available for public
inspection and copying at: Lake Geneva
Public Library, 918 Main St., Lake
Geneva, WI 53147, or Federal Highway
Administration Division Office, 4502
Vernon Blvd. , Madison, WI 53 705;
Southwest Kenosha Public Library, 7979
38th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53140; or
Paddock Lake Village Hall, 24603
75th SL, Paddock Lake, WI 53168.

The Highway Committee Wednesday approved the purchRse
road salt for the 1984-85 season from International Salt Co.,
Clarks Summit, Pa., at $19.65 a ton. The purchase is for $12,000
tons for use by the city and county. 3 -.:,;; '} "" fff.j
The committee also heard Wednesday that the public hearing
for work on Highway 50 will be delayed from the anticipated
date to a time in late May or early June.
Environmental Impact Study has been delayed by the
Stare Historical Society request for more information about a
significant house just east of Highway D on

New

~ighway

By JOHN KREROWICZ
Start Writer
Proposed changes for Highway 50 got
a new twist Wednesday intended to

avoid splitting farm property.
The proposal made at a county High·
way Committee meeting in New
Munster, was said by the Jack E. Leisch
&

Associates engineering firm to cost

"about the same" as previous proposals,
Stanley Kerkman, county board

chair~

man, who attended the meeting, said "I
think it would cost considerably less
because farms split diagonally" under
other proposals would Jose more land
and have to be reimbursed.
Kerkman and several other farmers
devised the new alternative. Leisch en~

County
By ARLENE JENSEN
Stall Writer
Kenosha County has taken the

first step toward relocating some of
its services and offices west of 1-94.
The county has purchased a 34acre site at the northeast corner of
Highways 50 and 45 in Bristol, about
five miles west of I-94
The purchase of the 1,135- by
1,050-foot tract from Bryant and

William Benson for $105,000 was
announced at a press conference

May 7.
"While there are no immediate or
ready plans for development of the
property," County Executive Gilbert Dosemagen said, "the increasing demand for offite space for
services of the county, as well as the
long range planning for a consolidation of highway garage facilities,
will guide our planning."
The County Board approved the
purchase in a closed session, May 1.
A down payment of $5,000 has been
made with the balance to be paid
upon closing after soil tesring 1s
completed sometime in June. A total of $150,000 was transferred from
the general fund to allow for the
purchas"' soil testing, preliminary

"'-.__

V'\

50

gineering is the consultant for Highway
50 modifications.
A public hearing on the new
could be ready by early June,
Hollister, committee chairman.
One proposal being considered fm
Highway 50 reconstruction wouid connect a point on 52nd Street between
highways KD and 83 with a
the mtersection of highways
Kerkman said this would
some
farm lands diagonally,
t]1e
Alice Daniels property, which
lost'
some 18 acres.
The new proposal would move High
way 50 from its present course
New Munster to along the north
ary of the village and west to Highwuy
KD, Kerkman said.

U'

s site
s '/ ,;;,

site development and architectural
planning and conceplural designs
for a facility and its expansion on
the site
'Tve never seen the county gov.
ernment work as fast us we did on
this project," said County Board
Chairman Angelo CapriottL
The site ls near the geogrC~phical
center of the county and on two
major highways
"We've been Jooki11g for land for
!he pa~t year," Dosemagen said.
"and this site is perfect. H will need
a minimum amount of improvement. It was already ou the market
so we had a willing seller-willing
buyer arrangement."
Utilities for the site nre available,
said George Melcher, director of
Planning and Zoning. A new water
line is being mstalled by the Bristol
water utility and it runs along the
east side of U.S. Highway 45. Sewer

is available

111

ni

the nearby village of

Bristol.
"We're looking for ways to provide services to the rural part of
Kenosha County," Melcher said.
"This is a more efficient way, a
logical step. It doesn't make sense
for everybody ln the \vestern end of

Hys. 50

4·5

)?<e,

the county tu tnwel downtown every
time they need county services. It's
not fair ttmt sorne people have to
drive :w miles to get to county
offices.''
AI though officials stressed that
currently there are no specific
pt;\ns. planning will get under way
SOOft

'One of the first steps toward
designing a new facility wil! he to
1nventory the needs of each county
department to estinw!e future space
requirements," said Larry Brum-

back, zoning administmtor.
Dosenwgen said he envisions a
building complex uwt will house

services essential to the rural end of
ttle county.,
To start. that probably will mean
the county highway department.
Two aging highway garages, one on
tile west side of Kenosha, the other
in Silver Lake, would be replaced
with one centrally located garage,
Earl Hollister. highway commit·
tee chairman, called the Highways
50-45 intersection "ideaL" This is a
much better plan than having a
garage at each end of the county,
ancl it will give us much better
<lCCf'SS !O I-H~."

It is expected that the county's

Planning and Zomng office will be
moved to the rural office facility.
"We can do a better job of serving
the people on the west end," Brumback said
"Our staff will be out there. We'll
be taking the services to the peopJe."
Other offices which might be

moved include the University Exiension Serv1ce, with its four departments, agri-business, horticulture,
4-H, and home economists; Land
Conservation; Health and Emergency Government. Some agencies.
such as Social Services and the
office of the county assessor could
have rural offices as well as those in
the downtown area.
"We currently rent space further
west in the county for Social Services and in Union Grove for Land
Conservation, in cooperation with
Racine Countv and the Federal Soil
Service," DoSernagen said.
Al~o being considered for the new
site is a Sheriff's Department super·
visors' substation.
A large meeting room would be
included in a new county building. In
3dditinn to being available to county

groups and organizations, H !J
visioned that at least some Cc

Board meetings would be condt
there.

''A major meeting room
facility that is sorely needed th(
Brumback said.

The land already has been !e
to an area farmer for the
growing season. Other than soil
ing tests to determine suitabilit
building, there are no plnns for
development in the lmmei
future.
Interestingly, the same cc
was offered to the county jU!
years ago as a site for
courthouse. The offer was tu
down, and the present building '
up on 5tith Street and Sheridan R
William Bacon, a descendant o
original land owners, was chair
of the County Board that madf
decision at that time.
The land is part of some 200 a
settled bv Levi Grant and his 1
Julia, wh~ came here from Que('
VL, along with many other
monters who pioneered in that
of the county raising wheat
sheep.

The present route of Highway 50 (black) is shown with possible routes of the reconstructed Highway 50 (red). Some routes overlap in sections

S-l

50 alternative routes

possibl

I

1 he urnan sec linn would consist of
L!-foot widf tra\·e! lanes in E'CH'h
direction. st'rmrated by either a
ruisrd median (with turning lanes)
l'f

a 14-foot wtdf' tW(HVH) left turn

or
lnciuU1ng <i Hl-fmn wide pan'd shouider. I" recommended ln m:nimm:>
lh:'
uf singlf• \'ehicit' runurf-the·road
l"hl' tfport S<lid that more than

fatolities
rf'SU!i l!f

the- nl<-lliVA)
nf !-lij2h-

prnun

sPcuon rlesign was

Us.Pd fnr ont' propnsecl route which
Gl[EtCt':

\\·n:tld

thfmWJ'

1.;'.\l(' curnnwrc'id! area

the

P<iJdork

ft:'<'t
A bdnJer, of at lea::! seven feet
wide from tlw facE' of the curb to lhe
of way Jinf'. \vould be on either
of the tru\'eled way. The border
t:!d consist of a
and terrace
it could an'ommodatE' D: sidewnlk
anli sidewalk clearance, but provislon for sidewalks IS not includecl
in the proposed action

Each of the proposed alternate
route~
Cf~s··

co tate

would be a "comrolled acmeaning that the
V•ihere acceo;s to the

highway wiil be \ocatecL No one
the

h1ghway

WJ!!

some
driveways may

be

land·

Lakt> lvanhoP in Walworth
Both generally follow Highway

existmg

along most of the three-mile route in

to be clost>d or

that segment. There are lN and IS
Alternative lS diverts south about
1.25 mile east of U.S. 12.
There are lour alternative alignments in tile 6.:1 mile central seg
ment from the eastern end of the
east
western segment to a point
of New Munster ~- 2. 3,
and 4S.
Alternative 3 is a direct route.
Alternative 2 bypasses both Slades
Corners and New Munster. Alter-

relocated.
The EIS S<tld that since it would
be unfe<JsibJf: \o provide a median
openmg \lppo:-:l!P each drivew;
rneUliH< cros,;o.,·ers cannot be
than ah1lUl 1JHlO feet apart for safety
sutne driv('f"

their
make ::.1 ll·turn to
turn mto a driveway or into the
direction of travp\ they Desire
T!w 23-mi!e long corridor tr
fur recomtrunion, between
!2 in W:J.lwor1h County nnd
is in thrt~e :;r-gmer'tS
rhe;·e are t wn altenntive alignmem:-: in !he >Sf~leln segment from
Highway 12 to u point ju~t n0rth of

Slades Corners
on the

south.
fhe EIS said routing through the
two municipalities was excluded
from further study after deciding
residential and commercial develop-

ment was too close to the highway to
make widening feasible.
There are three routes in the 13.75
mile eastern segment --- 5W, 5E and
ti

Aiternatives 5W and 5E follow the
route of County Highway K {60th)

west across the Fox River
AltermHive 5W diverts south to
meet the existing 50 immediately
east of Paddock Lake

Alternative 5£ continues east
ward on the route of K past Paddock
Lake, divETting south to 50 in the
vicinity of County Highway MB
Both rejoin 50 at the 1,-94 in·
terchange
Alternative 6 approximately follows the present route from New

Munster. across the Fox River and
(continued on page 10)

.. '

n ~

;~

:s'
"'"l

g&

Study lists possible
Highway 50 routes

g~i
g~

(Continued from page one)

.

ness district and in the vicinity of
Old Settlers Park, the cross section

~~

~

f
~

~
•C'"2.

-~!

;g_a,;
.~6
,.;

-

l~ao

)~ ~

.. 2:-:
c
0

(i' c.'

;~:

...... ~ \
c.

s·

~~

·~~'
=-.:::
.;3

s

~%

0~
~

~

Soo Line Railroad, through Paddock

Lake to the existing interchange
with 1-94.
Through the Paddock Lake busi·

of Alternative 6 would consist of

four traffic lanes with either a

due principally to the connector
required between Highway 50 and
County Highway K. Alternatives 5W
and 5E would each result in eight
farm displacements compared to
seven with Alternative 6. Both 5E
and 5W would have greater impacts
on upland forest, wetlands and wild~
life habitat than would Alternative

raised median or a two-way left turn

6.

lane in the center.
An alternative route. to extend
Highway 158, about 1.5 miles north
of 50, to 50 between_ Ken?sha and
Lak~ ~eneva, was Cited tn a 1974
feaslblhty study.
The latest EIS concluded that the
route would be too far removed
from 50 to divert a significant portion of the anticipated travel demand. A highway users survey made
in the summer of 1980 indicated that
only 23 percent of the drivers traveled the full distance between Highway 12 and I-94
Reasons given for travel on 50
were evenly distributed between
trips for work, recreation and shopping and other purposes. Travel on
50 is predominantly local.
All three alternatives in the
eastern segment will require substantial business and residential displacement. The number of residential and business displacements, respectively: 46 and six for alternative
5W; 34 and five for alternative 5E,
and 39 and eight for alternative 6.
More total i-ight of way. cropland
and prime farmland would be displaced with alternatives 5W and 5E,

The EIS said other alternative
routes were examined but
eliminated from further study.
Under the state's current highway

improvement program, right of way
acquisition engineering and construction r;om 1-94 to Slades Corners
.
ammed for 1985 through
~~s:rogr
·
· ··
The first segment to be con··
structed would be 1.4 miles in or
adjacent to Paddock Lake, in 1986.
Following closely, the improvement would be extended from Paddock Lake 6.7 mile~ to l-94 by the
end of 1987; five miles west of
Paddock Lake in 1988 and completion of the project from the Fox
River to Slades Corners in 1989.
Traffic forecasts to the year 2006
justify a four-lane facility all the
way to U.S. 12. It is anticipated that
implementation of an improvement
between Slades Corners and U.S. 12
would begin sometime arter 1990 and
be completed by 200fL
Copies of the EIS can be seen at
the Kenosha Public Library~
Southwest, 8080 39th Ave. and at the
Paddock Lake Village Hall.

Route for road
rebuiJQ\pg chosen

~

~

By ELIZABETH SNYDER
Stat Writer
The County Board, with only 14 of
its 27 members present for a Committee of the Whole meeting ~on­
day, unanimously adopted a resolu·
tion favoring the current rightwofway for rebuilding Highway 50 west
of 1-94.
The resolution came from the
Board's Highway Committee.
Supervisor Earl Hollister, 23th
District, said, "The plan will follow
the existing right-ofwway. This route
will have the least amount of en·
vironmental impact on the area and
is the cheapest. We wi11 save more
than $2 million by not re-routing."
The existing route is favored west
to Highway 83, where a new route
will be created to bypass New
Munster.
The plan was designed to minimize the amount of land lost to the
highway. Hollister said the only land
that will be given up is part of the
county pRrks system. The land will
be replenished by the purchase of
additional land from a nearby farm.
Although the present route will be
maintained, Hollister cautioned that
a lot of work and a lot of dirt still
will be required.
"Right now Highway 50 is not
meeting federal standards," he
said. "We will have to change the
road to guarantee clear vision for a
specified number of feet. Only then
will we qualify for some money."
Hollister also discussed the im-

pact on the community.
"Maintaining the present alignment will keep the area rural," he
said. "All the other alternatives
would have split up farms: one plan
would have cut into the golf course.
Members of the businessmen's association, from Paddock Lake and
Salem, have all gone on record in
favor of continuing the present
alignment."
Financial considerations were
brought up by the Board members.
Hollister said It costs the county $26
a mile to maintain the highways
now. If right·of-way was changed,
additional funds would be needed to
maintain both the old route and the
new one.
Supervisor Wayne Koessl, 21st
District, urged members to endorse
the plan. "We have been aware of
the dangers on Highway 50 because
of the many dips, valleys and blind
spots," he said.
"I wish ail 27 members were
present to to vote on this subject. It
is important for the Board to go on
record endorsing one alternative to
avoid appearing fragmented at the
public hearing."
The public hearing is at 7:30p.m.
Thursday, June 28 In the gymnasium
of Central High School, Paddock
Lake.
Supervisor James Amendola, 7th
District, was pleased with the vote.
"After 35 years of talking about this
issue, we are final1y doing something.'"

·---~---

Kenosha News photo by Bill Slel

Vehicles now pass close to historic }•o~e that could be moved or bypassed by Highway 50 relocation project

Historic hoine vs. road redesign
By BARBARA HENKEL
Staff Writer
Trucks and cars and recreational
vehicles whiz by the white clapboard
house now.
But in the IR30s when the house
was new, horse-drawn carriages and
coaches pulled up to its doors.
The building at 18!18 75th St..
(Highway 50), was built as a tavern
and inn by an Andrew B. Jackson. It
was the first inn to be built in the
Town of Bristol to accommodate the
journeying public.
Because of its historic past and
because its Greek Revival design
has been identified as architecturally distinctive in this area, the twos"tory srructure co.uld be included in
the National Register of Historic
Places.
Its place in history may change
the design of the reconstruction of
Highway 50
Two of nine routes suggested for
the reconstruction would displace
the building.
A discussion of those possibilitiE's
and their alternatives is but small
part of a two-inch thick Environmental Impact Statement of the
project
And the ElS will be the topic of a
public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 28 in the Central Union
High School gymnasium. Paddock
Lake.
Representatives from Wisconsin
Department of Transportation will
be at the school from 1 p.m. to 4
p.m. for informal discussion. Ex-

hibits will be on display and a
statement about the proposed improvements wil! be available for
study.
Copies of the EIS are also avail·
able for Inspection and copying at
the Kenosha Public Library-

Southwest, 8080 39th Ave., Paddock
Lake Village Hall, 2450.3 75th St. and
Lake Geneva Public Library, 918
Main St
Copies can be purchased from the
Wisconsin DOT office in Waukesha,
at l4l N.W. Barstow St., and from
the Bureau of Environmental and
Data Analysis, Wisconsin DOT, 4802
Sheboygan Ave., Room 951,
Madison.
Written comments regarding the
environmental impacts and effects
of the proposed improvement will be
considered in the final EIS if postmarked no later than July 9. They
should be mailed to Cynthia
Morehouse, director of the Bureau
of Environmental and Data

Analysis.
Highway 50 is a major east-west
highway extending 41 miles from the
Village of Delavan to the City of
Kenosha, passing through Lake Ge·
neva, Slades Corners, New Munster
and Paddock Lake.
It is a two-lane highway with the
exception of a four-mile section between Delavan and Lake Geneva,
and a one-half mile section at the
interchange with Highway 12 and a
five mile portion running just west
of l-94 east to the city.
The project proposes a continuous

four-lane divided roadway along the
23 miles between Highway 12 in
Walworth County and I-94 here
The proposal is based on the need
to acccommodate existing and anticipated traffic and to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety
The EIS outlines lO alternativesone, to do nothing; two in the
western three miles of the corridor:
four in the central 6.5 miles of the
corridor and three in the eastern

13.5 miles.
Each alternative and its potential
impacts are outlined in some detail.
Each of the construction alternatives would require the relocation
of some residences, businesses and

farms.
The historic Jackson Inn would be
displaced by one of two alternatives.
The document suggests several alternatives, including routing around
the building or moving it,
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cinko have
lived in the house with its 3.3 acres
for about seven years. They said no
one has ever contacted them about
needing to displace the building or
about trying to preserve IL
Cinko said he would like to "get
rid of it" and if the Historical
Society was interested in buying it
and moving it, that was fine with
him.
Richard A. Dexter, chief of the
registration and compliance section
of the state Historical Society, sald
the building was identified as part of
a survey the National Historic Preservation Act requires of federal

Jackson was politically active in
both the county and state during the
agencies embarking on a construc- mid-1840s and early 1850s. Jackson
tion project.
was a recognized leader of the Dem~
He said the Federal Highway Ad- ocratic, and later Republican,
ministration worked with his office patties.
in attempting to identify potentially
At a special election held June 18,
historic sites in the route of the
1853, Jackson was elected state senproposed new highway.
Dexter said the Jackson Inn was ator.
the only one found.
Jackson and his two brothers,
He said, "Our first priority Is to Frisbie and Northrup, owned all of
get them to find an alternate site. the southwest quarter of section 4
That could entail a series of nego- and the northern one-half of the
tiations. You have to consider, do northwest quarter of section 9 by the
you tear down 15 buildings to save mid-1840s.
one historical slte?"
The area developed into what was
He said moving the bui1dtng called Jacksonville.
elsewhere on the property "is not an
option we'd strongly support, but it's
preferable to demolition."
Among the options included ln the
report are to route the road around
the property, however that would
affect farmland. or have a narrower
roadbed through the area, but that
would "compromise the safety and
operation of the new facility."
The property, according to the
report, based on local histories and
county documents, has several his~
torical connections to the formation
of Bristol.

In addition to providing food and
lodging, the tavern also functioned
as a community center and gathering place for residents. A post office
was established at the tavern, and
A.R Jackson, who came from Connecticut with his wife in 1837, was

appointed postmaster.
During the early 1850s, the Agrl·
cultural Society of Kenosha was
organized at Jackson's tavern and
Andrew Jackson hosted the first and
third society fairs on his property in

1850 and !852

Committee adopts
resolution for
HighU}ay 50 plan

igh· ay 50Wheatland likes count:y'plan

t< (<i- y~
By BARBARA IIENKEL

By JIM ROHDE

Stall Writer
The Highway 50 improvement project recommended by the County Board
Jast week got a boost Monday
when the Wheatland Town Board
and Its Planning Commission endorsed the plan.
County Supervisor Stanley
Kerkman said the county's recommendation is for a four-lane
highway on the existing Highway
50 route from 1-94 to Highw::~y 83
and two-lane from Highway 83 to
the county line.
The plan calls for the nf>w road
to skirt New Munster by curvlng
north around 1he u.nincorporatf'd
village. turning north immediateNEW MUNSTER -

Staff Writer
The County Board's Highway
Committee Wednesday adopted a

resolution supporting the rebuilding
of Highway 50, and suggested one
route the new road should follow,
The Environmental Impact

Statement for the project offers
several routes for the new road.
County Highway Commissioner
Gene Scharfenorth said committee

members wanted the county to take
a stand on some route and support
that route at a public hearing to be
held at 7:30p.m. Thursday, June 28
in the gymnasium of Central High
School, Paddock Lake.

Scharfenorth said Supervisor
Stanley Kerkman, 26th District,
talked to a number of area residents
and a route many seemed to agree
on was one following the present

alignment from the Interstate west
to Highway 83, then along what is
known as Alignment 3 to County
Highway KD, northwesterly from
there to Alignment 2 at the intersection of 368th Avenue (Highway 0),
and west to the county line.
The committee's action will be
presented to the full board for its
consideration.
The segment connecting Alignment 3 to 2 was the committee's
creation.
"The consultants offered two or
three connections. There could have
been an infinite number of connections. We're proposing our own,"
Scharfenorth said.
"Kerkman did a lot of talking to
area farmers and got the impression
that a connection in that area would
be the least detrimental."

Paddock
By JOHN MciNTYRE
Staff Writer
PADDOCK LAKE - The Village Board unanimously passed a
resolution Monday night calJing
for the widening and improvement
of Highway 50 and retaining the

current path through the village.
The vote was 6-0 with Trustee
Richard Puhl absent rrom the
specml meeting.
Last week, with Trustee
Hoffman absent, the board
rejected the same resolution by a
4-2 count. It takes members of the
majority vote to reintroduce defeated measures and trustees Jeffrey Borndahl and Douglas Bakkum requested the special session
Monday,

Both said their "no•· votps last
week were because they oppose
the concept of an improved highway keeping its present route
~hrough the village. They said they
needed more time to study both
the resolution and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on

ly west of Hlghway KD and fol·
lowing a route to 52nd Streer, and
continuing on 52nd Street west to
the Walworth County line.
Town Board and Plan Commission members favor contlnu·
ing the new Highway 50 west on
52nd Street in Walworth County
but went on record to !eave that
decision up to Walworth officials.
Kerkman sEiid preliminary inrlications from Walworth offiCials
art> thnt they favor a return of
Highway 50 to its present alignment in Walworth.
Town Chairman Richard Schip·
per i~ expected to present the
resolution endorsing the plan at
Thursday'~ public hearing at 7:30
p.m. at Central High SchooL

County route bypasses New-Munster

ke reverses vote on route
the project and 10 talk with resi~
dents about the concept.
The environmental impact
statement was prepared by the
Wisconsin Department of
Transoortation's Bureau of Environmental and Data Analysis.
Undf>r consideration is the majori·
stretch of 50 from I-94 west to
). 12 near Lake Geneva.
The issue will be the topic of a
public hearing at 7:30p.m. Thursday at Centra! High SchooL
Monday night. Borndahl moved
to reconsider the defeated motion
of a week ago and was seconded by
Bakkum. Bakkum moved to back
the resolution, drafted through the
urging of Village President Nor·
man Krueger, and Borndahl seconded.
Following the meeting,
Borndahl said his vote last week
was mt?ant to suspend the issue for
further inspection.
"'I opposed it !ast week because
I hadn't had the opportunity to get
to the report to study it nor to find

the input of the people. I voted no
in order to table it," he said.

"What I asked last Monday was

for more input, I said we were
premature on voting on it. I didn't
want to support it and then find
out it will be bad for Paddock
Lake,
"It would still be 35 mph
through the village,'' Borndah!
said, "and I've found out the rna·
jority of businessmen in the vii~
!age are in favor of it."
During the meeting, Bakkum
said_ he "turned it down last week
because we didn't have the information beforehand. It's not
that we were opposed to highway
improvements but just to the resolution,"
After the meetmg, Bakkum
said, "I hadn't reviewed all the
information and didn't know the
total impact of the move to go
around the village rather than
through iL
"Also, I figured such a plan

would put a decent bridge over the

Fox River finally, but that would
increase truck traffic through
Paddock Lake.
"I couldn't see how they CQulrl
build in the safety features· for
bringing it through the viHage., but
now, 1 see they can." said BakG
kum.

Trustee Carl

·~~

noY_ sure lcut voted yes.
''I'm not sur~ why the crmer

board members changed their
votes," Michalski said later,. "but
I voted yes because I didn't have a
strong enough argument to stand
up by myse!L"
Trustee HoHman said, "I would
have voted for it had I been here
last week," she said, "and I wiB
be at the public hearing Thurs·
day,"
Jeffrey Wheeler, president of
the Paddock Lake Businessmen's
Association, answered 'a question
by Trustee Nickolas Trombley by
sayin~ his group is virtually unani·
mous · in its support of the plan
through the village.

Salem prefe,rs present Hy. 50 path
By JiM ROHDE

Staff Writer
SALEM- The Salem Town Board
Thursday passed a resolution asking
the Wisconsin Department of Trans~
portation to reconstruct Highway 50
over the existing route.
DOT has scheduled a public hear·
lng on proposed Highway 50 Improvements at 7:30 p.m. Thursday
at Central High School In Paddock
Lake

According to the Salem resolution, the board feels relocating
Highway 50 would require the ac~
quisition of hundreds of acres of
prime farm land, removing them
from the tax roles.
"The Town Board believes that
reconstruction of Highway 50 in its
present location will adequately
carry east.west traffic and that the
best interest of the Town of Salem is

in its present location," the resolu-

tion states.
On Wednesday, the Paddock Lake

Village Board turned down a similar
resolution by a vote of 4·2.
The Wheatland Town Board and
planning commission is scheduled to
discuss the issue at a joint meeting
at 8 p.m. Monday and lssue its
recommendation on a new Highway
50 route.

Hy. 50 ro~te gets green light
PLEASANT PRAIRIE- A resolution s~porting the rebuilding of
Highway 50, primarily along
Its present ro~t~, was adopted by the
Pleasant Frame Town Board Monday.
.
.
.
A ~bhc_ h:armg on the Htghway
50 proJect Will be conducted by the
state Department of Transportation
at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the gymnasium at Central High School, Paddock Lake.
The Highway 50 project extends 23
miles between 1~94 and U.S. 12 near
Lake Geneva.

~tate

Th~ plan supported by Pleasant
Prairie was favored by the County
Board at a commlUee-of·the·who1e
meeting June. 18. The plan retains
the curren.t nght-of-way from I-94
west to H1ghway 83, where a new
route will be established w bypass
New Munster.
In other action, the board
awarded a blacktopping contract to
Payne and Dolan, Waukesha, for
$21.93 per ton. The only other bid
was from A. W. Oakes and Sons.
Racine, whose lowest price of three
options offered was $23.30 per ton,

The oids were opened in mid-May
fo: the blacktopping o~ about JV2
m1les of t.own roads, wh1ch have yet
to be designated,
A mutual aid firefighting proposal
Involving departments in Kenosha
and Lake counties was reviewed ant!
referred to the town attorne .
Y
Board members received a petition for sewer service at R3rd Place
and 39th Avenue. The sewer extension request was referred to the
town engineer for study before being
submitted to the dty, in accordance

with tlw Pf'w city-1nwn
Three
8 t_·nnd}in:11 wn
licenses. one Clas..:: B, and nPe Cla_~~
A license- were apprrwecl
with
threP bartender
_ . ,
Jn rt>~ponse !o a CltJzt>n s H'qm:st
for a town tnmsff"r "'tat1o:•... p:nr
bage and trash
S\JOf'h'iS
Thomas Terwoll
infnrrlwtlon
being gatheret1 from
Somers and othf'r
which operate such
Thr'
matter will be placed.
ttw
of an upcoming mertmg

~

way 50

The public w11l have an op
portun1ty to comment on the proposed 1mprovements to State
Highway 50 at a hearing at 7:30
tonight in the Central High School
gymnasium on Highway 50 in Paddock Lake.

]

State Department of Transpor-

"Serious safety and capacity
problems are currently ex~
perienced, especially in the
eastern half of the corridor," the

Exhibits showing pro-

Hi· posed alternate routes will be on

display along with a copy of the
. draft environmental impact
1

mt statement,
wa
DOT and the U.S. Army Corps of
~e< Engineers

f-f.J.
pn
th{:
l

will present a slide
show of alternative proposals for
Highway 50 as discussed in the
impact statement that has been on
file during the past month in the
Paddock Lake Village Hall and
tJ1 jlJ:'it

increase to as many as 17,000
vehicles in 20 years.

Kenosha public library.
Construction is projected . to
start in 1986, barring any maJor
objections to the project.
The proposed Highway 50
project extends 23 miles from 1~94
west to U.S, 12 near Lake Geneva.

351_ tation representatives will be
Hli available to answer questions
10 from 1 p.m, until the start of the

pn hearing.

t

DEIS

states.

"Projections

The number of accidents on
Highway 50 averages from 19 to 68
percent higher than the statewide
average for two·-lane highways
carrying comparable traffic.

Thb route will have the least
amount of env~ronmental impact
on the areu and is the C'heapest,'
r Earl Hollistt>r, 23rd
told a committee-of-the
of the County
month.

in,

The route selected and finai
environmental document must be
approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Federal
Highway Administration. That approval is expected in December .

di~ate

traffic and safety probl.ems
w1ll continue to grow substantJally
unlesss roadway improvements

are made."
Nine "build" options are examined in the DEIS along with the
"no build" option.
Harvey Shebesta, director of the
Waukesha transportation district
office, said potential impacts to
adjacent wetlands and the Fox

River floodplain will be addressed
at tonight's hearing. He said the
Corps of Engineers will also attend because the project may in ..
volve placement of fill materials
into waterways for which permit
application to the corps is re·
qui red,

The DEIS has been approved by
Federal Highway Adminis
tration, said Cynthia Morehouse,

the

director of the DOT Bureau of
Environmental and Data Analysis

Written comments on the DEIS
may also be submitted until July
15 to Cynthia Morehouse, director,
Bureau of Environmental and
Data Analysis, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, P.O. Box
7916, Room 951, Madison, Wis.,
53707.

lJOT studies show that two-JanF
highwnys
7,000 vehicles a
dav tend to
at capacitv and
acCident prone, The Paddock Lake

which issued the DEIS.

to I--94 stretch of Highway

The option ravored by the
Kenosha County Board is to retain

ready sees 8,300 to 10,000 vehicles
dnily and traffic is expected to

5{1

al·

'"f'!!''

ea-,t \Jl r•n:·w lHUll~l<:.:'. >In:

route narrows tu two lanes from

LakE VHlage Presidf'nt
lt'S

sald current studof

recon~tructinn

:30 along the present
would require no residential or
business replaceme-nt in the vll
would improve safety, provide
ter access tn businesses, requin~ the
least amounr of !and acqtli~ithm and
add to the economic growth of Paddock Lake
Rlc!lard Schippt>r. Wheatland
Town Chairman, said his Town

Board passed a resolution supporting the County Board recommenda·
tion to skirt New Munster and fol!ow
52nd Street
WfwatlancL
A similar
endorsing use
of the pre;;;ent Highwuy 50 alignment
was adonted by the SalPm Town
Board earlier th1s month.

Bristol Town Chail man Noel
Eifering called the County Board
nroposal thl' most economical with
the le<Jst opposition
"Now lt>t's
the .show on the
road and ger it
·'said Elfering.
Also speaking ln favor of a fourlane highway along the existing

KPnush<~ N~.ws

pholo hy B.\11 Slel

Lucille Becker expresses her view11 at the public hea:rlng Thursday night on the proposed lmpmvemenl of H!gllway 50
Edward

:c-aid, "We will be glad to give up our

leave

Berker. whose home on Highway 50
in Bristol will have to go once
c:mstructlon begins.

route

were Luclllt> and

home- if it"s going to save some

eliminate some of the hil!s and

fives ·
Pat Warner, Paddock Lake, asked
how much consideration was given

widen the shoulders
"If you have a four-lane

Mrs. Becker said residents along
the highway are in limbo not know·
ing whether to fix up their homes or
wait and see if the project goes

have- to know what's going to

this

year.''

said

Mrs

Sh(' said something has to be done
with the highway to stop the accidents and deaths occurring each
vear

Becker, echoing her statements,

to the- safety of the children who will
have to cross the five lanes passing
through the village.
"It is hard enough to cross the
ay now. How are the kids
to get across it when it's five
" usked Warner.
Randal! Town Supervisor Robert

Gehring, who cornmlJtes on Highway 50 daily, asked how safe a fourlane, divided highway will be.
He suggested it mlght be safer to

Highway

50

two-lane

but

lN, which closely follows the align

wetlantl orea~. He said he favors
upgrading thP ex!sting road right-ofway

to Highway 83 North and then cut
down to two lanes, you're going to

create

a

bottleneck

near

New

Munster," Gehring said.

Most of the controversy

imarely
exi~ting

~urround­

ing the proposed Highway 50 Im-

provement Plan rf'ntered around the
two alternatives suggested for thP
we:-tern section of the project (from
Lake Ivanhoe ln Walworth County to
US 12). \Vhich is not ye-t pro-

grammed for funding
The two proposals arE A!ternste-

opposed Altf'rnaw lS because lt
would
a lot of prime farm
land and use up more existing

Pxlsting

near

Lake

ivanhoe
Richard
Lyons Town
Chairman, said he opposes any al-

Marvin J. Schaeffer, administrator of
Divis! on of Transporia<
lion Di5:trict:", Department nf Transportation, ~Elk! residPnts may send
written .<;tntem'?nts on the plan prior

tern3tes that cut through the south-

w July

ern edge of his town but added, "J
would not oppose the widening of the

Transportation FHciliti('s, Wiscono

lO tu ILL Fiedler,

50."
resJdeni

s<:~id

Adminis~

trator. Llivislnn oi' Highways and
of Transportatior.,
f'<18dison 53707

hP

/57

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~~~T ~'lr '1!'~. '1\!',....,Y

r
PADDOCK LAKE ~ More
350 person5 nowded the Central
High School

Thursday

to expre~s
opm10ns on various
proposed routes in thE' long-awa\tf'd
Highway 50 ImprovPmf'nt Project
ThP ProjPct, which com;Jsts of 23
mile::: from 1-94 wesi to U.S. HighW<1Y 12 nt'ar Lake G·eneva, is in three

sections. The eastern section, from
I-94 west to Highway 83 North, is
programmed for state
and
rhe start of construftion in
A four··!ane divided highway is
prop~J~ed from I-94 to Highway 83
North just east of New Munster. The

route narrows to two

~anes

from

:1~He

!nwns of Sale::n and Wheatland
~'addock Lake Vi!lage President
Norman KruPgE'r sal{! current stud
reconstruction of

the present cor·
no residential or
husiness replacement in the vi!
\>.,·ould improve safpty, provlde
ter acces:-:: to businesses.
least smount of land afq
Jdd to the economic gruw!h of Pad·
dock Lake.
Richa;d Schipper. Wheatland
Town ChHirman, said his Town
Board passed a r<:'solution supporting the
Board recommenda"
tion to skin
Munster and follow
52nd Strf'et through Wheatland.
A similar resolution endorsing use
of the present Highway 50 alignment
was adopted
the Salem Town
Board earlier
month
Bristol Town Chai 1 man Noel

E!fPring called the
proposal the most
the- lf'sst opposition

wlth

"Now let's
the show on the
" said Elfering.
road and get !t
Al~o speaking in favor of a fourlane highway along the exi~ting

!l:t'nosha i'<ewg photo by BHJ Slel

Lucille Becker expresses her views at the public hearing Thursday night on the proposed Improvement of Highway 50
were Lucille and Edward
Becker, whose home on Highway 50
in Bristol will have to go once
construction begins.
route

Mrs. Becker said residents along
thf' highway are in Hmbo not Kno\V·

whether to fix up their homes or

t and see if the projf'ct goes
through
"We have to know what's going to
happe-n this yeHr," said Mrs
Becker.
She- said something has to be done
with the highway to stop the acci·
l1ents and deaths occurring each
year.
Becker, echoing her statements.

said, "We will be glad to give up our

home if it's going to save some
lives
Pat Warner, Paddock Lake, asked
how much consideratlon was given
to the safety of the children who will
have to cro'5s the five !anes passing
through the vi llagP
"It is hard enough to cross the
highway now, How are the kids
going to ger across it when it's fi\•e
lanes')" askt>d Warner.
Randall Town Supervisor Robert
Gehring, who commUtes on High
way 50 daily, asked how safe a four
lane, divided highway wi!l be
He suggestP.d it miuht h.o. c<>f= .. h

leave Highway 50 two-lanf' bur
eliminate some of the hills and
widen the shouiders.
"If you have a four··lane
to Highway 83 North and then cut
down to two lanes. you're going to
create a bottleneck near Ne-w
Munster," Gehring said.
Most of the contrOversy surround"
ing the proposed Highway 50 Improvement Plan centered around the

two alternatives suggested for the
western section of the project (from
Lake Ivanhoe in Walworth County to
U.S. 12), which is not yf't programmed for funding

lN, which

existing
existing alignment near
Ivanhoe
Richard WrighL Lyons Town
Chairm~m, ">2icl 11e opposes any alternates that cut through the southe-rn edge of his town but added,
would not
the widf"n!ng of the
existing
:lfl ·

opposed A!terna.te lS because it
would Jestrny B lot of prime farm
land and Uf:e up more- existing
wetland oreas. He said he favors
upgrading the existing road right:ofway
Marvin

.r

Schaeffer,

adminis·

trstor of the Division of Transporta,

tlon Di.stricls, Depc-ntment of Trans·
porlntion, said re~idents may send
\-'>Til ten statements on t11e plan prior
to Julv 10 ru H.L. Fiedler, Administrator~ Division of Highways and
Tnmspnrta'tion Facilities, Wiscon-

Residents have their say on
Highway 50
reconstru
io
'7
'& 'f
~ 1(--

BY NANCY POULER

iWR-SP) - A full house of over ::\50
attended the June 2fl public
at Central High School on the
:l routing and improvements of
section of State Highway 50 which
rtlnf'l west from I-94 to U.S. 12 near LakeGeneva
The 13-mile section frmr state
83 east to I~l14 is programmed
1g as one of the major projects
in the statf' 's highway improvement
Rm in 1986. The remainin1! 10 miles
U.S. 12 tn state Highway 83 while
not yet programmed for major improvement, other than resurfacing. was also
indudPd in the study in anticipation of
future needs.
Some 23 speakers voiced their
ions on the project and most agrE'ed
thP project was long overdue.
Stanley Kerkman, Kenosha County
Board SuDervisor. who lives on CountY
Highway KD, summed un most highway
area rt:>~;idents and businesses' feelings
when h{> commented, ''It is tirrH? county
residents find out where the road i~
going to go and see some construction."
He added that the farmt>rs in this area
nt that no prime farmland be
He said they endorse the
county board's resolutio.n favoring re~
constructing state Highway 50 mostly
fdong its pr~:>s~:>nt alignment.
This plan was endorsed hy all four
municipalities bordering the existing
~y including towns of BristoL
and 'Wheatland and the VillagE> of
Jeffrey Whe~:>lE>r. representing the
PaddocK Lake BusinPs.!'men's Association.. spokP m ~upport of thf' existing-

l830s house
By JOE VANZANDT
Stall Writer
BRISTOL - Highway 50 revamp
ians include a bypass of the current
:ghway in Bristol that no one ap~rently wants but that could be
'reed on local residents because of
fderallaw concerning historic sites
nd buildings.
'The alternate route, called the
~cksonville bypass, received little
:>mment at recent public hearings
1 the highway. It wasn't until
rlstol resident David Pfeuffer
resented a petition wlth 64 signa~
Ires at Monday night's meeting of
1e Town Board that attention was
1cused on the bypass.
:Pfeuffer said he has been unable
~ find a single local resident who
1vors the bypass. which would slice
~ross 16 local farms, the Bristol
aks golf course and a number of
rivate residences and come uncom~rtably close to the village of
rlstol.
Meanwhile, the board of directors
t the Kenosha County Historical
)ciety met Wednesday and cleared
le air regarding its position on the
:ghway plans. The directors voted
;mnimously in favor of retaining
~e current Highway 50 location as it
asses through Bristol.
"We don't feel any of them (the
~uses in the Jacksonville section)
~e of sufficient historic value to
!arrant preservation," said Thorn' Gaffney, society president, "nor
re any worthy of being considered
rr listing in the National Register."
1 Gaffney said he has checked with
fe state historical society and was
)1d it has no interest in supporting a
rpass ro save the old houses,
1ther.
He said he is concerned
ecause some local residents ap·
trently felt the county and state

m~:y.~tymie

society support the bypass.

1, ,,. ,

rigoht of way, saying, "If the highway is
re-routed ovl?r County Highway K (north
of Paddock Lake), it would have
detrimental effects on the commercial
area and would hurt the residential area
in the north.
"Don't turn us into a ghost town.
Wheeler concluded.
Residents along Highway 50 also
concurred that the highway should be
repaired in the interest of safe driving,
although some questioned the need for
the four lanes proposed for the eastern
~wction.

Robert Gehring, Randall Township,
who commutes daily on Highway 50. felt
that four lanes were more dangerous
than two.
JoAnne Kelly, who lives on Highway
50 near county Highway W, said she was
not in favor oi a four~la~e highway either
and then admonished the Department of
Transportation PxBmin('rs with "Stop
talking and start doing something."
The planned route for future work
which shows a northern bypass around
New Munster and Slades Comers
seemed to be the favored alternative.
The \Valworth Countv Board, represented by Frank Dobl~s. zoning -ad~
ministrat~r, objected to the western
alternative which goes north of the
existing road because it was felt that
t'onstructing a highway there would
PndRnger a newly acquired landfill which
th€' hoard had spent much time and
money obtaining,
For filing written statements (postmarked no later than 'fuesday. July 10,
1984) write to }-I.L. Fiedler, ~dministra­
tor, Division of Highways and Transportation Facilities, Wisconsin Department
of Transportation, f".O. Box 79HL
Madison, WT 53707.

Highway 50 plan

J·-.,.-,At,+""'MM- 7 ,m"'&..,,,;:;;:\i.?:..N:h-..·o

-·-='"- -.

d& __,.,_;::; .k"'h2

-..f.,t:::~'""--~' hA.-..•unt-~-·._:.:t_.,.,,

Gaffney said the society will send
a letter_ stating its position to the

Wisconsin State Historical Society

and to the state Department of
Transportation.
The West Kenosha County His~
torical Society Is interested In finding a home for a museum and

headquarters someday and President Richard Heigl said if the state
were to make a gift' of the Jackson

house or other historically significant building and help move it, his

group would be interested.
Jacksonville; which runs approx-

imately from County Highway MB
to 216th AVenue, was the site of the
first settlement in Bristol. Its de~
velopment ended with the coming of
the railroad and the development of
the village of Bristol on Highway 45.
Paul Cinko, who owns the house
believed to be the first home in

Jacksonville built about 1839 by Andrew B. Jackson, said, "If they go
south with a new highway, this (the

current highway) will become a
back road and won't be kept up!'
Cinko questions the historic value
of his house. The state's. environ·
mental impact study indicates a
portion of the house was torn down
some 40 years ago, and Cinko said he
has been told by neighbors that the
house may not even be the original
Jackson homestead. Some say their
parents and grandparents told them
the house was moved to lts present
site from another location further
west on Highway 50 after the ori~
ginal house burned down.
"The state can have this house as
long a~ I get a fair price," said
Cinko.

Sharon Krause, who owns another
old house in the Jacksonville section, questioned the_ historical value
of h~r buildinR as well.

KeJWeba

l'J<"W& photo by

Joe Van Zudt

Jackson house on Highway 50 site of first Bristol development
"They should move the houses if
they want them instead of running a
highway right through the middle or
Bristol," she said.
Mary Butrick, 82, who was born in
Krause's house, said the building
was moved to its present site from'
Union Grove. Over the years, it has
had several additions.
Delbert Benedict, who owns a
farmhouse at the east end of the
Jacksonvil1e section, said the halt
dozen or so old houses along the
highway "aren't w,orth the powder
to;~low

'em up."

"They can have that pile of
sticks," he said of the house he
owns, adding he would fight the
bypass plans "to the highest court"
if the state tries to route the new
highway across his farm.
Lan Richart of Planning Re~
sources. an environmental consult~
ing firm that is working on plans for
the highway, said his company went
through the motions of sending in"
formation on the Cinko house to the
state so that it can be determined
whether the house is eligible for

inclusion in the National Historic
Register. Such a procedure is re~
quired for any highway projects
receivinn federal monies.
Richart said the Cinko house is
the only one the state showed an
interest in and he doubts It will be
regarded as historically significant.
However, _should that house be declared eligible for inclusion in the
National Historical Register, then
the state would have to demonstrat~
that "no feasible alterna£ive er.ists"
for the new highway before It cou!a
raze or relocate the house

Keoooloa--brBIUSiel

Crash cleanup

Deputy Coroner Matt Knlblskl, kneellnl! 1f _,
right, examined the body of vletlm Peter
E. Sobotka, 23, Sa~ay night after the
Greenfield man was killed In a two-car

crash on Highway 50. At left, workera
sweep up glass, auto parts and other
debrlo left behind by the Impact of the
colllolon.

Planners like
By BARBARA HENKEL
Staff WrHer
Rerouting Highway 50 around
New Munster and Sladt:>s Corner:;
has been rejected by planners for
the :;tate Department. of Transnorta-

pre:o;ent lligllwn:v
cut

through

the

Spring

\'allP~'

Envir<mnwn!,l!hts b;g·e
H;•
v;wt!:mcl i~ uniqup in this mea. ow' nf
JfiO of lt::: 1ypc- m d1c·
(1 Srnte~.

S!nc!es Cnrner·s.

DOT

DOT's final recommendation !:.:
not expC'cted until the end of Janu-

ary.
Members of the County Board's

No money ll8s hf:'.en ullncnte-d to

n11~ DOT officin.!s "laid they would
nt l;::ast rxut ni ttw
suppnrt

Scharf~'north

\vetland northensr of L<:~kc ivanhne.
Funding ha5 rwen Dpproved for
rPcon~tnwfion from f-f-14 !o Highway

[Jon.

sald reconsrmction
nf the sectlon 1s expected w be
or nearty ~·o by the C'nd of

He and ccmmittee members
pointed out
DOT nfficml~ that
cons!derabli~ trn!fic bot.llenecks
couid occur in :::Jades
and
Munsrer as traffic funnels
t'~q;andetl four lsnes
do'-vn from
intv 1wo 1nncs

Highway and
Committee
WP:dnesclav wen~ told bv DOT nf

on the sU:Jtu~ nf m.sjor prnjE'ctS in
the- county

Give them the
thumbs down
,,

To the Editor:
I am so disgusted and frustrated
over a certain crew Of our mighty
county workers who are presently
milking a brush cutting job along
Highway V west of U.S. Highway 45

near Highway C. This particular
crew Is a disgrace to the county and
an insult to every taxpayer. I fre·
quently oass them and almost never
see anyone actually working - unless you call leaning on the truck
talking or sitting in the cab working. I also question why they
cut the brush off a foot high. Is it
because it is easier not to bend over
C~nd cut lf off at ground level or do
they want it to sprout worse than
ever in the spring? Why even cut
most of it off at all? It is a windbreak for the snow blowing across
the road and provides better shelter
for the'birds and other wildlife.
Perhaps the adrninistrawrs
should take a closer look at what we
have in the county workforce. It's
very obvious that there are too
many employed now as many are
making a mockery of a well-paying

job with many fringe and retirement
benefits. Why ilot get rid of some of
this deadwood and let those who
really want to work, work.
My husband and I are almost
senior citizens but we often cut
more wood in a day than this entire
crew - not that this amount is
anything to brag about.

Taxpayers of Kenosha County,

reconstruct

lif-X!

p!eted

pf thP.

throu.Eh Ntcw

S1ades Cornf~r.s.
1k,nf'ck,
thcrt'

Committee, hut if
wa~n'r included
thr cnmrnitrer's
projH'tS slnted throup,;h l9P5.

;;;upport fnr that.
Scl!nrfenorlh :-:a1d oe aml ihc com·

That could mean that tt1ar ponior:
would not t)e done fnr another 15 to

und urged area resJdf'nls

20 years, said SchHrknn:·th.

same.

next time you see a crew loafing and
cheating you, give them the thumbs
down as you go by and let's try to
find out why they aren't doing their
job. No one minds paying taxes
when they are used properly but
what a waste of time and money,
and this crew is the just the tip of
the iceberg.
Louise Neumann

miqr-e will cuntinuf.' to

Highway 50
ha~.~.9P~~ jog

State highway planners say that
their preferred route for reconstruc~
ting State Highway 50 is largely over
the same roadbed except for a jog to
!he north to avoid New Munster ami.

Slades Corners.
Bud Acheson, chief design engi·
oeer for the State Department of
Transportation office in Waukesha,
said an ear!ier report that the state
planned to use the existing route
through the two landmarks was a

misunderstanding.
fhe jog. ln the western Town of
Wheatland, wit! be several hundred
feet north of the two populated
areas
Another option included in a study

of the proposed new highway was to
bypass New Munster and Slades
CornE'rs a half-mile to the north.
fhat option has been rejected by
DOT planners, Acheson said, because \t would pass through the
Spring

contains

Valley

Creek area which

a

fen

calcarus

-

an

alkaline bog - with unique vege~
tatlon and one of only two In the
smte and 150 in the nation
Acheson said a final finding and
d.;>terminatlon on the Highway 50
route will be made after the DOT's
planners' recommendations are submitted to the administration.

for th<H

nu

the

New Munster
Hy. 50 route
favored
By DAVE BACKMANN
\
Star Writer
\
The county Highway and'
Parks Committee received official word Wednesday that the
state Department of Transportation favors re-routing Highway
50 only several hundred feet
north of its present path in the'
New Munster-Siades Corners
area.
1
On Jan. 18, several local of·
ficials and 16 residents saw Department of Transportation Secretary Lowell Jackson in
Madison. They argued for a
route about a half-mile north of
the area because DOT's staff
recommendation would route the
highway through five family
farms.
This portion of the Highway 50
reconstruction plan is not presently included on the Major
Project program, which means
nothing will be done there for 15
to 20 years.
A letter from Jackson to the
committee indicated DOT did
not want the more northerly
route because it added "indirection•· to the road and would only
shift the disruption of some farm
land from one group of property
owners to another.
Gene Scharfenorth, highway
commissioner. said a final decision on which route will be
taken in that area of the county
has not yet been made.
In other business, the committee selected three consultants,
one of whom will be hired to
design a box culvert under Coun·
ty Highway W, south of County
Highway JI in the Town of
Wheatland.
Load-limit and reduced-speed
signs were posted Wednesday on
Highway 142 between 1-94 and
Highway 75. Tbe section is being
rebuilt in a project that began
last year.

Central board- told work
on Hy. SQ;).mflY be delayed
, PADDOCK LAKE- Central
riHigh School officials learned
Monday that there could be up
to a year's delay in the Highway 50 improvement project in
Paddock Lake.
Principal Gerald Sorensen
said representatives of the De·
partment of Transportation
told the school board the
project, which has been sched·
.,uled to begin in May, may be
' delayed until April of 1987 because of problems with land
acquistion.
Sorensen said Les Fafard, of
the DOT, indicated the portion
'of the project involving Central
High School would be com·

pleted by September or October 1987 despite any delay.
He said the school board and
DOT representatives also discussed access to the school
Monday, and the DOT an·
nounced plans for the construetion of one 35-foot driveway
replacing the two driveways
currently used.
.
A driveway will also be provided west of the school near
248th Avenue, he said, for ac·
cess to the athletic field.
Sorensen said the DOT an·
nounced plans to Install a 36inch culvert to handle surface
water west of the school, which
will require the school to mod·

--~--------~

-

Highway 50 :r-.ro.-ot,
funds available

ify its drainage system that
includes a 15-inch culvert.
sorensen said the DOT rep·
resentatives discussed the designation of a school zone and
installation of flasher lights at
the entrance to the school.
.
The school board will .meet
With the Pa~dock Lake Vllla~e
~oard. to discuss the traffic
Situation and the access road
near 248th Avenue, said
Sorensen.
The board approved easements with the telephone company for underground cables on
Highway 50 and along Highway
83.

----------·--

But Hy. 50 work delayed

Paddo~k >?t.Lake

MADISON, Wis. (UP!)- Th
!985-87 major highway repal
program, which Includes wor
on Highway 50, will stay o
schedule thanks to a recent stat
Supreme Court decision, stat
Department of Transportatio
officials said Wednesdav
The Monday court · decisio
concerning the Milwauke
Brewers prison lawsuit appear
to validate DOT procedure i
funding state highway prajectf
said Jim Thiel. DOT gener<
counsel. DOT will now sell $1
million in bonds to fund seven
highway repair projects.
The DOT's ability to sell bond
has been In limbo since a !9E
Appeals Court ruling In the pri•
on lawsuit. The appellate com
said approval of a Iegislativ
item that affects a particula
locality was unconstitutional if
was included In a state budgE
bill.
However. the Supreme Com
decision said a legislative pn
vision, such as a highwa
project, could be included a
.
'
long as it carries statewid
who nde snowmobll.es or all· dimension.
terrain vehldes ?n pnvate.pr?p·
erty to obtam wntten perm1ss1on
from the owner.
Trustees signed a new contract with the Kenosha County
Humane Society which provides
for stray animal care through

projects to proceed

~<- ,.10·
By ARLENE JENSEN
west to Brass Ball Corners.
Staff Writer
All three projects were
PADDOCK LAKE- Despite a planned in connection with the
slowdown in the construction highway construction that was
I schedule for Highway 50 re- set for spring of 1986.
construction, related projects in
In a letter to Hoffman, Leslie
r the Village of Paddock Lake will Fafard, district design supernot change.
.
visor for the Department of
Village President Olga Hoff. Transportation, said he now ex·
'man said Wednesday the village pects highway construction to
will proceed as planned on side· begin in 1987.
wallks along Highway 50, new
"This rescheduling is being
sodium vapor street lights and a done because of the number of
sewer extension from the village parcels that have to be acquired

i
1

before the project can be let to
contract,"said Fafard.
"We are going ahead as
planned with our projects," said
Hoffman. "If there is a slim
chance that the highway project
will start In the fall, we don't
want to be the one to hold It up.""
In other business, the board·
heard the second readings and
passed two ordinances.
One makes possession or delivery of drug paraphernalia il·
legal. The other requires persons

1986.

In her report to the board,
Hoffman said rehabilitation of
sewer lines at 62nd Street and
234th Avenue is complete.

1989 opening date

Hwy. 50 cons!ruction plans firmed
(WR,SP) - Construction of Highway rural areas ~~ two new lanes are built into construction segments. Within each
50 as a four-lane divided highway and the existing two lanes are recon- segment, the road will be kept open to
between New Munster and 1~94 in structed. The urban Paddock Lake area traffic by first grading and paving the
Kenosha County can be completed wiD be constructed and opened to traffic new lanes that are not on the existing
within three construction seasons, start..

in late 1987. Some rerouting during this

roadway. When those lanes are com-

ing in 1987 and finishing in the fall of phase of construction may be necessary, pleted traffic will be switched to the new
1989, the state Department of Transpor- Shebesta said.
roadway and reconstruction of the
tation has told local officials.
The $27 million project will be broken existing lanes will proceed.
In announcing a construction sched·

. ule for the 14-mile stretch, the DOT said
1 the original 1989 opening date can be
' accomplished, despite delays in real
estate acquisition and other problems

that prevented an earlier start.
Harvey Shebesta, DOT southeast
Wisconsin district director, said the

, highway would be kept open to traffic in

.Build N~'X,!\1unster bypass now, Collins says
7

~

~

By DAVE SACKMANN
Staff Writer
A four-lane, Highway 50
bypass around New Munster
should be constructed at the
same time the rest of 50 is
widened and rebuilt to the
ea·3t, County Executive John

Collins said today.
Collins was to testify before
the state Transportation
Projects Commission in
Madison this afternoon, re·
questing that construction of
the bypass be included with
the Highway 50 work In Pad-

dock Lake.
He also was to press the
commission. for widening of
Highway 31, between Highway
50 and the Illinois border, to
improve vehicle access to the
planned industrial park adjacent to the Wisconsin Electric

Power Co. plant in Pleasant
Prairie. Ground breaking for
the park is scheduled for January.
Plans for widening and rebuilding Highway 50 now call
for construction to begin in
Paddock Lake next year, on

the stretch from Paddock
Lake west to Highway 83 m
1988. The bypass would not be
completed until 1989 or 1990.
The remainder of Highway 50
west to the Walworth County
line would not he completed
until the 1990s .

...__.__..,.~-.

to design

Widening resurfacing planned-

Highways 31 and 50
'h on DOT priorities
..

The planned Highway 31
widening and reconstruction
project from Highway 50 south
to the lllinois state line has been
ranked fourth on a priority list of
32 highway projects statewide by
the Department of Transportation.
The proposed four-lane, High·
way 50 bypass around New
Munster has been ranked 11th on
that Jist.
Eight officials from Kenosha
County got that news when they
testified Monday before the state
Transportation Projects Commission in Madison, where they
were pushing for both projects.
County Executive John Collins
testified the Highway 31 project
should get under way at l~ast
within the next two years to
provide an adequate transporta·
tion route to the planned in·
dustrial park adjacent to Wisconsin Electric Power Co.'s
plant in Pleasant Prairie. He
said the present two-lane stretch
of 31 is inadequate to meet the
traffic volume, which will in·
crease because of the park.
"That stretch has the second
highest critical accident rate of
all the 32 projects on the list,"
Collins said. "It's a darn, dan·
gerous highway."
Collins also testified the Highway 50 bypass should be constructed at the same time the
rest of 50 is rebuilt from the east.

ifb

building
Kenosha architect Robert M.
Kueny was selected by the Buildings ancl

Hy. 31 area being re-

surfaced is shown In red
Present plans call for the bypass
to be delayed until 1989 or 1990,
after the present two-lane highway has been widened to four
lanes through Paddock Lake.
Also testifying for the bypass
were Town of Wheatland Chairman Francis Kerkman and Town

Clerk Sheila Siegler.
Other local officials pushing

for both projects were Gene
Scharfenorth, Kenosha County
highway commissioner; John
Bechler, director of the Office on
Greater Kenosha Economic De·
velopment; Earl Hollister and
Stanley Kerkman, County Board
supervisors who are members of
the Highway and Parks Commit·
tee, and Alderman George
Fitchett. representing the city.
Collins said he was pleased
both projects are on the priority
list but noted the Highway 31 job
stands a better chance of getting
early DOT approval than the
bypass does.
The 5.1-mile portion of High·
way 31 would be widened to four
Janes and rebuilt at a cost of $7.9
million, funded by the state and
federal governments. The 2.7mile bypass would cost $5 million, making it a more costly
project on a per-mile basis, Col·
!ins said.
DOT officials are expected to

Grounds Committee

Tuesday to design the county's
planned
office
Department
garage at
45 and 50.
Sij( firms
applied for the
job
ThP

bought 43 acres on

the
corner of the intersection in 1984. It plans to
relocate some county offices
there and to build a new garage
for ltJe Highway Department at
the cenrrallv located site.
Although· some preliminary
design work was completed by
department heads during the
past nvo years. no architect was
retained anrt the project virstalled
committee debated the
seJection in

clo~ed

session for

hours Tuesday before
~
:ueny, A subcommitintPrviPwPrl the archltectural rinns Ort. 6.
A1sn cnn~idrred were
Wilson/Legat Architects,

announced in about a month

Kenosha:

whether the two projects will be
moved up on the priority Jist.
In a related matter, the resurfacing of Highway 31, from
Highway 142 north to Highway ll
in Racine County, should be completed by Aug. 15, DOT officials
said.
The work, which began July 9,
will not close 31. However, traffic is being slowed in construc-

Schloemer
Associa!es Inc.,
Milwaukee: Plunkett Keymar
Reginato Architects, Milwauker::. rhe Zimmerman Design
Group . Milwaukee, and Potter
Lawson Rt Pawlowski Inc_,

tion areas.

St:pr"·vJ:<or Rober! Pitts made
F•ndPn recommending
.kuenv
"I~ the overall picture, I felt
the firm of Boh Kueny could do
H1e job and if a person can do the
job,
outside the comsaid.
Surwrvisor Lawrence Negri
sair! nn critPrlB was f'StHblished

·Graef,

Anhalt.

Madl~nn.

Committee Chairman Mark
Wisnefsld said all were qualified
could not reach an
cm~scnsus.

the

q, ;7-S·b

f!w f

A new bridge deck h; ln the works on
Hlgbwoy 50 and County Hlghway W In
Wheatland. Construction began two
months q:o and involved moving County
W 200 feet east. The next ste~ Is to remove

the pavement where tbe road l!lat dong the
river. Traffic will not be !dlected by the
construction, uld highway commlsshmer
Gene A. Scharfenorlh.
(E. A. Raettig P]wto_i

nF~

n rdd H~C t hAd to tie from

Kenosha. But Negri said he h
not attended the interviews a
would support the committe<
choice.

"He (Kueny) had the high<
points on my (evaluation) she
regardless of where he w
from," Supervisor Charles Hu
said.
Supervisor Donald Met!•
criticized the committee's a
tion. He said the County Boa
should tell the committee what
wants to build and then the pan
should hire an architect.
"The County Board never a
thorized this committee to hi
an architect," Metten said.
Metten, former chairman
the committee, is no longer
member of the panel.
"I believe this committee w
created to study the needs
Kenosha County and Its respon>
bility is to give the boRr<l
priority Jist of things to do
Pitts responded.
"Before we can get inform
tion and get that to the board, '
have to hire someone with e
pertise and then take It to tl
board."
Pitts

sald once Kt.ll'c•nv d

veiops preliminary design plan
the architect should mnke
presentation including cost es
mates to a Committee-of·th
Whole meeting of the Coun
Board.
County Executive John Colli'
said more than $200,000 has bet
budgeted for site developmet,l
So far, no money has been sper
on the complex except for th
$100,000 purchase price of land
Collins said about $10,000 wi
be spent for Kueny's prellmlnar
work, which should be complete
by the end of the year. Th
architect's presentation to th
County Board should come earl
next year, then supervisors ca
decide if they want to procee
further with the project, Collit
said.

Hy. 50 bids
to be'9.let
't''/
4~

New Highway 50 bridge across Fox River now open. Old bridge, right, Is being demolished
f

J

'7. i

Hy. 50, C
bridges

(

~~~---------------------,r--n

open up
By JOE VAN ZANDT
Staff Writer
They're finished, and not a
moment too soon.
As of Monday afternoon,
both the brand new two-lane
bridge over the Fox River at
Highway 50 in Wheatland and
the rebuilt bridge over the
river at County Highway C in
Wilmot were opened to traffic.
Work crews from Lunda
Construction Co., Black River
Falls, had been hampered by
record rains and high water
levels in September and October but managed to get the
projects completed before the
season's first snowfall this
week.
William Fitzgerald, state
Department of Transportation
project engineer, was still at
the Highway C bridge Monday
supervising final details.
The bridge looks completely
new. It has a wider concrete
roadbed and higher, stronger.
steel rails, but the foundation
and pillars remain the same,
he said.
"This bridge was built in
1937, almost 50 years ago,"
said Fitzgerald, "but when we
inspected it, we found the
basic structure was in ex-

Traffic proceeds across rebuilt bridge on Highway C at Wilmot
cellent condition so we simply
rebuilt the top portion."
He said a few final touches
such as applying four coats of
paint to the galvanized steel
railings and painting stripes
on the pavement will wait
until spring.
A similar .situation exists
three miles north at the new
Highway 50 bridge.
DOT officials were concerned that if the asphalt approaches had not been laid by
mid-November, the work

would have to wait until the
spring thaw.
The old bridge had been
posted as unsafe for heavy
vehicles.
The new bridge and its approaches eliminate a curve on
both sides of the river, making
the accident-plagued site
much safer. A portion of County Highway W has been relocated about 100 yards to the
east of the river to eliminate a
hazardous intersection where

it meets Highway 50.
Work crews have already
begun dismantling the old
Highway 50 bridge, which is
scheduled for replacement as
part of the long-range High·
way 50 improvement plans.

The first bids will be awarded
Feb. 17 in Madison for the expansion of State Highway 50 in
Kenosha County to a four-lane,
divided highway.
The Department of Transportation plans to begin the project
with construction of a 1.4-miie
stretch in the Village of Paddock
Lake.
"Ultimately, the DOT will im·
prove Highway 50 to a four-lane
facility between State Highway
83 North and I-94," said Harvey
Shebesta, director of the DOT
Waukesha District. "The entire
improvement will be constructed over the next three
years at a cost of more than $25
million."
The first stage is the reboild·
ing of the road from a point west
of County Highway F to east of
236th Avenue in Paddock Lake.
"The existing two-lane road
consists of a 22-foot bituminous
pavement with gravel shoulders
and rural ditches," said Leslie
Fafard, Waukesha design supervisor.
More than 11,000 vehicles use
the Paddock Lake section daily.
"That causes traffic congestion and safety problems be·
cause so many vehicles are making turns in this highly commercial area," he said.
When construction is completed this fall, the Paddock
Lake section of Highway 50 will
have four 12-foot lanes; a raised
median at each end; a two-way,
14-foot left turn lane in the medi·
an through the central business
district; concrete curb and gutter; storm sewer and sidewalk.
Bids will also be let for a
Waukesha County project to construct a new ramp from westbound I-94 to northbound
Waukesha County T and modify
the westbound loop ramp to allow traffic to flow from west·
bound 1-94 to southbound County
T.
The new ramp should be completed by October.

The highway will be
widened to four lanes from
I-94 to New Munster with one
of the new bridges on Highway
50 carrying eastbound traffic
and the other handling westbound traffic.

........._

"

~

---M--.

I
hig~~~ay ids
The first stage of a plan to expand 14
miles of state Highway 50 to a four-lane
divided highway in Kenosha County will
begin this year with construction of a
1.4-mile stretch through Paddock Lake.
''Ultimately, the Department of
Transportation will improve Highway 50
to a four-lane facility from state Highway
83 (north\ easterly to Interstate 94, '' said
Harvey Shebesta, director of DOT'8
Waukesha district. ''The entire improve~
ment wiH be constructed over the next 3
years at a cost of more than $25 million.''
Bids for the first stage which involves
rebuilding 1. 4 miles of urban road, from
west of County Highway F to east of
236th Ave. in Paddock Lake in Kenosha
County,willbeopenedTuesday, Feb.!7.
"The existing two-lane road consists

be pened
of 22·foot bituminous pavemerit with
gravel shoulders and rural ditches,'· said
Les Fafard. ·waukesha district design
supervisor,
More than 11,000 vehicles use the
Paddo('k Lake section every day, he said.
''That causes traffic congestion and
safety problems because so many
vehicles are making turns in this highly
commercial area.''
\\'hen construction is completed this
fall, the Paddock Lake section of
Highway 50 will have four 12·foot lanes;
a raised median at each end; a two-way,
14-foot left-turn lane in the median
through the central business district;
concrete curb and gutter; storm sewer;
and sidewalk.

Hy. 50 work awarded

),.),?·'37
Trierweiler Construction and 50 project involves the rebuilding
Supply Co., Marshfield, was the of the road from a point west of
successful low bidder for the County Highway F to east of
first phase of the Highway 50 236th Avenue in Paddock Lake.
rebuilding project.
Ultimately, the Department of
Trierweiler, one of five bid· Transportation will improve the
ders for the 1.4-mile stretch of east-west thoroughfare from a
roadway in the Village of Pad- two-lane highway to a four-lane
dock Lake, submitted a bid of divided highway from l-94 west
$2,!45,445. The next lowest bid to Highway 83.
was $2,!58,762, submitted by
Construction of the Paddock
Mann Bros. Construction Co. of Lake section is scheduled to beElkhorn.
gin in four to six weeks, depend·
The first stage of the Highway ing on weather conditions.

Groundbreaklng ceremonies
new Paddock Lake V!Hage Hall took place
Feb. 28 ot 236tb Ave. ond 7ht St. The
4,048 squl'U'e foot bnildJng is expected to be
completed this summer. President Olga
Hoffman said thl:s was Ha long"awaited
event.. 11 Next to her is trustee Joseph

Hwy.

·rl members were
wlth t:"Ounty sopervtoor

{Diane Jahnke Photo!

c~r;~tr~ction

Road construction is expected to start
the week of April 27 on the reconstruc~
tion of state Highway 50 from Highway
75 to a point about L3 miles to the east.
The work will consist of grading, storm
sewers, gravel base, concrete base
course, bituminous surface and concrete
curb and gutter to replace the existing
two-lane road with a four-lane divided
boulevard.
The work will be performed tinder a
contract let to Trierweiler Construction
& Supply Co., Inc., Marshfield, Wis., at
: an estimated cost of $2,145,445.90.
Financing will be 100 percent by the
, State of Wisconsin from funds provided
' primarily by gas taxes.
Highway 50 will remain open with a
lane of traffic in each direction, however,
the congestion will cause occasional
inconveniences. Motorists are urged to
be aware of the flagmen and use caution
in the construction zone. It is anticipated
that this project will be completed by
about the middle of October.
Every possible effort will be made to

Kenosha New& photo by Joe Van Zandl

Power lines moved
on Highway 50

Construdlon.

Rochester.
in sttcmJruEarl Honister.

Wisconsin Eleclrlc Power Co. linemen use cherry
pickers (hydraulically operated baskets) to relocate
power line• at Brass Ball comers, Highway 50 and
75/83. A WEPCo spokesman said 81 poles in Paddock
Lake will be relocated by the end of March In preparation for the Department of Transportation to begin
wldenlnfl Highway 50 to four lanes.

begin

provide cominuous and safe in
egress to all business and r
properties during this recor:
but pedestrians and motorists
to use caution in the constructil
This is the first project o
planned to transform Hghway
I-94 from a two-lane single roa
four-lane divided highway.
result in less congestion an
safety.

Kea:cMIIa Newe pboto

Businesses open
during Hy. 50 work

From left holdlnt Duaty Dollars are Joseph
Rleaaelmann, reprenntlng the Paddock Lake
Buslneaamen'a Aaaodatlon; County Clerk John Colllna,
County Supervlaor Earl Holllater and Bualneaamen'a
Aaaoclatlon representative AI Paddock. Vlllate bualneaaea are preaentlnt Duaty Dollar certlftcatea towards
purchaaea to help compensate for cuatomen' Inconvenience during the Highway 50 reconstruction.

·g

crews work on other projects. Wht
Is It a weekend? Is It before or
working hours? Perhaps It is lunch time? school buses begin to roll, It Is going '
No, it Is tO a.m. on a Wednesday. Yet there mess, one businessman said. Acconl
is not a worker to he seen on the endre mUe Paddock lake observers, for several
or so of roadwav which Is to be the new the construction site has been prac:
State Hlghway SO through Paddock Lake. deserted, with a worker coming no
then and moving the roller around fot
Merchant~ are beginning to get worried
(Nancy P0uler
that the roadways will be left as Is while the and 1henlea"ing.

?~·!JJ

~
'\.;-

Hy. 50 project

Kenoeba News photo by Paul Williams

Machinery plows through muddy earth
beside State Highway 50 In Paddock
Lake Tuesday as work continues on the
4-Iane, divided highway project. A new 2lane road provides smooth salllng for

through traffic In either direction while
construction Is onder way on the other
side of the widened roadway. Work Is
reported on schedule and Is expected to
be completed by early November.

\
................__.

Kueny to ~esign
cott~},~Y building

~

""

By DAVE BACKMANN
Staff Writer
Kenosha· architect Robert M.
Kueny was selected by the BuildIngs and Grounds Committee
Tuesday to design the county's
•planned
office
. complex/Highway Department
, garage at highways 45 and 50.
Six firms had applied for the
job.
The county bought 43 acres on
the northeast corner of the In1
• tersection in 1984. It plans to
relocate some county offices
. there and to build a new garage
, for the Highway Department at
' the centrally located site.
Although some preliminary
design work was completed by
department heads during the
past two years, no architect was
retained and the project virtually stalled.
The committee debated the
selection in closed session for
almost ll;2 hours Tuesday before
choosin{r Kueny. A subcommittee had interviewed the architectural firms Oct. 6.
Also considered were
Wilson/Legal Architects,
Kenosha; Graef, Anhalt,
Schloemer & Associates Inc.,
Milwaukee; Plunkett Keymar
' Reginato Architects, Milwaui. kee; The Zimmerman Design
I i Group, Milwaukee, and Potter
Lawson & Pawlowski Inc.,
Madison.
Committee Chairman Mark
Wisnefskl said ail were qualified
and his panel could not reach an
immediate consensus.
Supervisor Robert Pitts made
the motion recommending
Kueny.
"In the overall picture, I felt
the firm of Bob Kueny could do
the job and if a person can do the
job, why go outside the community?" Pitts said.
Supervisor Lawrence Negri
said no criteria was established
that the architect had to be from

Kenosha. But Negri said he had
not attended the Interviews and
would support the committee's
choice:
"He: (Kueny) had the highest
points on my (evaluation) sheet
regardless of where he was
from," :Supervisor Charles Huck
·said.
Supervisor Donald Metten
criticized the committee's action. He said the County Board
should tell the committee what It
wants to build and then the panel
should hlre an architect.
"The County Board never authorized this committee to hire
an architect," Metten said.
Metten; former chairman of
the committee, Is no longer a
member of the. panel.
"I belie\oe this committee was
created to study the needs of
Kenosha C~unty and Its responsibility Is io give the board a
priority ll~t of things to do,"
Pitts responded.
"Before we can gt•t Information and get that to the board, we
have to hire someone with expertise and ·then take it to the
board."
'
Pitts said once Ku<Emy develops preliminary design plans,
the a'rchitec't should m~1ke a
presentation Including cost estimates to a · Commlttee-o.f'-theWhole meeting of the County
Board.
County Exe¢utive Johit CoU~ns
said more than $200,000 has be>CJI,
budgeted for ·site developmerit:
So far, no moni!Y has been sperlol
on the complex except for thl~
$100,000 purcha~e price of land.
Collins said about $10,000 will
be spent for Kueny's preliminary
work, which should be completed
by the end of the year. The
architect's presentation to the
County Board should come early
next year, then ,supervisors can
decide If they want to proceed
further with the ,project, Collins
said.

Kenollha New. photo by Jobn Soreu

New bridge
taking shape

The akeleton of the new Highway 50 bridge takea ahaJ
over the Fox River after the beama were aet laat wee
The state's conatructloit crew thla week Ia beginning I
fonn the deck for the new apan, eaat of New Munater a~
north of the old bridge. Grading Ia under way for ne
approach lanea on the weat aide and baa been co1
pleted on the eaat. Motoriata will continue to use the o.
bridge during conatructlon•

.......

_, _
..

Highway 50 J'.Jo -'if?
Project: Rebuild and widen
to four lanes between County\. 'tJ

r

The first phase of the Highway 50
renovation project Is well under way in
Paddock Lake. At top, construction on the
north end of the highway was dug out
several weeks ago and the westbound lanes
are now blacktopped. Temporarily, two·

wav traffic

wm

use the westbound lane

~hile the eastbound side, below, is being
tom up. The O\'er $2 million project to
expand Highway 50 from two to four lanes
will stretch from 1-94 to just east of Lake
Gene,·a.
(Diane Jahnke Photos l

Highway F and 236th Avenue in
the Village of Paddock take. I''
Several medians to be built
within village limits.
Cost: $2.1 million in state
money.
Date started: April 28.
Completion date: Nov. I.
Status: Seven days behind.
Started grading at Highways 75
and 83. Blacktop on south side
ripped up between County
Highway F and about 243rd
Avenue. Signals on 50 at Highways 75 and 83 have bee!) removed and replaced with fourwa stops.
Detours: None,

Highway 50 is ranked
on mr,~(-dangerous list
MADISON, Wis. (AP)- Deer
are a more common element
than intersections in traffic accidents on the state Transportation Department's list of hazard-'
ous Wisconsin highways.
About 10 miles of Highway 50
in western Kenosha County
ranked 19 on a department list of
the 19 most-dangerous sections
of two-lane highway. The list
shows multilane routes are considerably safer.
The department says factors
that make highways hazardous
include hills and curves.
About a third of the 60,000
accidents reported annually in
rural areas involve deer, the
department says.
By comparison, approximately a fourth of the 60,000 accidents
are near intersections.
Richard C. Lange, a program
development engineer, said the
department's computerized list
released a week ago shows multistate highways have an accident rate of only about a third of
that of two-lane highways.
Most of the 19 most hazardous
sections on the list are not
among the department's roadimprovement proposals for the
next six years.
The 19 sections are described
by the department as accident
prone, based on severa 1 factors
that include the number of accidents in proportion to the

cumulative mileage of vehicles.
Lange and Robert W. Bovy, a
program development supervisor, said two chief factors
were used in preparing the rankings.
One was the number of accidents per vehicle-miles traveled, and the other was a
"critical accident ratio" that
considers risk conditions. The
analysis considered accidents in
the last three years.
The list, ranked in order of
most to fewest accidents, identi·
lies the highway section and
distance in miles; the number of
accidents per 100 million vehicle
miles; the average number of
vehicles daily, and the year in
which major road improvement
is scheduled:
Wisconsin 181 between lola
and Symco, 10.3 miles, 616 accidents, 820 vehicles, no work year
scheduled.
Wisconsin 133 in Grant and
Iowa counties, 21.7 miles, 559
accidents, 1,150 vehicles, none.
Wisconsin 80 between New
Lisbon and Elroy, 10.8 miles, 55!
accidents, 760 vehicles, none.
Wisconsin 118 in western Win·
nebago County, 15.2 miles, 530
accidents, 1,550 vehicles, 1993.
Wisconsin 33 west of Baraboo,
28.6 miles, 521 accidents, 2,450
vehicles, 1988.
U.S. 18 east of Jefferson, 16.5
miles, 496 accidents, 1,900 vehicles, 1991.

U.S. 18 between Portage and
Wisconsin Dells, 14.3 miles, 479
accidents, 1,900 vehicles, 1987.
Wisconsin 49 north of Berlin,
22.7 miles, 469 accidents, 1,450
vehicles, 1988.
Wisconsin 78 from Mount
Horeb to near Portage, 49 miles,
449 accidents, 1,400 vehicles,
1990.
Wisconsin 144 between U.S. 41
and Random Lake, 19 miles, 430
accidents, 2,600 vehicles, 1988.
Wisconsin 52 east of Wausau,
21.8 miles, 419 accidents, 1,050
vehicles, 1990.
Wisconsin 92 from Belleville
to Brooklyn, 10.6 miles, 396 accidents, 780 vehicles, none.
U.S. 12 from Menomonie to
Woodville, 18.6 miles, 384 accidents, 1,600 vehicles, 1993.
Wisconsin 83 from North Lake
to St. Lawrence, 15.6 miles, 381
accidents, 2,300 vehicles, 1991.
Wisconsin 37 between Eau
Claire and Alma, 36.5 miles, 375
accidents, 1,550 vehicles, 1990,
Wisconsin 72 Elmwood to
Downsville, 10.6 miles, 374 acci·
dents, 900 vehicles, 1989.
U.S. 45 New London to near
Appleton, 14.7 miles, 340 accidents. 6,000 vehicles, 1987.
U.S. 45 Shawano County, 33.3
miles, 317 accidents, 3,050 vehicles. 1991.
Wisconsin 50 western Kenosha
County, 10.1 miles. 278 accidents, 6,000 vehicles, 1988.

.J'- 3L1 - '8/

Kenooba N.,.. pboto

Construction on Highway 50 east of Paddock Lake

--..._,
~

~

....

____

,

Editorials ......... .
Horizon .................... 12,13
Local News ............. 5~8-10
Sports ...................... 15-18
Television) movi~s ....... 19

Cen1ent

in return for the
no contest plea.

Second-degree murder does not
involve the intent to kill.
Assistant District Attorney

Frank Parise asked for the max~
imum sentence on each charge,

is

S(J/.

Keno1>ha News photo by John Soren8en

Construction workers pour concrete Tuel'!day In Paddock Lake - the first leg of a long-awaited Highway 50 widening project

Construct ion of tht' :sec:nv·
(t:ontirmed

I

Laying of pavement
marks project progress
with

wers
;day.
Rmr.

Jstly
howight.

,'Wll

ZONES !l, !4 Mostly
cloudy with chance for showers and thunderstorms. Lows
in the mid 60s. Variable winds
;; to 12 mph Rain chance 50
percent. Mostly cloudy with a
continued chance for showers
and thunderstorms Thursday.
Highs in the low 80s. Rain

ashore

in

Louisiana

uced

Monday,

Wyolows

Rain was forecast from South
Dakota through the Plains and

1tral

the upper Mississippl Valley
into Texas.

~hiJe

ided
ave.

s re
cold
outh

"ado
1rth-

eve-

In the Southeast, storm activitv was expected to be heavlest today from northern Flori~
da across southern Alabama
and through most of Mississippi, National Weather Service
forecaster _Hugh Crowther
said.

The

wet

weather

was

a

hall
ows
lghJere

breath of relief for Alabama,
where seven deaths have been
blamed on the heat thls sum-

foot

storms Tuesday lowered tem~
peratures. anrl
health officials to
alert for the southern twothirds of the state.
Tropical storm Arlene, the
first of the season. popped up

tunto
the
f a
me

mer

Showers

and

li!Ur:suay.

that set his brother ablaze w•d
that lt stili is unclear- hO''J; t~
fire began,

Highs in the low to mid 80s.
through Sunday - A
chance for thunderstorms each
Warm with highs in the
north to the upper 80s and
low 90s south, Lows in the 60s
north to the upper 60s and low
70s south.

"At best, he wanted to scare''

Joseph after
their argument,
Mason said,
"He did not
want to hurt
him." The de-

fense

Wyoming

lWS llSed
quietly

i/\(JJ1Ue1;:>LUIHJ~

thunder~

over

the

western

attornev

suggested a

10-

year prison
term.
B a s t i a n

J. Figura
agreed that what happened may
never be known. He noted that
Gerald Figura had never beer. :10
trouble with the law. exccuc for
driving offenses I'"1 1at-2rf to the
fact he was unable i.v get a
license because of his illiteracy.

Atlantic

and chugged eastward
with
mph winds, but posed
no threat to the United States,
accordmg to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
At 9:30 p.m. Kenosha time,
the center of Arlene was about
400 miles west-southwest of
Bermuda. It was moving east
northeast around 17 mph.

The judge said Figura had a
40-year worlt record and was
characterized by employers and
even his own family as "quiet,
hard-working, nice."

Forecaster Gil Clark said the
storm's 50 mph winds, with
stronger gusts In squalls, could
hit BPrmuda with thunderM
storms, heavy showers and
squalls.

Basthn noted that even the
victir:r:, after the fire had severe~
lv
him. told officers that
his
had been drunk and
that he did not wish to prosecute

C'lork said he did not expect
him
Arlene to reach hurricane
In sentencing Figura to less
strength or turn toward the
than the recommended terms.
United Slates. A storm system
Bastian
said he did not believe
ls c!ns."if!ed as a tropical storm 1
when its winds reach 39::Jph the defendant would get into
trouble again and that he showed
and a r:_urricane when its. winds
remorse for what happened to
resch 14 mph.
his brother

I

(Continued from page one)

drea said, "and apparently that

phase- the stretch ''etween l-94
and 236th Avenue just east of
Paddock Lake --· is to begin next
April
State Sen. Joseph Andrea said
Monday that DOT District Di-

was more of an incentive."
The senator said that he anU
Rep. Cloyd Porter urged the
DOT to include penalty clauses
in future local highway contracts so similar delays are

rector

avoided.

Harvey

Shebesta

in~

dicatt>d that contracts lor the
next llighway 50 paving project
viii be let in January.
.\ndrea said Shebesta told him
60 percent of the property
needed for that project has already been purchased by the
state. N~gotiations for another
10 percent of the right of way are

under wav
Pre>eat plans call

third 0hase -

for

the

from west of the

·"::;age to the point where HighW't''i 83 turns north from 50- tO
IJe completed the following year.
Under negotiation with

prop~

erty owners is 90 percent of the
needed right of way from Paddock Lake to County Highway B.
From B westward, the right of
way is still being appraised.
Trierwei1Ar Construction Co,,
Marshfield, :s doing the road
work through Paddock Lake
from Brass Ball Corners. at
Hi~hway 75, east to 236th Aventle

Andrea said Shebesta told him
the project was delayed several
weeks because the contractor
had pulled workers off the job to
complete a project in northern

Wisconsin.
"That job carrled a pena.lty
clause for the contractor." ATl-

Andrea said DOT officials told
him that future construction delays could occur at the complex
intersection at Highway 50 and
l-94, where rerouting of frontage
roads is planned, and at the
corner of 50 and U.S. Highway
45.
Work on the Fox River bridge,
scheduled to begin July 20, has
been postponed until Aug. 17,
Schultz said, because the low
bidder for the job took longer
than expected to complete pre-

construction

contract

stipu~

Ia t>ons with the DOT.
Included in the reconstruction
plans, Schultz said, are removal
of the deck and girders, and the
reinforcement and strengthen~
1ng of abutments and piers. The
final step is installation of new
pre~stressed concrete girders,
deck and guardrails.
Although the project will get
started a month late, Schultz

said, there is no reason the work
should not be completed and the
bridge reopened before winter.
Otherwise, motorists will con~
tinue detouring two miles south
to toe County Highway C bridge
or twr• miles north to the Highway 50 bridge until spring.

Workman watches a sea of

The cement is smoothed and grooves are made to provide a be!telo bas<;

~he a!!~llmlt

topping

Zf'J

Raci

inter to widen

0

:_.--"-tL~-,~,.~

f

I

!

By DON JENSEN

Staff Writer
Although behind schedule,
Highway 50 widening
through the Village of
Lake could still be ccmpleted

tion open to Highway 8:~/ 75 traf
fie, he noted, concretP

st 1l!Ction technique that hf<.::, be~
recenl

there, for a distance

says.
''Cone rete makes a super
ba-.,e:' he notes. "strong and
Bur its surface can~

feet, must be done

small sections,
severa I days.

the east-

of bltuminc:us

surfacing w:ll be laicL Sometimrtoward the end of the Labor l
week,
traffic will

rerouted onto

<;;trrtch ot

highway through Pad dod-\. Lnke
and the paving proceclurr \viH be
duplic.ate-cl for lhP two
bound lanes, witiJ grading, con
crete paving, ci.lrbs and gutters

and
the state project to
way 50 from J-94 to
New Munster,

lanes will receive a final top
coating of blacktup to complete
the job.

a

about 13 miles
Construction of
phase of the project, !tiC
way from 236th Avenue to
scheduled to begin next
Present plans call for tbP
phase, from Brass Ban tc
point where
north from
completed the
Two-way traffic has been

a time
Those new lanes were poured
with nine inches of concrete

about two weeks ago, Skory said
that the curbs and gutters for

those eastbound lanes were completed Friday_
Because of the necessity of
keeping the Brass Ball intersec-

''I don't think we c-nn ever
make up the
weeks the
project is behind." Skory sald
"And we lost ;;mol her rwo and a
half work
this wPek be~
cause of the
But J stlll (hlnk
we shoulcl finish it hefore win

ter."

the new Highway 50,
ctown the line, the
s of deteriorating
will be ground off and
A new blacktop layer
be laid on top of the sturdy
concrete base, providing a high~
as good as new.
be a more expensive
ion method ori»
Lindstrand says, "but
1s
and better over the
long
II the state had opted merely
for 21 concrete highway, evenwhen resurfacing is
it would be blacktoppe_d,
bw 'd11s would
the ofi~
gina\ concrete
and gut·
ters, causing drainage prob·
iE'ms

"With thts construction meth-

Blacktopping a
layer on top of

renewt>d. Bituminous, on
ttw ~1ther hand, is smooth and
rnakes u grem highway surface,
l_mt it doesn't last as long."

1:1

-r.tnc-indJ cf'n

crete base is a highwu<y con-

od, the curbs and gutters are
:nned with the blacktop layer

mind, Evetything lines up,"

I /

!

236th Aven~;,-- just enst uf
village, by Nov, 15,
The work Is the first
the state project to
way 50 from 1-94 to

New Munster, a
about 13 miles,
Construction of the seconrl
phase of the project. the
way from 236th A venue t<>
scheduled to begin next
Present plans call for t!vc
phase, from Brass Ball w
point where
north from
completed the followmg y<'aL
Two-way trafflc has been

lanes will receive a final top
coating of blacktop to complete
the job,
"I don't think we can ever
make up the four 1,veek.s the
project is behind,"
saic1
"And we lost anolher
and ::
half work
this \VCf'k be·

cause of the
Those new lanes were poured
with nine inches of concrete
about two weeks ago, Skory said
that the curbs and gutters for

those eastbound lanes were completed Friday,
Because of the necessity of
keeping the Brass Ball intersec-

But l stil;

we should finish it

b(-~fore

win-

ter."
Blacktopping a tllree·lnch
layer on
of a ninr<nch concrete base
highway con~

,, lr may be a more expensive
construction method oriLindstrand says, "but
and better over the
long
it the state had opted merely
for a concrete highway, evenwhen resurfacing is
it would be blacktoppe_d,
but thb would
the ofiM
gina! concrete
and gutx
ters causing drainage prob!Pms.
«With this construction method, the curbs and gutters are
mned with the blacktop layer
mind. Everything lines up,"

the cement work

I

-"" _..,.,

l'i ,g 7
Cement was poured last w~'ek on the
Highway 50 eastbound lanes. The gaps
should he In by this week and the next step
is the blacktopping, saJd foreman Fred
Sai'JS -of Trlerw2i!er Construction and
Supply Inc,~ Ms.l'shfield. The project was

_

delayed because the wor'kers have other
projects going. A rumor in the vutage that
they were on strike Is false, Sass sald. The
highway project Jn Paddock Lake 1 expaml·
ing the two-lane road fnto four lanes Is
expeeted to be complete hy Ot•t()her.

on
Businessmen's Dusty

Wheeler
Wheeler added that the
t.ht?rf' is some doubt

0.re
cnn'n wiJl move lo the mher side befor.P
winter set.-,; in. "lf that happens, we wi!l
m
''he added
manager

the

sen'1Ce

station said that business ''las
somewhat
out the station also went through an island
renovation which would have cut into
business without the construction, so it was
hard to gauge.
Ca. thy Krueger, manager of the Brick Oven

Bakery, said that business was down about
25 percent but added that when the weather
is bad there was some added business from
the construction workers.
Brick Ovens has been giving customers
who overcome the construction mess
special free cookie. "We're okay now but the
aftermath after the highway is completed,
when the traffic goes speeding right by might
hurt us more," she said.
Business at the Edelweiss Cafe is down
about 30 percent and Laurie Creaney from
the Brass Ball Restaurant reported that their
business was off about 30 percent. "We only
have one entrance off of Hwy. 83 which is a
nuisance. You can't see the other one
because all the trucks are in the way.·'

,,

___

Cleared for Hy. 50

Pegged post-and-beam construction
of the 19th century is visible as Salem
firefighters burn a l 00-year-old barn
in Paddock Lake to make way for
widening Highway 50, Leone Huntoon, whose family has lived at Brass
Bail Corners since Its early days, said
!he barn was used as a s!able for the

house directly west of H. II wns d"molished recently as well. The
erty, at the northeast corner of
ways 50 and 83/75, was owned
Burgess family and later
Hartnell before It was
in!<>
office space for !he Keith ,Jolm•on
Realty.

Hy. 50 work
to finish up
by~IJter

q

-~~ 1-

7

Construction equipment creates a traffic .lam on Highway 50 in P"<iriork

By DAVE HACKMANN
Staff Writer
The district director for the
Wisconsin Department of Transportation said today he will permit asphalt paving work to continue beyond Thursday's fail
deadline so the Highway 50 rebuilding project in Paddock Lake
can be completed before winter.
Harvey Shebesta said paving
contractor Payne Dolan,
Waukesha, can pave with temperatures above 35 degrees.
Village of Paddock Lake officials, Sen. Joseph Andrea, DKenosha, and Rep. Cloyd Porter,
R-Burlington, had asked
Shebesta and DOT Secretary
Ronald Fiedler to extend the
deadline.

Concerns were raised that if
the finish coat of the 1.4-mile
section in Paddock Lake was not
laid this fall, ice would build up,
temporary

paving

around

manholes would be damaged by
snow plows, the concrete curb

would be chipped and the road
would be rough to motorists.
Andrea said today he is concerned that the general contractor for the Highway 50 project.
Trierweiler

Construction

and

Supply Co., Marshfield, has been
awarded too many DOT contracts this year and could not
complete its road-building work
in Paddock Lake. Payne Dolan is
the paving subcontractor.

Shebesta said Trierweiler has
been busy with other projects
but is within the limit of jobs
allowed by the DOT. Excessive
rainfall this summer slowed
area road-building projects.
Shebesta said.
The contract between DOT
and Trierweiler does not contain
a completion date, Shebesta
said.

Officials seek ,,~~tension. for Hy. 50'· Paving
V1llage of Paddock officials
are asking the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to extend
its fall deadline for paving finish
coats of blacktop, to allow completion of the Highway 50 rebuilding project before winter.
The deadline for applying finish layers of asphalt to all paving
projects statewide is Thursday.
DOT officials have said they
will not pay next spring to repair
any finish layers of asphalt that

~

.

r

~ ,.,_~

are poured after the deadline and
damaged by winter conditions,
The cost would have to be paid
solely by the paving contractor,
Payne Dolan, Waukesha.
Village Public Works Director
Keith Lindstrand said today that
Village President Olga Hoffman
wrote a letter Saturday urging
an extension to DOT official,
Dan Kastenholz, who is responsible for setting the fall deadline,

the back door

L 1n d strand des c n bed
Thursday's deadline as "arbitrary." He said Payne Dolan
officials already hav" said th~y
won't pay any pavmg repa1r
costs.
The Highway 50 rebuilding
project covers 1.4 miles within
the village. A concrete base,
curbs and gutters and f1rst layer
of blacktop has been poured in
eastbound lanes.
A final layer of blacktop can

be poured m those lanes only
when the westbound Janes also
are ready for a finished coat,
Lindstrand said, The concrete
base is only now being poured for
the westbound lanes.

road, temporary pavmg around
manholes will be damaged by
snow plows, the curb will be
chipped, the road will be rough
to motorists and the project will
appear unfinished.

Lindstrand estimated all paving could be completed by the
end of this month. weather permitting.

State Sen. Joseph Andrea, DKenosha, and Rep. Cloyd Porter,
R-Burlington, also have sent letters to DOT officials explaining
the village·s problem and asking

He said if a finished coat is not
applied, ice will build up on the

for an extension

Paddock lake

The back entrance to businesses on tbe north stde of Htghwfly 50 !n Paddock Lake is
pe~nceful and easy to reach by following the slgnfi! which point the way from Highway K
down the udooble lene" f248th Street] to 74th Street. The a!tematJve lsllnlng up during
rush hours and then stopping to make a tum Into a drive, hoping B driver going the other
y wtu let you through. Even when It is not msh bonr, the front entrances are Nlmo&t

pre~eded wU.b a dip into rutted dirt or grRvel. In the past month, the constroctlon

hM been going at a feverish pace with crews working 6 days s week trying to catch up on
wotk delayed when they were working on another project. The shove macbint'l WM

blocking the tum Into 236th Avenue as the workers prepared the hme fov paving. The
deadline for ponrlng asphalt h .. been extended ond the hope Is th•t It can be !lnlohed.
before .Qevere cold weather sets ln.

Owo

1\iD

1'-/.2

By ARLENE JENSEN
Staff Writer
PADDOCK LAKE - By the
end of this week, the motoring
public will be allowed to travel
on all four lanes of the newly
constructed Highway 50 through
the village of Paddock Lake.
The $2.1 million reconstruction project that has disrupted
village traffic for six months is
in final stages. Blacktopping was
to be completed Thursday, according to engineers, and only
mop-up work remains.
For ·the first time since early
summer, all cars are on the
proper side of the road, said
Public Works Director Keith
Lindstrand.
The project means more than
just a new main highway for
Paddock Lake, said Lindstrand.

/It

'ir?

Beside four lanes where there
used to be two, the vlllage has
new sidewalks, new-streetlights,
a sewer extension out to Brass
Ball Corners and an increase in
the storm sewer network under
the highway.
The work in Paddock Lake is
the first phase of a project that
will ultimately cost $25 million
and create a 4-lane highway
from Kenosha west to the point
where Highway 83 turns north
from Highway 50.
Come spring 1988, attention
will turn to Phase 2, a 7Y,-mile
stretch from Paddock Lake east
to l-94 and a two mile section
west of the village to County
Highway B.
Phase 3, set for 1989, includes
reconstruction of the three miles
from Highway B west !o 83

ending in Padd
North and resurfacing the portion of Highway 50 from Hy. 83
west to Highway 12.
Elmer Schultz, area construction supervisor for the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation,
said the Paddock Lake project,
which includes four 12-foot-wide
lanes, wound up about two weeks
behind schedule.
The contract called for completion by the end of October but,
said Schultz, "We had weather
delays. We added more work to
the contract, and there were
times when the contractor was
dragging his feet because he had
other jobs to finish."
Workers poured eight inches
of concrete for the Paddock Lake
section, topped with three inches
of blacktop. The remainder of
Highway 50 will be just concrete,

Kenosha

?(-"'?

Hy. 50 ceremony

nine inches thick.
Schultz said the blacktop is
used in populated areas because
it makes a smoother, quieter
surface.
DOT real estate agents are
busily acquiring right of way for
Phase 2 now, said Schultz. Contracts are expected to be let in
early January and construction
to start in April.
Four contracts will be Jet. two
for mainline construction - the
long expanses of road - and two
more for l-94 related projects
such as the relocation of frontage roads at the intersection.
Schultz said Highway 50 will
not be closed during construction.
Like Paddock Lake, where one
half of the highway was open at
all times, the rest of the project
will be handled in a similar

State Sen. Joseph Andrea, left, addresses onlookers at a ceremony Sunday
celebrating the official opening of State
Highway 50, which has been reconstructed In the Village of Paddock
Lake. Olga Hoffman, village president,
second from left, and County Executive
John Collins, center, are among the

Newt~

photo by Orlan Paaslno

officials gathered to take part in the
ceremony as Collins son, Adam, 5, plays
in the loose dirt at the construction site
at highways 50 and 83. The work Is the
first phase In construction of a 4-lane
Highway 50 extending from 1-94 to a
point just east of New Munster In the
Town of Wheatland.

~

Ceremony to
The new Paddock Lake s1
lion of Highway 50 will
officially opened at I p.m. St
day in ceremonies at Bn
Ball Corners, the intersecti
of Highways 50 and 83.

Paddock Lake Village Pre
dent Olga Hoffman said v
lage, county and state officii
have been invited to attend t
event which marks completi
of 1.4 miles of 4-iane highw
through the village
Speeches and a ribboncct

manner,

Although the village secti•
was built with curb and gutte

f(,f_2.

e
g
,,
y

h
:·
d
.s
,s
y

"t?

Beside four lanes where there
used to be two, the village has
new sidewalks, new-streetlights,
a sewer extension out to Brass

Ball Corners and an increase in
the storm sewer network under
the highway.
The work in Paddock Lake is
the first phase of a project that
will ultimately cost $25 million
and create a 4-lane highway
from Kenosha west to the point
where Highway 83 turns north
from Highway 50.
Come spring 1988, attention
will turn to Phase 2, a 7\li-mile
stretch from Paddock Lake east
to I-94 and a two mile section
west of the village to County
Highway B.
Phase 3, set for 1989, includes
reconstruction of the three miles
from Highway B west to 83

ndin
North and resurfacing the portion of Highway 50 from Hy. 83
west to Highway 12.
Elmer Schultz, area construction supervisor for the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation,
said the Paddock Lake project,
which includes four 12-foot-wide
lanes, wound up about two weeks
behind schedule.
The contract called for completion by the end of October but,
said Schultz, "We had weather
delays. We added more work to
the contract, and there were
times when the contractor was
dragging his feet because he had
other jobs to finish."
Workers poured eight inches
of concrete for the Paddock Lake
section, topped with three inches
of blacktop. The remainder of
Highway 50 will be just concrete,

0
nine inches thick.
Schultz said the blacktop is
used in populated areas because
it makes a smoother, quieter
surface.

DOT real estate agents are
busily acquiring right of way for
Phase 2 now, said Schultz. Contracts are expected to be let in
early January and construction
to start in ApriL
Four contracts will be let, two
for mainline construction - the
long expanses of road - and two
more for 1-94 related projects
such as the relocation of frontage roads at the intersection.
Schultz said Highway 50 will
not be closed during construction.
Like Paddock Lake, where one
half of the highway was open at
all times, the rest of the project
will be handled in a similar

Keno&ha News photo by Brian Paasino

mony

State Sen. Joseph Andrea, left, addresses onlookers at a ceremony Sunday
celebrating the official opening of State
Highway 50, which has been reconstructed in the Village of Paddock
Lake. Olga Hoffman, village president,
second from left, and County Executive
John Collins, center, are among the

officials gathered to take part In the
ceremony as Collins son, Adam, 5, plays
In the loose dirt at the construction site
at highways 50 and 83. The work Is the
first phase In construction of a 4-lane
Highway 50 extending from 1-94 lo "
point just east of New Munster In the
Town of Wheatland.

k

Ceremony to open new Hy.
The new Paddock Lake section of Highway 50 will be
officially opened at ! p.m. Sunday in ceremonies at Brass
Ball Corners, the intersection

of Highways 50 and 83.
Paddock Lake Village President Olga Hoffman said village, county and state officials
have been invited to attend the
event which marks completion
of L4 miles of 4-lane highway
through the village.
Speeches and a ribbon-cut-

manner.

Although the village section
was built with curb and gutter,

ting ceremony will be followed
by refreshments at the Brass
Ball Restaurant.
Public Works Director Keith
Lindstrand said the village is

trying to figure out how to
perform a ribbon-cutting cere,

mony in the middle of the
highway.
"We actually intend to
a ribbon across the road,"
Lindstrand, "but we d.on'r

to stand there

long"

the remainder will not have it. A
50-foot median will separate east
and westbound lanes.

I !r 'tf 7
As cars were prohibited from entering the right tum lane of
the east-bound traffic at Brass Ball Comers, Paddock Lake,
President Olga Hoffman cut the ribbon officleily opening the
hrnnd new four-lane divided Highway 50 ~- For
approximately 6 months, traffic hu been sn&!"led M the roadway
was under con!!ltruct!on through the village. With Hoffman were
dignitaries [not In order} state Sen. Joseph Andrea: Department

of Tr.!lln§pol'ta.tlon Dlstrlct 2 Director, Harvey ShebemUa; Kenos!l~
County Executive John ColHna; Cotmty IDghw~~ty Commissioner,
Gene A. Scharfenorth; County Supervisor, Earl HoHisten
buslnetis representative, John C1olfi; Paddock Lake Public Works
Director Keith Undstro.nd; prime rent:mctot, Ted Trlerweiler of
Trierweiler C'onstrnctlon and Wslly Gfelfu.ss of Men Brothern
Cement.
(Nancy Pouter Photo)

•

officiall
PADDOCK LAKE - Motorists have
heen using a !I four Janes of new Hwy. 5Q
in Paddock Lake all this week.
Blacktopping was almost completed
at press time and then the $2 million
highway widening and reconstruction
will be over in Paddock Lake except for
some cleanup work.
An official highway opening
ceremony is set to take place at Brass
Ball Corners at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov.
22.
After six months of traffic bedlam
and interruption since the highwa:
bisects Paddock Lake's commercia
community. not only does the
have a btand spanking nE
highway running through it.
sewe:r network under the new
hRs been made larger and ext
the wav to Brass BaH Corners at the
intersE<-~tion of !fwy:;, g;{ and 50,

1!-),C '5'/

Residents can now walk on sidewalks
along Hwy. 50 and new street lights will
make that stroll a safer one at night.
With the Paddock Lake section of
Hwy. 50 now complete. Phase 2 of what
will ultimately cost $25 million and
mean the completion of a new four-lane
highway from Kenosha to Lake
f'J"€neva, WiD begin in S"Pfing<
lt will mean the reconstruction of the
highway for another seven miles from
Paddock Lake east to Hwy. I-94 and

also west for two more miles to Hv.'y. B
outside of Silver Lake.
Although the Paddock LakB _
was tn be finl5hed by the end of
tober. the finish line was reached two
\veeks l.au:: hecause of "bad weather.
additional work and other com ..
mittmems of the construction company.

en unda

isto

is

b.r1

BY GREG SAUCERMAN
The old Jackson house on the
northe.ast corner of the intersection of
highways 50 and Din Bristol has been
the scene of much activity lately.
Archaeologists from the Great Lakes
Archaeological Research Center are

literally digging up the past on this
ancient farmhouse.
The house, one of the first framed
structures erected in the county, was
built in 1835 by Andrew Jackson. It was
used as a tavern and boarding house
and sometimes a church for travelers on
Geneva Road. Andrew's two brothers,
Frisbee and Northrup, built a store and a

51

Q aug

settlement became known as Jacksonville.
In 1837 a meeting was held in the
tavern to est.:'lblish a mail route from
Southport (Kenosha). The town had to
be given an official name and it was
voted to name the town Bristo1 after
Rev. Ira BristoL It was decided that the
post office would be in the tavern and
Andrew Jackson the first postmaster.

In the 1850s, when the railroad was
built, the town of Bristol grew fast down
by the depot, and the original settlement
of Jacksonville would be an but
forgotten over the years. Later the
(Continued on Page 14)

blacksmith shop nearby and this little

Archaeologists
l-.nilding was used as a farmhouse.
Archaeologists are workjng fast to
"Gty and uncover the fascinating history
of this bui1ding. They can te11 a lot about
our area's past just by finding objects in
the ground that our ancestors threw
away or lost. A piece of fine porcelain
was discovered at the site, Dec. 12,
which indicated that at one time
someone wealthy occupied the home or
that when it was used as a boarding
house, wealthy travelers must have used
the road to be offered such fine luxuries.
"The best places to get information
about the past are trash piles, privies,
and old wells," claims John Wackman,
the leader of this project.
This week they plan to start digging

in the well. Wells often held many
artifacts after they dried up. People
would often dump garbage in them and
later fill them up with dirt.
The archaeologists also like to study
the method in which the well was built.
In the old days wells had to be dug by
hand, some as deep as 380 feet or more.
The methods used in this area are not
t.oo well known. They have already
detennined that at one time a new
foundation and an nddition was put on
the house.

(Continued from Front Page)

Because they can only work till the
first snow cover, work ceased with tLe
Dec. 15 blizzard. Around February the
bulldozers plan to come through,
preparing the way for the new

Highway 50. The house might have
already been leveled by the Department
of Transportation, but it is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
This is how the archaeologists found the
site,
Matt Nolan of Twin Lakes has also
taken a personal interest in the building.
He p1ans on purchasing the house and
moving it 5 miles west to a site in

Paddock Lake. Nolan would like to
restore the building to its original
condition. His famiJy could live in it and
perhaps in the future, turn it into a
travelers' inn, which is what it was first
used for 1 he said.
The mover, phone company and
electric company (for moving the power
lines across the highway) are all set. But
Nolan is having trouble with financing.
Banks are reluctant to loan money on
projects like this. He has until February
to get the funds to move the old
Jacksonville home~ or else it will become
another victim of the progress on
Highway 50.

liighway
extension
a year away
By DAVE BACKMANN
1/<6 <; 7 Staff Writer
By Thanksgiving next year,
the 2.!-mile extension of County
Highway Q in Pleasant Prairie
should be completed, the
county·s Highway and Parks
Committee learned Wednesday.
Michael Duckett, a consulting

engineer. said bids for the ·$5.2
million project will be let ln two
stages beginning March !5.
D>Jckett is employed by the
Milwaukee-basE'd engineering
firm ol Howard Needles Tam
men & Bergendoff.
The extension will provide
LakeView Corporate Park with
easy access to I-94 and create a

direct route between Highway 31
and 1-94. The new road is considered vital to the industrial
park's development.
Duckett said one stage of the
bidding will involve road construction. The other involves

building two bridges.
He said road construction
should begin May 2, Construction
of a bridge over the Soo Line
railroad tracks wi II start the
first week in June. Work on the
other bridge, spanning the Des
Plaines River, wlJl begin in enrly
July, Duckett said.
The Q extension should be

open by late November next
yearc
A curved route ls planned for
the extension so that most
wetlands ln the area will not be
disturbed, said Lewis Dixon. senior land use planner for WisPark
Corp., the Wisconsin Energy
Corp_ subsidiary developing the

park.
The extension initially will be

as a two-lane road. Plans allow
expansion to four lanes as traffic

increases.
Kenosha County ls borrowing
$606,000 next
as its share
tow<ird
the extension.
WisP ark Js contributtng $L8 rr.il·
lion and the state Department of
Transportation, $L5 million.
,.fhe
also is
for
$L3 million
complete the project.
County Executive John Collins
told the committee lt Is unl
the federal
will

all the
million. Therefore,
the county should be ready to pav
the difference. he sa in
The committee recommended
a resolution that commits the
to the 0
The

m will 'go

the

O·unty Board Tuesday,
1\

section

the resolution

states that if LakeView Park
does not develop, the county will
be reimbursed and he <ill owed to
keep ownership of the roarl

WisPark officials estimate the
park will ere ate 7.OOC tc 12,000
jobs over the next Fl to 15
Dixon said the Des I
bridge will cause the river to
back up
floodplain to

enlargln2: its

flood stage. the expectecl
will raise the r1ver level about
inch at a
north of
where the

some 100 feer
bridge. to 6 inches
river- flows undt>r
Dixon ~;ald.

easements
building on
floodplein area,
An informational
those
owners ls
uled
Dec . .J at the
Pleasant
Town HalL
Pleasant Pralrie Administrawr

Michael Po!locoff said the
erty owners wlli
the meeting,

1-94-Highway 50
air quality a9dressed

By JIM ROHDE f } fi,~"'===
Staff Writer
BRISTOL- Concern over air
"Bristol is ripe for dequality at the Highway 50/1-94
velopment, which is
intersection resulted in a meet~
ing Monday between state and
why we are here toBristol officials.
day
. ... Anything you
James Rickerr, Department
can do to move the
of Natural Resouces, Bureau of
Air Quality Management, said
traffic away from
I he slate is concerned with meet-

ing federal standards regarding

carhon monoxide pollution at the

Highway 50/1-94 interchange.
Citing the Factory Outlet Centre and the future Bristol Mills
development, Rickerr said,
"Bristol is ripe for development,
which is why we are here today."
Rickerr said state administrative rules adopted in 1975 require DNR permits for developments of 1,000 parking spaces or
more. He said the Factory Outlet
never applied for a permit prior
to its development.
Rickerr said the outlet center
was cited for the violation and
has since applied for a permit.
He said Bristol Mills, to be built
on the northwest corner, has
already been given a permit for
a total of 6,600 parking spaces.
3en. Joseph Andrea asked
\Vhether the owners of the Fac-

tory Outlet would be fined especially since the development recently changed ownership.
Rickerr said he couldn't say
whether a penalty would be imposed.
"Ignorance to the Jaw ls no
excuse," Rickerr said.
''I'm just as concerned with
air quality. I believe in clean
air," Andrea said, "but while we

Highway 50 is to your
benefit."
James Rickerr,
DNR spokesman
are concerned about air quality
in Wisconsin, it's business as

usual in Illinois."
Rickerr said the perception Is
Illinois can do any it wants,
when, in fact, the Environmental
Protection Agency is saying in
which counties development can
occur.
Bristol Town Chairman No~!
Elfering said the town wasn't
even aware of the requirement
for permits with developments
of 1,000 vehicles or more.
Andrea suggested a joint
meeting be held with representatives of the towns of BristoJ 1

Paris, Pleasant Prairie and
Somers along with officials from
the DNR and the Department of
Transportation to work on a plan

for future development along the
interstate.

Rep. John Antaramian said
plans are already in progress to
create new onoff ramps along
the interstate at County Highway
K to the north and County Highway B to the south.
"Anything you can do to move
the traffic away from Highway
50 is to your benefit," Rickerr
said.
"It boils down to either
challenging the authority of the
EPA and the DNR, or working
together to ensure continued de~
velopment in Kenosha County,

said Rep. Cloyd Porter.
E!fering said while the town

would comply with the federal
regulations,

he would discuss the

situation with the town board
regarding future planning.

"I just don't want you to kill
our growth and drive it back to
Illinois," Elfering said.
"We don't want to kill your
growth," Rickerr said. "We just
want to facilitate it while ensurg
ing dean air."

alter acceptance including the
payment to Owner of satcl
purchltse price, provided how·
ever, that, notwithstanding any
provis1on herein to the contrary,
said 60-day period may, at the

reQuest of the Owner, be extended by mutual written agree-~----~--~

\ men! of
j Purchaser

NOTICE OF

ASLI:R~~~g:~~N

the

Owner

and

I, This offer may lle withdrawn
by Purchaser at any lime prior
to its acceptance by Owner.
K. Purchaser will prepare neeessary instruments to ac·
complish said transfer. Transfer
to be by Warranty Deed unless
a le<;ser conveyance is accepted
by Purcha~er. Transfer shall be
free of aefects ~nd encumbrances but sub1ect to or·
dinances and restrictions of recora
L.lla!lpersonsorentltiesdeslg·
naled as Owner herein do not
accept this offer within the time
specifie<! herein, this offer will
be deemed to have been rejected
by aH such persons or entitles

STATE OF WISCONSIN
KENOSHA COUNTY
1n the Matter
of Acquisition
Of Real Property of Quality Controlled Egg Farm, Inc.,
Richard A French; Production
Credit Association of Elkhorn;
Burlington Consumers Cooperati~e; Spahn Enterpri~es, Inc.;
W1sconsln Department of Reven·
ue; District Director of Internal
Revpnue; Kenosha County
Treasurer
By
State of Wisconsin, Department
ol Transportation

II
I

g~':~:h~t:r;;;~~~ ~~~u~~c~~~~~:

SEC. J2.05 (<1),
WIS. STATS.
To all who':' it may concern:
Take not1ce that Stare of Wis·
cons in, Department of Transporfallon, District 2 Office, 141 N.W.
Barstow Street, P,O_ Box 649,
Wauk. esha, WI 53187, has caused
to be ~erved upon or ma~iled to

or entities.
M. included in the purchase
prke.is payment in lull for the
acqu1sll!on of the following
items now on the hereinbefore
described property;
N. This offer, if accepted by
Owner, s_hall cons mute a binding
contract

~uca:~~~ 2 C~~~~~~~~- ~~Pca~~~,r~L ~jai~ao~s~i;1~~7~~n,

60607; Richard A. French (Ad·
dress unknown); Production

Department
By: Ja~ck Hamrnond
Tltle: Real Estate Agent

53121, Burlington Consumers Cooperative, 400 North Dodge
Street, Burlington, WI 53105;
Spahn Enterprises, Inc., 131
Ciarmar Drive, Sun Prairie, WI
53590; Wisconsin Department of
Revenue, P.O. Box 8901,
Madison. WI 53708; District Di·
rector ol Internal Revenue, 517

part
of the Southeast 'lA of Section 3,
Township 1 North, Range 21
East, Town of Bristol, County of
Kenosha, State of Wisconsin,
bounded and described as fol·
lows:
Commencing at a concrete
monument marking the
Southwest corn~r of said V• Sec·

Treasurer, 912 56th Street,
Kenosha, WI 53140 as provided
in sec. 32.05 (4) Wis., Stafs., a
iurisdicfional offer, a copy of
which is hereto attached ~:~nd
incorporated herein by reference as though set forth herein
at length. That the premises al·
fected by said iurisdictional of·
fer and by the operation of sec.
32.05 (4) Wis. Slats., are de·
scribed as set forth in said at·
!ached and incorporated ofier.
. Dated November 17, 1987
I
BY: James A. Machnik

114 Section 244.041eet to the point
of beginning of the lands to be
described; thence continue north
88°21'45" East along the South
line of said 'I• Section 1,070, 1_8
feet to the Southeast corner of
t~e Southwest
of said 1/4 Sec·
t1on; thence North 02"16'09"
West along the East line of the
Southwest v~ of said If_. Section
33.00 feet to a point on the North
right of way line of State Trunk
Highway 50; thence South
88"21'45" West paral!el to the
South line of said
Section

~~~~~a~ss6~cia~l-on ef:n;rl~,ho~i

te;s~~~~~~~n~ ;:,~;tr

~:e~t ~:s~~~3;~ ~~~~~~~ M~~~~~; ~~~~ al~;;~~e ~~7hh ti~::~~~!~~

'I•

SECTION 32.05,
WISCONSIN STATUTES
State of Wisconsin, Department
of Transportation, District 2 Of·
flee, 141 N. W. Barstow street.
P.O. Box 649, Waukesha, WI
53187, Wisconsin
Date; November 17, 1987
To: Quality Controlled Egg
Farm, Inc.; Richard A. French;
Production Credit Association of
Elk-horn; Burfmgton Consumers
Cooperative; Spahn Enterprises,
Inc.; Wisconsin Department of
Revenue; District Director of
Internal Revenue; Kenosha
County Treasurer hereinafter
referred to as Owner
State of Wisconsin, Department
of Transporation, pursuant to
1Section 84.09( 2), Wisconsin Statutes.
hereinafter referred to as
Purchaser, hereby offers to
purchase a parcel of real estate
and/or rights therein in which
you own an interest all as partie~larly described on the descript1on page attached hereto, and
agrees to pay therefor the sum
ol
Six
Hunored
and
No/100($600.001 Dollars within 60
days from the acceptance of this
offer
A. The said property <1nd/ or
right.s therein as described, are
requ1red by the State of Wiscon~in for the public purpose of the
Improvement of S.T.H. 50, as
more fully described In Division
of Highways Relocation Order
dated ~une 18, 1987, a copy of
which 1s !ilea wlfh the County
Clerk of Kenosha CouMy, Wisconsin, and the State of Wiscon;;in In good faith intends to use
the above-described property for
such public purpose
B. The State of Wisconsin proposes to occupy and the Owner
will vacate the premises hereinbefore described on December 1,
1987
C Pur~uant to sec. 32.05(3)(d),
Wisconsin Statutes, the above
purcnase or ice is allocated as
follows
(a) loss of land, including lm·
provements and fixtures actual1y being acquired s600,00
(bl Damages caused by loss of
existing rights. of access \ -0{cl ~amages caused by loss of
a1r r~ghfs s -0(d) Damages caused by loss of 1'
- a legal non-conforming use s ·0·
(e) Damages resulting from ac1 tual severance of land including
damages resulting from sever; ance of improvements or fix: :ure~ and oroximity d11mage to
i

Workers lay pipe, left, and cars bypass barrels during construction on Highway 50

~~~;s~f~~tg~a;t s~~~~~~or ~?54~~2 .. '~:~~ 1~~6e~e~~; ~~~~~

'I

"-"-_,

v..

~~~~~-~e~~~~lt5s~~-mainlng

on

South 89"05'48" Wesi9J7.78 feet;
thence South 02"16'09" East paraile! with the Eastlioe of the
Southwest II• Section 46.88 feet to
the point of beginning
Also: Commencing at the
Southeast corner of the
Southwest 11.. of said '14 Section,
said point being North 88"21'45"
East 1,314.20 feet from the
Southwest corner of said lf4 Seclion; thence North 02~16'09"
West along the East line ot the
Southwest 114 of said 'I~ Section
33.00 feet to a point on the North
right of way llne of S.T.H. SO;
thence South 88Q21'45" West par·
al!el with the South line of said
1/~ Sect.lo'l 66.00 feet to the point
of ~egmning of lands to be de·
scnbed; thence continue South
88"21'45" West 34.00 feet; thence
North 07"25'23" East 20L92 feet
to a point on the West right of
way line of C.T.H. "MB";
thence South 02Q16'09" East par·
allel with the Ea~st line of the
Southwest '14 of ~aid '1-o~ Section,
along the West ngh of way tine
of said highway, 199.41 feet to
!he point of beginning. Said
tracts of land contain 1.08 acres
total, 0.82 acre of which was
previously dedicated or con·
~eyed for highway purposes.
Also, a Limited Highway
Easement for the right to con·
struct cut and/or Ill! slopes, in·
eluding for such purpose the
right to operate the necessary
equipment thereon and the righT
of ingress and egress as long !UI
required for such public
purpose, including the right to
preserve , protect, remove, or
plant thereon any vegetation
that the highway authorities
may de~m necessary or de·
sirable, m aryd to fhe following
tract of land m Kenosha County,
State of Wisconsin, described
as
That part of the Southeasl '4
of Section 3, Township 1 Nor:h,
Range 21 East, Town of Bristol,
County of Kenosha, State of Wls·
consin, bounded and described
as follows:
Commencing at a concrete
monument
marking I he
s.outhwest corner of said 'lA Sect10n; thence north 88"21'45" E&st
along !he South Une of $aid 114
Section 244.041eet; thence North
02ol6'09" West parallel with the
East line of the. Southwest 14 of
said l/4 Section 46.89 feet to the
point of beginnmg of the easement to be described; thence
continue- North 02"16'19" West
10.00 feet; thence North

gair1s two I
By ARLENE JENSEN
Staff Writer
This was the year the reconstructton of Highway 50 finally got on track. After decades of
on-again-off-again plans to improve the narrow, hilly highway
that runs the length of our county, it finally happened.
It's a $2.1 million, three-year
project that will make life a lot
easier for those motorists who
travel east and west through
Kenosha County.
The first phase, a four-lane
section through the village of
Paddock Lake, was completed in
November.
By the end of !988, there will
be four new ribbons of concrete
all the way from 1-94 to Highway
B two miles west of Paddock

Lake. The following summer,
the stretch between Highway B
and H1ghway 83 north will be
reconstructed.
Throughout the winter
months, the preparation for next
summer's construction will be
going on. First there is acquisition of right-of-way and in many
cases, purchase and demolition
of buildings that stand in the way
of the new road,
Some residents will sell their
Highway 50 property and move
away. Others will just move
their buildings back to give the
highway breathing room.

Contracts will be let in early
January and construction is expected to stan in ApriL
Four contracts will be let. two

for mainline construction ~ the
long expanses of road~ and two
more for I-94 related projects
such as the relocation of frontage roads at the intersection.

Department of Transportation
officials say Highway 50 will not
be closed during construction.
Temporary lanes will be laid to
carry traffic during construction.
!n Paddock Lake, workers
poured eight inches of concrete,
wpped with three inches of
blacktop. Blacktop is used in
populated areas because it
makes a smoother, quieter sur-

face.
The remainder of Highway 50
will be bare concrete nine inches
thick.
The highway project in Pad-

~~;~~;4B;ou;=has~ 7 Q~~~zi~ f~:~f

1157 t~et to the North right ot

, (_!) Damages to property abut-

I~~~~ t~n c~ah~~~~~YQ~~gd~t t.o"'!ay ~;Jth 11 ~~"~t4t:.T-~es~' p:~~7~~

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(g) Cost of !encino reasonably
w1th. the South line of said 11"'
ece~sary to separclte land being SectiOn 32.. 63 feet; !.hence North
acqu1red lrom remaining land, 00"54'12" West 1.86 feet; thence
less the amount allowed for tenc- Soulh 89"05'48" Wesf 937.78 feet
mg acquired under par_ (a) 1 ·0- to the pomt of beginning.
1 Compensation for additional
The above easement Is to
items ol damage listed in sec. ferm1nate upon the completion
3·2.. 19, W. lsconsin statutes, has
th.•s proiect or on the da.te the.
not been 1ncluded_ If any such highway 1s open to tne ln!VeiJng
1tems are shown to exist the publ1c, whichever is later
'I owner may file claims as proAlso, all exist!ng future or
v•ded •n sec. 32.20, Wisconsin potential common \aw or statuStatutes.
1 tory easements or rights of ac·
, D. The purchase price is based cess between the right o_f way of
upon an appra1sa1 of owner's the highway, currenllv deslgpro~erty, which appraisai is
nated as S.T.H 50, and all of tne
cwa1lable tor Owner's
abutting remainmg real proper·
ill the State of Wisconsin, Dety. ot the owner, whether ac·
·. pa.rtment of Transportation, Disqu1red by __ separ.ate conveyance
1 tr1ct 2 Office, 141 N.W. Barstow
or olherw1se, where the follow·
Street, P.O. Box 649, Waukesha, lng descnbe~ reai est<1te abuts
WI 53187, during regular olfke on the sa1d highway; The
nwnPr's remainmo properly lo-

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inspection~

-"~---

dock Lake means more than just
a smooth road to drive on
Besides four lanes where there
used to be two, the village has
new sidewalks, new streetlights,
a sewer extension out to Brass
Ball Corners and an increase in
the storm sewer network under
the highway.
In a way, the highway project
was also responsible for a dec:ision by the village to build a
,Jew municipal building.
The old village hall stands on
Highway 50. With the new road
out front, parking was virtually
eliminated.
Rather than face life with no
parking lot, the village board
opted for a new facility on 236th
Ave.

Ke~;~t;~,-·WI 5j'i40--as pr-O~idBct
1n sec. 32.05 (41 Wis., Slats., a
jurisdictional offer, a copy of
which is hereto al!ached and
incorPQrated herein by reference as though set forth herein
a! length. That the premises affected by said jurisdictional of·
fer and by the operation of sec.
32.05 14) Wis. Slats., are de·
scribed as set forth In said at·
!ached and incorporated offer.
Dated November 17, 1987
BY: James A. Machnik
Title; Real Estate Supervisor
JURISDICTIONAL OFFER
SECTION 32.05,
WISCONSIN STATUTES
Slate ot Wisconsin, Department
of Transportation, District 2 Of·
fice, 141 N. w. Barstow Street,
P.O. Bo)( 649, Waukesha. WII

t'~~:; ~~~~o~~~r

of beginning of the lands to be
described; thencecontlnl!erlorth
88"21'45" East along the South
line of said 'I• Section 1,070.18
feet to the Southeast corner of
the SOI!Ihwest 1/~ of said 1.4 Sec·
lion; thence North 02G16'09"
West along the East line of the
Southwest
of said II• Section
33.00 teet to a point on the North
right of way line of State Trunk
Highway 50; thence South
88"21'45" West parallel to the
South line of said 'I• Section
132.63 feet; thence North
00"54'12" West 1.81\ feet; thence
South 89"05'48" West 937.78 feet;
thence South 02~16'09" East para!lel with the Easl!ine of the
Southwest 114 Section 46.88 feet to
the point of beginning
Also: Commencing at the

17, 1987
To: Quality Controlled Egg
Farm, Inc.; Richard A. French;
Production Credit Association of
Elkhorn; Burlington Consumers
Cooperative; Spahn Enterprises,
Inc.; Wisconsin Department of
Revenue; District .Director of
Internal Revenue: Kenosha
County Treasurer hereinafter'
referred to as Owner.
State of Wisconsin, Department
of Transporation, pursuant to
1Section 84.09(2), Wisconsin Statutes.
hereinafter referred to as
Purchaser. hereby offers to
purchase a parcel of rea! estate
and/or rights therein in which
you own an interest all as partie·
u_larly described on the descrlp·

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;~uut~~~:~s~~~ ~,o;a~~rr;~ ~~ctr~n~

days from the acceptance of this
'I offer.
A. The said property and/ or
rights therein as described, are
required by the State of Wiscon·
, sin for the public purpose of the
• improvement of s.T.H. so, as
more_ fully described In Division
of H1ghways Relocation Order
dated June 18, 1.987, a copy of
which is filed w1th the County
Clerk of Kenosha County, Wis·
cons in. and the State of Wiscon·
sin in good faith intends to use
the above·_described property for
~-.uch publ1c purpose.
B. The State oi Wisconsin pro·
poses to occupy and the owner
wHI vacate the premises hereinbefore described on December 1,

19!17

C.. Pursuant to sec. 32.05(3)(d),
WiS<::onsin Statutes, the above
purchase price is a !located as
follows
(a) Loss of land, mcludmg 1m
provements and fl)(fures actual
ly bemg acqu1red $6000(1
I b) Damages causeo by loss of
e)(Jstmg nghts of access s o
I c) Damages caused by toss of
a1r nghts s o
I I d) Damages caused by loss of
a legal non conlormmg use$ 0
lel Damages resulting from ac
tual severance of land 1nclud1n 9
i damages resultln9 from sever
ance of Improvements or fl)(·
: :ures and pro)(imity aamage to
: 1mprovementsremainlng on
Owner's land $ ·0·
([J Damages to property abut·
tong on a highway right of wi!Jy

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11~~ ~0os~h~~gf~n°:in9;a:eea:o~~bly
j necessary to separate land being

By ARLENE JENSEN
Staff Writer
This was the year the reconstruction of Higl1way 50 finaliy got on track. After decades of
on-again-off-again plans to im~
e the narrow, hilly highway
runs the length of our county, it finally happened.
It's a $25 million, three-year
project that will make life a lot
easier for those motorists who
travel east and west through
Kenosha County,

~~!ctf~1 itan~

The first phase, a four-lane
section through the village of

c~f~rnn\~83 a~~!~

Iota!, 0.82 acre of whicn was
previously dedici'lted or con·
veyed for highway purposes.
Also, a Limited Highway
Easement for the right to con·
struo::t cut and/or fill slopes, inctud1ng for such purpose the
right to operate the necessary
equipment thereon i'lnd the right
of in9ress and egress as tong IU
required_ for such public
purpose, Including the right to
preserve , protect, remove, or
plant thereon ~:~ny vegetation
that the highway authorities
may deem necessary or de·
slrable, in and to the following
tract of land in Kenosha County,
State of Wisconsin, described
as
That part of the Soutnei'lsf •;,,
of Section 3, Township l Nor\11.
Range 21 East, Town of Bristol,
County of Kenosha, State of Wls·
cons1n bounded and described
as follows
Commencmg at a concrete
monument markln9 the
Southwest corner of said If• Sec
t10n, thence north 88G21'45' East
along the South hne of said 114
Sect10n 244 04 feet thence North
02"16 09" West parallel w1th thE
East ime of the Southwest 14 of
sa1d 'I~ Sect1on 4689 feet to th€
pomt of beg1nnm9 of the eesement to be described thence
contmue North 02Gl6'19" West
10.00 feet; thence North
89"05'48'' East 972,33 teet;
thence South Or25'23" West
11.57 l.eet to the North ri9hl of
way i1ne of S.T.H. 50, thence

~~~~" th!8 "~~~~r 11:ees~f ~:r:uel

Section 32.63 feet; thence North
00"54'12" West 1.86 feet; thence
South 89"05'48" West 937.78 feet
to the point of beginning.
The above easement Is to
term_inate upon the completion
of th1s project or on the date the
highway is open to the traveling
public, whichever i5 later.
Also, all existing future or
potential common law or statutory easements or rights of access b~tween the right of way of

acquired from remaining land,
les~ the amount allowed for tencing acquired under par. (a) s "0·
Compensation for additional
Items of oamage listed in sec
32.19, Wisconsin Statutes, has
not been included. If any such
items are shown to e)(iSt the
owner may file claims as pro·
Vided 1n sec. 32.20, Wi5consin
Statutes
i D. The purchase price is based

j ~~~;er~~. a~;i~~sala;~r~~a~er;: ~~~eohit~~~H. ~~rae~~~~H ~n~~~
I available for Owner's inspection aoutting remaining reel proper-

~~lr0:d t~~ s0e~~~~'te wc~~~~:;a~~~

1 ~~r~~e;t !i\~~n~~~t~~~~~: ~~:
1
tnct 2 Office, 141 N.W. Barstow

1

or otherwise, where the follow·
ing described real estate abuts
on the said highway; The
owner'~ remaining property tocated 111 the above said Southei!Jsl 'I• of Section 3
Except the right of access to
S.T.H. 50, 1rom said at:lu1flng
real e~tate on the north side of
said .h1gll. way by means of three
access points, pursuant to the
proviSions of Sect!on 86.07(2),
Wisconsm Statutes. (Said three

Street, P.O. Box 649, waukesha
WI 53187, during regular offic~
hours.
E. Owner has 20 days from the
date of personal service of this
offer, if personally served. or 20
days from the date of postmark
of the _cerflfied mail envelope
transmitting this offer, if transm1tled t:ly mail, or 20 days from
tne date of publication of this
offer. if published, In which to

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! ~~~=~~ et~;!n~!~e~Y

l

~n~f~~~ !.~~~ =~~v!~er~0 ~~~~g rr;~~ o:ne~!:cree~

ien consent ot Owner and main!ng S.T.H. 50 frontage exPurchaser. Acceptance shall be cept the easterly 150 feet.)
as follows: Owner must execute.
Also, no right of access shal1
the acceptance clause on page 2. accrue ~etween the righf of way
of f.h1s offer on or prior to De- of the highway, currently deslgcember 7, 1987; and the offer nated as C.T.H. "MB", and the
and acceptance must be either southerly 100 feet of the remain·
d.el1vered to Purchaser at
ing property of the owner a billState of Wisconsin, Department tlng that highway
of Transportation, District 2 Of- November 17, 1987
f1ce 141 N. W. Barstow Street,
fj~-7 Bo)( 649, Waukesha. WI 1

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not later tnan regular otfice C!OS·
ing lime on December 7, 1987, or
mailed to Purchaser at the last
above stated address in an ad·
dressed postage prepaid enl velope bearing postmark of not
later than \2;00 P.M. !I the
Owner does not _accept this offer
as specifled, lh1s offer shall be
I deemed to have been re(ected.
F. I I the Owner does not accept
this offer as set forth in para' graph E above, Owner has 40
i days from the date of such service, postmark or date of publication of this offer to commence
a court action to contest the
ri.ght ?f condemnation as pro·
v1ded 111 sec. 32.05( 5), Wisconsin
Statutes, provided that the ac·
ceptance and retention of any
. compensation resulting from an
awaro made prior _to the com·
mencement of sucn an action
shall
absolute bar to such
action
1G. Owner nas 2 years from the
t date of the recording of an
award, as described in sec.
32.05(1}, Wisconsin Statutes, ln
the office of the Register ol
Deeds in which to appeal lor
greater compensation without
preiu.dlce to Owner's right !o use
the compen5al1on given to
Owner by the award. Owner's
right ot appeal is subiect to the
prov1sions of Sections 32.05
19l(a) and 32.05(11). Wisconsin
Statutes
H. If this offer is accepted by
Owner. the transfer of tltle shall
1e accomplished within 60 days

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Highway 50 gains two I

said point oeing North 88"21'45"
East 1,314.20 feet from the
Southwest corner of said '/" Sec.·
lion; thence North 02~16'09"
West along the East fine of the
Southwest 1/.o of said 'f., Section
33.00 feet to a ~oint on the North
nght of way I me of S.T.H. SO;
thence South 88°21'45" West par·
allel with the South fine of said
'14 S.ect,ion. 66.00 feet to. the point
of beg1nnmg of lands to he de·
scnbed; thence contmue South
88"21'45" West 34.00 feet; thence
North 07"25'23" East 201.92 feet
to a poinf on the West right of
wily line of C.T.H
"MB";
thence South 02"16'09" East per·
allet with the East line of the
1
Southwest /4 of ~aid '/" Section,

I ~~g~e~sa~~ ;;~a~~!~e~~~r~~~· s~n~ ~io~~i~h~~~e~~;,1 gr9~~t~:ei 1 ~~

!I ~~ll~(~~o.o~JuDno~;r~ ~ithfnn6~

Workers lay pipe, left, and cars bypass barrels during construd!on on Highway 50

b.''".

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Paddock Lake, was completed in
November.
By the end of 1988, there will
be four new ribbons of concrete
all the way from l-94 to Highway
B two miles west of Paddock

Lal<e. The following summer.
the stretch between Highway B
and I-Iighwav 83 north will he
reconstructed.
Throughout the winter
months, the preparatton for next
summer's construction will be
going on, First there is acquisi~
tion of right-of·way and in many
cases, purchase and demolition
of buildings that stand in the way
of the new road.
Some residents will sell their
Highway 50 property and move
away. Others will just move
their buildings back to give the
highway breathing room.
Contracts will be Jet in earlv
January and construction is eX~
pee ted to start in April.
Four contracts will be let, two

fo~· mainline construction the
long expanses of road~ and two
more for I-94 related projects
such as the relocation of frontage roads at the intersPction.
Department of Transportation
officials say Highway 50 will not
be closed during construction.
Temporary lanes will be laid to
carry traffic during construction.
ln Paddock Lake, workers
poured eight inches of concrete,
topped with three inches of
blacktop. Blacktop is used m
populated areas because it
makes a smoother, quieter sur ..

dock Lake means rr
a smooth road t
Besides four lanes
used to be two, tll
new

sidewalks, neVI

a sewer extension
Ba 1! Corners and a

the storm sewer
the highway
the

face.

The remainder of Highway 50
will be bare concrete nine inches
thick.

The highway project in Pad·

Rather than fncr.:
park!ng lot, the \
opted for a new fac

Ave.

Architect's drawing of $6.9 million office and garage complex

/ -'? ,f/'J

Building plans get mixed reaction
By DAVE BACKMANN
Staff Writer
Plans for a $6.9 million office
and garage complex at high·
ways 45 and 50 in Bristol drew
mixed reactions Wednesday as
the county's Buildings and
Grounds Committee got a first
look at an architect's proposal.
Supervisors Lawrence Negri, Eunice Boyer and Mark
Wisnefski embraced the plan.
They said although the com·
plex will be costly, it's wise to
begin planning a building now
that will meet the needs of a
growing population west of
1·94.
Conversely, Supervisor Rob·
ert Pitts said plans drafted by
Architect Robert Kueny should
be scaled down. Pitts predicted
the County Board will reject
fhe multi-million dollar
price tag.

The committee recom· ·
mended its chairman,
Wisnefski, meet with County
Board Chairman James Fonk
and County Executive John
Collins and a bonding company
to discuss financing the project
and plans to remodel the
Courthouse. A committee-of·
the-whole meeting should be
scheduled later to inform the
County Board on financing op·
tions, the committee said.
"Everybody likes to have a
Cadillac, but we have to settle
for less sometimes," Pitts
said.
The price of the Bristol
project and plans to remodel
the Courthouse and its Annex
together will cost nearly $19
million, he said. "This is some·
thing I don't think we can
afford. I don't se~ where the

money is coming from."
"I'm appalled by the
pricetag, too," Boyer countered. "But we have to look at
future expansion west of the
interstate, where the future of
the county is."
Pitts objected strongly to
Kueny's plan for a public meet·
ing room in ,the complex seat·
ing 300 people. Pitts said a
room that large won't be used
enough to justify the cost.
''Let's not nickel-and-dime
this," Negri said. "The Public
Safety Building (completed in
1982) already is too small."
Kenosha County bought 43
acres on the northeast corner
of 45 and 50 for $105,000 in 1984
with an eye toward building
future office space.
Kueny was hired 18 months
ago for $10,000. He said a year

was spent interviewing county
department heads to determine
their space needs in a new

building.
His proposal calls for a two·
story, pre-cast concrete structure with a pond dug in
wetlands just north of the
building.
The complex would be the
new home of the Kenosha
County Highway Department.
Its offices and garages on west
60th Street in Kenosha and in
Silver Lake would be closed or
sold. Salt and machinery
storage sheds would be built
east of the new building.
The planning and develop·
ment, health, and university
extension departments would
be relocated in the new build·
ing, close to the geographical
center of the county.

. Satellite offices for the
sheriff's department, emer·
gency government office, community programs, social services, surveyor and assessor
also would be in the new facil·
ity.
George Melcher, planning
and development director, said
the main meeting room and
smaller adjacent meeting
rooms would be used frequent·
ly by the public. He said no
convenient room for hearings
or other public use is available
now west of 1·94.
Supervisor Donald Metten
said Kueny should not have
made plans to relocate the
highway department without
first gaining the approval of
the County Board, not just the
Building and Grounds Commit·.
tee.

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f1ighway to I ~ m 1840s farmt1
:2-'-!,'J:J

By Barbara Colicl<i
Area Editor
SALEM -A farmhouse built
by a Kenosha pioneer family
and currently occupied by
Westosha Veterinary Hospital
is among the structures slated
for demolishion next spring for
the widening of
50.
The house,

1841. (,.:; sit.utHPd a rniie west of
the intersectiOn of highways 50

and 83/75.
Dr. Kevin C. Nelson said the
veterinary hospital will continue to operate from the house
for about three more months
until its new building to the
west is completed. Randall H.
Borri, DVM, is the current
owner of the property. The
clinic is owned by Borri and
Fred J. Culbert, DVM, with
Nelson and Mary Sue Dierckins
as staff veterinarians.
The historic house, which
was converted to a veterinary
clinic in 1982, has weathered
time and the elements, said
Nelson, and should be recognfzed for its contributions over
the years.
A 772-page book by Irene
Dixon Stockwell titled "The
Stockwell Family Adventures
into the Past: 1626-1982." second edition, reports that the
property was settled in the late
1830s and 1840s by Thomas,
Susan, · Stephen and Aaron
Field Stockwell.
Beginning in !837, they all
bought property along both

Kenosha New5 photo

Settlers' house in 1840s now a veterinary hospital
sides of the then new Geneva

Road (Highway 50,) the first
road to be surveyed west of the
City of Kenosha. Farmers for
up to 40 miles west of the city
used Geneva Road to haul their
grain to market,
Thomas and Stephen both
selected homesltes in the sector that year. Thomas bought
160 acres at $1.25 per acre from
the U.S. government and built
a log cabin, the corner foundation of which is reported to
remain in line with what is now
the driveway for the veterinary
clinic.
Thomas then returned to
Bainbridge, N.Y., to marry

Ann Sopronia Parsons and
bring her to Kenosha. They
packed their furniture, supplies and personal belongings
and reportedly traveled via the
Erie Canal water route to the
Michigan harbors, which were
safe and dependable, and on to
thelr new home In Kenosha.
Over the years, Thomas
bought more land on both sides
of Geneva Road, east of Salem
Mound· Cemetery corner.
In 1841, according to the book
on the family history, Thomas
built a "handsome two-story
Greek Revival home." which
tOday houses the veterinary

hospital

Although the house

has been changed by remodeling over the years, the beams
and columns in the cellar, cut
from young tree trunks, remain in place today with the
bark still on them.
The house contained a wool
room on the second floor,
which was used to store fleece
after each year's sheep shearing. At one time, the fleece was
an important part of the farm
income,
Indians were still numerous
in the area during the
Stockwells' early years in
Salem, and family members
recorded stories about their
camps around a pond in the

Highway improvervents slat
Some 520 miles of state highway and 53 bridges in south·
eastern Wisconsin, including major areas in Kenosha County,
will be upgraded in the next six
years, according to the state
Department of Transportation's
Six-Year Highway Improvement
Program.
The $21.5 million Highway 50
project in Kenosha County highlights the work scheduled for
state Transportation District 2,
said Harvev Shebesta, district
director.
~
Nearly 12 miles of the old
over-burdened Highway 50 in
Kenosha County will be replaced
with a new four-lane divided
roadway with reduced access
and improved major intersec~
lions, Shebesta explained.
The project extends from I-94
west to Highway 83N.
"This project's been talked
about for 20 years," he said.
"Sections of it are carrying from

14 to 50 percent more traffic than
it was built for.
"The new roadway should reduce its higher~than-average ac~
cident rate and help the tourist
trade by providing a better route
to the Lake Geneva and Delavan

recreation areas."
Shebesta indicated one roadway will be open to traffic by the
end of this year, with the project
scheduled for completion in 1989.
Other projects planned for
Kenosha County are:
-Replacement of the Brighton Creek Bridge at Highway 45
at a cost of $154,000 to begin in
1990.
-Rehabilitation of the County
Highway ML overpass at l-94 to
raise bridge to to conform with
current Interstate Standards at a
cost of $403,000, scheduled for
1989.
-Rebuild 1-94 tourist information center, parking lots and
adjacent frontage road for

$2,508,000 in 1989.
-Reconstruct the 1-94 and
County Highway V interchange
to include four-lanes on Highway
V and improved ramp align~
menL
-Widen arid pave Highway 142
at Highway 31 and 1-94 intersections for $593,000 in !989.
-Replace the Burlington
Street (Soo Line Underpass) at
Highway 142 for $549,000in 1989.
-Reconstruct Washington
Road from 32nd A venue ro 22nd
Avenue to include a minimum of
four travel lanes for $1,043,000 in
!99!.
Statewide. nearly 3,400 miles
more than one-fourth of
Wisconsin's state highways and 262 bridges will be improved
under the program. The 1,109
scheduled projects throughout
the state will cost about $300
million annually over the Bixyear period.

woods north of the house and
their visits to see a new babv in
·
the Stockwell family.
Thomas donated the land at
the southeast corner of High·
way 50 and Silver Lake Road
for' Salem Mound Cemetery.
Mildred Stockwell. '74, great
granddaughter of Thomas
Stockwell. resides on one
parcel that stllJ remains in \he

family, a l5·acre parcel on the
south side of Highway ~lO,
None of her
will be loS!

many years agG

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candidates list which is approved by the
Transportation Projects Commission,
There will be hearings again this
c;umme-r at which time written and oral
testimony will be taken regarding which
roads to include in the 6-year highway
program, Even if the Highway 50 bypass
made the major candidates list, the
earliest it eould be started would be the
mid-l990s, unless more fundlng is
provided by the Legislature. There are
many communities making a demand on
those highway reconstruction dollars, he

officials have had ques~
tions from property owners and prospective property owners as to where the
road will go. District TI Director

Harvey

Shebesta replied t.hat the
current. approved alignment is the one
shown on the maps at aU
nwetings. It could be

on 6-year plan ye1

north or south but cannot vary much
without throwing the whole alignment
off because they have to meet certain
standards. In answer to a question. he
stated there is no ·'temporary" road
proposed. If a four-lane right~of~way was
purchased and only two lanes of concrete
laid for the present, the other two lanes
would also be put ln that right-of-way.
He also added that if the traffic counts
justify a bypass, they would then be
putting in' the four lanes at the same
time.
Shebesta said the reason why the
reconstruction ends at Highway 83 north
is that traffic counts indicate traffic
decreases from approximately 7,500 at

83, 5.200 at Highway KD to 3,400 at
Highway P, These counts do not justify a
bypass. But they do predict traffic counts
to rise when the east end of Highway 50
is finished. Others mentioned a possible
dog track, etc., as increasing traffic .
The message was that if you want the
bypass built, attend the hearings or send
written comments to the Transportation
Projects Commission requesting the
bypass so that it can be built by the
mid-l990s.
Shebesta said that Highway 50 will
be resurfaced from take Geneva ea.'!t to
Highway 83 thh summer

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plans for western Kenosha County
March ~1. at the Wheatland Town Hall,
New Munster.
Fiedler explained the process in
obtaining funding for a highway project,
He said it must make the major

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Ron !t'iedler, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, met
with Town of Wheatland, county and
state officials to discuss future highway

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Public meeting on
highway program set
',·;;

The public will have an opportunity
to comment on the state Department of
Transportation's 6-Year Highway Improvement Program at a public meeting,
7 p.m.- Monday. March 14, at the
Pleasant Prairie Town Hall.
The multi-year state program witi
more than one-fourth of Wis
state highways and rehabilitate
or replace 262 bridges over the 6 years.
The eight county Waukesha trans~
portation district will receive $444.6
million to improve 520 miles of state
highway and 53 bridges in southeastern
Wisconsin in the next 6 years.
Highlighting the 231 projects planned
for the district are replacement of two
lanes with four lanes on WIS 50 in
Kenosha County, from I-94 to WIS 83
north and construction of two high-cost

bridges and the Lake Arterial in
Milwaukee.
The state's highway improvement
program is adjusted
2 years in
response to public
financing
levets approved in
current state
budget, and changing conditions.
An informal open house with refresh~
ments will be held from 3 to 7 p.m.
Transportation district staff will be on
hand to provide information regarding
projects in each county and to answer
questions regarding the design and
scheduling of projects.
Copies of the 6-year highway im~
provement program can be obtained
from Transportation District 2, P.O. Box
649, Waukesha, WI 53187 or from
Program Development, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, P.O. Box

7916, Madison, WI 53707,

Highway
cost plan
criticized
By Arlene Jensen
Staff Writer
; ./,:'
A cost-sharing proposal by the
state Department of Transpo;:ta~
tion drew heavy z:rltlci~Hn
Wednesday 1'r~m1
Highway -:·.~nd r---ar:~:.s
The proposal,

become official

wouifi

see towns and

a percentage of the cost
ing new state roads. It w·~m!C
also allow local units to transter
those costs back to develoner~
Calling the proposal "a;t!·M
velopment,'' Committee Chair~
man Earl Hollister said, "It de·
feats our whole purpose. It would
drive development away,"
Highway Commissioner Gene
Scharfenorth said, "Economic
development agencies are trying
to find ways to make money
available for new development.
Now DOT is saying they want it
back."
Scharfenorth said the formula
used to set the amount owed by
local governments and businesses would be determined by
the amount of local traffic using
the road.
The proposal is still in draft
form, said Scharfenorth, and
could still be dropped. "l think
the state had better be very
careful on thls one,'' he said,
Tn other business. the committee reviewed interior roads that
are -to be built in LakeView
Corporate Park. the !,200-acre
industrial park being developed
by WisPark Corp.
East-west roads will be de·
vel oped to serve industries in the
park. which is bounded by High·
ML on the South, Highway T
on
North, the Chicago-North·
western Railroad on the east and
t11e Soo Line Railroad on the

west.
The road plan was referred to
Pleasant Prairie for review and
will be brought back to Highway
and Parks for final approval.

Highway claims ~,qq!
BY GREG SAUCERMAN
With the construction on Highway
50, many families are being forced to
move out of their homes. Some families
may have lived in these homes for many

generations, on land that their greatgrandfathers had cleared. The Westosha
Veterinary Hospital, located on the
highway, east of Highway B, is another
one of the houses to be destroyed this
spring.
When the country was growing-,
pioneers headed west to the area now
known as Wisconsin. The land was
cheap, the soil good, there were plenty
of trees for lumber, and many lakes. It
was a good place to raise a family
Thomas Stockwell saw this as a good
opportunity.
A book about the history of the
Stockwell family, written by Irene

r 150 year old ho se

Stockwell, claims that in !837 he bought
160 acres at $1.25 per acre and built a log
cabin. Then he went back to New York to
bring his wife Ann back with him. They
traveled with all their belongings on Erie
Canal packet boats. Once at Kenosha,
they then traveled the newly surveyed
Geneva Road {Hwy. 50) to their new
home.

leaving the rest for the settlers. But a·
couple years later, after seeing more
settlers coming, they would come up and
take the deer from the man who had just
shot it. Hunters dared not say anything
at first.
Once settled, the family then made
plans to build a more permanent
dwelling. Mildred Stockwell states that
Their cabin was located along this they built the house, the present day
road, as were most of the first ·homes veterinary hospital, in 1844. Mildred
built in the county. Accessable roads to lives across the toad in another house
town were very important to first which was built in 1866 by the Stockwell
family. Wolves were a big problem at
settlers.

first, often getting at the livestock and
were even brave enough to look through
windows like the Indians.
Years later, Thomas and Ann Stockwell donated land for the Salem Mound
Cemetery. Thomas was elected supervisor in the first Salem town meeting
held in 1842. The Stockwells kept the
house in the family many years, finally
selling it in 194 7. The veterinary hospital
started operating in the building in 1982.
They have already begun construction on
a new place just west of the present site
which should be ready by mid-March,

The first duties to be done at a new
site was to clear and farm the land and
build a shelter for animals. The first
years they were there, settlers saw many
Indians, who at first were very friendly,
peeking inside windows and killing deer,
taking only the hind haunches and

ighway

begins
in June

(Continued from Front

-'-I-S

Governor To:nmy Thompson has
approved a $5.5 million contract in the
next step to turn state Highway 50 into a
four-lane divided highway from Highway
83 near New Munster to I-94 in Kenosha
County. Four more contracts will follow.
This contract is for
4~mile
segment between Paddock
anrl the
Des Plaines River. !viann Bros. Snnd &
Gravel, 1nc., Elkhorn, will constmct
' and
and
River
Brighton Creek.
This· stretch of highway has a.n
accident rate that is 19 percent higher
than the statewide average, according to
Harvey Shebesta, director of the Depan"
ment of Transportation's Waukesha
district, which includes Kenosha Coun-

Pa~e)

James Cape & Sons Co., Racine, will
reconstruct 2. 7 miles from the Des
Plaines River to just west of !28th
Avenue under a $3.7 million contract. It
will also relocate the frontage road in the
northwest quadrant of the 50/I~94
intersection about 1,700 feet west- of its
cUrrent location.
The location of the northwest front~
age road will separate it from the 1~94
off-ramp, which will improve the safety
of the interchange by eliminating
two-way traffic, according to Leslie
Fafard, design supervisor at the DOT

Waukesha district.
Fafard indicated that the new
frontage road, to -be named Bristol
Parkway East, will provide a new
connection to a growing shopping center
operated by the Bristol Development
Corp. The state is paying $217,500 of the
costs of relocating the frontage road,
with the firm picking up the balance.
The other projects are being funded
with .75 percent federal monies and 25
percent state funds.
Work on all of the Highway 50
projects will be under way in June.
Traffic will continue on the existing
frontage road until the new relocated
road is completed, which is expected to
be in September.
Fall 1989 is the targeted completion
date for the other Highway 50 projects.
During construction temporary cross~
overs will route traffic on the existing
and new road.
This 150-year-old houoe, used ••
Westosha Veterinary Hospital wUl be tom
down when mghway 50 Is exp011ded to four
hm:es later this year. Some of Kenosha
Couty's first settlers built homes along

the main rood between Kenosha and Lake
Geneva. Tbe animal hospital will be
located In a new building just west of this
site.

Roadside beauty being sacrificed for safety
'1-'i'-~g

Eugene Srharfenorth, director of the Kenosha County
Highway Department, defends
an ongoing project to clear
rights of way along county
roads as essential to public
safety.
Scharfenorth's comments
came in response to complaints
that highway crews are defacing the beauty of the countryside by cutting down and
bulldozing everything within 30
feet of the roadways.
"Over the last couple of
years." Scharfenorth said, "we
have been identifying areas
where overgrowth has created
problems with snow plowing
and weed mowing."
In those locations, property
owners have been asked for
permission to allow the county
to cut back past the right of
wav as far as fence lines.

After encroaching trees and
brush are cut down, large rocks
and other potential hazards for
vehicles are removed and a

bulldozer is used to reshape the
terrain

ing branches and limbs keep
knocking the mirrors from our
equipment and from trucks and
school buses that use the
roads."
Scharfenorth said proof that
the rights of way should be
cleared for safety sake can be
seen in the many trees growing
close to the road that have had
their bark torn off by vehicles.
"We are trying to provide a
30-foot clear zone to give

gentle slope than currently exists along road shoulders.
With permission of the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources and U.S.Army
Corps of Engineers,
Scharfenorth said, the highway
department crews have removed hundreds of rocks and
boulders from the roadsides
and dumped them at strategic
locations along the Fox River
to help shore up eroding banks.
The problem with many of
our county roads, Scharfenorth
said, is they were built in the
horse-and-buggy era and so the
roadways, shoulders and rights
of way are much too narrow for
today's large vehicles and highspeed use.
By clearing and recontouring
the shoulders and rights of
way, the highway crews are
lessening the risk for motorists
whose vehicles go off the road.
"I realize some people feel
(our work) harms the natural
beauty, but safety is more important," Scharfenorth said.
"Motorists can't see oncoming
vehicles when approaching intersections or pulling out of
driveways. Also, the overhang-

By Joe Van Zandt
Staff Writer

to provide a more

I

!

drivers extra recovery room in

the event their vehicles does go
off the road," said
Scharfenorth.
Another benefit of the clearing, he said, will be a reduction
in the number of deer-vehicle
accidents, many of which
cause major damage to property and injury to motorist and
passengers.
While the road-clearing
project rankles those who contend the beauty of the countryside should not be defaced,
many farmers welcome the
clearing effort. They say overgrowth from the right of way
causes damage to expensive
farm equipment as they cultivate fields.

Kenosha News photo by Joe VanZandt

Nearly two dozen trees were felled at this Intersection to improve visibility

Hy. 50 rec,8:g.struction enters second stage
Highway 50 project is to be
under way in June, but some
work has already started.
Shebesta said· Mann Brothers
Sand and Gravel Inc., Elkhorn,
was awarded a $5.5 million contract to reconstruct the fourmile segment between Paddock
Lake and the Des Plaines River.
That work is to begin immediately.
Mann Brothers will grade and

Contracts totaling $12 million
for the second stage in the threeyear High\vaY 50 reconstruction
project in Kenosha County have
been approved by Gov. Tommy
Thompson, signalling the official
start of this summer's work.

Harvev Shebesta, director of
the state Department of
Transportation's Waukesha District, which includes Kenosha,
said work on all segments of the

pave the highway, add marking
and signs, replace the narrow

bridge over the Des Plaines and
the culvert at the Salem Branch
of Brighton Creek with wider

Cape will also relocate the
frontage road in the northwest
quadrant of the Highway 50/1-94
intersection to a point about

1,700 feet we>t of its current

structures.

location.

The 2.7-mile portion east from
the Des Plaines to just west of
!28th Avenue will be reconstructed by James Cape and
Sons, Racine. Cape was awarded
a $3.7 million contract.

The relocation of the
northwest frontage road will
separate it from the 1-94 off
ramp, a plan designed to imR

prove the safety of the interchange by eliminating two-

eay traffic, said Leslie Fafard,
DOT design supervisor.
'Fafard said the new frontage
road, to be named Bristol
Parkway East, will provide a
new connection to the shopping
center operated by Bristol Development Corp.
Traffic will continue using the
existing frontage road until September, when the new road is
expected to be completed.
The two-mile portion of High-

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way 50 west of Paddock Lake,
between the village and County
Highway B. will be re~
constructed by Mashuda Contractors Inc.,, Princet?n: which
was awarded a $2.9 mtlhon conR

~ ·~

tract.
Shebesta said the new four-

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lane highway will enable motor~
0 q~~~~~~~~
-------------------- ists to pass safely and will reduce the tremendous backups on
weekends.

Highway 50 in Kenosha County
has had an accident rate 19

The new four lanes and reducR
tion of hills will improve traffic

flow, and increasing the width of

the right of way will eliminate
othPr hazards. Intersrctions will
be imptoved to knock out poor
Vi!:·:ion C<,rners.

The target date for completion of the other Highway 50
projects is fali of 1989. The first
segment, rebuilding 1.4 miles
through the Village of Paddock
Lake, was completed last year.
During this year's construc-

tion, temporary crossovers wiJI

route traffic on the existing and
new road.

The total project will cost $25
million.
The state is paying $217,500 of
the cost of relocating the frontage road and Bristol Develop~
ment is to pay the balance of

that project. The other projects
are being funded with i5 percent
federal monies and 25 percent
state funds.

!/'&

came in response tt' complalr,ts
tha1 high way crnvs are defnc
ing the
of the cowl·
by
down and

loc:ttions

"We are trying to provide a
30~foot

use.

rocks
and other pctential haz8rds for
vehicles are remoYed and a
bulldozer is dsecl to reshape the

terrain

to

provide a

more

clearing and recontouring
the shoulders and rights of
way, the highway crews are
lessening the risk for motorists
whose vehicles go off the road
•-r realize some people feel
wor·k} harms the natural
but safety is more im" Scharfenorth said.
sts can't see oncoming
vehicles when approaching intersections or pulling out of
driveways. Also, the overhang-

clear

zone

to

give

drivers extra recovery room in
the event their vehicl€s does go
off the road,"
said
Scharfenorth.
Another benefit of the clearing, he said, will be a reduction
in the number of deer~vehicle
accidents, many of which
cause major damage to property and injury to motorist and
passengers.
While the road-clearing
project rankles those who contend the beauty of the countryside should not be defaced,
miomy farmers welcome the
clearing effort. They say over·
growth from the right of way
causes damage to expensive
farm equipment as they cultivate fields.

Kenosha News photo by Joe VanZandt

Nearly lwo dozen tnooes were felled at this Intersection to improve v:isib!Hty

e

Brothers
Snnd ard Gravel Inc., Elkhorn,
v.-as <lw'arded a $.1.5 n:llllon con
tract to reconstruct the. follr
nent bet'.veen Paddock

Kenosha,
on all '-,egments of the

work

ls

struc~

llres.

im-

The 2.7·rnile portior: east from
the Des Plaines to
we-st of
128th Avenue
be- re·
con.structcd
James Cape ancl

wiH grade and

Sons. Racine
was awarded
a $3.7 million contracL

the Des Plaines River
That

trict.
said

pave the highway, add marking
and signs, replace the narrow
bridge over t/1e Des Plaines and
the culvert a1 thE' Salem Br;:mch
of Bnghton Creek ;,vlth wider

to

begin

Cape \Vil! a!so relocate the
fmntau road in the northv.-'est
of rhe Higl1way 50/l~D4
to a ooint about
1.700 feet ;..vest of
currem
location
The relocation of the
northwe:;:i fro:!tagP road will
sepctratt it from the 1·94 off
ramp, a plan dPsigned to 1mprove the
of the interchangp lJ~·
two-

traffic said Leslie F8hrd.
to

Cast, wi!t provide ;·l

f'xpected to be cnrn;Jleted.

tract
Shebesta said the new four
!ane higJ:nvay will Pnahle motor·
to pass safeiy and will reduce the tremendOus backups on
weekends

He said trees, utiiity poles and
open culvert ends near til~~
a safety haz<:trd, Poor
at intersections, steep
narrow shoulders and
zones also contribute.::.i to
accident rate on the 6F
road

nw
the cnsi

tngc
nw0t 1"' te

1h<l
are

bet\veen
from

Ill/611

way

t ..IC!JLH llHtUt 1 Ut::ltHU':l

an ongoing project to clear
rights of way
county
roads as essential
public
comments
came in response to
that highway crews are
mg the
of the counby
down and
within 30

vehicles are removed and a
bulldozer is used to reshape the
terram to provide a more

'-'V'

f-'"

t.,;,I15111CC1 ::0,

Vt

Scharfenorth said, the highway
department crews have re~
moved hundreds of rocks and
boulders from the roadsides
and dumped them at strategic
locations along the Fox River
to help shore up eroding banks.
The problem with many of
our county roads, Scharfenorth
said, is they were built in the
horse-and-buggy era and so the
roadways, shoulders and rights
of way are much too narrow for
today's large vehicles and highspeed use,
By clearing and recontouring
the shoulders and rights of
way, the highway crews are
lessening the risk for motorists
whose vehicles go off the road.
"I realize some people. feel
(our work) harms the natural
beauty, but safety is more important," Scharfenorth said.
''Motorists can't see oncoming
vehicles when approaching intersections or pulling out of
driveways. Also, the overhang-

'-.H.-1«.4< l\..1JV1 Lll

"CHU

p1 VV1

ltlal

the rights of way should be
cleared for safety sake can be
seen in the many trees growing
close to the road that have had
their bark torn off by vehicles.
"We are trying to provide a
30-foot clear zone to give
drivers extra recovery room in
the event their vehicles does go
off the road," said
Scharfenorth.
Another benefit of the clearing, he said, wiii be a reduction
in the number of deer-vehicle
accidents, many of which
cause major damage to proper~
ty and injury to motorist and
passengers.
While the road-clearing
project rankles those who contend the beauty of the coun·
tryside should not be defaced,
many farmers welcome the
clearing effort They say overgrowth from the right of way
causes damage to expensive
farm equipment as they cultivate fields.

r1struc

ent

pave the highway, add marking
and signs,
the narrow
bridge .over
Des Plaines and
the culvert at the Salem Branch
Eikhorn,
lion conreconstruct the fourbetween Paddock

\Vork
includes Kenosha,
a!l segments Gf the

to

begin im-

wiil grade and

Nearly two doz€

of Brighton Creek v,--ith wider
struclur es<

The 2.7-mile portion east from
the D::-s Plaines to
\vest of
l28th A venue
oe re-

constructed
James Cape and
was mvarded
Sons, Racine
a $3.7 mil!ion contract.

Cupc

also relo

f mn tagr :t':! cJ l n the n
qu8.dra;Jl of

inter secrlnn
1,700 feet
locatior.:
hE'
reincat!nn

nonhvvcst frontage r1
separate it from the
rRmp. a r:dan designL.;,d
prove

rlle safety of

tcrchange by

Graders smooth construction area on Highway 50 just west of Highway 31

Kenosha News photo by Rob Squires

A construction worker tamp!! down dlrt around
a drainage pipe along Highway 50 in Bristol

open. Traffic will use existing
road until new westbound lanes
are completed. Then traffic
will be routed to the westbound
lanes while new eastbound
lanes are poured. County high·
wavs C and K are the closest
east-west roads to the south
and north, respectively, of 50.
Beginning June 13, County
Highway D will be closed from
50 to a quarter mile north.
Date project began: Grading
on four~mile stretch began late
April.

Targeted completion date:
Two-year project to be completed next summer.

The road

Highway 50

The following is a list of road
construction projects scheduled for next week in Kenosha
County:

Highway 50
Project: Rebuilding approximately four miles of Highway
50 from the vlllage of Paddock
Lake east to the Des Plaines
River. Two-lane road will become a divided, four-lane high·
way. Separate construction
phases from Paddock Lake
west to County Highway Band
from the Des Plaines east to
l-94 will begin later this sum-

mer.
Cost: $5.5 million for the
four-mile stretch; 76 percent,
or $4,180,000 funded by federal
money and 24 percent or
$!,320,000 funded by the state.
Status: Grading and clearing
of right-of-way progressing.
Traffic flow not affected.
Detours: Road will remain
open. Traffic will use existing
road until new westbound lanes
are completed. Then traffic
will be routed to the west.bound
lanes while new eastbound
lanes are poured. County highways C and K are the closest
east-west roads to the south
and north respectively of 50.
Date project began: Gra
on four-mile stretch began
April.
TMgeted completion date:
Two-year project to ne cnm~

pleted next summer_

Project: Rebuilding Highway 50 from Paddock Lake east
to the Des Plaines River. Twolane road witl become a
divided, four-lane highway.
Cost: $5.5 million: 76
percent, or $4,180,000, federally
funded and 24 percent, or
$1,320,000, state funded.
Status: Grading and clearing
of right-of-way progressing.
Flagmen present Motorists
should be alert to machinery

crossing road.
Detours: Road will remain

Rebuilding High·
way 50 from the Des Plaines
River to a half-mile west of
1-94. Two-lane road will become a divided, four-lane highwav.
Cost: $3,675,400: 75 percent,
or $2,756,550, federally funded
and 25 percent, or $918,850,
state funded.
Status: Utilities relocated.
Tree remova! beginning next
week or following week_
Detours: Road will remain
open. Traffic wili use existing
road until new eastbound lanes
are completed. Then traffic
will be routed to the eastbound
lanes

while

new

Highway 50
Project: Rebuilding Highway 50 from Paddock Lake to
2V2 miles to the west. TwoMlane
road Will become a divided,
four-lane highway.
Cost: $2,935,398: 75 percent,
or $2,201,548, funded by federal
money and 25 percent, or
$733,849, funded by the state.
Status: Utility relocation un·
der way.

Detours: Unknown.
Date project began: June 6.
Targeted completion date:
Unknown.

Project:

Highway 50

Targeted completion date:
Late October or early November.

westbound

lanes are poured.

Date project began: June 6.

By Joe van Zandt
Staff Wriler
SALEM It was a nice~looking
house back on Feb, 28 when
Kenosha County Sheriff's
it

45.
various beams
over a battery of
and axles. the one~story
ff'ame "house was being moved
front its former site on Lake
George- to a new !ocation at Lake
proceeded down
!S, Wilson nor the vehicle
house nor a second
used as a safety
current license

no
pE>rmanent address. was dr\ving
~m :1. revoked licrnse

Thr-:: Ue-_puty the:n asked to see a
nit and
mover,
Harold Eddy, Box 44, Trevor,

that tile pE>r;rlit v"Vas at home.
the peaked roof of the

.hi::;t
house

a supervisor with

\Viscon~:in

from
Electric Power Com~
General Telephone
summoned to
the house pro-

sn good. But when the

house reached a primary eiec
tric line, the crew indicated it
did not have the proper equip
ment to safely relocate it temporarily. It would take three to
seven days, the electric company advised, before it could
provide the necessary crews and
equipment to take down and re-

attach power lines as the house
moved down the road
Furthermore, the power com-·
pany advised, it would do no
more work until it received
payment up front from the house
movers.
Additional deputies were sent
to the scene and the road vvas
blocked off at Highway 45 and
County Highway V while the
perplexed Highway Department
supervisor tried to figure what to
do next.
That is apparently when
assisted by family and ft
went to work with pry bars and
saws and tore the roof of the
house off. The house then
ceeded west on JS
it
reached V, where the house was
pushed into a field at the northeast corner of the intersection,
And there, more than two
months later, it remains, ro the
consternation of property owner
Vincent Patla, residents of the
adjacent Lake Shangri-La netgh
borhood, and town officials
In recent days; the house has
become the target of vandals On
Saturday night, someone brol\e
into the building and set it :.:.tfire.
The blaze was
extinguished by the
teer Fire Department but Chief
Thomas Seep said it suffered
extensive ctam:1ge
In the days since then, the
roofless house has been rained

62}(fi;ti~'~~~~~{P]r!§~
c?~~-~~a~;;8

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on twice, causing damage to its
sheetrock interior walls and in·"
sulation. As it sits currently, the
once attractive house has be~
come an
and a jurisdictional
as well.
and Scanlan were issued
a varwty of citations by the
sheriff's department but to date,
neither has obtained the permits
required to move the house the
last mile to its final resting place
at Lake Shangri--La. The News
has been unable to locate any of
the persons involved with the
move to ask what their plans
are. The house is believed to be
owned by

sure.
Tmvn officials are remaining
mum on the status of the house
but privately they admit they
don't \Vant to touch this hot
potato wtth a !0-foot pole if they
can avoid it.
Salem Building Inspector Jack
Dahms said he has been in con··
tact with the sheriff's departthat the county
pressure on'' to
moved or torn

K enosho N~w:. pltoto by Joe Van landt

House In transit now rei!tll at the corner of county highways JS and V
County Executive John Col·
!ins, contacted
said
the ultimate
its
disposition lies with the movers.
However. if they fail to either
·
will

Jins said. "Right now, the issue
is not how the house got there but
that it's there. lf it was on county
property, we would have it re·
moved and sue to collect our

costs."
The Town of Salem, where the
house currently "resides," did
not adopt county zoning, but Col·
!ins said the problem of what to
do about the apparently abandoned house on wheels is the
nonetheless because the
house
sitting within 1,000 feet
of Lake Shangri·La and comes

they n.re c!umpin_g house-s," Cul-

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under provisions of the
Shoreland Zoning Ordinance.
Larry Brumback, assistant director of
and
1

"If there is a lesson here,"
Conins said, "it i.s that if someone knocks on your door and
wants to
a house on your
·y,
let him:·
matter will be discussed
when the Salem Town Board
meets on
May 19. A
contingent
Shangri"-La
homeowners has requested it be
on the agenda and they
to demand the town take
legal action to have the house
moved or raken apart and hauled
off

development.
not moved soon, his office will

issue a issue violation letter to
Patla. "It's his responsibility to
get the house moved,'' Brumback said, "because the house is
on his orooertv. If the house isn't

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Historic area home
takes scenic route
BY GREG SAUCERMAN
-;;~.;;)t-',.. f,'.S)

After standing for over 150 years, the
old Jacksonville house on Highway 50,
Bristol, was saved from destruction.
Originally a stage stop, the house
was built in 1835 by the Jackson family
on the popular Geneva Road (Highway
50), The building has grown in importance and has become known as a Bristol
landmark.
But now Highway 50 must be
widened to make it safer for traveling.
This means that most of the homes that
were located near the highway must be
removed. This also included the Jacksonville home,
To the rescue came Matt and Sandy
Nolan, Wilmot. They fell in love with the
old house and thought it would be a
crime to destroy it. After selling their
home, they purchased the house for a
dollar and had it moved to a site near
Paddock Lake,
They plan on restoring the house but
still make it comfortable for living.

The house was moved July 12 by
Heusser Heavy Haulers, Elkhorn. After
using hydraulic jacks to lift the 60-ton
house, beams were put underneath, the

foundation was knocked out, and the
house started its ride to the new location.
The movers took the house up Highway

D and then went west on Highway K to
Paddock Lake. The electric company
stayed in front of them, lifting up power
lines and then replacing them when the
building had passed,
No windows were broken. In fact,
when moving a house. even the dishes
can stay in the cabinets because of the
process being so smooth, the moving
company said.
The building is waiting for the new
foundation to be poured which will be
soon. The movers are now working on
another house near Silver Lake. They
have moved quite a few homes because
of the Highway 50 project,
With determined people like the
Notans, maybe more of these historic
homes can be saved to be enjoyed for
many more generations.

milllon; breakout of
;;Jnd
funds un~

Project: RPbui!ding
50 from the Des PlninPs River to
we~:t of
T'1.vo-Jane
romi will brconw a divided, four-

75 percent
funded a-:1d 2,1
state funded
continuing
vhll re.mnin

HerlV\1
;11 304th

Detours:

Road will remain

open. Traffic will 11se existing
rnad umll new
are con~

area July 12. Even after the doors were
boarded shut the Nolans had trouble
keeping people out of the house. The
building Is now waitfng for the new
foundation to be poured.
!Greg Saucerman Photo]

50

50
to Highway
will he:_:onw n divtr!ed four-lane

old Jacksonville house, Bristol, was
right in the way of the Hlghway 50
expansion and was 1 day away from being
demolished when Matt and Sandy Nolan
fought their way through tbe red tape and
had the building moved to Paddock Lake

npea, Traffic
road until

I

I

I

'USE'

eastbound
June 6.

date:

Project: H eht 1 i 1eli ng
from Paddock Lake east
Des P!nin0s River. Two-lane
a dfvlded, four·

Proleet:
110 frOn1 Paddock
n1i!es to thf> wps;· Two-lanP road

will become a divided. four·lane
Cost: $2,9:J5,;JfJ8:

s1gns.
course

IJ<t5'e

ilnni

DetnHr.s:

oerore p::lv-

wiH remain

open. Tr2ff!c will use exist1ng
rowJ until nev.' vve~tbnund lanes

are completed
Dati:

began:

--~)
.,._

...

''-,

road un; tl
are comp1Pii:'d.

while

pour eel

Late

completh:H: date:
project to hE' com·
~--"~...,·-........_

open

Spring.

The JacksonviUe house is on Its way to a
new location near Paddock Lake. On July
12, the 60~ton building crawled along on
Highway D and then went west on
Highway K tmder the power of a diese~

motor, and
utfUty companies stayed In
house to lift up power lines and replace
them once the movers had passed.
fGreg Saucerman Photo1

Three contrqGtz~ OK'd for work on Highway 50
Three contracts totaling $9 million River Falls, the 2-lane roadway will be million to widen and upgrade the section interchange.
for the reconstruction of WIS 50 as a widened to 4 lanes, with new bridges of Highway 50 between 128th Aven~e
Shebesta said the work also includes
four-lane highway from I-94 to Lake constructed over the Fox River and Soo and 118th Avenue.
adding lanes to Highway 50 at the
Geneva have been signed by Gov. Tom Line Railroad. The intersection at
''This project will correct current junction of I-94 and separating the
Thompson.
highways 83 and 50 will also be deficiencies in the highway 50/I-94 frontage roads currently integrated with
''With the approval of these three upgraded,
interchange, where activity has drama- the freeway ramp system.
new contracts for WIS 50, we can move
Th" 2_ e pro·ect is to be completed tically increased in recent years,'' said
In 1987, construction was done on the
18
closerto the goal of connecting Delavan, b N e y b':,'r 1 89 Shebesta said. Shebesta. "By the year 2007, traffic at Paddock Lake segment of Highway 50.
~addock Lake and ~ake Geneva. to the C~nst~ct:n will be d~ne under traffic
this interchang~ is expected tci double." This year the DOT has been working
rnterstate system w1th a safer h1ghway
The area mcludes the Kenosha between County B and 128th Avenue,
that has the appropriate capacity," said
A. W. Oakes and Son, Inc. Racine, Outlet Mall and the site of a second mall widening the existing 2-lane highway to
Harvey Shebesta, director of the Depart~ was awarded the third contract for $1.6 that is being developed adjacent to the a safer, four-lane divided highway.
ment of Transportation's Waukesha
_-"
-District, which includes Walworth and
<ts\>1 . ":,q- WAY BACK
EN____
Kenosha counties. ''This area - with its
_,._,..,_
a T' .=:'£ 11
----------growing transportation needs - is a
dynamic part of southeastern Wisconsin.''
In a $1.4 million contract awarded to
B.R. Amon & Sons, Inc., Elkhorn, 10
miles of Highway 50 from Lake Geneva
in Walworth County to Highway 83 will
be resurfaced and widened. Passing
lanes, right turn lanes at intersections
and paved shoulders will be added.
Recycled asphalt will be used for the
new pavement surface, explained Shebests. Recycling involves grinding up
the old asphalt, mixing it with new
material and reapplying the mixture as a
new road surface. The process saves
money because it requires less new oil
and gravel than does a completely new
surface.
Work is scheduled to be completed
by the end of October, with the roadway
remaining open to traffic during construction. Flagmen will direct traffic
during daylight hours. Some delays are
expected, but the traffic will return to
normal2~lane conditions at night.
Immediately east of this project,
improvements will also begin on the
3-mile portion of Highway 50 between
Highway 83 and County Highway B in
Kenosha County.
Under a $6 million contract awarded
to Hoffman Construction Co., Black

J

Highway 50 was two lanes to new
The photo above shows a two-lane Highway
50 in 1961, looking west toward the junction
with County Highway HH and, beyond, at the
horizon, the then-new 1-94. This plciure is

-..

__

'

from a collection of Ed Burman's, Today,
below, Highway 50 ls a divided lour-lane
from the clly to 1-94.

highway construction,
which began last year and
Is to be completed in 1.98.9,
't just happen suddt:mly. It
has been a long, long, long,
long road and the beginning of
jwirney was 20 years ago.·

Thomas Orisich surveys the road bed on a portion of the new lanes on Highway 50 in Bristol

d r'
h
'

By Don Jensen
Staff Writer

uge graders have reshaped the
contour of the land. The
crowns of hills have been
shaved off to fill in the dips in
the roadway. Oaks that stood a century
or more, and old farmhouses too, have
disappeared.
Highway 50, west of the "I," is
metamorphizing before our eyes. A

landscape

we've

always

known

is

changing
has changed. Suddenly, it
seems, it all looks different.
But the highway construction. which
began last year and is to be completed
in HJBB. didn't just happen suddenly. It
has been a long, long, long, long road
and the beginning of the journey was 20
years ago.
It was the summer of 1968, when state
highway engineers first unveiled a plan
to replace the narrow hilly highway- a
deathtrap many called it - between
Kenosha rmd Lake Geneva with a four-

lane divided, limited access expressway
that would handle the heavy traffic
predicted by !990.

The new route, according to Lee

1-

of taking on the estimated $750,000 cost
to renovate Highway 50 to handle the
decreased but still significant local traffic. Nor was the state interested in
paying that bill, then turn the road over
to th. the county.

Alternatives were suggested by area
residents. One proposal would upgrade
the existing Highways 50 and K, using
one for eastbound traffic, the other for
that headed west.
"It would still be a divided highway,'·
a proponent said. "The median strip
would be just a little wider than usuaL"
A longtime Bristol farmer, Horace
Fowler suggested that what was then
called Highway 43 - today's Highway
142 - be upgraded to become the
county's major east~west artery,
Originally~ contracts were to have
been let in 1972 for the controversial
new Highway 50. But without whole·
hearted local support, it languished and
soon the project was pushed back to
1976.

In 1972, Robert T. Huber, state highway commission head, asked local of·
ficials if, in fact, the public supported

Schneider, then chief architect of the
planned highway, would run parallel to
the old highway, but a half mile north of
it
The proposal, aired at a meeting at
Central High School. drew instant flak

the Highway 50 project, complaining
that the state was not looking for heat
"from the public after we design a
project that has been asked for by local
officials.

from Kenosha County farmers living

around the the officials have slid out the
side door!"

along the old road. They saw the prospects of losing some of their land and
having their property bisected by the
new highway.
"H

c::nmPonP

('()ITlP$

nlowin' through

"When the heat is turned on. we look

He was assured there was local support, but Huber indicated that a lack of
funds-- "a near empty pocketbook"-

·ay
Dorff ancl Molimtm responded that
the inuctlon in Machson stemmed from
the Kenosha County

Jon. which, they said,
to e~tablish the project as a
high priori t:v item

So 1978 became "swdy time" again.
One of the old proposals

study -

from

the
running

Paddock Lake as an
with wider lanes and
curbs and gutters, hut no roadside
ditches and no
median strip got new attention
this idea
wa~ adopted and solved one of the

persistent problems
Stare

dollars still were unM

8Vailable
but,
vinus year, officials of a!!

the pre~
munici-

politiE'S along tht:· Highway 50 route, and
the county, hammered out a rough
agreement on the nprroach to be taken.
West to New Munster, at !easr, High~
1.vay ~0 should he reconstructed "along
!ts Present ali.gnment "
It's the firs! time WP~ve had unanim!n 12 ~'ears!" said Earl Hollister,
1 County Board Highway Committee
chairnwn.
"The route h the only one we can
rencll ngret>ment on," ·Maurer said.
"Not everyone
happy with it, but
we've agreed to
From- thAt point. a new Highway 50
became <-l question not of where, but
v\'!wn.

Accidents were increasing; 186 in
1970 alone on thP 23-mlle Kenosha
ty stretch nf Highway ,)0.

Counh

··something hns to he clone," said

ment of Transportation began planning

for construction.
"The plan will be on our shelf and
when the money is available, we will be
ready for construction," said Jerome
Smith, a DOT road design engineering

supervisor.
A timetable for construction set in
September 1983. It called for six stages
of construction between 1986 and 1989.
But '83 was most important because a
transportation package inserted in the
state budget, funded by an increase in
state gasoline taxes. Among the 12
major highway projects funded by the
measure was a long-waiting Highway 50

renovation.
By 1985, a new bridge over the Fox
Ri'ver became the first tangible construction. That year also saw part of the
original project, the western 10 miles
from Highway 83 (North), near New
Munster, to Lake Geneva, scrubbed
from the plan. Still unsolved was the
problem of how to route the new road
around the Wheatland community.
State officials indicated informal!}
that they favored a route that wou!C
pass just north of New Munster anc
Slades Corners. It could take 10 to 1e
years to fund and complete that, the~
said.
The cost of work on the curren1
project, the 13 miles from Highway g;
(North) to 1-94, will run $24.4 million.
The first phase of the Highway 5l
project, the "urban" stretch througl
Paddock Lake began in the spring o
1987 and was completed late in the year
Bv the end of the current constructior

highway construction,
began last year and
1:.., to
completed in 198.9,
dkln 't
happen suddenly. It
been a long, long, long,
long mud and the beginning of
t/w journey was 20 years ago.

Thomas Orisich surveys the road bed on a portion of the new lanes on Highwav cci!l in Bristol
)j

r r

'

By Don Jensen
Staff Writer

uge graders have reshaped the
contour of the land, The
crowns of hills have been
shaved off to fill in the dips in
the roadway, Oaks that stood a century
or more, and old farmhouses too, have

disappeared.
Highway 50, west of the "!," is
metamorphizing before our eyes. A

landscape

we've

always

known

is

changing
has changed, Suddenly, it
seems. it all looks differenL
But the highway construction, which
began last year and is to be completed
in 1989, didn't just happen suddenly, It
has been a long, long, long, long road
and the beginning of the journey was 20

years ngo.
lt was the summer of 1968, when state

highway engineers first unveiled a plan
to replace the narrow hilly highway- a
deathtrap many called it - between
Kenosha and Lake Geneva with a four-

lane divided, limited access expressway
that would handle the heavy traffic
predicted by 1990.

The new route, according to Lee
Schneider, then chief architect of the
planned highway, would run parallel to
the old highway, but a half mile north of
)t

The proposal, aired at a meeting at
Central High School, drew instant flak

from Kemlsha County farmers living
along the old road, They saw the prospects of losing some of their land and
having their property bisected by the
new highway.
"If someone comes plowin' through
your front yard, you wouldn't like it and
we're in that same damn boat" complained Wheatland farmer Joseph Pfeffer,
But it was just the beginning of a

controversy that would swirl around
such proposals for two decades.

In addition, there were two other
problems, Paddock Lake and
Wheatland! Highway 50 ran right
through both communities, Should a
new highway bypass them? Merchants
didn't like that idea. But was there

room to squeeze through a

multi~!ane

long years. the decisions were
made - painfully - to go through
Padctoci< Lake and around Wheatland,
fn 19fl9, the state further spelled out
its plan, When the new road was built,
the old Highway 50 would be turned over
to Kenosha County to maintain as a
county highway.
Whoa! Kenosha County officials were
'ess than ovr-rjoyecl about the prospect

of taking on the estimated $750,000 cost
to renovate Highway 50 to handle the
decreased but still significant local traffic, Nor was the state interested in
paying that bill, then turn the road over
to th. the county,

Alternatives were suggested by area
residents, One proposal would upgrade
the existing Highways 50 and K, using
one for eastbound traffic, the other for
that headed west
"It would still be a divided highway,"
a proponent said, "The median strip
would be just a little wider than usuaL"
A longtime Bristol farmer. Horace
Fowler suggested that what was then
called Highway 43 - today's Highway
142 - be upgraded to become the
county's major east*west artery.
Originally, contracts were to have
been let in 1972 for the controversial
new Highway 50, But without whole~
hearted local support, it languished and
soon the project was pushed back to

1976,
ln !972, Robert T, Huber, state highway commission head, asked local officials if. in fact, the public supported
the Highway 50 project, complaining
that the state was not looking for heat
"from the public after we design a
project that has been asked for by local

officials,

ment of Transportation began planning

"'''""'"w'"' which, they said,
d to Psrablish tl1e project as a
hlgh priority itern.

when the money is available, we will be

side door'"
He was assured there was local support, but Huber indicated that a lack of
funds - "a near empty pocketbook" meant work on the project was eight or

nine years away.
Ten years ago, in the summer of 1978,
with the project seemingly ground to a

halt, recriminations flew,
In 1973, then Kenosha area legislators, Assemblymen George Molinaro
and Eugene Dorff had asked for a
feasiblity study on yet another proposed
route, an extension of Highway !58 (60th
Street) from [-94 to Lake Geneva

later,

then-Sen.

John

Maurer said the legislature had been
ready to fund the Highway 50 project
when the two legislators had asked for
the Highway 158 study.
"When the report was ready, (the
state officials) didn't release it because
they didn't want to embarrass the local
legislators," Maurer charged,
The study, reportedly, confirmed that

an east-west corridor was essential, but
did not select anv particular route as
most favored.
,

for construction.
"The plan will be on our shelf and
ready for construction," said Jerome
Smith, a DOT road design engineering

supervisor.
So In78 became ".-;tudy time" again,
the old prrmosals from the

-

running

Lake as an
with wider lanes and
curbs and gutters, but no roadside
ditchps and no
rneclian strip got new attention.
this idea
was adopted anrl solved one of the
per::~lstent

problems

State

dollars still were

un~

available
but.
the pre~
vlous yenr, officiais of a!!
munici~
ies along the Highwny 50 route, and

county, hammered out a rough
agreement on the flprroach to be taken,
Vi est to New Munster, ar least, Highway 50 should lJe reconstructed "along
its presertt
''
It's the
tirne we've had unanim~
in 12 years!" said Earl Hollister,
County Board Highway Committee
chairman.
1

"The route
tllf'
reach agreement on.''
"Not everyone
happy
we"ve agrPed to 1t"

hecame a q!lestion not of where, but
when.

AccidPnts were mcreasmg; 186 in
1979 alone on the 23-rnile Kenosha Coun~

ty stretch of Higlnv<1y 50
"Sometl11n~!

iotm BeckeT

has ro bf• done," said
a Denartmem of Trans~
1080. Becker,

road for 15
vears said !llere had heen four fatalities
m his irnmedi8te neighborhood
In IOSL Mmner called Highway 50 the
"No. l
among state highways
delay in funding the
pro_iect on polit!cs.

Gnv_ Lee)
County
And, that vear. the Ke-nosha project
was not to be found :J.momz the state's

over the
next sl x years.

In 1882. howf'ver, after a meeting
with Maun'r, 1\s::;emhly Reps. Joseph
Andrea,
B\Jotti and

A timetable for construction set in
September 1983. It called for six stages
of construction between 1986 and 1989,
But '83 was most important because a
transportation package inserted in the
state budget, funded by an increase in
state gasoline taxes, Among the 12
major highway projects funded by the
measure was a long-waiting Highway 50

renovation.
By 1985, a new bridge over the Fox
River became the first tangible construction, That year also saw part of the
original project, the western 10 miles
from Highway 83 (North), near New
Munster, to Lake Geneva, scrubbed
from the plan, Still unsolved was the
problem of how to route the new road
around the Wheatland community,
State officials indicated informally
that they favored a route that would
pass just north of New Munster and
Slades Corners, It could take 10 to 15
years to fund and complete that, they

said.

From that point, a new Highway 50

"When the heat is turned on, we look
around the the officials have slid out the

Five years

Dorff uml iVlolinnro responded that
the lnactlon in Madi~on stemmed from
loc;-jJ
the l-\:enosha County

Mayor John

Gilbert
Dosemagen, life >v::1s breothed into the
highwr~y pnmosnl clgnin. The Depart-

The cost of work on the current
project, the 13 miles from Highway 83
(North) to 1-94. will run $24A million,
The first phase of the Highway 50
project, the "urban" stretch through
Paddock Lake began in the spring of
1987 and was completed late in the year.
By the end of the current construction
season this fall, motorists will be able
to drive on new concrete nearly all the
way to New Munster, Four lanes will be
open from 1-94 for the Des Plaines
River bridge, Two new lanes will be
open for the rest of the project west-

ward.
The final two lanes there are scheduled for construction in 1989,
What of the bypass in Wheatland?
After a late July meeting between
Kenosha County and Wheatland officials with the Transportation Projects
Commission in Madison, Town Supervisor Leonard Lenz called the propects
"good" for funding the bypass project,
And Wheatland Town Clerk Sheila
Siegler said that state officials indicated a report will be issued in December on funding allocations through

1996.
After 20 years of waiting for a new
Highway 50, the end of the project still
is a few years o!L

Highway 50
Project: Rebuilding
50 from County Highway
to Highway 83, Two-lane road
will become a divided, four-lane
highway,
Cost: $5.98 million in federal
and state funds.
Status: Tearing out old road,
wav.
Detours: Road wili remain
open. Traffic will use existing
road until new lanes are con~
structed.
Date project begins: July !8,
Targeted completion date:
Fall 1989,

Highway 50
Project: RebUJlding
,50 from Paddock Lake

Traffic on Hwy
50, continues uninterrupted as
revamping of highway to four !ones conilnues going

seen strewn all way through New Munster in thls one

west of finished highway in Paddock lake, heading

of six phases of highway reconstruction slated to end
with repaving near lake Geneva. ~ Photo by Gloria

towards Lake Geneva. Construction vehicles con be

Davis.
four~

road wlli bf'rorne a diviciPd,

roacl ~mtll nPv.,.· 1.vestbmwd
are completed. ThPn traffic wiil
bE> routed to the- \vesrbound l<.Hlf'~
while new eastbound i<:tnes 2-rr

and 2·1 percent, or
state funtied

Status: Switch over of traffic'
onto
Paddock
Monday,
Deto-urs:

lanes east of
sche~!uled

fc"~r

Highway Q

Road wlll remain
open. Traffic wiU use exjsting

road until new lanes are
nleted.
, Date project began:
Apnl
Targeted completion
~ar project
be
next sum mer.

v;,:e~.t

com,
Late
date:
corn-

Des Plaines River. Two-lane
road will become a divided fourlane highway
Cost: $5,5 million; 76
or $4,180,000, federaliy
and 24 percent, or $L320,000,
state funded,
Status: Laying base course for
new westbound lanes east of
Paddock Lake,
Detours: Road will remain
open. Traffic will use existing
road until new lanes are com·
pleted,
Date project began: Late
ApriL
Targeted completion date:
Two,year project to be com ..
pteted next summer.

Highway 50

H anrl

over the
Des Plaine~ R1Vf'"r and Soo LinP
Rr:ilrond tr8.cks.
Cost: BPlwPen $6 million and

one-naif rni!P
Twolane road \Vill become a divided,
rour~!ane

Cost:

7f'J nercent. or

Highway 50
Project: Rebuilding
50 from the Des Plaines R1ver to

a half-mile west of l-'14, TW0iane road will become a clJvided,

Cosr:
$2.756.550,

open. Traffic '-Vll! ust~ Pxist\ng
roar! unti{ ncv,; ~H~-thound

or
June r;

Status: Paving of new eastbound lanes completed, Traffic
switch over to new lanes could
occur next week

Highway 50

.

·- ..____,
.

Project: Rebuilding Highway
50 from County Highway B west
to Highway 83. Two-lane road
will become a divided, four-lane
highway,
Cost: $5,98 million in federal
and state funds.
Status: Grading continuing,
Detours: Road will remain
open, Traffic will use existing
road until new lanes are constructed.
Date project begins: July !8,

Targeted

completion

Detours; Road will remain
open. Traffic will use existing
road until new eastbound lanes
are completecl.
Date project began: June n,
Targeted completion date:
Late October or earlv November.
,

Highway 50

Highway 50
Project: Rebuilding
50 from Paddock Lake east
Des Plaines River. Two~ lane

Highway 50
Project:
tJec:ome a folir .

miles to the \.vest. Two"lane road

with medum. curb

dlvidE'd, four-·lnne

w
Two~lant:

road

will become a divided, four-lane
or
2;1
fum!ed hy

ancl

will be-cnn1e

or

rn
al::;:c.

\s dnsed for
Pleasant Prattle sewers nnrth nf

wny. Traffic no1v
nP.w weslhound
jJhase

!1€X1

lanes

Detours:

Road

\vlll

remain

open, Traff1c will use e-xlsting

1·oaci until new wesrbound lan~s
Then traffic w\11

oe

while 11ew easthnund lanes an•

Status: Paving nf ne"v west~
c0:nplete
bound lanes
Detours: Ro8d wi:l remain
open. Traffic will use existing

~~

Status: Tearing ou1 n!d

anc!

date:

Fall 1989

Highway 31

shoui-

miles to the west

date:

('_flm;;lPtion

25 percenL
funded.

.funfc G
comPletion
l\l:>\()

This telephoto shot of Highway 50 work compresses the view looking east from half a mile west of 1-94

c

nstructior1 r1arls
-;:2._?.

lvfurder scene

be razed
By Dave Sackmann
Staff Writer
The scene of one of
Kenosha's most grisly murders
in recent years - the former
Shell gas station on the southeast corner of I-94 and Highway

.10 - has been boarded up and
will be razed in 30 to 60 days.
By next spring or summer
the area will be paved over in
concrete as a new traffic route
is built at the intersection.
The state Department of
Transportation is buying somE'
of the station property to separate the existing 1-94 east fron-

tage road from the interstate
exit ramo.
A new frontage road will
connect with !18th Street to the
east, then link wlth the south
side of 50. A new, longer exit
ramp will be constructed to
allow more stackmg of vehicles. many of which leave 1-94
at the intersection carrying
shoppers bound for the Fac torv
Outlet Centre.
·

. ··--....,....._~,.

The east frontage road and
entrance ramp on the northeast
corner of the intersection like~
wise will be separated next
vear
· James Nlachnik, DOT district real estate chief, said
Shell Oil Co. wants to build a
new gas station off ll8th Street
on the southeast corner.
Unlike the former station,
which was company-owned but
operated
businessman Tom
Stemper,
new facility will

be owner! and
Shell. Machnik

"

':)"'":>'

Y~

by
·

On New Year's Eve, Dec. 31,
1986, Steven D. Kinney and his
cousin. John E. Ekornaas, were
killed ar the
station and
their bodies
afire. rn
publicized trials. Spnggie
Hensley Jr. and Luigi A!ello
were convicted of the murder:;;
and sentenced to t.ife terms of
lmpnsonment.
Machnik said he
nego~
tiating a land swap between
Shell and the Marcus Corp.,
which owns the Big Boy restaurant and Budgetel motel on
!18th Street
The former gas station is on
a parcel slightly less than 5
acres. Macl1nik said the DOT
needs about 0.79 acres for the

ramp extension.
Work proceeding on the east

side of the intersection is to
temporarily redirect traffic until the ramp/frontage road separation is completed next year
Construction under way on

the west side of the imersecrion
involves building left turn lanes
to the two median crossovers.
A new frontage road is under
construction about half a mile
west of the interstate.
When
will link

this road

tage road
Factory Outlet Cemre, on the
south side of 50, and north of

Gas station, scene of Kinnev-Ekornaas murden;,
is hoarded up and will be razed

the exit ramp, on the north side
of 50.

has been delayed on the new

This will permit southbound
traffic only between the
northern exit ramp and the
entrance ramp to l-94, south o!
50.
Elmer Schultz. DOT construction supervisor. said work

weather permltling

frontage road south of 50 be-

Construction crews also are

cause electrical lines serving

building turn lanes under t:'hf'
1N94 overpass to ease traffic

the Factory Outlet Centre have
been relocated under~

not

He said construction work
west. of the interstate should be
complrtf.'-d by mid·November,

congestion.
More than 7.000 vehicles
through some section!'i of the

intersection daily, DOT traffic
counts indicate. ·

U.UI

Vvide load,
wide turn
Highway 45 was dosed
for several hours Thursday when this truck
burled its wheels In a
ditch at about ll: 15 a.m.
at the Intersection of
lllghway 50 and 45. The
truc.k, carrying a concrete
brl.dge span for a project
in lllinol•, cut the corner
loo close as II turned
south on 45. No one was
injured.

1!·"'·-

JtVV

~ULU OVG. >~V~

lfi!Ufed.

__u_r.-J:us~.ecung aucKnng

over Fox River
Work on the second of two bridge® over the Fox River at State
50 '" proceeding on schedule, said Roger Berg, field
•noerin•le.n<lPrlt for Hoffman Constrnction Co., Black River Falls.
The cement piers are in place and steel girders will be set in

construction
place within the next two weeks. Berg said !he bridge should be
completed by mid-November but will no! carry traffic until !he
mad is opened to !our lanes of traffic next year. Traffic is
currently u•lng the bridge completed in fall of 1986.

Property owners plan
Highway 50 meeting
i

At least 44 property owners
upset with the Department of
Transportation over negotiations
involving the Highway 50 reconstruction project have scheduled a meeting for 6:30 p.m.,
Friday, Oct. 14, at the Paddock
Lake Village Hall, 6969 236th
Ave.
The agenda will include discussion of a petition or letter~
writing campaign urging the
governor to meet with the property owners, discussion of pos·
sible legal action and other alter-

Road construction work continues on the west frontage road of l-94

'3

?' .
'if'S'
natives.
Bradley Smith, 22230 75th St..
one of the property owners in the
reconstruction corridor, said the
residents are upset with land
negotiation tactics used by DOT
officials, settlement prices and
other issues.
The group had asked Gov,
Tommy Thompson to meet with
them. An Oct. 3 letter to Smith
from the governor's office said

Thompson is too busy now. but
may be able to arrange a future

meetmg.

!oiowing is a list of road
•struction projects schedJect !or next week in Kenosha
County and on the interstate in
surrounding counties.
IQ \?. y';?
T<

Highway 50

and 25 percent. or $918,850,
state funded .
Status: Grading new westbound lanes.
Detours: Road will remain
open. Traffic will use existing
road until new eastbound lanes
are completed.
Date project began: June 6
Tart~eted completion date:
Late October or early Novem·
ber.
Project: Rebuilding Highway 50 !rom Paddock Lake to
2.5 miles to the west. Two-lane
road will become a divided,
!our-lane highway.
Cost: $2,935,398; 75 percent,
or $2,201,548, funded by federal
money and 25 percent, or
$733,849.. funded by the state.
Status: Grading new eastbound lanes.
Detours: Road will remain
open. Traffic will use existing
road until new westbound lanes
are completed. Then traffic
will be routed to the westbound
lanes while new eastbound
lanes are poured.
Date project began June 6.
Targeted completion date:
Spring !989

way 31 from 1.000 feet south of
142.
Highway 50 to
Present two~lane road
be~
come a lour-lane highway with
median, curb and gutter.

Cost: $4,035,000; 75 percent,
or $3.026,250. funded by federal
money and 25 percent, or
$1,008.750, paid by the state.
Status: Completing __ ,_
ment marking, lnstallin
fie signals, sodding an<
ing off road.
Detours: Road c\O'
through traffic. Beca
also is closed for install;
Pleasant Prairie sewer
of County Highway T.
gested northbound deto
west to H, north on 192
then east to 31
Date proJect began:
Targeted completlor
Beginning of Novembe:

Project: Rebuilding Highway 50 !rom County Highway B
west to Highway 83. Two-lane
road will become a divided,
!our-lane highway.
Cost: $5.98 million in federal
and state funds.
Status: Grading of new east
eastbound lanes. Traffic
switched over to westbound
lanes between County Highway
W and 83 and between B and
304th Ave.
Detours: Road will remain
open. Traffic will use existing
road until new lanes are constructed.
Date project began: July 18.
Targeted completion date:
Fall 1989.
Project: Rebuilding Highway 50 from Paddock Lake
east to the Des Plaines River.
Two-lane road will become a
divided. four-lane highway.
Cost: $5.5 million; 76
County Highway Q
percent, or $4.180,000, federally funded and 24 percent, or
Project: Extending County
$1,320,000, state funded.
Highway Q for 2.1 miles west,
Status: Paving new westlinking County Highway H and
bound lanes east from Paddock
l-94. Bridges being built over
Lake. Two bridges over the
the Des Plaines River and Soo
Des Plaines are virtually comLine Railroad tracks.
pleted. Laying base course on
Cost: Between $6 million
Highway 45.
and $7 mlllion; $2.5 million in
Detours: Road will remain
state funds; $!.9 million in
open. Traffic will use existing
county money. Remainder to
road until new lanes are com~
be paid by WisPark Corp.
pteted.
Status: Paving continuing in
Date project began: Late
intersection o! H and Q.
April.
Detours: None, but traffic is
Targeted completion date:
slow through intersection of H
Two-year project to be comand Q.
pleted in summer 1989.
Date project began: May 3.
Targeted completion date:
Project: Rebuilding High·
End of October, beginning of
way 50 from the Des Plaines
November.
River to 0.5 miles west of I-94.
Two-lane road will become a
Highway
31
divided, four-lane highway.
Cost: $3,675,400; 75 percent,
Project: Rebuilding Highor $2,756,550. federally funded

14th Place
Project: Reconstruc
asphalt paving betwe'
and 30th avenues. it
new concrete curbs
Cost: $270,000 in city
Status; Beginning
asphalt surface.
Date project began:
Targeted eomplet!o
Late November
Detours: Road clos'
traffic Use 18th Stree
Street (Highway E).

75th Street
Project: Redesign
tersection turn lanes,
tion of concrete islat
installation of new tn
nal lights and street li
I.J
Cost: $262,887 in fed
Work is continuing on Hlghwoy
city money.
including this section which will be the
Status: Prelimina westbound bridge over the Chicago~

:f Tramsportatlon. He also stated that rt~
maJor problems have occurred and ~b•
project Is ohead of schedule. Orlglnolly
Highway SO was an indian trall that nu
crete surface work co: Northwestern tracks in Wheatland. from Southport {Kenosha] to Lake Genevo
Date project began: T:ough this brtdge won't be done before The first concrete was laid tn 1928. Th1
Targeted completi~ t e year is out, the bridges over the Fox men in the area were paid 75 cents 1!11 boo
Late November.
and Des Plaines rivers should he finished to work on the road, and they had to suppl
Detours: Road
soon, according to Elmer Schultz, area their own horse. {Greg Saucerman Photc
open. Westbound tr --~~~~-~lsor from~~~-1-sconsln Department

wm

75th between 39th and 43rd
avenues may be restricted to
one lane~

----~~-----

'

50 appraisals
State money
not enough
say owners
By Don Jensen
Staff Writer

- - -........... _ _>

Complaints of unfair treatment and negative negotiating
tactics by the state Department
of Transportation were leveled
Friday night by dissatisfied
property owners.
About 50 persons affected by
the Highway 50 reconstruction
project attended a special meeting at the Paddock Lake village
hall Friday night.
DOT officials were on hand to
hear those complaints, promising to investigate and report to
Gov. Tommv Thompson
was organized by
Smith, 22230 75th

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St. one of the property owners
whose land was acquired by r.he
state for the road widening.
In an empassioned speech 1
Smith scored a "faulty" appraisal system used by the DOT
which, he said, forced people to
either take on an "impossible
debt" to live in a comparable
new home or to lower their
standard of living in a lesser
house. The state did not "make
whole and intact" those who

were "significantly impacted"
by the project, he charged.
Representing

the

governor,

who had been invited to the
meeting, were Harvey Shebesta,
DOT district director, and Tom
McCarthy, chief of real estate
for the DOT.

"We're here to listen,"
Shebesta said, "We don't want to
get Into a debate. We will report
back to the Secretary of Transportation and the governor,"
John Becker, 15421 75th St.,

complained thAt state land nego.
tiators had sweet··talked proper~
ty owners into selling, while
holding the threat ol' condemnation over their heads

Highway 5() in Salem, called it "a
dirty rotten shame" that some
landowners, "the old, the weak,
those who couldn't fight back"
wound up with inferior settle·

"You'd swear there was hon.ev

ments.
Borri said one landowner west
oi his home was paid $900 an

coming out of their mouths,~.
Becker

"but

never Jet

you forget

power
if you go
to courc 99 times om of a hun·
dred you tose The state wins."

0f eminent domain.

Others complained of unequal

Dejno. !3330 75th St.,
years ago be'd paid a
premium price for t1i~ land be~
cause of

stand of oaks on the

property but the state put no
value on his woods
"They took 18 oaks out of my
yard. some. more tl1an 100 years
old. And I know someone else

who got the same amount and
they only took two trPes."
Dr. Randy
a veterinarian who a!so
along

vacre, another less than a quarter mile to the east received
$9,000 an acre.
Others complained about
grade changes that altered
drainage patterns, causing flooding, and of too few driveway
qJlotments to the limited-access
four-lane highway now partially
completed,
There were other complaints
that owners had expected state
"resettlement payments" would
make up for what they had felt
were inadequate purchase prices

for their homes, but that those
were going l.ln·

exp~ctations

T' folowing is a list of road
.struction projects sched,fed for next week in Kenosha
County and on the interstate in
surrounding counties.
10.

Highway 50

'i?. ';;?<:;?

Project: Rebuilding Highway 50 from County Highway B
west to Highway 83. Two-lane
road will become a divided,
four-lane highway.
Cost: $5.98 million in federal
and state funds.
Status: Grading of new east
eastbound lanes. Traffic
switched over to westbound
lanes between County Highway
W and 83 and between B and
304th Ave.
Detours: Road will remain
open. Traffic will use existing
road until new lanes are constructed.
Date project began: July 18.
Targeted completion date:
Fall 1989.
Project: Rebuilding Highway 50 from Paddock Lake
east to the Des Plaines River.
Two-lane road will become a
divided, four-lane highway.
Cost: $5.5 million; 76
percent, or $4,180,000, federally funded and 24 percent, or
$1,320,000, state funded.
Status: Paving new westbound lanes east from Paddock
Lake. Two bridges over the
Des Plaines are virtually completed. Laying base course on
Highway 45.
Detours: Road will remain
open. Traffic will use existing
road until new lanes are completed.
Date project began: Late
April.
Targeted completion date:
Two-year project to be completed in summer 1989.
Project: Rebuilding Highway 50 from the Des Plaines
River to 0.5 miles west of I-94.
Two-lane road will become a
divided, four-lane highway.
Cost: $3,675,400; 75 percent,
or $2,756,550, federally funded

and 25 percent, or $918,850,
state funded.
Status: Grading new westbound lanes.
Detours: Road will remain
open. Traffic will use existing
road until new eastbound lanes
are completed.
Date project began: June 6.
Targeted completion date:
Late October or early November.
Project: Rebuilding Highway 50 from Paddock Lake to
2.5 miles to the west. Two-lane
road will become a divided,
four-lane highway.
Cost: $2,935,398; 75 percent,
or $2,201,548, funded by federal
money and 25 percent, or
$733,849, funded by the state.
Status: Grading new eastbound lanes.
Detours: Road will remain
open. Traffic will use existing
road until new westbound lanes
are completed. Then traffic
will be routed to the westbound
lanes while new eastbound
lanes are poured.
Date project began June 6.
Targeted completion date:
Spring 1989.

County Highway Q
Project: Extending County
Highway Q for 2.1 miles west,
linking County Highway H and
I-94. Bridges being built over
the Des Plaines River and Soo
Line Railroad tracks.
Cost: Between $6 million
and $7 million; $2.5 million in
state funds; $1.9 million in
county money. Remainder to
be paid by WisPark Corp.
Status: Paving continuing in
intersection of H and Q.
Detours: None, but traffic is
slow through intersection of H
and Q.
Date project began: May 3.
Targeted completion date:
End of October, beginning of
November.

Highway 31
Project: Rebuilding High-

way 31 from 1,000 feet south of
Highway 50 to Highway 142.
Present two-lane road will become a four-lane highway with
median, curb and gutter.
Cost: $4,035,000; 75 percent,
or $3,026,250, funded by federal
money and 25 percent, or
$1,008,750, paid by the state.
Status: Completing pavement marking, installing traffic signals, sodding and seeding off road.
Detours: Road closed to
through traffic. Because 31
also is closed for installation of
Pleasant Prairie sewers north
of County Highway T, a suggested northbound detour is T
west to H, north on 192 to 142,
then east to 31.
Date project began: May 23.
Targeted completion date:
Beginning of November.

14th Place
Project: Reconstruction and
asphalt paving between 22nd
and 30th avenues, including
new concrete curbs.
Cost: $270,000 in city money.
Status: Beginning to lay
asphalt surface.
Date project began: Sept. 6
Targeted completion date:
Late November.
Detours: Road closed to all
traffic. Use 18th Street or 12th
Street (Highway E).

75th Street
Project: Redesign of intersection turn lanes, reloca~
tlon of concrete islands, and
installation of new traffic signal lights and street lights.
Cost: $262,887 in federal and
city money.
Status: Preliminary concrete surface work continuing.
Date project began: Sept. 26
Targeted completion date:
Late November.
Detours: Road will remain
open. Westbound traffic on
75th between 39th and 43rd
avenues may be restricted to
one lane.

Transportation. He olso stated
maJor problems have occurred

their own bone. [Greg Saucenrur

Hy. SO appraisalS termed 'faulty'
State money
not enough
say owners
By Don Jensen
Staff Writer

~

Complaints of unfair treatment and negative negotiating
tactics by the state Department
of Transportation were leveled
Friday night by dissatisfied
property owners.
About 50 persons affected by
the Highway 50 reconstruction
project attended a special meeting at the Paddock Lake village
hall Friday night.
DOT officials were on hand to
hear those complaints, promising to investigate and report to
Gov. Tommy Thompson.
The meeting was organized by
Dr. Bradley J. Smith, 22230 75th

1

project Is lliteod of schedule. Or
IDghway SO wao an Indian tn11 1
from Southport [Kenooba] to Lake
The ftrot concrete wu laid In 19
men In the area were paid 75 eeats
to work on the rood, and they bod t

jtJ ~-~~-'56

St. one of the property owners complained that state land nego- Highway 50 in Salem, called it "a
whose land was acquired by the tiators had sweet-talked proper- dirty rotten shame" that some
state for the road Widening.
ty owners into selling, While landowners, "the old, the weak,
In an empassioned speech, holding the threat of condemna- those who couldn't fight back"
wound up with inferior settleSmith scored a "faulty" ap- lion over their heads.
praisal system used by the DOT
"You'd swear there was honey ments.
which, he said, forced people to coming out of their mouths,"
either take on an "impossible Becker said, "but they never let
Borri said one landowner west
debt" to live in a comparable you forget they've got the power of his home was paid $900 an
new home or to lower their of eminent domain. And if you go vacre, another less than a quarstandard of living in a lesser to court, 99 times out of a hun- ter mile to the east received
house. The state did not "make dred you lose. The state wins."
$9,000 an acre.
whole and intact" those who
Others complained of unequal
Others complained about
were "significantly impacted" payments.
by the project, he charged.
Dwayne Dejno, 13330 75th St., grade changes that altered
Representing the governor, said 14 years ago he'd paid a drainage patterns, causing floodwho had been invited to the premium price for his land be- ing, and of too few driveway
meeting, were Harvey Shebesta, cause of a stand of oaks on the allotments to the limited-access
four-lane highway now partially
DOT district director, and Tom property but the state put no completed.
McCarthy, chief of real estate value on his woods.
There were other complaints
for the DOT.
"They took 18 oaks out of my
"We're here to listen," yard, some more than 100 years that owners had expected state
Shebesta said. "We don't want to old. And I know someone else "resettlement payments" would
get into a debate. We will report who got the same amount and make up for what they had felt
back to the Secretary of Trans- they only took two trees."
were inadequate purchase prices
portation and the governor."
Dr. Randy Borri, a veter- for their homes, but that those
John Becker, 15421 75th St., inarian who also lives along expectations were going unrealized.,

-. ___

OFFICIAl.. ..,OTICE
TO BIDDERS

I!

~~ENAcitHNAT ~oRC~~~:

1

C.T.H. "Q"/iOOTH STREET
SANITARY SEWER
8. WATER MAIN
TOWN OF

I

WISCONSIN
The Town of Pleasant Prairie
will receive sealed Bids ior the
construction of sanlfary sewer,
water main and appurtenances,
until 2:00 P.M., Local Time, on
the 12th day of August, 1'188, at
the office of the Town Clerk,
town ot Pleasant Prairie, 9915
39th Avenue, Kenosna, Wisconsin 53142, at which time and
place all Bids will be publicly
opened and read aloud.
.
Project No. 88118 & 88113
M<'lior quantities of work are as
lol!ows;
140 Lin. Ft.-8" Water Main
1,287 Lin. Ff.-12" Water Main
'1,729 Lin, Fl.-16" Water Main
4 Each-8" Gate Va;lves S. Boxes
3 Each~1'1" Butterfly Valves &

I
I

~o~=~h-16"
Boxes

Butterfly Vawes S.l
1

9 Each-6" Gate Valves S. Boxes i

9 Each-Hydrants
120 Un. Ft-6" Hyorant Leaa
30 Lin. Fi.-1" Copper Tubing
1 Eacn-Water Service tnclud; ing Corporation Stop, Curb
Valves & Box
40 Lin. Ft.-24" Steel Casing
190 Lln. Ff.-30" Steel Casing
1,560 Lin. Fl.-24" Sanltary
Sewer
1.200 Lin. FL-10" Sanitary
Sewer
.
105 Lin, Fl.-8" Sanitary Later-~

,,,

125 Lin. Fl.-6" Sanitary Later-

'''
23 Vert.. Ft.-72" DiameterS. '".'-1

I.

I

tary Drop M;;nhole With Type I
Chimney Frame & Se11t (l tJn•tl
29 Vert. Fl.-60" Diameter ::iani·
tary Manhole With Type Ill
Chimney Frame (2 Units)
47 Vert. Ft.-48" Diameter Sanitary Manhole With Type tl
Chimney Frame (3 Units)
17 Vert. Ft.-48" Diameter. Sani·
tary Drop Manhole With Type I
Chimney Frame (2 Units1
30 Vert. Ft.-48" D!ameier San I·
tary Manhole W1th Type II
Chimney Frame {2 Units)
16 Vert. Ft.-4B" Diameter Sani·
tary Drop Manhole With Type II/
Chimney Frame ( 1 Unit)
1
40 Lin. Ft.-42" Steel Casing
The Contract Documents, including Plans and Specifications, are on file tor inspec·
tion at the office of the Town
Clerk., Town of Pleasant Prairie •.
9915 39th Avenue, Kenosha, Wis·
consm 53142
Copies of the Contract Docu·
ments may be obtained at
Crispe!I-Snyder, Inc., 114 W
Court Street, P.O. Box 32ll,l
Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121, upon.
paymenr of S20.00 lor each set
Any Bidder, upon returning the
Contract Documents within 10
days of the bid opening and In
good conaition, will be refunded
S20.00 for each set. No plan de·
posits will be refunded to any
Bidder for plans returned after
10 days of the bid opening.
An additional, non·refundable,
fee of SS.OO to cover shipping and
handling wit\ be required lo~
each set of Contract Documents
sent out. All fees are to be paid .
in advance of shipment or pick
op
Th·'· iettl_ng of tne work described
herein IS subiect 1o the pro·
vis10ns of Section 66.29 of the

I

I
I
I

.

1

'I

W1sconsin Statute~.
The Bidder is required to pay to
the employee. s upon this projec.t,
not tess than the minimum wage
rates set forth in the spec1f·
ications, WhiCh wage scale has
been determined pursuant to the

f~~v~:~~~n~i~ ~~~!~~~/6.293

of[
No Bid shall be received u~1essl
accompanied by a Certified
Check or Bid bond equal to atl
least 5% but not more than 10%
of the Bid, payable to the Town
of Pleasant Prairie, as a gua;ran·
, tee that if his Bid is accepted, he)
will execute and file the Con·!
tract, Contract Performance'!
and Payment bonds, and the
Insurance. C.ertlficates, that. ' "
required by the Contr11ct Documents, w1!hm the time lim1! set
by the Town of Pleasant Prairie.'!
If the successful Bidder so flies
the above Documents, the Check
or Bid Bond will be returned 1
upon the execution of the Con-·~
· tract by the Town ol Pleasant
Prairie. In case he fails to file
the abtiiJ<> n,r.,,....,n....
th ... ,

I

aeriaJ view of the hHers.ertion of Q and
County Highway H ~s 1ot1khtg: wegt. a,s ~tie 2.5··
mile exiension crnss.es. over the
8:r
North \V~~tern raHrnn..d

I

I
The tJrief
a Kev

Ji!1.k between the

I

the remaining

(01;"

porate Parlz and

_____ N0!'£>3

The kev ·factor, Co!Hns sa!d,
w<::::: WisPark's insistence thar
for the

That effort shifted lnto high
·two years ago when Wiscor•~
threw

Chlcagn office of th•~ federal
Protection Agen-

in
"This is

dawn

;~nvironmemal

He credited several faerors

fo~·

C\'.

EPA officials for years-

pOserl thf'

becaus{-:

surrounding
Hiver.

lm; C!"'ovvct of an..-:mt HO

wPthwds
the Dt>s

2P/\ oppo.;.ition to :he project
also
\ve::;k.:ned when the
fhat
sppeci f'tate
money to projrcl.s
with n:mwmic lmporumceWhf:re lhev cut another
open the west
nnd of the road

The
conrrihutr:d
lion toward the fligllwav's :i:f-.4
mil! ion cost w~th
·
paying $l.H rnilUon

lUi i!lfi! ffill!ll7! i.;;:;;l!

1\tiP!tUnLJ 9\qtn
-io~Luo~ l.!t!M

Energy Corp .. the owner nf
LakeView throwzh its develop,

Pleasant P:airie.

I

ttvf'

and to

cr~ate

nth

, C{)ffiQ{:'DSB.ting Wt:>tlands 8Tf'8.S

elswllere
than

Auuns

The Town of Pleasant Prainel
will receive sealed Bids lor the
construction ot sanitary sewer,.
water main and appurtenances,
until 2:00 P.M., Local Time, on
the 12th day of August, 1988, at
the office of the Town Clerk,
town of Pleasant Prairie, 9915
39th Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53142, at which time and
place all Bids will be publicly
opened and read aloud.
Project No. 88118 & 88113
Major quanlities ot work are as
follows·
i
140 Un. Ft.-8" Water Mam
1,287 Un. Ft.-12" Water Main
2,729 Lin. Ft.--16" Water Main
-4 Each-8" Gate Valves & Boxes
~o~:~h-12" Butterfly Valves&!

I

~o~~~h-16" Butterfly Valves

&j

9 Each-6" Gate Valves&.. Boxes!

i2~~~~:-~t~:~ 1~ydrant
1

Lead
30 Lin. Ft.-1" Copper Tubing
1 Each-Water Service lnciUd·
log Corporation Stop, Curb
Valves & Box
40 Lin. Ft.-24" Steel Casing
190 Lin. FL-31)" Steel Cas1ng
1,560 Un. Ft.-24" Sanitary

Il

ti~cfr Un. Ft.-10" Sanitary!
~;~~~n. Ft.-8" Sanitary Later-!

l

ats

125 Un. Ft.-6" Sanitary Later-~

'"

23 Vert. Ft.-72" Diameter Sanl-

~:tm~;~PF~~=o~e s~~ih(JT~~~~i!

29 Veri. Ft.-60" Diameter Sani-~
tary Manhole With Type II
Chimney Frame {2 Units)
47 Vert. Fl.-48" Diameter S.ani-,
tary Manhole With Type I
Chimney Frame (3 Units)
17 Vert. Ft.-48" Diameter Sani·
tar_y Drop Manhole. With Type
Ch1mney Frame (2 Units)
JO Vert. Ft.-48" D1ameter Saol-,
tary Manhole With Type 111
Chimney Frame (2 Units)
16 Vert. Ft.-48" Diameter Sanitary Drop Manhole Wlth Type. II
Chimney Frame (1 Unit)
40 Lin. Ft.-42" Steel Casing
The Contract Documents. mciudioq Plans and Speclf-~
icationS, are on file _for inspection at the office at tile Town
Clerk, Town of Pleasant Prair~e,
9915 39th Avenue, Kenosha, W1s·

II

I
I

~~~;~~ 5 ~~ 42the

Contract Oocu-1
ments may be obtained
Crlspei\-Snyder, toe., \14 W.
Court Street, P.O. Box JW,
Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121, upool
payment of S-20.00 for each set.
Any Bidder, upon returning fhe

all

~~~:r~~t th~o~~;'~~!~~~~t:~nd ~~~

i~_goc~;rdi;~o2h :~~\ ~~ r;lf~;dd~~~
~d~~r ~~~ ~l~nrse~~~~~e~ 0 aft~~~

10 days of the bid opening.
,
An additional, non-refundable,'
fee of sS.OO to cover shipping and
handling will be required for
eacll set of Contract Documents
sent out. Ali fees are to be paid
in advance of shipment or pick

"'

The letting of the work described
herein Is subiect to the pro·
visions of Secllon 66.29 ot the
.,
Wisconsin Statutes.
The Bidder is required to pay to
the employees upon this project,
not less than the minimum wage_

~~~fi~n:~t w~~~~h ~~ge1 hseca~~e~~~~!

I
I

This aeri_al. view of the interJ\teC'tion of
County H!ghw.ay
is looking wegt, a!"'mHe extcmdnn 'Crosz.'I.P~ over the ChkaM"n ~~
North ';Vesten1 raHro<'ld tracks.

been_determ.ined pursua.nt to the
prov1sioos of Section 66.293 of
the Wisconsin Statutes
i' No Bid s.h~\1 be received unless
l accompan1ed by c Certified
I Check or Bid bond equal to at
least 5% but not more than 10%
of the B1d, payable to the Town j
of Pleasant Pra1rle, as a guaran·1

~~~theaxte~u~~s ;~~ isfi~~c~h~e~o~~J

tracl, Contract Performance!
and Payment bonas, anti the
ln~urance Certificates, that are
required by the Contract Docu-~
ments, within the time limit set.
by the Town of Pleasant Prairie
If the. successful.· Bidder so files!
the above Documents, the Check
or B1d Bond w111 be returned
upon the execut1on of the Cof'l·
tract by the Town ot Pleasant!
Prairie. In case he fails to file
the above Documents, the
amount of the Check or Bid Bond
'.hall be forfel:ed to the Town of
P\e~sant Pra1rle as liquidated
damages.
I
The successful Bidder will
required to furnish a satlst&c·
tory Performance and Payment
Bond for the full amount of the
Contract Price lor each of the

I

l
The brief
the end of a

said.
porate

and

I.

I~H4

~~v~:.Z~d~f

That effort shifted lnto high
two years ago 'Nhe-n WlsconCorp., th€' owner of

to state

P\~-->_as.ctnt

Prairie.
the

H;;; creditt'd ~everal factor~ for

of

Narun.i.l Rf:soorces
ChicAgo office of thP federB!
Envtronmenta! Protecti(~n AgenEPA officials for year7
areHs

prOJP(' \.s

with economic iwonrtanceThe

officla1lv ope;J the
of thf' rnad.

\:I,'~St

I

f.orma\lties in blddi~g, or to ac-1
cept the Bid which IS in the best

skies and a brish

m

Pleasant Pr&irie

~~~er~~i t~fd~,ig~a'i~:e~e~; a~~ I

)

Dverca~~;

bel

wetlcmds
the Des

er corr:pensat!ng wetlanD~· 2reas
e!swhpre.
large
nex~ to the highway will
fill 'vith v~nter to become- a
than Paddock Lal~t\

~;~r1~s/e ~~ ~~~ T~~~ o:~~~fsab~ 1
withdrawn for a period at 40!
days after the openlng of the .
Bids without the consent of the 1
Town of Pleasant Prairie.
DATED THIS 25TH DAY OF
JULY, 1988.
BY ORDER OF THE
TOWN OF
PLEASANT PRAIRIE
THOMAS W. TERWALL,
TOWN CHAIRMAN
ROGER PRANGE,
TOWN CLERK
,o:~REPARED BY
CRISPELL-SNYDER, INC
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
ELKHORN, WISCONSIN
Jwly 29, Aug. S, 1988

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Work was being completed this week on half of the new Highway 50 bridge over the Fox River In Kenosha County

Bridging the
highway gap
By Jennie Tunkieicz
Staff Writer

I

mproving Highway 50 through
western Kenosha County means
new bridges are necessary, such as
·
the one on Highway 50 just outside
of New Munster in the town of
Wheatland.
The new and improved bridge, about
a quarter-mile long over the Fox River
right next to Highway W, has been
expanded to four lanes to accomodate
the growth of Highway 50, one of
Kenosha County's main thorough-fare.
A work crew of six to eight men from
Lunda Construction Company, Black
River Falls, fastidiously placed the 75
foot-long piling, which supports the
bridge under ground, built the pier
supports, set the beams, poured the pier
and deck. This week they built the
parapet wall and completed the other
needed odds and ends.
The new addition to the bridge, which
will someday be traversed by two lanes
of east-bound traffic, is finished, Nick
Kadinger, job foreman, said. The other
bridge will be completed in the spring.
Roads leading to the new portion of
the bridge are not finished so traffic
will have to wait and use the old half,
built by Lunda Construct three years
ago, which still accomodates two-way
traffic.
The bridge lifts traffic over an area
where Indians once tread, said Sheila
Siegler, Wheatland Town Clerk. Some
Indian artifacts have been found on the
river bank.

Jeff Schroeder tightens one of the large bolts that holds the bridge together

li ~ ;'!

0

•

"'·

Work was being completed this week on half of the new Highway 50 bridge over the Fox River in Kenosha County

Bridging the
high,Nay gap
By Jennie Tunkieicz

Staff Writer

I

mproving Highway 50 throu1
western Kenosha County mea
new bridges are necessary, such
the one on Highway 50 just outs!•
of New Munster in the town
Wheatland.
The new and improved bridge, abo
a quarter-mile long over the Fox Riv
right nexr to Highway W, has be•
expanded to four lanes to accomoda
the growth of Highway 50, one
Kenosha County's main thorough-fan
A work crew of six to eight men fro
Lunda Construction Company, Bla•
River Falls, fastidiously placed the
foot-long piling, which supports t'
bridge under ground, built the pi
supports, set the beams, poured the pi
and deck. This week they built ti
parapet wall and completed the oth
needed odds and ends.
The new addition to the bridge, whi
will someday be traversed
two :an
of east-bound traffic. is
N'h
Kadinger, _job foreman, said, 'che oth·
bndge will be completed in the
Roads leading to the new ~o
the bridge are not finlshed so ::raft
will have to wait and

ago, which stlll accomod::nes

twr)·W~

traffic.
The brldge lifts traffic 0ver an an
where Indians once tread, said Shei
Siegler, Wheatland Town Clerlc Son
Indian artifacts have been found on 1.1
river bank.

Jeff Schroeder tightens one of the large bolts that holds the bridge together

Workers lift and fit the parapet wall on the new bridge

John Becker looks down the line as work progresses

M n ter~-bY

(SP,WR) - Construction of a 2.7mile Highway 50-New Munster bypass

will almost certainly be moved up 2
years, according to state Sen. Joseph F.

~rot

a position to advance Uw project

construction from 1994 to 1992 depend~
ing upon the availability ol funding,"'
Fiedler wrote,
The $5.3 million bypass was origL!1a}ly to be constructed as part of .a Highway
50 project that would have widened the
entire stretch from I-94 westward to Lake
Geneva.
When enumerated in 1983, the
project ran only to Highway 83. This
project wili be completed next year,
Porter said he wBs very pleased with

Andrea !D-Kenosha) and state Rep.
Cloyd Porter iR-Burlington).
In a Nov. 14 letter to Andrea. state
transportation secretary Ronald Fiedler
said that "the proposed schedule for the
New Munster bypass includes funding
for right-of-way in 1992 and construction
in 1994. You have, on a number of
occasions, brought to my attention the
need to advance the construction sched- the advancement of the bypass.
ule
"Without the efforts of Senator
'' 1 agree with the concerns you raise Andrea, who sits on the Transportation
and have directed the district director. Projects Commission, and the work
Harvey Shebesta, t.o immediately pro- the-people of New Munster, this
ceed with the necessary design of the would not have been moved up,
pr()ject so that the right of way saict.
:ion can proceed earlier than
that within the
and it a.ppearfl that we would be
see a grf':ater

Highway
By Dave Sackmann
Staff Writer
Good news for motorists:
Almost all of the Highway 50
work scheduled for this year has
been completed.
Project engineers for the five
sections of 50 being rebuilt in
Kenosha County report that a
strip just west of the l-94 overpass is about the only phase of
construction behind schedule.

Work sped on in most construction zones because of the
dry summer. But delays in relocating utility lines has delayed
the project just west of the
1-94/50 intersection about six to
nine weeks.
Leonard Makowski. Depart-

work

ment of Tr;n<;.:n~;tXticm
engineer, said
to walt until next summer.
At leasr two new lanes of
concrete have been poured on
each of the other fouf projects.

In several areas, onlv JandA
scaping remains to be completed
next
When
next year, all
five phases of the reconstruction
project between l-94 and Highwav 83 north will have cost the
state of Wisconsin approximate~
lv $20.6 million
,
· Purchase of right-of-way for a
2.7~mile
bypass around New
Munster. at a cost of $5.3 miiHon.
m 1990 with construe~
in !992.
said the eastbound
lanes immediately west of the

annexed from the town
the 47-acre parcel on
v. . Jdch the house sits. so now it is
of thE' village of
The house is believed to have
been built around l83.1 and was
nne wing of the sprawling Jackson home. ft was situated in
Bristol on the north side of a dirt
road that later became State
50. When the Highway
moved east

last summer,

on this road. including two fntaliti<£r. in
the last month," Kerkman said. "The
sooner we can get this through, the wou'
lives we'll save."

he added.
Andrea Rnd Porter gave special
credit to the efforts of scores of local
officials who pushed· oo hard for
advancement of this project.
Francis Kerkman, chairman of the
Town of Wheatland which includes New
Munster, .said the bypass wiD relieve
potential traffic bottlenecks,
''There have been a lot of accidents

the 19-mile Highway 36 project from
Burlington to Milwaukee Connty, was
recommended at the Nov. 10 meeting of
the Transportation Projects Commission
in Madison.
These recommendations will be
folded into Governor Thompson's pro)J<lsed 1989-91 state budget and must be

The jog will be eliminated
nexr summer,
Cleanup of construction matep
rials and equipment at the intersectiOn will be completed for
the winter about Dec. 16,
Makowski said.

Two turning lanes and two
through lanes have been completed under the 1-94 bridge. Sig·
nal work at the intersection is to
be done by Dec. 19"
To the west, four lanes should
be open w1thln two weeks from
just west of the Brat Stop to a

The house
Nol;1ns for .~1

3,000 feet east of the Des

River.
traffic
now is traveling on
will
become the permanent westbound lanes.
Donald
DOT
said signs
be
ding and seeding
lane markings
up the job
Some 3,000 feet of nr:w road~
way to be built this summer ,just
east of the Des Plaines Rlver
walt until next year,
He said the uncompleted
should not disrupt traffic flow
over the winter
Robert RoszkowskL the DOT
eng1neer in
from the Des
west to
Paddock Lake, said nevr west-

sold to the
providing they

mov~ it to a
!ocatwn and rPsrore it as

to

Michael Gonia

the house was st.lvecl from demn~
lition by Matthew and Sandra
Nolan of R<ll1c!alL who hought it

from the

~tate

new

its

Nutimwl '"'"""'''"'y

UCS/f!TI COOrcflrW(O!

approved by the Legislature

~s

8grePd to

Htsroric Places und is
considered an
link to
pioneer
.oust.

The New Munster bypa&s, as well!';;.;.

..
+
ffiOSl

!-94/50 intersection have yet to
be paved, meaning motorists
will have to contend with a jog in
Bristol Parkway where it intersects 50, just west of the Brat
Stop.

Sy Joe Van Zaodt
Staff Writer
;,: ~r 7 ,.~<j

PADDOCK LAKE -The historic Andrew B. Jackson house
has been moved
only this
in a
sense
ng a public hearing,
the Village Board Wednesd""

need to advance the project into the 1900
constructicn season. The final leg of
Highway 50 construction should make
the need for the bypass even clearer,''

Gonia,

con;o.;idered an important
\Visconz;;in's oionPer pasr.

th
bound lanes have been Cl
pleted this year according
schedule. New eastbound Ia
wlll be built next summer.
The highways 50/45 inten
tion will have curbs and gutt
and turning lanes built before
onset ot' winter, he saidc
Eastbound lanes between P
dock Lake and Farmer Brow
nursery should open within
next several weeks, Roszkow
sal d.
"It may not look like it, but
also got a iot more work dl
grading than it appears,~>
said. "So a lot of the gradi
work for the area between 1
Des Plaines and Highway
already is done for next year.
DOT Engineer Ronald Hare
sald all four lanes in his secti

Jnst~r~-bY
n of a 2. 7ster bypass
toved up 2
'·Joseph F.
stste Rep.

~rate

in a position to advance the project
construction from 1994 to l 992 depending upon the availability of funding,"

Fiedler wrote.
The $5.3 million bypass was originally to be constructed as part of a Highway
1drea, state 50 project that would have widened the
tald Fiedler entire stretch from I-94 westward to Lake
dule for the Geneva.
When enumerated in 1983, the
les funding
:onstruction project ran only to Highway 83. This
number of project will be completed next year.
Porter said he was very pleased with
.tention the
;tion sched- the advancement of the bypass.
''Without the efforts of Senator
\S you raise
Andrea, who sits on the TTansportation
ct director, Projects Commission, and the work bv
Hately pro~ the people of New Munster, this
.
sign oi the would not have been moved up.
t of way said.
uHer than
''It is my sincere
that within the
e would be next year, the DOT
see a greater

need tc advance the project into the 1900·
constructjon seas.on_ The final leg of
Highway 50 construction should make
the need for the bypass even clearer,''
he added,
Andrea and Porter gave special
credit to the efforts of scores of local
officials who pushed· S(l hard for
advancement of this project.
Francis Kerkman, chairman of the
Town of Wheatland which includes New
Munster, said the bypass will relieve
potential traffic bdtlenecks.
"There have been a tot of accidents

most

ork

~:

iO
JS

1e
in
a
r-

J) ..)~._ ,:? y
ment of Transportation project
engineer, said that job will have
to wait until next summer.
At least two new Janes of
concrete have been poured on
each of the other four projects.
In several areas only land~
scaping remains to be completed

:0

next year, all
five phases of the reconstruction
project between l-94 and High·
83 north will have cost the
of Wisconsin approximatelY $20.6 millwn.
· Purchase of right-of-way for a
2.7-mile bvpass around New
at a cost of $5.3 million,
in 1990 with construein 1992.

t·

lanes immediately west of the

Jf
1·

te

'd
te

said the eastbound

ndt

·17 "'f~

IKE - The hisJackson house
only this
sense.
public hearing,
ard Wednesday
·om the town of
tcre parcel on
sits, so now It is
f the village of
)elieved to have
;d !835 and was
sprawling Jack~
"!as Situated in

~s

become the permanent west·
bound lanes.
Donald Bav, D0T
said signs mu,st be
ding and seeding
lane markings
up the job.
Some 3,000 feer of new roadway to be built this summer
east of the Des Platnes R
was not paved and '.Vill have to
wait until next year, Bay said.
He said the tmcompletecl stretch
should not disrupt traffic flow
over the wimer.
Robert Roszkowski, the DOT
engineer in
from the Des
west to
Paddock Lake, ~aid new west-

Stop.
The jog will be eliminated
next summer~
Cleanup of construction mate·
rials and equipment at the in~
tersection will be completed for
the winter about Dec. 16.
Makowski said.
Two turning lanes and two

through lanes have been completed under the I-94 bridge. Signal work at the lntersectfon is to
be done by Dec. !9.
To the west, four lanes should
be open within two weeks from
just west of the Brat Stop to a

he house is
for incfuswn in the
Notional Register of
Historic Places and is

considered an
lin!< to
's pioneer
past.
Michael Gonio

coordirwtor

rth side of a dirt

became State
en the Highway
'ect moved east
last summer,

3,000 feet east of rhe Des
Rlver.
now is t;aveling on

l-94/50 intersection have yet to
be paved, meaning motorists
will have to contend with a jog in
Bristol Parkway where it in·
tersects 50, just west of the Brat

-the house was saved from dernn·
lition by Matthew and Sandra
Nolan of Randall, who bought it
from t"he s-rate.

on this road, including two fatalities m
the !sst month," Kerkman said. "The
sooner we can get this through, the more
lives we'll save."
The New Munster bypass, as well as
the 19-mile Highway 36 project from
Burlington to Milwaukee County, ws$
recommended at the Nov. 10 meeting of
the Transportation Projects Commission
in Madison.
These recommendations will be
folded into Governor Thompson's proposed 1989-91 state budget and must he
approved by the Legislature,

The housP was sold tn the
for $1 prov!ding they

Nolan~

agreed w move it
locutlun and restore
as

pos::.;ible

!'o

w

o_

new

as

its

architecture.
Michael Gonia.
Transportation

ts:er of Histone Places
considered an important !lnl{ to
U/i~consm·s

pwnePr past.

for this
lanes have been completed this year according to
schedule. New eastbound lanes
will be built next summer.
The highways 50/45 intersection will have curbs and gutters
and turnmg lanes built before the
onset of winter, he said.
Eastbound lanes between Paddock Lake and Farmer Brown's
nursery should open within the
next several weeks, Roszkowski
said
"It mav not look like it, but we
also got ·a Jot more work done
grading than it appears," he
snid. "So a lot of the grading
work for the area between the
Des Plaines and Highway 45
already is done for next year."
DOT Engineer Ronald Harder
said all four lanes in his section
bound

of the

Lake to
will
next

spring

planned.
The fifth phase of the
between Countv
Highway 83 north
completed as it \Vas s;.1pposed to
be, said DOT Englneer D&vl.d

Tamblyn.

·

!SO bndge
the
r-a!\road tracks, ul~
for wesrhnuml traffic',
cornp!ctt::d,
Westbound lanes l'rom .104fh

Construction progresses on Highway 50 just west of Highway 31 in

Highway 50 gets wider
Road work

said the project should be completed by August of 1989,

includes 31,

Because of the explosion of
building around the 1·94 intersection, the state has decided to
widen Highway 50 from four to
six lanes, with construction to
begin in ApriL

Highway Q
By Joe Van Zandl
Staff Writer
This year was a busy one for
rhe many crews working on rna·

jor highway projects in Kenosha
County.
The- biggest project, widening
busy Highway 50 from two w
four lanes from I-94 west to New
Munster. continued on schedule,

with about 80 percent of the work
completed in time for winter.
The only sections of the highway still limited to two lanes are
a Short stretch running west
from the the west end of the

business dlstrlct at 1~94, a threemile section extending in both
directions from the Highway 45
intersection and the area around

the bridge over the Sao Line
railroad.
Elmer Schultz, area construction superintendent for the DOT,
said shoulders must still be built
along the the entire roadway. He
WESTOSHA REPORT

Mon., April17, 1989

Page 9

ighway 50 work begins again

<::~

(WR,SP) ~ Road construction was
expected to resume the week of Apri110
on the reconstruction of Highway 50,
between Highway 83 north and 1~94, in
Kenosha County. The work will consist
of grading, base course, P.C. Concrete
pavement and bituminous shoulders to
complete transforming the 15 miles of
Highway 50 from a narrow and hii1y
two~lane road to a safer four~lane di~
vided highway.
According to the Wisconsin De.
partment of Transportation, the work
'WilJ be perfonned under contracts let to
Hoffman Construction Co., Black River
Falls, Wis., Mashuda Contractors,
Princeton, \Vls., Mann Bros., Elkhorn,
James Cape & Sons, Racine, and A.\V.
Oakes & Son, Racine, at an estimated
cost of $20,000,000. Financing will be

shared on approximately a 75/25 per~
centage by the federal government and
the State of Wisconsin, respectively,
from funds provided primarily by gas
taxes.
Traffic will be continua1ly carried
through the construction areas on the
old road. new pavement or temporary
pavement, There will be at least one
lane open in each direction at all times
It ls anticipated that all work 'Will be
completed by Tuesday, Aug. L
Every possible effort will be made to
provide continuous and safe
and egress to all business and
tial properties during thls reconstruction. Pedestrians and motorists are
urged to use caution in the construction
zones and to be aware of wanung signs
and flagmen in critical areas.

Other plans being considered
by the Department of Transportation involve construction of
new lnterior roads to serve businesses around the intersection

Also in the works is an east~
west road to be constructed
north of Highway 50 to connect
with a street already built by the
Bristol Development Corp. That
road, it is hoped, will funnel
some traffic from the heavily
congested intersection of 50 and
!-94,
At a meeting in Racine in
October, the state's development
secretary, Bruno Mauer, said
Highway 50 has been included in
the state's Corridors 2020 highway network master plan.
That plan ca!ls for the evenrual expansion of Highway 50 to
four lanes from New Munster
past Lake Geneva to Delavan,
Orig1nally scheduled for the year
2000, state officials said they
would like to see the timetable

revised so that the extension
from New Munster west can
perhaps begin ln the mid-1990s.
Meanwhile, a $4.6 million road
reconstruction project took
place on Highway 31 between
Highway 50 and Highway 142,
with the roadway expanded from
two to four lanes.
In September, DOT officials
announced plans for reconstruction of Highway 31 from Highwav 50 south to the lllinois state
nne. with purchase of right-of··
way land starting in 199L

County Highway Q was extended between H and I-94 to
provide direct access to the new
LakeView Corporate Park. The
road was opened Nov. 9.

The project drew concern
from scores of people who live in
the floodplain along the Des
Plaines River. They feared that
construction of a brldge over the
river for the Highway Q ex~
tension would result in increased
flooding but local, county and
state officials assured them that
engineering studies indicated
there will be very little increase
in spring water levels,

Highway 50
Project: Second year of rebuilding Highway 50 from County Highway B west to Highway
8.3 Two-lane road will become a
divided, four-lane highway.
Cost: $5.98 million in federal
and state funds.
Status: Two-way traffic on
eastbound lanes will switch to
\'-'AStbound lanes about June l.
Detours: Road will remain
open. Traffic will use westbound
lanes until new eastbound lanes
<:1re constructed.

Date pro,lect began: April 10.
T~rgeted

completion

date:

I.

t: Second year of reHighway 50 from Padeast to the Des
Plaines River. Twow\ane road
will become a divided, four-lane
.ke

$5"5 rnHlion; 76 percent,
or $4,180,000 federally funded
nnd 24
or $!,320,000

state
Status: Paving of new east·
hound lanes completed. Shoulder
next week from Paddock
easr to Farmer Brown's.
Detours: Road will remain open.
Highway 50/45 intersection a
four~wav stop.
Date project began: April 12.

Targeted

complellon

date:

Mirl July.

Construction
5·~.,_

I·

Highway 50, .5 miles west of l-94, is to be completed in the middle

Project: Second
of re·
building Highway
from the
Des Plaines River to .5 mlles
west of I-94. Two-lane road will
become a divided, four-lane
highway.
Cost: $3,675,4110: 75
or
$2.756"550 !ederallv
and 25
percent, or $918,850 state funded.
. Status: New eastbound lanes
have been paved. Crossover and
turning lanes being poured.

Detours: Road will remain
open.
Date project began:
Targeted comple!lon
Mid July
Project:
of rebuilding
l28th

lanes, rwo-way now traffic on

westbound lanes. South off ramp
one-third rebuilt,
Detours: No:1e
Date vrolec! began Mav

' date:

Avenue

roads.
$L9 million, all state
funded"·

Status: Rebuilding eastbound

Highway
Project: Second year of rebuilding Highway 50 from County Highway B west to Highway
83. Two-lane road will become a
divided, four-lane highway"
Cost: $5.98 million in federal
and state funds.
Status: Two-way traffic on
eastbound lanes will switch to
westbound lanes next week.
Detours: Road will remain
open. Traffic will use westbound
lanes until new eastbound lanes
are constructed.
Date project began: April 10.

Targeted

completion

date:

Aug. L

Project: Second year of rebuilding Highway 50 from Pad ..
dock Lake east to the Des
Plaines River. Two~lane road
will become a divided, four-lane
highway.
Cost: $5.5 million; 76 percent,
or $4,180,000 federally funded
and 24 percent, or $1,320,000
state funded.
Status: Shoulder paving, install median crossovers and curb
and gutters at intersection with
Highway 45"
Detours: Road will remain
open Highway 50/45 intersection
a four-way stop.
Date project began: Apnl 12.
Targeted completion date:
Mid July.

Detours:
open.

Road will remain

Project: Second year of re·
building Highway 50 from the
Des Plaines River to .5 miles
west of 1-94. Two-lane road will
become a divided, four-lane
highway"

Project:
building H
Avenue to

nf re128th

Kenosha News photo by Paul Williams

A worker lines barrels i.n !:he we:;;tbound lane of Highway 50, east of Paddock Lake
Cost:

roads.

$2,756,550

$L9 million, al.l state
funded

Status:

Paving bridge over

Des Plaines River

Status: Paving on 50. Laying
gravrl on ramp
Detours: None,
Date orolect began May L

completion

date:

Kenosha News photo by Paul William

New Highway 50 makes a clean sweep
Sunshine llghttl up electrical wlreo and a street
sweeper creates a cloud of dust along a new stretch
of Highway 511 jll8t west of County Highway MB. The

7~/~z.?

new roadway was being ~wept dean before getting a
final coat next week. Worl! began April 12 on !he $5.5
million project lo widen. the two-lane road Into a

divided, four-lane highway from Paddock Lake east!<
the Des Plaines River. The work !0 expected lo I><
completed In mid-Jn!.y.

for
located
quadrant

and
uled to

inter;.;ection of I-B4
.50 is schedthis week a.nd

continue until Oct. 20
The existing frontage:
road wiil bt> clos:::d 1.o
~raffic

Hwy. 50 construction goes on
The widening of Hwy. 50 continues as new lanes are
blacktopped near new restaurant, The Taste of
Wisconsin, approaching the busy mtresection of

J-1-ii'?

fj, ,;,,

for a short

Tu

Hwys. 50-1-94 Hwy. revamping is also taking place in
the Bristol, Hwy. 50-45, and Silver Lake areas -Photo by Gloria Davis

are ur>Sed to u:;;:e c8ution :n
the consrruction
the
Wisconsin Depnr 1 ment o!

Transportation saici
The $380.3'12

pavenwnt, purring down

concrete curb anrJ

guttt~r

a storm sewer.
shared by the

the
.f{_cnoshn

citv

o~

Project: Resurface Highway
50 between I-94 and 43rd Avenue,
and add curb and gutter
build deceleration lanes and
left turns at median crossovers.
Cost: $3 million in federal and
state funds.
Status: Yet to begin.
Detours: None.
Targeted starting date: End of
June.

Targeted

comple!lon

date:

Nov. I.

Proiect: Second
of rebuilding Highway
County Highway B west to Highway
83. Two-lane road will become a
divided, four-Jane highway.
Cost: $5.98 million in federal
and state funds.
Status: Pouring concrete for
new eastbound lanes.

Detours: Road wUI remain
open. Traffic will use westbound
lanes until new eastbound lanes

are constructed.
Date
began: April 10.
completion date:

Second year o! reHighway 50 from Padke east to the Des
Plaines Rlver. Two~lane road
will become a divided, four-lane
highway.
Cost: $5.5 million; 76 percent,
or $4,180,000 federally funded
and 24 percent, or $1_320,000
state funded.
Status: Continued cleanup
work to finish the job, Installing
traffic signals at intersection
with High\vay 45.
Detours~ Road wlll remain
open. Highway 50/45 intersection
four-way stop.
Date project began: April !2,
Targeted completion date:
Mid July.
Project: Second year of re·
Highway 50 from the
River to ,5 miles
Two-lane road wiH
become a divided, fournJane
highwav.
Cost: $3,675,400; 75 percent, or
$2,756,550 federally funded and 2c,
percent, or $918,850 state funded.
Status: Continuing cleanup
work to finish the JOb.
Detours: Road will remain
open.

Daie project began: May !.
Targeted completion date:

soon.

the $5.;:,.
1-rt-

and

func\erl

SinJtnhnlmd

St~tus~

off-r;:mm
week.
hack to

:rtl1er
dirPt

non

Mid July.

Second year of reHighway 50 from J28th

a:~

d4te:

'J-1)

Keeping the weeds down o
rebuilt between !-94 aml

A shredder blows straw onto graded earth Friday to keep weed•
down as the finishing touche• are put on the Highway 50 project
near Highway 45. Highway 50 lo being rebuilt bewtween 1-94 and
43rd Avenue. Work Includes resurfacing the road, replacing
broken curbs and gutters and add!nglefl-lurn and decelerallou

J

tracks

''

find detour. around !he
over !he Chicago &,
re~:noved for n;;:.

t seems to mf:'
response w

have

.zoning or you
't
And it seems to me
ond nice u.~ords

town of Bristol had illegally
granted a zoning variance ;:o a
town resident .
Since Bristol has no
town official::: are nor
VAriances.

don seem lo sml<

st~ems to me
co1r ·
ml ttee has told them either

in
think a studv of 1t would be a
~~'""-....."'

wise invest.n1P,nL"
reconstruction
a
Pieasant Prairie r,as already
completed s land use studv of
the
of Highway 50
runs
I-94 east to the
limits, To the we~t, Highway
slices through the towns of

Bristol, Salem nne~ 'Wheatland
as well a~ the \'l !lage of Paflliock Lake

Wheeler's comments

c·onsensus

the com·

commercia! de~
vplopmf~nt along the Interstate
shollld he
at major
nu\J<?f'

in respcmse to a report on

Jntersecrions,

T-94

:-:trip:;'- along tht> highway<

corridor study from
Melcher, director of

and Developrnenr.
wil\

Melcher is part. of the committee that is comoletine: rhe

allowed in

saicl the completed study
communities
\Vater lines and

SE'Wl~t

the Department of Transportamake dec:sions on the im-

w
on
course oi action in response i-o thr Brisrot Board s
action.
Melcher also reportrcl tt;at
work is
on thf rPpalr of a
'-'-'ftland

area near

Shore~

housing

Highvv8v
HP- exp8cts cnmpletion in
dav~,

rw

~aid

on

Highway 50

17, con!radors' crews began rebuilding Slate Highway
Street) between 43rd Avenue and 1-94. The work
~"""'"P'n« replacing broken curbs and gutters, reand crossings, and adding deceleration

and left-turn lanes. Traffic Is restricted to one lane in each
direction and motorists are advised to exercise cau!lon while
traveling through the area. The prlce!ag for the state project is
$2.9 million.

Two large cranes scoop dirt inlo a dump truck along the Highway 50 :repair project

@

fl-

S~Hd 1HCiS

the

I.ST 1nfornHJlior:
;;;.nd Cnunfy H\~hv:/n~

By Dave Sackmann
Staff Writer

·····~

Look for traffic
of New Munster on a
bypass by

micJ~summer

That's tlw latest word from
the state Department of Trans"
portation.
The $6 million, 2"7-mile bypass
is in the final de:s1gn c
stage, said Harvey

DOT district director

Construrli'l'l

and bid

Construction

start~

in

for

the

spnng of Hl~'2.
Hoger Sikorski. DOT distnct
design
bypass
north

said
loop a quarter-mile
Munster, from

Highwa.v 83 on the ea:::.t to 1.000
feet
of 17clth Avenue on thf'
west sidP of 1he community

1\ndn:~.~

for

funcl\ng
a rc!at•'li d-'velopmP.nt. An-

/~ndrea sa1d the new
:;:hnukl be cornplr-jetJ hy th!?next

on

way 50

mtractors' crews began rebuilding Stale Highway
'et) between 43rd Avenue and 1-94. The work
replacing broken curbs and gutters, reand crossings, and adding deceleration

·~:~mes

and left-turn lanes, Traffic Is restricted to one lane In each
direction and motorists are advised to exercise e>mtlon while
traveling through the area. The pr!.cetag for the stale project Is
$2.9 mil!! on.

scoop dir! into a dump truck along the Highway 50 repair project

("

Right-of-way acquisltion !Je ..
and bld

:;tarts

in

the

Joseph A:lrlr~',L
Kenosha,
t!w
key to rehtlilciing
frur:n two lcmes
way from Ker\(l"hC-) to !.ake

1:;!

lnfnrrnnt!on

nevct.
frnrn

;pring cJf li!B2
Row~r

leslgn

Sikorski. DOT djstrict
said

rnil!in11

the

lYfJRSs
loop a quarter-mile
tnrtl1 of New Munster, from
-Iighwo._v RJ on the east ro 1,000

AntlrPa has pll'.ht:d t'or project

eet west of 376th A venue on the
~Ve::;t ;;;iclP of !"lw community.

func!lng
s'atP bnrJg21
ln
relaied d:>v~loomenl-. An-

Wf?St ,,

shnnkl !)e cnmplcl"tXl
nf nf'\f

('!

G

~

Ely Davl! Backmarm
Staff Writer
Increasing land values on
Highway 50 east of Highway 31
mirror the growth of Kenosha's
latest commercial development
strip, a survey of l1 recent real
estate transactions indicates.
For example, when Sparks Insurance Inc. purchased 12.39
acres in !986 for a new office at
6303 75th St. (Highway 50) the
property sold for $115,000 or
$9,282 per acre.
A year later, when the agency
bought an adjacent !.02 acres to
the east, the land sold for $35,101
or $34,413 an acre, a 370 percent
increase, records in the Kenosha
County Assessor's Office show.
Arthur Liddicoat, supervisor
of the Assessor's Office commercial division, says those
comparative sales reflect a
growing demand for commercial
property along Highway 50 as
well as the accompanying price
increases.
He notes that sanitary sewers
had not been extended to the
area at the time of Sparks' initial
purchase Sewer installation
made the land more valuable.
Liddicoat further explains that
the 1.02 acres is prime frontage
on Highway 50. The 12,39 acres
includes land set back from the
arterial highway.
The increase in the price per
acre for the smaller Sparks

hen Sparks
Insurance Inc
purchased 1239 acres
In 1986, the property
sold for $9,282 an acre.
A year later, when the
agency bought adjacent
land, it sold for $34,413
an acre, a 370 percent
increase.
is part of a trend that
up in other sales along the
highway, Liddicoat says.
''We are seeing a wholesale
price for larger tracts and then a
higher, retail price for smaller
pieces cut out of them," he says,
"This is typical of developing
areas where large areas once
used for agriculture are being
converted for commercial or
residential uses.'·
Marathon Oil Co. paid $326,000
in 1987 for L81 acres on which
the Starvin' Marvin Deli Store
and Speedway gas station are
located, 5959 75th St. That figures out to $180,!!0 per acre.
Just 10 months before that

Land values have r.isen fast in the booming Highway 50 commercial development strip ealllt of Highway
sale, a 2.53-acre parcel including
the 1.81 acres was sold by Ralph
J. McDonald to Randy Pulera for
$199,000 or $78,656 an acre.
Pulera subsequently sold the
land for the gas station to Marathon Oil.

Other land sales along High~
way 50 are:
0 2.49 acres for the Spot-not
Car Wash, 5300 75th St, $!35,000;
price per acre $54,216
0 2.997 acres for the Park
Ridge Motel, 6201 75th St.,

$!59,900; $53,353 per acre
0 !.61 acres for
of the
Scrub 'N Suds Car
5112
75th St, $75,000. $45,583 per
acre.
0 0.80 acres for second oart of
the Scrub 'N Suds Car

$90,000, or $112.500 for one fuH
acre.
The Blockbuster Vtdeo store in
the 4700 block of 75th Street is
not included in sales figures because it is located on lea~sed land.
The store opened this wed:::,

nty

l)~._!

State would control Q
By Chris Dombrowski
Staff Writer
The county should consider
taking over 12.1 miles of statecon trolled highway in return for
the state designating a 6.5-mile
portion of County Highway Q
between 1-94 and Highway 32 as a
state trunk highway, the
Kenosha County Highway Committee was told Monday.
Kenneth R. Yunker, assistant
director of the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, presented to the committee an assessment of potenG
tial amendments to the county
jurisdictional highway plan. The
county asked ior the assessment
in preparation for an agreement

between the county, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the city of Kenosha and the
village of Pleasant Prairie.
The assessment proposes that
the state would agree to take
jurisdiction of County Highway
Q. In return, the county would:
0 Take control of Highway 142
from 1-94 to Highway 32 (based
on the short distance between 142
and Highway !58 and land use
served and traffic volume carried by 158)
0 Take control of Highway 192
between 142 and Highway 50.
0 Take control of Highway 174
between 31 and 50.
"The state will only trade if
the highway clearly serves a
state function, carrying people

' ' T h e state will
only trade if the
highway clearly serves
a state function,
carrying people from
one county to another. "
Gene A. Scharfenorth,
highway commissioner
from one county to another,"
Highway Commissioner Gene A.
Scharfenorth said.
Highways 142, 192 and 174
hardly qualify as moving people
from county to county, he said.
While the amount of miles
transferred between county and
state would seem to be lopsided,

-·IJls('l.'l
-oa""'>x:~a-w~
o~
~~
"t:: u;. ~ :;:-~a-~ §; g ~(JQ 5.

Yunker said the county should
agree to take control of the extra
miles, along with the possible
extra maintenance costs, be
cause the impending costs of
widening and resurfacmg Q loom
much sooner and at a greater
amount than with the other highways.
The study showed that the
agency controlling Q would have
to pay $7.8 million within the
next lO years to widen the high·
way and expand the interchange
with 1~91 because of increased
traffic brought on by WisPark's
LakeView Corporate Park.
"As a county, we just can't
afford to put out that kind of
money right now," Scharfenorth
said.
The resurfacing of Highways
142, 192 and !74 will be complete
by 199!, and Yunker said it is
unHkely these highways will

::z.~ro--ocro<

Plcr'Oto--Jc::v,_,-'T'
r.n

'0

carries ~ore vehides. stops fur
traffic on 0, The imersection has
had an average of 4<2 accider,_t(_~
per year ln
last three
he said.

would give Pleasant Prairie !o~
cal control over l.l miles of
County Highway HH between
Highway 50 and County Highway
C, and 4!1! 3.6 miles of County
Highway T.
The Wisconsin Department of
Transportation will be repre·
sen ted at the next Highway Com·
mlssion meeting, March 12.
Commission members recom·
mended that officials from
Pleasant Prairie and WisPark be
invited to the meeting.
Also, Scharfenorth recommended that an ordinance be
written and brought to the next
meeting to make the intersection
at County Highways 0 and Z in

-"'-ooc~-co
m
,
oO>~
aCJ3. o ro- ::cocm
..~.a ~ x ~· [ ~ s !0-~- ::. o:; ~ 5: ~ g § ~ O£.~ ~ ~

rocrc..n<

Twin Lakes o
Currently, traffic on

have to be expanded to four lanes
within the 15-year life span of the
new surface,
Additional changes recommended by SEWRPC to the coun·
ty jurisdictional highway plan

,0:;::.<--·..c::
c~-o~
..-;;;:;-

The state uses five accidents
per year over three year'S as
warrant for a four-wTty Stof-\
Addi tiona! traffic control::
for the
c anu
and('

fhe committee also
additional traffic controls
intersection of Countv
EA and L in the towD 1
Three people died _in nr; acchJer:t

there Jan. 7, and controls v,'ert
Supervisor M:trk
represent£ the

~ho

area.

(I'JIR'II

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s ac;·(Jt) g ~

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all the wav to
12 at Lake Gen-eva

property s:o that purchase offers
be made.
Sen. Joseph Andrea, DKenosha, Fridav said the DOT
announcement iS welcome news
Andrea said he has been advocating quick completion of the
bypass and the remainder of the

o.~cf5

because of
high 1.:vay

positive effect the

will have on
Kenosha County. "I view this as
the key to continuing the boom
that is
on in west Kenosha
rounty, he- said

new

Bypass delay irks Wheatland

I

A

IJroject
~-

just east of Lake Geneva.
The rebuilding of 50 from a
two-lane to a four-Jane highway
from I-·94 to New Munster began

Finish one job before starting
another
That's the

ecretarv of'

Transportation Ronald

in !988

A $7.5 million bypass around

Transporta·

New Munster is to be built beginin the
of 1992. Comm of the
section i.<
scheduled for the fall of 1993
Fiedler for
be

this morning
of the Highway
50 rehui!cling project not be
priority for- completion. Tl
mile secqon road, between the
western end of the planned New

in
recPnt years
Andrea said he will make com"
pletion of the 50 rebuilding
project west of New Munster a
priority when the the Legislature

R. Fiedler said the
31
DOT staff was to re('ommend

Munster
and Highway 12
in
County. would cost
$!7.5 million.

Racine --- was to be
prlorit~r recommenda tiOrL

The
pro.iect ts for six miles smd would
cost about $20 rTdllion.
of

T~·::.no:::nnrt:~

-"·--"----· -------·-----3L DOT studie~ show the
traffic count on 31 is 14,400
c!es compared to 5,000 between
New Munste-r and Hietlwav 12
''But we expect tt
50 count) to grow as
\Val\vorth coun~ies develop
furthPr. '' Fiedler said.
Andrect said he

.JJ
n!l improved

rnad i::; needed betvv-een major
cl1ies !ike Kenosl<a and Racine
But the senator said the DOT
should finish what it's stctrteC -50 from 1~94 in

ali the way to

rf·convenes in January.

"l don't think the project
should end at the New Munster
bypass. I'm not happy with that
decision."
The commission has been
holding hearings statewide for
lnput on which roads are most in
need of upgrading. The com·
mission is to meet in November
and recommend to Gov. Tommy
Thompson what roads nee(] top
Driority consideration
Roads
the governor's
list would be
for reconstruc,
rion beginning in 1996

decry Hwy• 50 decision
Le.g;s•ators
I

By Joe Van land!
Staff Writer
NEW MUNSTER - Town of
Wheatland officials Jet it be
known Monday they are not hapPY with the state's recently announced decision not to start
construction next year on the
Highway 50 bypass around New
Munster.
Supervisor Leonard Lenz said,
"The state Jed us to believe
ground would be broken next
summer, but now I don't think
so!'
He said the state was supposed
to have purchased the required
land by now for the bypass but,
to his knowledge, hasn't yet.
"I feel they reneged and are
spending the money on Highway
31 instead,'~ said Lenz.
"Actually, the bypass money
is appropriated for 1992-93, and
we were led to believe it would
shift forward to 1991-92," said
Town Clerk Sheila Siegler, "but
it doesn't look like it now."
Lenz said the question of the
bypass as well as widening the
highway between New Munster

and Slades Corners concerns him
because he doesn't want the road

"to become another Highway 12
that

dead~ends

there,"

Siegler suggested townspeople
write to their state legislators

~~~t!~i~~a~o~:rJei~~~l~~ ;~a::k

Ill
that the highway be widened to
F R) - Aft
th H' h
50 the department. 'f .. :3 --9
Weeden said that he and Andrea west of SJades Corners if not the
.( , .
er . e 1g way
.
.
.
remamder of the way to Lake
Weeden who is a member of the Will contmue to work to convmce the G
proJect fmled to gam the necessary
endorsement by the Department of Transportation Projects Commission, DOT that Highway 50 nee~s to be ~~~~-may not think one letter
Transportation at a recent meeting of said the project was not recom- completed. The TransportatiOn Pro- means much , Lenz said "But if
the Transportation Pro~ects Com- mended by the DOT primarily b~- jects Commission is sch~duled to they get 100 'and then 100 more,
misswn! state senators Tim Weeden cause of low traffic counts. In the!T meet _m November. and WI!l reVJew maybe the state will start to take
(R-BelOJt) and Joseph Andrea (D- letter, Weeden and Andrea asked for the Highway 50 proJect agam at that a second look "
Kenosha) wrote a letter to Governor a re-evaluation of the Highway 50 time.
Town Constable Robert Haas
Tl)ompson and the secreta~ of the project. A meeting with the secretary
Added Coleman, "Comma': sense said the narrowing of the
Depa:tment of Transportatwn re- of the DOT was also requested.
tell~ us that the four-lane highwaynighway from four to two lanes
questmg reconsideratwn of the pro.
.
proJect between Kenosha and Lake
ject.
The two ~1sconsm. se':ators Geneva should be completed soon."
questiOned a highway proJect m anAlthough the DOT evaluation
State Rep. Chuck Coleman, Wal- other part of the state. Accor_ding to concluded the current average traffic
worth County's 43rd Assembly Dis- Weeden, the Widenmg of H1ghw~y count is only 5,000 vehicles per day
trict state legislator, also expressed 51 near Tomah began m 1983 despite "fast-paced commercial and residendisappointment with the decision.
never going through a formal review tial development, accompanied by
The project would widen High- process. Now, Weeden says, the de- increased tourism in Walworth
way 50 from Lake Geneva to Slades partment is recommending the com- County requires that the project be
Corner, with an anticipated cost of pletion of the Highway 51 project included in the next state budget if
$17,500. The DOT makes recom- with a $10,5 million bypass around the highway is to be completed this
mendations of major projects to the the c1ty of Tomah.
decade," Coleman said. "Although
Transportation Projects Commission
"By the same logic," the joint let- the Department of Transportation
based upon information collected by ter states, "we believe that this last has made its recommendation,"
link of Highway 50 is a continuation Coleman said, "let there be no doubt
of the four-lane road originally envi- the fight is far from over, and I am
sioned between I-94 and Lake going to start by writing to Ron
Geneva."
Fiedler, secretary of the department."

just east of New Munster is
causing him a Jot of problems
with speeders,
Haas said the average speed of
westbound traffic on Highway
50, based on his radar gun read-

ings, is 65 mph. The speed limit
on westbound Highway 50 drops
from 55 mph to 45 mph where the
road na_r'=2_ws aJ]d then to 35 mph

a lew hundred yards further at
New Munster.
"I can't write speeding tickets
fast enough," he said, "and
that's giving them quite a bit of
leeway."
Siegler said the excuse being
given by state officials for not
proceeding with the Highway 50
widening is that traffic counts
are too low.

j
'

Gene Scharfenorth at the County Highway garage, which he left for the last time Friday

1-t:- 9;

Scharfenorth takes a new road
By Jennie Tunklelcz
Staff Writer

T

wo hundred and sixty five
miles is a lot of highway.
Kenosha County Highway
Commissioner Gene
Scharfenorth has taken care of them for
II years.
But now Scharfenorth is at a
crossroads and has chosen a different
path. He has left the highway commissioner post to head the transportation department for the Elkhorn engineering firm · Crispell-Snyder Inc.,
where he will help design roads and
bridges in southeasten Wisconsin.
Scharfenorth, 48, a graduate of the
:University of Illinois, Champa~ne-Ur-

Illinois want to get out in the morning
and not be too late to work," he said.
"As Kenosha County becomes more
urbanized, the lane miles per worker
will have to be looked at," he said.
The department now averages 47 Jane
miles per person, compared to Milwaukee County's average of 25 lane miles
per person.
But, plowing is only part of keeping a
good road system, a feature vital to
industry chosing to move to a community and people chosing to live there.
Scharfenorth said Kenosha County
government has a good understanding
now of how development depends on a
good road and bridge system.
"When I came here, there was no
five-year road plan," he said.
The plan he develoed calls for re-

partnership of Kenosha County, Pleasant Prairie and WisPark. The state took
over the road the first of the year under
a highway exchange agreement, thus
changing the name to State Highway
165.
Two roads Scharfenorth would like to
see improved are north 22nd Avenue,
which needs to be four lanes, and
Highway F, between Silver Lake and
Bassett.
Development and good traffic planning also go hand in hand, Scharfenorth
said.
"The Village of Pleasant Prairie has
done a good job trying to anticipate
growth along Highway 31 and Highway
50. That sets the stage for development
and that helps highway people tremen-

and 142 following a string of fatal
accidents this summer got fast action
from the DOT, Scharfenorth said. The
speed limit was reduced, a four-way
stop and rumble strips were added.
Scharfenorth said there. are manv
areas in Kenosha County where roads
and shoulders should be widened for
safety.
One regret for Scharfenorth in leaving the commissioner's job is not being
able to see the new highway garage
built. Plans are for the new garage,
along with sattelite county goverment
offices, to be built at Highways 45 and
50. Officials have tentatively targeted
next fall or winter for groundbreaking.
"Eight years ago we thought it was
going to be built in two or three years,"

douslv

t;:rh~rf,:onnrth

when

nJaninP

mainr

R.rrP.;;:<:.

.;;:Airl

Z(7

Gene Scharfenorth at the County Highway garage, which he left for the last time Friday

Sy Jennie Tunkleicz
Staff Writer

T

Illinois want to get out in the morning
and not De too late to work," he said.

wo hundred and sixty five
miles is a lot of highway.
Kenosha County Highway

Commissioner

Gene

Scharfenorth has taken care of them for
11 years.
But now Scharfenorth is at a

crossroads and has chosen a different
path. He has left the highway commissioner post to head the transporta·
tion department for the Elkhorn engi·
nee ring firm Crispe!I-Snyder Inc.,
where he will help design roads and
bridges in southeasten Wisconsin,
Scharfenorth, 48, a graduate of the
University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana, came to Kenosha after 12 vears
with the Wisconsin Department of

Transportation where he was a con,
struction project engineer.
The key to managing Kenosha
County's highway miles and a depart·
ment of 74 has been Scharfenorth's
abiltiy to organize and schedule.
The most difficult time for a highway
department is when it snows.
"Why can't you plow me first,"'
Scharfenorth said, is the most common
complaint, followed by reports of felled
mail boxes from people whose roads
have been plowed.
"Inevitably, somebody has to be first
and somebody has to be last, but we
have developed a system in the snow
plowing schedule to provide the needed
I eve! of service," he said.
Scharfenorth says County Highway Y
is probably the county's busiest road so
it always is among the first for plows.
Scharfenorth said the department has

a sensitivity for commuters.
"People who do long-range commutog and drive from Twin Lakes to

··As Kenosha
becomes more
urbanized, the lane
per worl{E'f
will have to be looked at.,. he said.
The department now averages 47lane
miles
compared to Milwaukee
average of 25 lane miles

per person.
But,
is only part of
a
a feature
to
good road
industry
ty ancl people
Scharfenorth said Kenosha County
government has a good understanding
now of how development depends on a
good road and bridge system
"When I came here, there was no
five-year road plan," he said.
The plan he develped calls for resurfacing and rebuilding l~ to l7 miles
each
have-n't quite hit the optimum 15
to 17 miles each
but at least we
have come close
the past 10 vears.
Before that. it was wav below. what
should have been done arid there is still
plenty of catching up to do,"
Scharfenorth said.
The test that proves how vital roads
are for growth came with the expansion
of County Highway Q, now known as
State Highway 16.5. The industrial park
now growing in the village of Pleasant
Prairie would have not been possible
without that highway.
"It was intere-sting to see how privare
industry and government can come
together and get something positive
done in a community:' Scharfenorth
said.
,
"Highway Q went from a real low
service area for the Highway Depart~
ment to one of the top in a matter of n
year.' he said
Highway Q was extended to I -94
through a combined effort nnd financiai

partnership of Kenosha County, Pleasam Prairie and WisPark. The state took
over the road the first of the year under
n higllway exchange ae:reement. thus
changing the name to

16.1
Two roads Scharfenorth would like to
se-e improved are north 22nd Avenue,
which needs to be four
and
Highway F, between Silver
and

Bassett
Development and good tra!flc planalso go hand in hand, Scharfenorth
"The Village of Pleasant Prairie has
done a good job trying to anticipate
wth along Highway 31 and Highway
That sets the stage for development
and that helps highway people tremen·
dously when planing major access
points will be," he said
"What evervbodv doesn't want is to
squnsh deve!Opme.nt, which is what
happens when you don't have time to
think out a good traffic plan. A good
example of what not to do is the west
side of the Highway 50 and l-94 intersection and the east. side is a good example
of what to do," he said,
Safety is also a factor in road man~
agement.

"This year, we had more requests for

and 142 following a
accidents this summer got fast r'!ction
from the DOT Scharfeno:-th :;afd
speed limit was reduced, a
stop and rumble strips were- added
Scharfenorth said there are
areas in Kenosha County where
and shoulders should
widened for
safety.
One regret for- Scharfenorth in leaving the commissioner's job is not being
able to see the new highway garage
built. Plans are for the
along with sattelite
offices, to be built at
50. Officials have '"'''""'"olu
next fall or winter for
"Eight years ago we thought it was
going to be built in two or three years,··
Scharfenorth said.
The main highway garage and office
at 5512 60th St. was built in the late :30s.
The building is inefficient as well as in
need of major repairs, Scharfenorth
said
A main garage at
puts the department
middle of the county,
city.
"It will be much easier to serve both
ends of the county from there," he said.
"It's inefficient when the county own'~

be

speed Jimi ts to go down to 25 and 35
miles an hour on county highways and
increased requests for four-way stops,''
he said
The requests are a good indicator that
people are moving here from more
urbanized areas because they are used
to lower speeds. It also shows the
increased development in Kenosha
County.
Sch'arfenorth said requests for lower
<;ppeds and more
have to be
studied to make sure
s3fest actions

of the county when vou need it at the
other end." .
·
"I've tried to change the image of thedepartment where it's not the
old
boy system with one guy
and
one guy standing around." Scharfenorth
here are
said, "The men and worr
good workers. When the ch1t- ,_tf€ dmvn,
they give it 110 percent. The workers
have developed self-pride and want to
be oat there working"

are taken.

r"Pp!acement ·for Scharfenorth.

Safety improvements on Highways H

one piece of equipment that's at one end

The countv is now looking for ""I am e:oine: to miss the iob." he SBicL

1

tax
TU!'Ik!I!ICI

j

( ~'

)..,

A bout one percent of the average county tax bill each year will
go toward building a $!2 million
county office complex and a
highway garage at Highways 45
and 50, Finance Director David

Geertsen said
fhe owner of the average
home, valued at $71,981, will pay
$2,45 for the building this year,
$20.57 in 2004, and $15.84 in 2011,
or an average of $17 annually for
20 years, Geertsen told the
Buildings and Grounds Commit·
tee Wednesday.
The tax rate for the building
will span an estimated 19 cents
per $1,000 of assessed valuation
for a property owner in 1993 to 29
cents per $1,000 in 21J(J4.
The county plans to issue $2.1

btJil
million in bonds this year and $10
million next year to begin con-

vices. It will also include two
classrooms, a conference room,
and space for health cllnics.
The building will also be
equipped ro add a Sheriff's Department Substation if one is

struction of the building in the
town of BristoL
Bid specifications for the
building will go to interested
companies the first week of

deemed necessary, officials

April. Bids are due the last weeK
of April and the County Board is
expected to approve successful
bidders in
County
will discuss
the specifications of the building
with the County Board at a spe~
cia! Committee of the Whole
meeting at 7 p.m. on Aprll 6.
A fall of !993 opening is
planned for the building.
The building will house offices
for the Pubilc Works Department, the department of Planning and Zoning, University of
Wisconsin·Extension and
western Health and Human Ser-

said, An area for deputles to
write reports and take breaks
will be made available The
county is also inves
vlding space at the
prisoner transfers.
Supervisor Wayne Koess
committee chairman, said tt
building has been planned t
allow for other expansion.
In other business, FaciJitiei
Engineer Thomas Walther re
ported all of the county's build·
ings are being analyzed for
asbestos problems and compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act.

,t.J

PLEASANT PPAlRlE ··-·The
Plan CommissiOn
approved ar 1~94 corridor
use plan for comrnm:dtie~3
Kenosha County north
Mitchell internnttonfll /•
Jnterchange
Milv,aukee
Drafted from discussions between the state Department of
Transportation and the J.ocal
communities, the plan ca1Is 'for
an end to continuous strip development in the 30-mile cor~
rldor and instead drafting a iand
use plan that antklpates growth
for the next 20 years.
The c.ommlssi.on passed the

measure with the

The DOT wants communities
to take ownership of the roads.
Commissioner Wayne Koess!

asked for the amendment. to theplan. He said the transfer would
mean the village picking up the
cost for maintenance, police ser·
vices and winter snowplowing.

acci~

dents.

Center at
way• 45 and 50 w!ll look much like Ill I• '
Robert. Kueny i• the architect !or .llle
mllHon tmlldlng that will honoe llle county
Highway and Park• departments, llie
Department garaget the Weotern

Supervisors OK building plans
for Kenosha County Center
By Jennie Tunklelcz
Staff Writer
/_;.,

·i.f.

In a 23-3 vote the County Board
Tuesday approved architectural
plans for the Kenosha County
Center to be built at Highways 45
and 50 in the town of BristoL
Voting against the plan were
supervisors Darrel Haen~ Louis
Cairo and Gerald Bellow.
The county will be accepting
bids for the $12.6 million building. Bids will be opened at the
end of the month.
A new highway garage, parks
department, western social ser-

vices, planning and zoning and
other offices will be housed at
the center. The county
purchased the 40-acre property
in 1984 and equipped it with
sewer and water in 1987. The
center is scheduled to open in
fall of 1983
Bellow said he could not sup·
port the building at this time.
"We all have a lot of needs
and, the thing is, you can't just
turn around and spend money for
everv need. You have to have
prio~·ities,'' Bellow said.
A new County Jail and a new
Brookside Care Center are a

greater priority, he said.
In other business, the board
unanimously approved selling 27
acres of county·owned property
south of Bullen Junior High
School to the city of Kenosha !or
$150,000. The city plans to place a
water retention basin on the
property. The county will stili
own 5 acres of land at the site.
The board also voted unanimously to sell county tax-deeded
property 1n the Valmar subdivision in the Camp Lake area
to the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources for its fishery
project.

<.A;)"l~

~-~~
\'\ttl n{ £1\rnn~""
~
.~-~--~

~s"\"P.BLISHEo
--~··
1850

_...,..,-~-

I am pleased
to invite you to participate

in an
informal and totally unofficial

REUNION
of the
KENOSHA COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
PEOPLE AND FRIENDS
following the
Ground-breaking Ceremony and Reception
for the Kenosha County Center
Friday, June 12, 1992

THE REUNION
will take place
bei1Veen 4:30 and 6:00p.m.
at the
LEO WAGNER'S TAVERN
23818 - 60th Street
Salem, Wisconsin
This will provide an opportunity
for some folks who worked with the Highway Department
10 get rogetlzer to trade stories and jokes
at the same time that we are looking forward to the future
with the new County facility.

JOHN R. COLLINS
KENOSHA COUNTY EXECUTIVE

John R. Collins

<:::.::,

912. 56th Street
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140

~

County Executive

·~®

Phone: (414) 653-6536

FAX: (414) 653·6817

County Center
plan unveiled
Occupancy
planned
for 1993
By Patrlk Vander Velden
Staff Writer_;;>,_ J'. "!.)_
BRISTOL - The Kenosha
County Center will not be built In
phases, county officials told the
Bristol Plan Commission Tues·
day.
Site preparation has begun on
the northeast corner of highways
45 and 50 for the office and
garage complex planned for
completion and occupancy by
1993.
"It Is our intention that the
offices, hearing rooms and ga·
rage are built as one 11 said
George Melcher, county director
of planning and development.
Construction bids are expected to be let by late spring,
Melcher said.
The complex will have 138,000
square feet of garage and office
space for the county Highway
and Parks departments and another 45,000 square feet In office
space and meeting rooms for
Social Services, Planning and
Development, and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.
Tentative plans call for a
Sheriff's Department substation
but that depends on the bids and
then approval by a county committee, Melcher said. The complex is being built so that the
substation could be added, he
said.
But the offices are certain,
said Melcher.
"It's been our hope to put the
offices In immediately with the
garage," said Melcher. "We
want those offices there. We reel
that is what the people want."
About 75 office employees will
work at the complex plus ma]n·

tenance and other work crews
lor the highway and parks departments.
The garage will have welding
and maintenance shops, plus
' three overhead cranes and administrative offices, said Robert
Kueny, architect.
The interior and exterior
truck wash will have recovery
systems for pollutants; outside
storage tanks will have double
walls and pipes within pipes, and
manholes with collection basins
for oil and salt, said Kueny.
"We won't be dumping things
into the Bristol sewer system.
We feel we have a state of the
art facility," he said.
Trucks will have a separate
entrance on Highway 50 at the
far east end of the 35-acre site.
Car traffic will enter from Highway 45 and west of the truck
entrance on Highway 50.
Centrally located In the county, the garage will replace two
buildings used for that purpose
in the city of Kenosha and vii·
!age of Silver Lake. Those both
are about 45 years old and "you
don't want to know what it costs
to heat those," said Frederick J.
Patrie, public works director.
"This Is the central location of
our service area. We feel we can
deliver better services from a
central location," Patrie said.
A wetlands on the site will be
maintained and rezoned conservancy, said. Melcher.
The outside of the building
will be small aggregate field-·
stone pebbles on a precast concrete, said Kueny.

Kenosha News photo

Way cleared for the Kenosha County Center
·

(., -;o -1~

" Land preparallon tor the Kenosha County Cen- for the building will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday. A
ter, Highways 45 and 50 In the town of Brlotol, reception at the Bristol Town Hall, I 98th AveIs well UJider way.(iroundbrealdng ceremonlee ·"-· nue l.l'ld 83rd Street, will follow the ceremony.
------------

Site of 45/50 complex
has long, varied histo
By Jennie Tunklelcz
Staff Writer $ -,;I. <g _~ 1
County Executive John Collins at a ceremony Monday
signed County Board resolutions that make way for a
western office building and
highway garage at the north·
east corner of highways 45 and
50 in the town of Bristol.
But, the project is actually
about 70 years late.
In the 1920s, William C.
Bacon, who at that time was
County Board chairman, offered to donate that same property on highways 45 and 50 for
a county government building.
The board decided instead to
build the Courthouse, where it
remains today at 911 56th St
The new county building will
cost up to $12c2 million- the

amount of bonds appropriated
by the board last week for the

project. Completion of the
building is set for early In 1993.
ln addition to a new highway
garage, the building will also
house the Parks Department,
Social Services western office,
Planning and Development, as
weJI as other various services.
The county purchased the 35
acres in 1984 for $100,000. Utilities were extended there in
1987.
It is the county's first building project since the Public
Safety Building was completed
in 1982.

Standing beneath an old oak
tree where the new building
will eventually stand, Collins
said the project is a commitment that county government
doesn't stop at 1·94.

"This is a great step forward
and a step toward providing
services for all of Kenosha
County," Collins told those
who had gathered for the
event.

!

Supervisor Stanley Kerkman j'
said, "It is the beginning of a
1
new era toward dismantling
the imaginary wall between
the city and western Kenosha
County."
There is other historical significance to the land that was
once offered free to the county.
William Benson Jr., 4239
89th Place, the great-grandson
of Bacon, said P.T. Barnum set
up his circus there during the
1850s. A school was built there
in about 1859 and it closed in
1905. The land was also used by
Bristol children from 1930
through the 1950s as a baseball
diamond.

Benson's Corners all began
Benson's Comers at highways 50 and 45 has a long
In !838 and 1839, the United States granted 320 acres
and illustrious history.
of land in Sections 5 and 6 in the Town of Bristol, WisIt was detailed for those attending a document-signing consin Territory, to Levi Grant Those 320 acres include
ceremony last month for a new county satellite building the property now owned by Kenosha County.
In 1859, Grant leased the northeast comer of what is
joe soulak '1- <>- 'l I
now the intersection of highways 50 and 45 for a school
on 43 of the 132 acres owned by the county at the north- house. The lease was for 50 years or as long as it was
used for educational purposes. The school closed in !905.
east comer.
During the 1850s, P. T. Barnum put on a circus at the
Work on the $12.5 million building will start this year
and be completed by 1993. Occupying the building will same location. Benson's great grandfather, William C.
part of the Kenosha County Hwy. Dept, UW-Parkside Benson, told him that, as a boy, he remembers seeing the
extension office, a depart of social services office, Plan- outline of a circus ring for many years.
In the 1860s Barnum built two houses just west of
ning and Zoning office and a sheriffs department substation. The building will bring county services closer to the the comer on H wy. 50 for two of his daughters. These are
still
standing.
population of growing west Kenosha County.
In 1863, Gnnt sold the property to Hiram Bacon,
The property was purchased by the county in 1984 for
Benson's great grandfather. In 1902, the farm went to his
$100,000.
Bill Benson Jr., one of the current owners, detailed the son, William C. Bacon, who with his wife, Margaret,
named it Wilmar Farm. William Bacon was Bristol town
history.

•

Ill

1838

chairman for many years and was chairman of the County
Board when the present court house was built int her
1930s.
During the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, William Bacon
allowed the Town of Bristol to use the land for a ball diamond.
In 1936, Bacon's grandsons, Bryant and William, built
a gas station and and grocery store on the northwest corner and the intersection became known as Benson's Corners.
In 1945, William Benson deeded the land to his daughter, Mary Bacon Benson. In 1984 her sons, Bryant Bacon
Benson and William Benson St., sold 132 acres of the
farm to Kenosha County.

It was the great grandfather's dream that the county
courthouse some day be built on the land. The planned
county satellite building is seen as bringing that dream
one step closer to reality.

c.;ounty service building plans draw near
By Diane Jahnke

:r>-tf- 9I

Plans for the construction of the
county service building in Bristol are
close to getting the go-ahead.
During a meeting of three county
board committees Aug. 15, county
.executive John Collins said he was
"heartened" by the unanimous support.
Groundbreaking is planned for
March 1993 with grading to be done
in September. The project is estimated to cost $12 million.
Bringing county services into

Kenosha County is "'ong, long overdue," Collins said.
"There is a growing number of
people living west of the I. It's totally
unfair and unnecessary for them to
drive to downtown Kenosha (for
services)" Collins said.
The county bought the 43 acres located on the northeast corner of
highways 45 and 50 eight years ago.
The land has sewer and water extended. "Now it's time to put up the

building," Colli~ said.
Plans are to include a UW-Extension office, zoning office, highway
and parks department, Social Services and Health department and
general office space for meetings.
Proposed is a sheriffs department
sub-station.
The cost break-down includes:
$6.5 million for the highway garage;
$3.5 million for the office building; $1
million for the communication tower

and equipment; and $1 million for
architect fees.
Collins said the last time a county
building went up in Kenosha County
was the Silver Lake Garage in the
1930s. The highway garages in the
area are becoming obsolete and not
properly equipped, Collins said.
. The county board will vote on
whether to approve borrowing the
funds needed for the project at the
Tuesday, Aug. 20 meeting.
---·~--------~

z/

1%--of tax pays--for building
l'!y Jennlo Tunklelcz

stall Writer I~f f.CJ)...
· About one percent of the average county tax bill each year will
go toward building a $12 million
county office complex and a
highway garage at Highways 45
and 5U, Finance Director David
Geertsen said.
The owner of the average
home, valued at $71,981, will pay
$2.45 for the building this year,
$20.57 in 2004, and $15.84 In 2UII,
or an average of $17 annually for
20 years, Geertsen told the
Buildings and Grounds Commit·
tee Wednesday.
The tax rate for the building
will span an estimated 19 cents
per $1,000 of assessed valuation
for a property owner ln 1993 to 29
cents per $1,000 In 2004.
The county plans to issue $2.1

million In bonds this year and $10
million next year to begin con.
structlon of the building In the
town of BristoL
Bid specifications for the
building will go to Interested
companies the first week of
April. Bids are due the last week
of April and the Coun.ty Board Is
expected to approve successful
bidders In May.
County officials will discuss
the specifications of the building
with the County Board at a special Committee or the Whole
meeting at 7 p.m. on April 6.
A fall of 1993 opening Is
planned for the building.
The building will house Offices
for the Public Works Department, the department of Planning and Zoning, University of
Wisconsin·Extenston and
western Health and Human Ser·

INVITATION FOR BIOS
ON PUBliC WORKS
Sealed bids will be received by
the Kenosha County Clerks Of·
fice for Kenosha ~ounty, a Mu.
nicipal Corporation·. Incorporated
in the State
~isconsin, lor

vices. It wlll also include two 1
co!
classrooms, a conference room, ~=~;~~~ ~~J"u"~~c~~~~e~' B~il~i~~
and space for healtJt CJIOiCS.

to

building

wiB

-De~

1

i

'

be submitted In triphcale.
I Kenosha County Reserves the
right to reject any or all bids or
to accept any bid considered
most advantageous to the Courl-ty of Kenohsa.
For further information, contact
Robert M. Kueny, Architect, at
the above address or telephone
number 414-859-2201.
By order of
Kenosha County
Tt10mas G. Wasley
Purchasing Director
Aprill8,19,20, 1992

t:'

INVITATION

F~

BIOS

ON PUBLIC WORKS

Sealed bids will be received by
the Kenosha County Clerks Of.
fice for Kenosha County, a Mu: nicipal Corporation, _Incorporated
, in the State of W1sconsin, for
Elevators, Salt Shed, Mechanical
and Equipment components associated with the construction of
, 1 a New Kenosha County Center
Building to be located in Bristol,
W!, at tile County Clerks Office,
Kenosha County Courthouse,

'4

r·

located in Bristol, WI: at

also

'11>

1-

be

be ~~~ 1 os~~un~~un~er~~urt~~~;~:
Room 101, 912 _56th Str~'>et.,
partment Substation If one Is ~:~~-a~-~!~~r~~~"o;Y~~~~ T~~t~
deemed necessaryt officials j ~7li:~~ 3a~·d 1J':n~;act documents
said. An area for deputies to I may be obtained from the office
write reports and take breaks of the architect, Mr. Robert M.
will be made available. The: ~~~~~ha, 2~0~31 ~~~th Ave.nue,
c?unty is also investigating pro~ J ~~~dt~:~~~!~t~~en?/;~6~~~f~~~
Vtding space at the bUilding for; bid due date in accordance with
prisoner transfers.
! the bid in~t_ructions.
Supervisor Wayne Koess~ 1 ~~~~rhe:a~~ne~ ws~ga11 rb~esu~~d~~~
com~ittee chairman, said th i A~mJJia~ih~ 1 °:e~a~~dfi~m for ac·
buildtng has been planned t
ceptance for a period of 60 days
allow for other expansion.
~~~~~~s1~[ngbi~fd~~~s. will be reIn_ other business, FaetH tie~. ! ~~~;t~:; ~~~~r~~~~:':ro~C:: !~~
Engmeer Thomas Walther re. 1 Payment Bond in the amount of
ported all of ~he count_y's build- J ~~~%w~l ~: ~g~~:~\m Thurday,
tngs are bemg analyzed for;: April 30, 1992 at 7:00p.m.
asbestos problems and com-· :~~~i~p~sst ~~~~~~~~~~~ei~ ~~a~~~
pliance with the Americans with outside in accordance w1th m.
Disabtllties Act
structions to bidde.rs and shalf
The

equipped to add a Sheriff's

,I
...._ ...._

.'

~'}>

"'

I

, Room 101, 912 56th Street,

I

1'.
V
ha county
A "mode{" bUl'ld'tng lOr
nenos

lf - '-{- 9A...

.,.

Kenosha NeWs- Photo

"""'·

SupeJ.~V111 sors-

!36th A"nue,

fi 1 eP~~~~a~~ci~~nbiJ 1 ~~~md~ie ~~

vices office and several other county servlcee. .
The County Board will hold a wpeclal Committee of the Whole meetlng at 7 p.m. Monday In
Room 310 of the courthouse, 912 56th St., for
supervisors to discuss the building. The board
will be asked to approve archltectural plans.

aoco'''"" with _the bid iostwc

~rn.th~heK~~~~~~m~re~a~~ar,at~;
u;ed in comnutatio~ of alt bids.

~!o~~~~:~~~~ ;eP~~i~/~r6 6°daayc;
;~~~;~s~~;n~i~~~:~s.may be re.

OK--"--b"rn·l_di_·-n-g
___p_·lans"\'

Ior K!enosha County Cent er
vices, planning and zoning and
other offices will be housed at
the center. The county
purchased the 40-acre property
in 1984 and equipped It with
sewer and water in 1987. The
center Is scheduled to open In
fall of 1993.
Bellow said he could not support the building at this time.
"We all have a lot of needs
and, the thing is, you can't just
turn around and spend money for
every need. You have to have
priorities," Bellow said.
A new County Jail and a new
Brookside Care Center are a

2403

~r;do:rt~am~~ ~!1~~·uired to have

·

The planned Ken(ntha County Center at High~
way8 45 and 50 will look much like thlo model.
Robert Kueny Is the architect for .the $12
million building that will house the county
Highway and Parks departments, the Highway
Department garage, the Western Social Ser·

By Jennie Tunklelcz
Staff Writer
¥' . ,
1). " 1,}.
In a 23-3 vote the County Board
Tuesday approved architectural
plans for the Kenosha County
Center to be built at Highways 45
and 50 In the town of Bristol.
Voting against the plan were
supervisors Darrel Haen, Louis
Cairo and Gerald Bellow.
The county will be accepting
bids for the $12.6 million building. Bids will be opened at the
end of the month.
A new highway garage, parks
department, western social ser-

Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140 until
7:00 P.M. Central Daylight time
on April 28, 1992.
Bids set and contract documents
may be obl~ined from the office
of the Architect, Mr. Robert M.

::_~;~~.~~i~:~~~:_~,~~~Ji~~~

of 100% of the contro5ct.

~~r~l 2~~ rijgi~;?~ognp ~esday

\
'\

'greater priority, he said.
In other business, the board
unanimously approved selling 27
acres of county-owned property
south of Bullen Junior High
School to the city of Kenosha for
$150,000. The city plans to place a
water retention basin on the
property. The county will still
own 5 acres of land at the site.
The board also voted unanimously to sell county tax·deeded
property In the Valmar sub.
division in the Camp Lake area
to the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources for its fishery
project.
·

Bids must be enclosed in sealed

'"'lopes ciea"y m"ked on the

~~~:1i~,:' ,g'~fd~:;;·.~it",h'::

' , , be submitted

1n !nphcate.
Kenosha County reserves the
right to reject any. or all bids or,.
to accept any b!d considered
considered most advantageous
! to the County of Kenosha.
'I For further information, contact
Robert M. Kueny, Architect, at
the above address or telephone
number 414-859-2201.
By Order Of Kenosha County
Thomas G. Wasley
Purchasing Director
AprillS, 19, 20, 1992

'I

oi1'J

rs

PLEASANT PRAIRIE
Two
f'SO intersections t'hat
accident rates
more than
the state aver·
wm be rebuilt in 1993.
cost is estimated
right of way
and engi~

arc
project \Vill involvs construction
of a new sect:on of 51st Avenue
veering to, the northwest, form~

a complete intersection with
Plans call for
of the existing
A venue, lJetwee!l

50, to s:erve as n
lane.

right~

A ne·w
Western
be created as

The tra!r will eros~
\vay 50 and the
Avenue.
Traffic
plan,

wm

accidents can be classified as
accidents resulting

railroad

Accordmg

Gene A. Sduuienorth, CrrlspeU-Snyder transpm1atiori manager, explain® Highwny 50
to, from left, Sunny Cooper, Ruth Hyland and Mary te!p:dg (hack to camera)

the engineers, all

aver~

ages 4,200 cars a day.
At Tuesday's public informa·
tion session, Richard Randall,
owner of Woodlal"n Grocery,
5110 75th St., said he fears closIng off the median crossing at
olst Avenue will hurt his busi-

biles a day. Traffic on 51st Ave-

ness,

dnver~error

to

nue, south of Highway 50.

from rhe existing sub-standard
intersection alignment and/or
distance along 75th Street
nnltz said the stretch of
Highway 5Q at 51st and 52nd
avenues carries 28,000 automoM

wm

The project
not require
destruction of any buildings,

Kemnitz ..
Gene

highways

-<' • It) ··J_.,;-BR!STQL -- David Manning,
Porter said the consrruni:·r•.
director of the Office of Transv the new county col
portat!on, is being asked to in" northeast corner of
vestigat.e the safety of the in· tion will Increase the
tersection at highways 50 and 45 vehicles uslne: thl"> ntc•rs:'rr!:"'
State Rev. Cioyrl Porter said bv lll to 2.0
t at the urgresidents
"l have beec contacted
number of individuals as we!i as

the town of Bristol concerning
the number of accidents at the
intersection,'' Porter told Man~

ning. "Over the last five years,
there have been 35 crashes at or
near this intersection."

other, similar
s;tate

\nter~ect!on~~

Porter
hear m.osr often
intersection is, 'People
lost due to the 11umOer
flow island;.;.'"

Dry spring
speeds work

50
By Joe van zand!
Staf! Writer

~1-,}

_q

A much
drier-than-normal spring has
helped work crews to get well
ahead of schedule on construct. ing a !our-lane Highway 50
bypass around the unincorporated community of New
Munster ·in the town of
Wheatland.
Work began April 1 and, as of
Tuesday, was an estimated two
weeks ahead of the timetable
established by the state Department of Transportation for
completing the new limited-acNEW MUNSTER -

cess road,
Dan P Jashinsk.y, DOT engineer overseeing the $5.5 million
project, said good weather as
well as a concentrated effort by
general contractor Mann
Brothers Construction,
Elkhorn, were the chrer reasons
for' the rapid progress on the
project so far.
All trees, brush and other
vegetation have been removed
from the three-mile corridor
between Highway 83 on the east
and 38lst Avenue on the west:
two marshes have been cleared
of sediment and muck and
backfilled, and 60 percent of the
roadwav has been roughgraded.
Twenty pieces of heavy
equipment, including bull-

dozers, compactors, scrapers
and crane draglines, have been
put into service on the project

Jashmsky said running the
roadbed across the two
marshes proved to be more
challenging than originally anticipated.
"We had to dig down an
average of 10 feet ln these areas
to reach firm soil, and then we

construction under way
Work on !he
bulldozer.

Is ahead of schedule as
lace of farmland north of
Dan Ja@binsky said !he bulk.
of the grading
be completed by mid-September. final
touches, ouch as connecting eac!J end of the new road to !he
had to backfill that 10 feet with
a mlx of sand and
and
build tm the
another 18
feet

w

get the proper P.!eva-

tion," he said
ln all, an estimated 300.000
cubic yards of sand and gravel
will !Je used to complete the
roadbed.

The mud and muck removed
from the marshy areas will be
allowed to dry, then will be
used to finish the st.de slopes of
the
Jashmsky said. lt
will be
with peat and
til. then planted with grass
fertilized to give the new
growth a chance to take root

lVew

existing Highway 50, will be completed by May 31, 199:~. so
paving can be done next summer. The hlf!hway Is scheduled
to be open to traffic by September 1993, This view look•
west from the top of t!Je hill north of New Munster; near St.
Alphonsus Catholic Church.
before winter sets in.
All rough and final grading is
expected to be completed by
fall, Jashinsky said, but paving
will not be done until next summer so the road base is given
time to settle properly.
Up to the first week of June,
the work crews were on the job

10 hours a day, six days a week.
But with the work going so welL
the schedule has been cut hack
to five days a weeK, Jash!nsky

said

,

,

The DOT timetable cal!s for
the bypass to be open to traffic
by September 1993.

Traffic now wh!z:~:el! through New Mun8te1· on Highway 50; soon It will byp!>llli the town

on.

Kenosha News

Munster

By De!V® ell\ji!IS

Stat! writer
The rush of progress thnt otter: leaves
many communities breathless has
always slowed to a crawl in New
Munster
The houses, shops and natural land·
scape look much as they did generations
ago.
"People who grew up here come back
to visit and they ali say the same
thing," said Mary Niederer, co-owner
of B & D's Village Inn along State
Highway 50, the main drag through the
unincorporated hamlet
"They say it hasn't changed much
Ev€rything looks pretty much the
same,"
By September W83, the nostalgia
won't be as
as it used to be. The
hurlyMburly
late 20th
advanA
cernem has landed with a

in New

Munster.
The state of Wisconsin decided a few
years ago that the two-lane main drag
was far too congested, caus!ng far too
many accidents.
So it is building a main drag bypass, a
$5.5 million, four·lane segment of High .
w&y 50 that will sit immedlately north
of the hamlet.
Whether that's good or bad depends

on who's doing the talking.
Uhen·s Garage has been a fixture on
the main drag since Bill Uhen's fat~.er
opened for business in !921.
"l would say most people are tor it,"
Uhen said. "But us business people who
rely on the traffic were against It. We
got voted down."
With traffic diverted, Uhen ligures to
lose some weekend trade at his full·
service gas pump,
"The repair business should stay
pretty much the same," he said. "There
are a !ot of re.e:ular customers and

photo~>

farmer Clarence Daniels &ays 'llie poUUclanli! already had their mind!! made up

by· John Sorensen

years ago that the two~lane matn drag
was far too congested, causing far too
many accidents.
So it is building a main drag bypass, a
$5.5 miliion, four ·lane segment of High50 that will sit immediately north
of
hamlet.
Whether that's good or bad depends
on who's doing the talking.
Uhen's Garage has been a fixture on
the main drag since Bill Uhen's !ather
opened lor business tn !92!.
"!would say most people are for it,"
Uhen said. "But us business people who
rely on the trafttc were against lt. We
got voted down."
With traffic diverted, Uhen figures to
lose some weekend trade at his fullservice gas pump.

Farmer Clarence Daniels

il.\lYII

the politicians already had their mind!! made up

"The repair business should stay
pretty much the same," he said. "There
are a lot of regular customers and
vacationers who Know where to find
us."
Clarence Daniels doesn't see any
silver lining.
Property
for the bypass

took 22% acres

his 1-43-acre dairy

farm, including prime pasture for hls
ll? head of cattl.e.
Not only does Daniels need space for
his cows w feed) the state has yet to
devise a new drainage system for his
property.
"l stm haven't settled up ·with the

state," Daniels said. "I can't get a
straight answer from any of those people.
"l objected to th.ts project from the
beginning, but the potlticians already
had their mmds made up. They said
they'd cat'e of me. We!!, you can see
how that worked out."
at Larry's
Back on the main
expresses
Barber Shop, Larry
mixed feehngs,
"This couid have some effect on my

Barber Larry Smith worrlu about the future
busmess in the future," Smith said. "It
could make it difficult for me to draw
new customers.
"My regutar customers tell not to
that everything wl.ll be okay. l
could be as confident as they

are."

Mary Niederer ill convinced the project's right

North of the barber shop, Smith's
residential lot w!!! be about 150 feet
from the bypass
s going to mean more noise and
take away the nice v!ew we have of the
natural farm country,'' he said.
Returning to the bar and lunch eoun~

ter, Niederer ls convinced the project ts
righL
"We need H," she said, "There have
been a lot of accidents along 50 In recent
years. A lot of us worry about tl1e safety
of our kids."

on
IH! Uhen
on cer~
n the main dr-ag ~hJct:

fJhen says1

.. u~

bM®lne.ilfi

traffic were again§! !1.

who rely on !he
voted down."

Work

.r.n-'J3

y. 50 bypass to

By Joe Van Zandt

Staff Writer
WHEATLAND
was scheduled to resume this
week on the Highway 50 by.
pass around New Munster.
Bruce Taylor. assistant engineer for the $5.5 million
project, said Friday the fourlane roadbed of gravel and
sand that was completed last
fall came through the winter
'·in very good shape." Grass
planted in the median and
along the shoulders also survived the winter and excep
tionally wet spring with little
damage
''All we have to do is regrade the surface to smooth
out any minor
that developed,
ready to start
said
"We will begin by moving
the westbound traffic to the
eastbound side in the area
cast of New Munster, so we
can get Highway 83 ready
and switch to the new 50-83
intersection_''
The paving is
begin around June l. he said.
"We hope to be done by the
end of August."
Most of the pavement will
be concrete, Taylor said. but
son1e portions of the ne\v
soon
road will be paved with as- With preliminary work completed, Highway 50 Bypass around New Munster
phalt
"We're using asphalt in cause it provides a quieter
50,000 tons of concrete and
way 83 on the east to 376th
70.000 yards of asphalt will
areas such as on the north surface and we \vant to hold
Avenue on the west.
side oi New ~1unster. where down the noise,"
be needed to complete the byThe next section of
Tnylor snid an estimated
pass, which nms from Highthere are a lot of houses. beway 50 that is scheduled

wm

be nsaily for paving
improvement is the leg behveen 376th Avenue on the
east and the unincorporated
community of Slades Corners

)(I
{_../

or~
,j

,,J--}.?

on Hy. 0 bypass to resume soon

!y Joe '\/an Zanclt

3taff Wnter
WHEATLAND.

Work

ulf
;1nd

the busier Tnterstat.e-94
ridor flve n1iles to the east.
Tlli.s is OuL a srnall E
,"u:;.r:·me·ttJog feDeral

Ontonagon,
Along fhe way, T.T.S. 45 crosses seven

states. Tt crosses fronl Alabama i.nto
t!wn rolls

a route not far
from the western bank of the Des
Plaines River, trailed by roving
bRnds ofTndian hunters. Traces of
Indian encampment along
was the Des Plaines traiL
Town records do not show w~'1en
the present roadway 1.vas laid out,
but its location. mnch of it a;
section lines. suggests it was
in the midthe area was
lB:lOs. A noorlv
dirt track ex·
when the
road ,,vas built about 18GO, the only

Riv:.-;r" From there
~~smiles of Mkh1-

other settlement of note along the
rond wRs at Paris Corners. Hvs- 45
and 142. which for vears also-bore a
and n1on:.' co-lorful name.
the story
a 1ocal
w'r~·octt,l'cu<eu

existing
Countv, until ft1e sumn1er of 1935, it
had hCen State Trunk
75.
number then

lel ro3d three milrs west. A hJt earlier, the stretch from
50 south to
1he ,s1;1teline had been
as
County Trunk Highv,ray C, a name
also reassigned "tater to
pn:~ent
east-west route.
But the road's local historv is far
nlder
~
Fossilized 1eeth of prehistoric
mammoths hnve been found not L1r
from the
to the
wrst of
And

petty

was
by a Mr. Marsh,
whose farm stood beside the road.
The susnect denied the charge. but,
took revenge, one night
l\!Iarsh 's pasture anct
manes and tail hairs
best team.
vvas the last straw for 1\1arsh
So, disguised as
the malefactor
from Zania P
is said, WDS never seen in
again. but the incident
intersection for years ~
Tar Corner~..
·
The coming of the automobile did

Lakeshore route. this western road
went nowhere that anyone, other
than local residents, ,\,3ntcd to go.
But that
to change tn themotndsts
vacation <It-Wisconsin.

was improved,
By the early

As the federal system
U.S. 45 had become
from Chicago to the
line. And early in 19:i5, the highv-'ny
n1arking was extended nortlnvard.
Down came the
Wis. 'if>
markers
went the
shields.
newly named h igh\vay
was touted as thP eRSY', a1J.-weR.ther
route from Chicago to the Land
o'Lakes resort area.
All weather road it may hr,vE
been but it was not yet hard paved
end to end. There
short gaps of
Chicago and
Wis ..
north of ClintonvillE::, includj_ng five

miles bet\vecn the statehne and
BristoL But soon this, too, was surfaced with concrete.
Kenosha Countv bad_ become
of a federal highv\'ay network
linked the Gulf coasr to the shore of
Lake Super1or.

!ly Jennie Tunkl!!ltl
Staff Writer

Because

hid~

no

re-

\.J..'ere

Despite complaints by'
who were denied furniture and

ceived, the
contractor
can award
hid to the company of its choosing. '/olplntesra
said, Until a provider was

carpeting

;;z,A~93

Kenosha

contracts
County

for

the

selected, the

CenteL

the

placed a
contract for the
actual price would

county corporaton counsel says
the contracts were awarded legally,
Questions were raised hecause
the companies selected were
providing their products at a
higher price than the companies
not selected,

In August: the county recelved
two bids for providing furniture
for the new county building at
highways 45 and 50, Burgess,
Anderson & Tate Inc, Zion, llL,
bid $524,057 to outfit the building,
and Ganzer Office Interiors Inc,,
Wauwatosa, bid $444,539 "~ a
difference of $79,518
The consul tams and
officials reviewing the
selected Burgess, Anderson &

Tate because of product presentation, evaluation and review of
the furniture,
Ganzer contended the prod-

ucts were substantially similar
and contested the bid award,

In a report summary released
Tuesday, Corporation Counsel
Frank Volpintesta said the
Ganzer products did not meet
the county's specifications. Several county officials, including

contrAcTOr

the allowance, the

When the time came to find
provider for the
thP
general contractor was to
for
quotes from compan\e:;:

were necessarv to make
sure the count·
credit back for

The county's

quirec!,

nor

thev

nr-

responded

w

were

companle~

the request.
The

selected
for the
$56,950

at a qu.Ne of .
it mer specif--

ications and the company was
already doing the tile work on
the project
A
from
Carper~Twin
for
met
cificat;ons. hut called for a$
down payment and Volpintesta
said the countv does not make-

County Executive John Collins.
was

viewed the furniture and agree it

did not meet specifications.

nothing

The Ganzer wRrrantv also
didn't meet specifications, Vol-

pintesta said.
The Burgess, Anderson & Tate
furniture wil! also mix and
match well with current coutity
furniture, the report said,
Ganzer also complained that
conflict of interest existed ln the
countv's review of the furniture
becmJse a Burgess, Anderson &

Tate emolovee acted as n consultant to the architect in preparing
the bid specifications
Volpintesta said no conflict
existed because this is sTandard
practice. He saJd there are nine
instances in the
where a
consultant was
by the

architect

to work on ~pecif­

lcations, and in just thrf'e of

those cases were those companies, for whom the consultant
worked, awarded bids, He also
said the consultant did not receive a commission.
Volpintesta recommended the
contract with Burgess. Ander~on
& Tate be signed immediately,

In reviewing the carpet con~
tract, Volpintesta said no il1egality occurred in thr process,
but the cou!ltv was in error when
it requested "bids'" for the
proJect rather than price
"quotes."
No bids were received
April
28 when the project was
out
for bid in April ,1992, Bids were
due on April 28,

The owners of two companlE':;;
that dld not get the 'vork r2mnin
dissatisfied and upsE't aboui the\r
dealing~

with the countv

James Ganzer sald he
recently received the c

onl~r

ratlon counsel',..-., opinion and
not vet knO\~ if he wlH pursuf' the
furtheL
"This is the
ofttH:.

''Evpryone
Stares knowS thi~ ls

furniture, unlf'Ss thr
in Kenosha l<nm.v sonwthing that no one else in the U.S~
knows."
Charles Lovelv, nwner nf
losers because
for carpet far
more

thB:n Ls nE'rr-s··

said one countv offlciai

told him a $25,000 diffe-rence

in

blds i~ an "insignificant amount
of money."
"In th"nt cast\ I wonder if th~v
will
me $25 OOC: off nf rnv
bill, Lovely said
the countv

sary,''

go•ver"mr1er1t center at

' 45 and 50. The new
department and several county

house the county
on comp!etton.

Friday,

.~ugust

28, 1992

25

Special bus
to transport

school kids

rom Highwav 50, vehicles have to cross a
200-f'oot wiae constructiOn area on which dozens
of pieces of heavy equipment are workim1 and
vehicles of supervisors dart back and

By Joe \ian Zandt
Staff Writer
NEW MUNSTER The
Clarence Daniels family, with
help from two legislators, was
assured Thursday that their
farm, virtually isolated by work
on the Highwa·y 50 bypass around
New Munster, would soon be
reconnected to the outside
world.
Meanwhile, until a driveway
connecting the farmhouse with
Highway 83 to the east is com·
pleted, as promised by the state
Department of Transportation,
the three
children, ages
5, 8 and 9. will
picked up by a

special bus and transported to
and from Wheatland Center
SchooL
The state Department of
Transportation first approached
Clarence and Mary Daniels ln
!989 about obtaini"ng some 20
acres on the south end of their
163"acre dairy farm for a
of the planned !our·lane
The couple was told that because their driveway from the
farmhouse to 63rd Street in New
Munster would be cut off and
inaccessible during much of the
construction, a new driveway
would be installed at state
pense. It was to connect the
farmhouse and barn with a ser~
vice road that runs from a field
to Highway 83 on the east side of
the farm.
The driveway was never installed, but corlstruction dld be~
gin April 1 on the four-lane high·
way. Since then, the farm ha'
been virtuallv cut off.
To go to the farm from present
Highway 50, vehicles have to
cross a 200-foot wide construe"
tion area on which dozens of
pieces of heavy equipment are
working and over which various

ex·

Construction area too hazardous for school bus
Mary Daniel• waits Thursday with her children
Katie, 5, Jennifer, 8, and Lori, 9, for a echool
bus thai never came. Wheatland School Prine!-

pal Robert G. Mickelsen said the area was too
hazardous to risk allowing the school bus to
cross the construction zone.

vehicles of supervisors dart back
and forth
When it rains, the construction
zone turns into a sea of mud, A
milk tank truck that makes pickups at the Daniels dairy farm
has been stuck several times.
When the ground dries out, the
construction zone turns into a
dust bowl, and visibility is reduced significantly_ making
crossing on foot o.r in a vehicle
hazardous.
With the fall semester
Thursday, Daniels
Wheatland Center School this
week to arrange for his children
to be picked up on the north side
of the construction zone Thf
children previously had walked
south to 63rd Street in New
Munster for pickup.
Principal Robert Michelson
said it wouldn't be a good idea
for a bus full of children to go
back and forth across the construction zone several times a
Clarence and Mary Daniels
t.hev did not inte.nd to let
their children walk across the
zone to catch the bus.
In desperation, the Danielses
contacted State Sen. Joseph Andrea. D·Kenosha. and State Rep.
Cloyd Porter, R·Burlington. and
asked for help. Porter, Andrea
and Wheatland Town Chairman
Donald Smitz went to the
Daniels farm at 7:30a.m. Thurs·
day to look over the situation. All
agreed the state left the Daniels
family in the lurcll, and the
Daniels children should not walk
across the construction zone to
catch the school bus
From the Daniels house, An~
drea phoned James Montnick,
DOT real estate aquisitions man~
in Madison, to explain the
Montnick agreed the
failure to install the driveway

was due to the DOT. and he

would definitely bP
"in two weeks or less.
Tn the meantime, he said, the
DOT will make

srate governme:1t concerning e:p·
for
transporting

Tired of \'1.'8.Jting for
to act,

state

the \VhPntland School

principal
op the rhi :dren
way ls completed He said
the school district \Vill bill DOT
fo: all costs
he did not want
Michelson
to have the regular bus cross the
constructior. "lone v.'ith a load of

either

on a specwl bt:s is preferable to
their crossing the ccnstruction
zone on foot or in an automobile.
So, as it
to school
each day on their verv

()\VB

buf-:

I

New Munster bypass to open next week
By Arlene Jensen

Staff Writer
NEW MUNSTER - The
New Munster bypass is done
and will be opened to . traffic
sometime next week, according to Dan Jashinsky, proje'it
engineer for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
It marks the conclusion of
the fourth segment of a $25
million Highway 50 reconstruction project that has been
going on since 1987. The bypass runs between High way 83
on the east and 381st Avenue
on the west It's called a bypass because the project was
designed to bypass the village
of New Munster.
Jashinsky said barriers on
both ends of the 3.1-mile bypass will be removed Thursday or Friday, if all goes welL
That could change if there is
an equipment breakdown or if
the area is hit by heavy rains.
County Executive John Collins said, "We've made major
improvements in Highway 50
in the last six years, and this
is a very important section."
Collins noted that with completion of the New Munster
bypass, the next segment the
state will rebuild is between
New Munster and Lake Geneva. Kenosha County only
has about two miles of twolane Highway 50 left The rest
is in Walworth County.
The remainder of two-lane
road is tentatively scheduled
for completion in 1996 and
1997. When that is done, motorists will drive from
Kenosha to Lake Geneva on a
four-lane road.
The first part of the project,
completed during the summer
of 1987, saw the widening of
that part of Highway 50 that
runs through downtown Paddock Lake.
In the spring of 1988, work
started on Phase 2, a 7 112
mile stretch from Paddock
Lake east to I -94 and a twomile section west of the village to Highway B.

Kenosha News photo by Bill Siel

New highway set for opening
Finishing touches are all that's left of work on the New Munster
bypass. By late next week, the barricades will be gone and

Phase 3, finished in 1989, in- unacceptable because of the
cluded reconstruction of the wetlands in the New Munster
three miles from Highway B Marsh. A northern route was
west to 83 North.
the o!'IY choice.
The New Munster bypass
Work started in March 1992
was not the largest part of the with the clearing of brush and
project. but in some ways was trees between Highway 83 on
the most difficult. Because the east and 381st Avenue on
Highway 50 is very narrow as the west More than 300.000
it goes through the village of cubic yards of sand and gravel
New Munster. engineers opted were hauled in to create the
to relocate the road around new roadbed.
the village.
Two marshy areas, covering
Routing to the south was

/d

;J..)... fl)-

motorists will be using the new roadway. This photo, looking east,
shows the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church steeple above the trees.

about a quarter of a mile, had
to be excavated to a depth of
15 feet and refilled with gravel
to prevent settling of the new
highway. That was done during the summer of 1992, and
allowed to settle over the winter.
To prevent cars from driving on the new road before it
was ready, the intersections
that join old road to new were
completed last. The last concrete sections to be poured

were those points where Highway 50 intersects with highways 0, KD and 83.
Collins said Thursday no
special ceremonies have been
scheduled to mark the opening
of the new road. But that
could change. The County Executive said he and Highway
Commissioner Fred Patrie
may decide to cut a ribbon.
That decision is not set in
concrete. The highway is.

PUBLIC NOncE

KENOSHA COUNlY
PUBLIC AUCTION

LOCATION:
5512 60th St.

Kenosha County, WI
(OLD HWY. DEPT. GARAGEJ
DATE AND TIME:
Saturday, Nov. 13, 1993
9:00

a.m.

Registration

10:00 a.m. Auction Start
Sampling of items to be sold_ to
highest bidder: cabinets, cha1rs,

bed frames, tables, office eQuipment,

typewriters,

calculators,

office furniture, food service
equ1pment, dishes, pool table,
movie projector, picture frames, 1 ._
humidifier, coat racks, ph.
meter, electnc range, hospital
beds, piano's, exercise bikes,
electric fans, oak church pew,
vacuum cleaners, bowling ball,

\'J

\N

paint, tri-wheet bikes, slide viewers, cameras. fire extinguishers,
oxygen units, tape recorders,
1970 pickup truck and many,
many items, too numerous to
mention.

(RP) • The Highway 50 bypass opened last week The highway bypasses New Munster and runs between Highway 83 on the east and
381st Avenue on the west, a stretch of 3.1 miles. (Diane Jahnke photo)

All ITEMS AS IS. No returns.
Registration reQuired at the door.
Satisfactory Identification
ReQuired.
November 11,-12, 1993

~
'

___

.....___

1\enosha News photo by Joe

V~n

Zanat

Crew works feverishly Monday to apply asphalt to the final link of the Highway 50 bypass at New Munster

/t-J

open today

')3
.l.BUSi"WDJU4MMUA.tJJ .£.

&.~~-w~~

50.

ll

to skirt
New
Joe "'"" Zandil
Writer

The Higlnvay 30
.8 be(:>hivc of activity
even though the
stretch of ne\v, four-lane

Jr main concern for the next few days
is getting local people who are traveling north
and south on cross roads such as highways 1-<.D
and 0 to come to a
stop and to check
for oncoming traffic on
bypass before driving
across .. ,
Oan Jashinsky, DOT project engineer
the final linkup
time for opt'ning
to

of
bypass to th(:'
HI' hoth ends
Zc~ro hour
the actual time
of open lng the nc.;v,r road,..vny
\\'HS to hc1ve taken place
F'ridav. Teehnical prohl.ems in

KD and then turn east on old

the hyptlSS \.ViE
be ln nse today, Dan ,Jashin·
sky.
engmeer fm· the
state
of
tatio11. said it will bP
week or two before the tempo
rar;/ access and exit nmnts arc-

m0.de

!lows
''For nmv. we will be rout~ ensthound traffic into one
tlw t\V(J westhonnd lanes at
he said,
\1\:est He snid VPhicles can exit
fn;m the b:nmss at Highivay

mam concern for the
next fevv
·· he said, "is
getting
people who arc
traveling north cmd ~outh on
cross roads such as highways
KD and 0 to come to a complete stop and to check for oncoming traffic on the bypass
before driving across. A lot of
them think the road is closed.
and they drive right across
without even slmving down."

In fact, a1read'l N<~\V
Nfunster has a ne\v characte-r.
and per hap~ U1ni ctm he n_
to how busine!'sf:S

Hy® 50 bypass
bad for business
By Jim Rohde

Staff Writer

II ,

1

o 73

NEW MUNSTER -The new
Highway 50 bypass around
New Munster may be making
motorists happy, but it is not
putting smiles on members of
the New Munster business
community, who have seen
their business drop since the
opening of the new road last
week.
A group of seven business
people asked the Wheatland
Town Board Monday if signs
could be put up along the new
bypass showing the New Munster turn-off, alerting motorists that tlley are still in business.
The board said in checking
with the state, it found that
the businesses failed to qualify
for the blue signs listing the
restaurants and gas stations
in New Munster because restaurants have to offer three
meals a day to qualify and gas
station have to be open 16
hours a day, seven days a
week, to qualify for the signs.
Town Chairman Donald
Smitz said the town does not
qualify for a business district
sign because New Munster is
unincorporated. He said the
board will contact state representatives about getting a
green New Munster designation sign installed on the bypass showing the way to the

village.
In other business, the Town
Board finalized the 1994 budget totaling $713,053 which it
will present to electors at the
annual budget hearing at 8
p.m. Nov. 29. The board scheduled a special town meeting
immediately following the
hearing for electors to approve
highway expenditures for next
year and to vote on the same
$1.35 per $1,000 town tax.
The board also voted approval of a conditional use
permit requested by Ronald E.
Clark Sr., 4705 68th Ave.,
Kenosha, owner, and Edward
J. Takala, Zion, Ill., to operate
a cabinet and millwork shop
at 4621 328th Ave., in the
former Ultra-Fab business.
The property is zoned M-1,
limited manufacturing district. The board set the following conditions: hours of operation are to be 7:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m., no work on Sundays, no
outside storage, and installation of a holding tank on the
property.
In other action, the board
voted to install eight
streetlights along the new
Highway 50 bypass, two each
at the intersection of Highway
83, Highway KD, 368th Avenue
and 376th Avenue.
The board also voted to discontinue snowplowing 348th
Avenue between 45th Street
and 352nd Avenue during the
1993-94 winter.

heart·. ofhc·w Munste•. Jl
han! to hE-'lieve ail !·hc1t t.raffi<..'.
and e.sneci;1!!y all those scmi',s,
to travel through
now tranquil looking downtown Ne-ve/ I\-funstcr.
But thev all did. And i.haf;-;
why it seems most residents of

the town are glad the

is

open and running. They

safer. They feel their children
in the
of a

are safer as

lot essier for t.he people living
right on Lhe old .state highvv:1y
tn pull out of t.!wir drive"\'BYS

now.
Others aren't. us hc1ppJ..
though. Pu.sm_e;4s
that

tht• hyprtSE'
will become natural. husineso-:es wi1I make their 3djustnwnts, ne\v traHic pattern~
wi!I dE'\;elop and hopefull.Y all
wlllhe

the quaint.neF;s nov_r
you didn't
chance to sec hd(n·~-·.
For mP person<.'-.1/y, l nl.c;n wn
appreclate a certain hi~~tm·icnl
effect to the opening· oft.. he
bypnsc-: and tiv~
lwen intrigut'rl hy "old

draf!.

Tra 1c noise bypassing New Muns
By Joe \1an Zandt
Staff Writer

NEW MUNSTER - Since
the Nov. 2 opening of the
Highway 50 bypass around
New Munster, an eerie quiet
has descended over thrs oncebustling community.
At St. Alphonsus Catholic
Church. the Rev. Tom Bier·
sack said that with the big
semi-trailer trucks no longer
roaring through town, the
windows on the rectory
where he lives have stopped
rattling.
·'The house is quite close
to the highway." he said.
"and there was a lot of road
noise. especially when the
trucks downshifting right in
front of here as they reached
the top of the hill and started
down.''
Biersack said that crossing
the highway to pick up his
mail from the post office in
the town han is considerably
less stressful
.

"You can't see around the
curve in the road. and many
of the cars and trucks were
doing a lot more than 35 mph
as they came through town."
he said. "Moving the
way has definitely
things safer for t:l1e tovvnspeople."
In the post o!Tice. newly ap

Main street through 1\Jew Munster, formerly Highway 50, became a lonesome road when bypass operv··l
Postmaster Susan
said she mTived in
town just 10 days before the
bypass was opened. but tt be·
came app8.rcnt: immediately
just how noisy the town was
with the steady stream of
traffic rolling past her win
dow all day. She said now
the town is the quiet. rural
community she had expected
to fmd.
Next door. in the town of
fice. Wheatland Town Clerk
Pamela Daniels said she and

Town Clerk Sheila Siegler
have more time for their
work since the highway was
rerouted.
"A lot less people are coming to town. probably because a lot of people don't
kncnv how to get here now.
"We used to get lot of people coming in to ask directions. ask where the pay
ne is. to ask for change
the phone or to ask when
the restaurant across the
strePt ·would open. And locals

would stop in instPad of making a toll call to ~>k questions,·· Siegler said.
Things might pick up
the Town Board is able to
persuade the state
ment of Transportation
install more signs directing
people to the New Munstt:r
business district, Daniels
said.
"We are working on
ting a sign at Highway
and new 50, and we also need

n1w for

th~·

on t-ll_p hvp:tss ·
The Jack nl ;-1clnqu:"ttf'
in the vic>N qf n-:stanntteur
Dennis Ivlannn. is (1efiniteh·
taking its ton on husinessp~..;
in tO\vn.
used to look
'l\-1nrino's
drove m:t here.
had six people can
saying they 'Vere look)J:' the sign and
until
hlt LalzP ut:neva

-------·--··-·

Highway 50/New Munster bypass opens

f;J. ·r3· 9S
The 3.1-mile New Munster bypass
on Highway 50 represents
Wisconsin's commitment to economic development through better
highways, said secretary Charles H.
Thompson, Wisconsin Department
of Transnortation (DOT).
Thompson joined area officials,
mcluding Kenosha County executive
(John Co1lins and Donald Smitz~ town
of Wheatland chainnan, in a ribboncutting ceremony dedicating the new
segment.
The bypass completes the fourth
phase of Highway 50 improvements
that by 1997 will extend a four-Iane

. ilii!B{Ii'f

-

"lJ-!3-13

(RP) - A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Dec. 3 at the Highway 50
New Munster bypass. In attendance were Kenosha County Executive
John R. Collins (left); Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secrt'!!al')' Charles H. Thompson; Wheatland Town Chairman Don Sml!z; and
State Sen. Joseph F. Andrea.

~

.
h1ghway from Kenosha to Lake
Geneva, Thompson said.
At the request oflocal businesses,
signs directing motorists to the New
Munster business district will be
posted on the bypass.
"Investments in highways of the
proven payoff in job creation and
economic development/'' Thompson
said ... Businesses from Illinois and
across the nation are flocking to
Kenosha County to set up shop, ereate jobs and take advantage of a state
with the fourth lowest business tax
rate in the nation."

/

m

By William E. Ru!lbins
Staff Writer

The' arE·a's road sc11t intake
nnd
1s {)11 the decline. and
heal thy for government bud"
gets and the environment.
StilL \\'hen it snovvs it
as
lr!!:ions of utilHv vehicles
tons
of salt on KenoShn streets
highin an effort to pn)VHle safe mo

, conditions.
But city and count}· officials, seek-

ing to serve money and nrotect the
environment. are en~
to reduce the amount
chloride) applied during
icc storms

itor

/ .~

nos

under colder cunditin1JS
The heat ot the sun and friction
also help thP
Prijic uses almost no ::>and, hut
does
liquid calciurn chlorideonto
when the :1ir
dips belo"'v 20 degrees

Prijic says he ctmserves salt by
using a conveyor system for loading
the substancP into tlw building,
which is more efficient than usinf!

trucks

because "conveyor loadi

does not crush the salt _._ and sa1t
much mure effective jf it js nor

crushed or pulverized ,.

~
By William E. Rol:ll>ins
Staff Wnter
ThC'

ro;~d--~alt

i::; on the

intake

Jl

~

""

under colch'T cundttlott:J
lh~·

and.

sun and fri.ctlon

also help the

d~dine.

and
healthy fur government hwl
gets and tho e-n\·ironment.
Still, wh1m it sno\vs it
as
wns of utili.tv vehicles
tons
salt on Kenosha streets
highin an effort to provide safe nw·
eonditions.
ing
environment, are
to reduce the amount of salt (sodium
chloride) applied during snow and
ice storms
'·Over the last fi•le years, we·ve reduced the amount of salt we
by
20
:;e~ys Frederick
puhl k Vi.'orks eli rector. whose operatjon is responsible
for some 800 miles of countv. state
and federal roads.
fmc! off.
ramps. The state
reimburse
the ~ounty for maintnining their
roads.
The county has budgeted some
$180.000 for salt this season. Patrie
. and uses as little as 10,000 tons
as much as :30.000 tons ing about 12,000 tons
pending on the severity
season.

but
chloride

Prijic says he conserves salt b)using R conveyror
for loading
the substanc(-;
the b;.1ildiag,
\V}uch_ is motE: efflcienl than using
trucks because ··conveyor loadi
does not crush the salt - and salt
much more effective if u- is not
crushed or pulverized.''
During last week's storm
three
period from ,JarL S to ,JarL
8 -county usert L586 tons of
salt Of that, 704 tons :,vert; aoolied to
Kenosha News photos by 8111 Siel

Frederick Patrie, with the county's mountain of salt
ice 2J hours a
week, county on

ty. as contra~tor with tho~~e bodies,'

must do aU
More sale

1t

can

comply, Result'

During that
used JS,J tons

the city"'
says .

.. Thc_tt was a low amount

Currentl)
the
tall 'salt

the l'Pla.t ively- \varm
and lighhvr_;ighL Sll(JVi:',
the snows!orm itself
tO hours in durc1thn,"

50 and :15, is one"third
about 3.500 tons of :-;alL Patrie says
The \\'hite substance form~; a sort of
mountain range, \vith the highest
"peak" BO feet talL

have
f.::dling
bc:en 1.he case,

no1 UllW:lLW.l to

of

cnntimJnuslv

and 1f th:1t

h~-ui

salt U:1(' \vonld hR.\:e heoe:n

city uses
. and
th8t

A truck gets a load of county-owned salt
more precisely control the

~-nnount

of

s8H being spread on roact.s. officials

is stored inside a rlomed
htgh-tcch sen··
in the pavement a.t
along Inter-state ~q at
JG5 near the
Des Plaines

s. Thb
Salt
salt

Hlver bridge.
The instrmnents monitor factors
such as na,/ement and nh tetnJwt·a

the effectiveness of the
snow -and" icc--battling measures.
rie says. ;:J.t1d helps provide 8. plan of
action.

and county apply about
of salt per "'lane mile"
on Hw storm's character
lane mile is a rnUe of a
single lane,
ln

n bout :):2;) a tur:
Salt reductlon
m;:1ril~ through
:.nd
hv:Pr

<ldditl(Jn to salt, •,;vhtch can
melt snO\.\. and ice at an air
lrh"• as about 20 de

t;__;mper;'lturcs

···~"-"""""""""'~~-·''"'''"'''"'''"''""Filft'%'!!~~~'~""~"-'"-"'""'"-~""'~·~1~l~~~l"""'"""-'Y""'"'="·•~"~,.,·-~'""'""'"'··•·-·-·--"'~-~~---"'"'

~mel

sand

·'The key

lS

to 1Jrca.k tht-: tJond at

the- pavPmeni. nnt un top."
jic.

Pt·i

The first appl.tcatiun or salt is the
most i1npnrtant.
Patl·ie. because
' you get

ice from

t1·atTic
!i1PJ1t.
nlO\.'S-

!-l

lnyer

Sixwlane Highway 50 planned
I

L

By Dave Sackmann
Staff Writer

come a barrier to pedestrians
and bicyclists and everyone
else not driving a motor vehicle, much like the l-94 barrier,
Schaefer said.
Widening Highway 50 will
have a negative impact on development along Highway 50,
including any pedestrian traffic
coming from the WhiteCaps
subdivision, he said.
"There are alternatives that
can alleviate some congestion.

"Six lanes of Highway 50 will
spllt the community in two,"
said Bill Schaefer, staff attarneY for Citizens for a Better
Environment The Midwestbased. non-profit advocacy
group mamtains an office in
Milwaukee.
A road that is six lanes wide,
with limited access, will be-

gional Planning Commission
calls for widening Highway 50

SEE HIGHWAY PAGE 2

During peak traffic periods,
people should be encouraged to
avoid making discretionary
trips, such as for shopping or
personal errands. Deliveries
can be rescheduled say between
7 and 8 a.m. and 5 and 6 p.m."
Schaefer also criticized portions of the planning calling for
building an interchange at I-94
and Highway ML; connecting
highways H and 31 by building
the southern leg of ML eastward, and widening Highway

Former supervisor
Schmalfeldt dies
By Jennie Tunkieicz
Staff Writer

··J. .A , 9'1'

Former County Board Supervisor Fred C. Schmalfeldt did
not want to leave elected office
until he could see Highway 50
improved and the Kenosha
County Center built.
Schmalfeldt. 86, saw both of
those projects accomplished before he died Thursday at the
Oak Ridge Care Center, Union
Grove.
First elected to the board in
1968. he served 12 consecutive
tertns representing the 24th supervisory district in the Silver
Lake-Brighton area before retiring in 1992.
"He was always concerned he
wouldn't see Highway 50 built
and the Kenosha County Center
built," George Melcher, director
of county Planning and Zoning
said. "He felt deep and strong
that the people of western Kenosha County needed both of
those projects."
Schmalfeldt's areas of expertise during his 24 years on the
board were in the areas of land
use and highways. He served on
the Highway and Parks Committee for 20 years and the Land
Use Committee for 15 years. He
was chairman of both committees for several terms.
For his service as a supervisor, Schmalfeldt was awarded
the Seal of Excellence from the
county. He was recognized for
commitment to the improvement ofhighway operations and

from four lanes to six between
39th Avenue and l-94,

A long-range transportation
plan in the works for Kenosha
County threatens to build a
north/south wall through the
community much like l-94 acts
as an east/west barrier, representatives of two citizen advocacy groups charged Monday_
The plan developed by the
Southeastern Wisconsin Re-

11 Highway
CONTINUED FROM 1

7 ,;;;.,'1'11

Fred C. Schmalfeldt
received a Certificate of Honor
for outstanding service and contributions to the development of
the Wisconsin County Transportation System.
"Fred can be summed up with
just a few words - decent person," County Executive John
Collins said. "There are very
few people· I have dealt with
who are as decent, honest and
salt-of-the-earth types as Fred.
He was generally a wonderful
guy!'

At the age of 84, Schmalfeldt,
203 Lake St., Silver Lake, decided not to seek re-election due to
ill health.
Schmalfeldt was a Standard
Oil agent in Silver Lake for 30
years.

165 from two lanes to four.
Those projects would be in
areas at the estimated outer
edge of future development in
Kenosha County where no additional traffic congestion is envisioned, Schaefer said.
The SEWRPC plan was unveiled June 27 as a blueprint for
transportation
projects
through the year 2010 in Kenosha,
Racine,
Milwaukee,
Waukesha, Walworth, Washington and Ozaukee counties.

No deadline has been set for
specific projects, like widening
Highway 50. SEWRPC has estimates the federally mandated
plan will cost $473 million annually beginning next year.
A public hearing on the plan
will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Room 200 B of the Municipal Building, 625 52nd St.
Jim Carpenter, a staff member of the New Transportation
Alliance, another advocacy
group in Milwaukee, said the

Fred C. Schma.lfeldt
Fred C. Schmalfeldt, 86, 203
Lake St., Silver Lake, died
Thursday (oltme 30, l_\)\H}_at the
Oak Ridge Care Center in Union
Grove.
Born July 24, 1907, in Silver
Lake, he was
the son of the
late George and
Sophia
(Schwartz)
Schmalfeldt.
After attending Riverview
Grade School
and
Wilmot
Schmalfel<lt
High School, he married Gladys
Bufton Nov. 6, 1937, in Silver
Lake. She died April27, 1980.
He was employed by Standard
Oil for 30 years and belonged to
Peace Evangelical Lutheran
Church m Wilmot.
A former County Board Supervisor, he represented the
24th District for 24 years and
was awarded the Seal of Excellence from Kenosha County.
Serving on the Highways and
Parks Committee for 20 years,
he was recognized for his commitment to improvements of
highway operations and received the Certificate of Honor
for outstanding ser"ice and contributions to the Development
of Wisconsin County Transportation Systems.
Surviving are a son, John, Silver Lake; a daughter, Janet,
New Haven, Conn.; two brothers, Donald and Hardy, both of
Silver Lake; three sisters, Lu
Janke and Velma Proost, both
of Burlington, and Olene Zarnstorfi, Twin Lakes; and three
grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death
by two brothers, Harry and
Emerson; and two sisters,
Emily Dean and Margaret Ballock.
Funeral
Schuette-Daniels
Home is in charge of arrangements

SEWRPC plan should be a
stronger advocate for building
an AMTRAK station in Kenosha County and for extending
Metra commuter rail service
between Kenosha and Milwaukee.

Make Hwy. 50
pedestrian mall
7-d--?'f

To the Editor:
Here we go again!!! Bicyclists and
pedestrians "threatened" by widening
Highway 50 from four lanes to six between 39th and I-94!
When goodies like this show up on
the front page rather than "real news"
is it any wonder the condos never got
built and now the Kenosha taxpayers
foot the bill'
Make 50 a pedestrian mall so the Indians, buck board wagons, stage
coaches, and mule trains can cross
with complete safety. God save us from
another "barrier" like 1-94!
Mike (More Jobs) Bjorn

And~re:il
By Dave Backman"
Staff Writer

:1'>

criticizes Highway 50 plan

four between Highway 142 and
Highway 11 in Racine County.
Construction on both ofthose
projects is to begin during the
next two years.
"While I realize that the preliminary SEWRPC plan is advisory only, their plan has a $473
million annual price tag that
citizens will find very hard to
pay," Andrea said. "l do not be..

lieve this plan is without merit.
It just appears to be too ambitious."
He also said the SEWRPC
plan calls for an excessive increase in public transit - a 72
percent hike in the capacity of
the existing transit system. Demand for public transit does not
justify that expense, he said.
"I support our bus systems,
better rail service between Mil·
waukee and Chicago, hike trails
and
other
energy-efficient
forms of transportation. Howev ..
er, SEWRPC's own report says
that public transit is not expected to carry more than 5 percent
of the trips in southeastern Wisconsin.
"Spending incredible sums of
money in a futile attempt to get
people out of their cars is at best
unproductive and at worst an
unbearable burden on our taxpayers."

~Ji!!

~~-i~~s~~~~~~~

j l?'-f

The rebuilding of Highway 50
between Slades Corners and
Lake Geneva should be completed before the same road is
widened to six lanes in Kenosha, State Sen. Joseph Andrea,
D-Kenosha, said Friday.
Widening Highway 50 from
four lanes to six, between 39th
Avenue and 1-94, is among the
road-building projects proposed
in a long-range transportation
plan being developed by the
Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.
The plan outlines ways to manage transportation needs to the
year 2010 in the seven-county
region.
Andrea is a member of the
state Transportation Projects
Commission.
The senator said that previ..

''

hile I realize that the preliminary SEWRPC plan is advisory only, their plan has a $4 73 million annual price tag that citizens will find very hard
to pay_ I do not believe this plan is without merit It
just appears to be too ambitious."
Sen. Joseph Andrea
ous state cornn1itments to rebuild highways 50 and 31 should
take precedence over any plan
to widen 50 to six lanes in Kenosha.
He said the Legislature has
approved projects to widen
Highway 50 from two lanes to
four, between Lake Geneva and
Slades Corners, and to widen
Highway 31 from two lanes to

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sewer extension passes
By Carol Marcell~C [

q L~

Town of Salem residents affected by
a sewer extension along Highway 50

voted unanimously to levy a special as-

sessment to install the sewer. The project
will cost $522,898. Of that, nearly
$310,000 will be deferred until the prop-

seem to favor the project.

erties are developed. Assessments range

The Town Board held a public hear~
ing on the project April 29. While some
who spoke were opposed, others said
they are anxious to receive sewer service.
The project is the third phase of the
Highway 83, Highway F sewer project
begun in the late 1980s. Peter Wachs,
utility district manager, said the first
phase was to extend sewer lines up Highway 83; the second extended them to
Highway F.
The third phase will extend the sew~
ers along Highway 50 west from Highway F about 4,500 feet and south along
261st Avenue about 1,000 feel.
The extension wm service 91 parcels
which now contain 25 homes, John
Bjelajac, utility district attorney, said.
Following the hearing, the board

from about $7,000 to $14,000, depending on the size and type of the property.
They average around $9,000 for each
property.
Wachs said failing septic tanks and
high ground water have combined to create a situation that could threaten the
area's drinking water.
Some septic systems in the area don't
meet state codes, he said, and thafs why
the town did the original study in the late
1980s.
Robert Spittle, Salem, objected to the
project. "Why do we have to be served
by this project?" he asked. "Our holding tank is working well."
"Holding tanks are a short~term fix
to a long·-term problem," Wachs an~
swered. "They can develop leaks or
breaks, and there's no way to test them

Highw;~f
By Arlene Jensen
Staff Writer

Like the last piece in a puzzle,
the final leg of a reconstructed,
Highway 50 is on the
drawing board.
The remaining 6.9 mile
stretch, between 381st Avenue in
Kenosha County and the High~
way 12 interchange near Lake
Geneva, will be built in 2001,
sooner if the state legislature
loosens the purse strings.
The project is expected to cost
between $24 and $25 million.
Completing Highway 50 is one
of two major reconstruction pro~
jects in Kenosha County in the
state Six~ Year Highway Improve~
men! Program that covers 1996 to
2001. The other is the reconstruc~
lion and partial relocation of
Highway 31, from Highway S in
Kenosha County to Highway 11
in Racine County.
Construction of a six~lane
Highway 31 is scheduled for 1999
and will cost about $23.5 million.
"They keep changing the fund~
ing on the Highway 50 project,"
said ,John Wickler, Department
of Transportation project man~
ager. Originally, it was sched~
uled for 1997, he said, then moved
to 1998, and now set for grading
in 2000 and paving in 2001.
DOT will start buying right~of~
way for Highway 50 between
New Munster and Lake Geneva
this July. The distance from
38lst Avenue to the Walworth

except for the records kept by the haulers ...
Wachs said there is legislation pending in the state to ban holding tanks.
"Then you'd have three options: hook
up to a sewer service, have enough land
to build a mound septic system or don't
build," he said.
Paula Fox~ Salem, said she also objected to being forced to book up to the
sewer line. "Why can't we wait until we
need it?'' she asked.
Bjelajac explained state law requires
home owners adjacent to new sewer
Jines to book up to the line within a year
of installation.
Kathleen Folan told the board she
thought the sewer line was needed. Sewage flows across their field and into a
creek, she said. ''The animals won't even
drink the water," she said.
Lee Polacek, Salem, agreed. "Our
grease trap drains into our neighbor's
property, out the side of the hill, into the
creek and from there into Silver Lake,"

50 completion: 2001

future construction for Kenosha County

~ i

1!Y

J-4nl.+U#~J

four~lane

~A r'Jf: ¥I !
Hwy. location

1. 50
2. 31

he said. "We needed this sewer project
10 to 15 years ago in certaJn areas. You
have to look at the environmental factors."
Town Supervisor Joseph Meier noted
the county has not forced the town to
extend the sewer, even though a study
done in the late 1980s outlined the fail~
ing septic systems. "The county would
rather we did this on a voluntary basis,"
he said.
"The town has been putting in sewer
projects and it's taken a bad rap," Meier
said. "We're not trying to be hard~ nosed.
We're not trying to say, 'Let's cheat our
public.' Five years ago if we had tried to
do this, people would have just put in
holding tanks, and that would have been
a reason for not doing it. These decisions
aren't made flippantly, and we sympathize with people. But we have to make
the decisions, and if that's not the case,
nothing would ever get done."
Bids on the project will be awarded
at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21.

381st Ave. to Hwy. 12
Hwy. S to Hwy. 11

Cost• Year
25
22.1

1999~01
1999~01

Description

4~1ane

highway completion
Replace 2~1ane roadway with
oman divided highway
Ditching, shaping, recycling
existing blacktop pavement
Replace and recycle, widen lanes
and pave shoulders blacktop
pavement
Resurface, add barrier walls on
approaches to bridges
Raise bridge to conform with
interstate standards
Total reconstruction, increased
capacity ot static weighing and
weight~in motion capabalities
6~1ane

3. 45

State Line to Hwy. 50

1.03

1999~01

4. 83

State Line to Hwy. 50

2.9

1999~01

5. 94

Racme Line to Ill. Line

11.5 1998

6. 94

Hwy. ML overpass

5.14

1999~01

7. 94

Weigh station, State line

3.8

1999~01

•cost Is in millions of dollars
Source: WisDOT

County line is only 1.6 miles. The
rest of the project, 6.9 miles, is in
Walworth County.
Construction of the new High~
way 50 will avoid the unincorpo~
rated village of Slades Corners,

Kenosha News

moving 800 feet to the north.
The rest of the route will fol~
low the old road to Highway 12.
Rebuilding Highway 31 is the
only other major Kenosha
Cmmty project on the six~year

list.
The 6.8~mile improvement pro~
ject will expand Highway 31 from
two lanes to six on existing align~
ment from HighwayS to 56th Av~
enue, just north of Petrifying
Springs Park.
Plans for improving Kenosha
County's state highways during
the next six years also include
the following:
Ill Highway 45, from the state
line to Highway 50, ditching,
shaping in selected area, recy~
cling existing blacktop. Sched~
uled for 1999~2001, cost $1.03 mil~
lion.
ill Highway 83, from state line
to Highway 50, recycle existing
blacktop, widen travel lanes and
pave shoulders. Scheduled for
1999~2001, cost $1.23 million.
Ill Interstate 94, from Racine
County Line to illinois border,
resurface roadway, add barrier
walls on approaches to bridges.
Scheduled for 1998, cost $11.5 mil~
lion.
Ill I~94, Highway ML overpass,
raise bridge to conform with cur~
rent interstate standards. Sched~
uled for 1999~2001, cost $5.14 mil~
lion.
1111 I~94, total reconstruction of
weigh station near the state line,
to include increased capacity of
the static weighing and weight~
in~motion capabilities
Sched~
uled for 1999~2001, cost $3.8 mil~
lion.

n r
I

KENOSHA NEWS

Work began Monday on the
final stretch of the Highway 50
improvement project.
Graders began preparation for
the expansion of the highway
from two lanes to four between
Lake Geneva east of Route 12 to
38lst Avenue east of Slades Corners.
The seven-mile project is the
last step in the state's effort to
widen and modernize 50 between
I-94 and Lake Geneva.
The project is expected to be
completed late in the summer of
2001.
The sight of road work beginning was a welcome one for
Wheatland Town Chairman Don
Smitz, who said heavy traffic on

Roa!l widening project

KENOSHA NEWS

Burlington

[1]

!@till:

Smitz said high-speed traffic
and heavy truck traffic make the
road a dangerous crossing for
local residents.
"If you do 50 or 55 mph, you're
going to get run over," he said.

According to the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation,
7,000 vehicles travel the road
every day, about 11 percent of
them trucks. In 20 years, !he
daily traffic count IS expected to
reach 8,900.
Work on the expansion project
will be done in two phases, with

,--------

('-3

I

)-~

\ foot·wide median will enhance

®

grading under way now through
fall of 2000. Paving will then
begin, and it is expected to be
completed in late summer 2001.
"In two years, motorists will
have a modern, four-lane, divided highway for 23 miles along
one of Wisconsin's prime
tourism corridors from I-94 to
La)\e Geneva:' saict Leslie .J.

tod

!'--,
i J~eneva

I

urHigh aySO

RACINE

I

I COUNTY (
Spawning fish will not com\ r.lake
1
i
[
pletely halt the Highway 50 i
widening project in western
50 ..
\\
Kenosha and eastern Walworth ~
,,,.
1
counties, a state Department of ;
"'"
~~~,..,
I
Transporation official said Friday.
"@., . WALWO!l·T.·H·:··
While it is true that crews will
""· IJIJIJIITY
not be able to work near Spring
Valley Creek until after July 1
Twin
I
because of spawning fish, work
from Lake Geneva
'\
COUNTY
lakes
J
in other areas will begin in early
April, project manager Dan
Jash!nsky said. The creek feeds . n South on Hwy. 12
'
into Lake Ivanhoe in Walworth I n Exit Pelllake Drive east to County Trunk U
Jl. 'I
County.
1 n North on U (it becomes F in Kenosha County)
,
__j
"We can't work in the stream 1 n Hwy. Fto Hwy. P north
or adjacent to the stream until
KENOSHA NEWS
July 1," ,Tashinsky said. "It has
nothing to do with the spawning road crews postpone work near cal crews were called in to careof an endangered fish (as some areas where fish spawn because fully excavate the pieces. The
residents are saying). It does it may stir up the sediment
site of the archeological dig behave to do with late spawning."
came a popular stop for tourists
Doug Welch, a fisheries manLast summer, gtading work on their way to Lake Geneva.
ager with the Department of Nat- near the county line was halted
ural Resources, said that many when crews uncovered Ameri~
This summer, most of the contimes the DNR will request that can Indian artifacts. Archeologi- struction area will be off-limits

I...

®

Detour

"congested and substandard for
1 the volume of traffic through the
. - area. Wider shoulders and a 50-

safety."
The project will follow the
existing 5.3 miles of road in Wal
worth County. but in Kenosb
(@
County it will take " 1.6-miJ
bypass route around SJ.?.r:J:::s. (
[ffi].
ners.
Until paving begins,
no road detours. Aftu·
~
.~
resumes next spriPg, trailic vvir
be detoured along U.S. 12 to Pei.i
Lake Drive to Walworth Cou;1ty
At.
Highway U and Ken
Highways F and P.
KENOSHA NEWS
from U.S. 12 to Kenosha
Fafarrl, southeastern district Highway P will remain open
traffic with a minimum of om
director ofthe DOT.
"Curves and hills will be travel lane in each direction.
reduced as part of this effort to Highway 50 from countv High
provide a highway that meets way P to the east will be open a'
current and future standards for all times.
Federal funds are to pay for 80
safety and smooth traffic flow."
According to project manager percent of the project, with 'tate
Dan Jashinsky, the current road transportation funds paying the
is 70 years old and is considered other 20 percent.

weekends is almost impossible/'

• Proj
BY JILL TATGE-ROZEll

[1]

the highway has made life difficult for area residents.
"I'm just so glad it has started," he said. "The traffic on this
two-lane road is just unbearable.
For us to cross 50 now on the

Ill

y5

q_)._'S-.C)<J

Well-traveled road to widen
west ofWheatland
BY DENEEN SMITH

ih

y n

""\"'(® ~ENOsHA

II

I

'...JI

I

I

to motorists. Jashinsky said
crews will begin preparing a detour route within the next couple
of weeks that motorists will need
to use as Highway 50 is being
widened into a four-Jane highway from Wheatland to Lake
Geneva.
"This summer there is going to
be a detour," Jashinsky said.
"We will begin doing some improvements to these roads on
Aprilll or 12, and we hope to be
detouring motorists by the beginningofMay."
Jashinsky said that the DOT
will be widening some of the
curves along the detour route
and will be putting up signs.
"There will be stop signs in
areas where there aren't any
right now," he said. "We're going
to get those signs up soon so people can get used to it"
Flags and stop sign warnings
will also be put in place to alert
motorists to these changes.
Coming from Kenosha, the detour will take motorists south on

Highway P to the stop sign, right
onto Kenosha County Highway
F, which will curve to the left and
will become Walworth County
Highway U. From Highway U,
motorists will turn east onto Pel!
Lake Drive, which will connect
with Highway 12 to Lake Geneva.
Jashinsky said that all roads
which end at a "T" intersection
with Highway 50 will be closed.
Motorists will be able to cross
Highway 50 at Highway P, South
Road and at 392nd Street
The work which begins in
April is still part of the first
phase of the project, which is estimated to cost $6 million.
"In late August or early September we will begin the paving
phase," Jashinsky said, adding
that paving is estimated to cos!
$10 million.
"We want to have the east-'
bound lanes paved this fall and
open to two-way traffic so we
don't have to have the detour
over the winter," he said.

----

''<k.--~~-

..

IIIII

I

,ay

ill

. project delay

I
I

/.-'"l

BY JILL TATCE·ROZILL
KENOSHA NEWS

The record amount of rain that
has fallen in southeastern Wis' consin has delayed the Highway
, 50 widening project in western
' Kenosha and eastern Walworth
, Counties, a state transportation
' official said Thursday.
"It has caused a problem for
us," project manager Dan
Jashinsky of the Department of
Transportation said. "Not much
is getting done out there."
A detour route that must beestablished prior to the continuation of grading work was supposed to be ready by the begin--

ning of May. Now, Jashinsky
said, the route will not be ready
until the last week of June.
Coming from Kenosha, the detour will take motorists south on
Highway P to the stop sign, right
onto Kenosha County Highway
F, which willcurvetotheleftand
will become Walworth County
Highway U. From Highway U,
motorists will turn east onto Pell
Lake Drive, which will connect
with Highway 12 to Lake Geneva.
"We're looking at several days
to a week until things dry out
and work can continue," Jashinsky said. "The soil out there has
a high clay content and doesn't
drain welL All of the road pro-

jects in the area are behind
schedule."
Crews began preparing the detour route in ApriL Some of the
curves along the route need to be
widened, areas need fresh pavement and signage needs to be put
up. There will be stop signs in
areas where they aren't any now.
Flags and stop sign warnings
will be used to alert motorists to
the changes.
Jashinsky said all roads which
end at a "T" intersection with
Highway 50 will be closed. Motorists will be able to cross Highway 50 at Highway P, South Road
and at 392nd Street, Jashinsky
said.

The work is still part of the
first phase of the project, which
is estimated to cost $6 million.
The paving phase of the project,
estimated to cost $10 million, was
to begin in late August or early
September. The delay this spring
may also affect that date as well.
Jashinsky said the goal is to
have the eastbound lanes paved
by fall and open to two-way traffic so the detour is not needed
during the winter.
The paving of the westbound
lanes will begin in 2001.
Regardless of weather, crews
will not be able to work near
Spring Valley Creek, which feeds
into Lake Ivanhoe, until after

July 1 due to late spawning nsl•
Doug Welch, a fishQries
ager with the Depc_;rtment
ural Resources, said thai
times the DNR will request th:11
road crews
\·fork 1war .
areas where
S1Ja\\'n bf'CillLW
it 1nay stir up 1he sediment.

Last
when crews nncovercd Auwrlcan Indian artifacts. Archat:o1og
ical crews were caned in io
fully excavate the pieces
site of the archaeologkal <lig 1wcame a popnlal
on their wa···

/