Lily Karnes and Jenna Zeihen first met while competing for Miss Kenosha, through the years, they have both won the pageant, with Lily winning in 2019 and Jenna in 2022. More recently the two now serve on the board for Miss Kenosha and as a mentor to the next generation. But, Lily and Jenna, along with the third piece of their puzzle, Hannah Stone, …

After spending her younger years in Kenosha, Chelsea Sallese got out of town for a few years and when she returned, she really realized just how much she loves Downtown Kenosha and the community! Now as an adult, Chelsea is involved in many different avenues around town. You might have had her serve you a cocktail at one of our great drinking estab…

Jaramie Bentley spent his younger years in Kenosha not taking life too seriously and having a good time pursuing his passion – basketball. This led him to different places across the Midwest, through all these experiences, he grows and learns that authenticity is the way to live life. Jaramie grew into an artist with a growing interest in creating …

The couple so nice, we’re doing them twice! That’s right Angie and Ben of Union Park Tavern and Pavle’s Lounge return to Ktown Connects. But we had a lot of new stuff to talk about and they brought a milk crate full of alcohol for us to enjoy, which resulted in some candid talk about why they bought a second bar (Pavle’s Lounge, 1724 52nd St), Ben’…

Tamarra Coleman may have grown up on Christmas Lane, but she still holds on to that glorious spirit most reserve for December all year long! Through her life, she has remained active in the community with several years as a Kenosha Unified School Board member and president, and currently she is the Executive Director of the Shalom Center! The Shalo…

While attending UW-Parkside, Maxwell Melendrez and Oscar Mercadillo met and hit it off immediately with their shared love of music. As the years went on and they mastered their skills among local bands such as Mixed Company, Miss B Haven, The Oscillators, Sun Silo, and Lunar Lizard, the two formed Spirit Shakers! Their music incorporates a cornucop…

Shannyn Franklin got to know Kenosha as one of your favorite bartenders at tg's back in the day. She has carried that straight-shooter honest attitude that everyone loves to real estate and is now a licensed agent with Re/Max Newport Elite! Whether you are buying, selling, or just curious about the local market, Shannyn would love to offer her supp…

While growing up on what was Kenosha’s west side on Roosevelt Road, a young Maria Zarletti established a strong work ethic with her first job at a nearby popcorn wagon and later at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen a few blocks from her home. She also developed an interest in personal care and nurturing, but nursing did not appeal to her. In 1998, she launched…

Growing up in Southern Illinois, Lacie Dobyns began to have an interest in dentistry. Her path took her around the world as a model for Model Mayhem and Suicide Girls, a temporary career which would fund her schooling to become a registered dental hygienist. From her days as a canvas on season 4 of Spike TV’s “Ink Master,” to today running the Seal…

Melissa, Jayna, and Kimberly met while attending UW-Parkside and discovered that they shared a love for music. After evenings spent together watching Disney musicals and drinking whiskey, these talented ladies began to harmonize both their voices and their friendship. They began to take the stage at open mics at Sazzy B’s and on the UW-P campus, le…

It took Chet Griffith a few years after moving to Kenosha to finally explore the local art scene, and when he finally did, it rekindled the love of art that had lay dormant. He picked up his pencils again and became a member of Lemon Street Gallery and ArtSpace. A few years later, his skills at framing helped him launch his own art supply and frami…

While in Colorado, Brit Windel met his wife Stacie and shortly after, Brit fell in love with Stacie’s hometown of Kenosha. The couple came to town in 2012 and two years later, they launched their DayBreak Church inside Bullen Middle School. In 2014, they got their brick-and-mortar location in Downtown Kenosha at 5631 Sixth Avenue. Their service is …

Crank it up to 11, because we are going to rock it with Ronny Valeo! We got the one and only Kenosha music legend to come out of hiding and sit down and talk about his life.... From his first guitar, to his factory job, to a certain thrash frontman breaking down in tears, Ronny Valeo recalls his life as the guitarist for alternative metal band Scre…

When Frank Parise was in third grade, his teacher asked him to read the classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” and he became enraptured with the character of Atticus Finch. When most kids wanted to grow up and become sports athletes or rock stars, Parise wanted to be a lawyer. It was a tough road, but he did it, and by happenstance, he was brought …

Growing up just south of Kenosha in Gurnee, Aaron Hunzinger was a tinkerer – he had a fascination with taking things apart and seeing what made them work. Also a young subscriber of Mini-Truckin magazine, he developed a love for cars at a young age. Evanston Awning Company, has been going strong for five generations. How does an awning company stay…

The Know Your Vote - Kenosha Mayoral Forum 2024 was held on Sunday, February 4th at the Rhode Center for the Arts in Downtown Kenosha Moderated by Pete Serzant of WLIP AM1050 Timekeeper: Jenna Zeihen This podcast was taken from a video produced by Kenosha Community Media and directed by Jason Rimkus Theme song, “Kenosha My Hometown” performed by Dr…

Today, Jenny Ulbricht is a proud mother, wife, and owner/operator of East View Coffee, but she has had a wild side! We sit down and talk about her travels around the world and how her path led her to Kenosha - the land of her ancestors! East View Coffee Company is definitely a place to enjoy a tasty beverage, but it is also a coffee company! Now lo…

She’s so much more than just another voice! We sit down and learn more about Kenosha’s very own BETSY ADE! Betsy is the lead singer of local rock group Betsy Ade and the Well-Known Strangers. Check them out on their website by clicking HERE! This episode was recorded on January 15, 2024 at the A+ Mobility Recording Studio – home of Ktown Connects! …

As a young kid growing up on the northside of Kenosha, Alex Kudrna was already a producer – directing the neighbor kids on his backyard stage. He has grown up with a love for Kenosha and in 2016 purchased the Orpheum building in Downtown Kenosha – his goal is to bring Hollywood to Wisconsin and Kenosha via film industry tax incentives! Alex has lau…

“Kenosha Joe” Geiger has done so much in his life, it’s difficult to talk about it all! Joe started his own lawn care business just out of high school and is now in the port-a-potty business as owner of Jackpot Rentals. If you get out to any of the great local Kenosha events – you have most likely used one of his portable restrooms. We get all the …

Growing up on the south side of Kenosha, Stacy Juga had dreams of one day becoming a veterinarian, but at the same time, she began to develop an appreciation of the older items she would find around her grandparents' house. As a military wife, Stacy spent many years overseas before returning to her hometown and now is now the owner/operator of one …

From a young age growing up sweeping floors in an inner-city Kenosha shoe store, Nick and Tony Chiappetta learned that their family business was a special thing. These brothers are now fourth-generation operators of Chiappetta Shoes, located at their beautiful new store at 4820 75th Street. Chiappetta Shoes offer an old-school, sit-and-fit, custome…

Put on your Guess jeans and your Air Jordans, grab your walkman and head down to Blast From the Past Pizza, located in the Metra train station at 5414 13th Ave, use the parking lot to the north. Today we connect with Rob and Crystal Hayes, who first opened their business in Kenosha County before moving to their current location this year. Blast Fro…

If you recall our episode with Alvin Owens (ep.82, May 2022), you will remember the national field trips Owens organized for Bullen students to learn more about their own heritage and the history of our nation. Well, one of those kids Owens mentored at a young age has branched out to become a mentor of his own! DeShaun Foster, a lifelong Kenosha na…

While growing up in Kenosha, twin sisters Brenda and Becky talked about owning a business together someday. After visiting a paint-your-own pottery studio in Michigan, Brenda brought the idea back home and her sister was on board 100%. Their own paint-your-own pottery studio, Alpaca Art, which has continued to grow, and is now located at 4326 Seven…

Since he was a kid trying to stay awake listening to the radio for 24 hours straight, Pete Serzant had a dream of becoming a radio personality. Straight out of high school, he began taking steps to achieve his dream and now has the morning drive segment at AM1050 WLIP - Kenosha's premier local radio station. We chat it up with Pete about growing up…

Bryce O’Boyle and friends sat in Pennoyer Park on a beautiful day a few years ago and started daydreaming about hosting a music festival at our fantastic band shell. Many others have surely sat there and thought similar things, but Bryce and his crew came through on their vision by launching the Love Your Community non-profit organization and their…

One of the newest Downtown Kenosha businesses is Millie Bo Peep, 5720 Sixth Ave. It’s your one-stop shop for all things for babies, toddlers, and kids up to size 10. We sit down with Tina and James Warner and talk about their younger years growing up in Kenosha, how their love blossomed over years of friendship, and how they turned their dreams of …

If you get out and experience local music in Kenosha over the past few years, chances are good that you have already caught The Jill Plaisted Band live in action. Jill may be a talented musician and songwriter, but she also has many other attributes that contribute to her being one of our favorite people in Kenosha. The Jill Plaisted Band have been…

One of the hottest new spots in Downtown Kenosha is Tavern on Sixth – located at 5712 Sixth Avenue. They offer a full food menu and the best cocktails around which you can enjoy inside their classic establishment, or outside on the curbside or alley terrace. For all you golf fans, check out their golf simulators on the second floor – a great place …

A few years back, Anna Pitts and her sister were enjoying a drink at Harborside Common Grounds, a Downtown Kenosha hub of caffeine overloads and social activity for 22 years. Like many of us do, they had a little dream of what they would do if they ever owned their own coffee shop. Little did they know at the time, when Common Grounds closed last f…

For decades, he has been the master of Kenosha public access – beginning back with Jones Intercable, then to Warner cable, and Time Warner. Today he holds the title of Media Coordinator with Kenosha Community Media – a group which has kept our television sets (and now our website) LOCAL - with amazing programing like Dr. Destruction's Crimson Theat…

Today we connect with former Lance/Tremper student, retired Lance/Tremper schoolteacher, and current General Manager of Green Ridge Cemetery and local historian Peter Johnson! This episode was recorded on May 8th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue Ktown Connects is brought to you by: Franks Diner, 508 58th St Aason Hunzinger of AHDidIt Unio…

Mini Samuel is the owner/broker at NextHome Refined, where they put humans over houses. For all your real estate needs, visit her website at minisamuel.com This episode was recorded on April 24th at Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, 7531 39th Avenue Ktown Connects is brought to you by: Aason Hunzinger of AHDidIt Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. ROAR – Be h…

If you want to hear an hour of geek talk about vintage toys, you’ve come to the right place! Jarame and Jeff launched the K-Town Toy & Collectible Show in 2021 and it is returning this year for four events, starting Sunday, May 21st at the Moose Lodge, 3003 30th Ave. K-Town Toy and Collectible Show has become Kenosha’s largest and most diverse toy …

If you are a longtime Kenoshan, you know the Radigan name. For over 80 years, Ray Radigan's Supper Club was nationally known and respected. Ray's granddaughter, Mary, has learned from her family's hard work and perseverance and struck out on her own as a world-class chef. We sit down with Mary and talk about the rich history of Ray Radigan's and ho…

Dr. Erin Merritt is a lifelong Kenoshan who saw that her city was in need of an independent pharmacy. In 2014, she opened her own business, Modern Apothecary, on the corner of 50th Street and Seventh Avenue in Downtown Kenosha. Over the winter, she moved to a bigger and 57better location in the heart of Downtown at 5700 Sixth Avenue. Modern Apothec…

It's our 100th episode super special spectacular special!!! Warning: This episode does contain some dirty language. We are joined by our dear friends Sarah of Wink Beauty Boutique, Jake "The Weather Guy" Hoey, and Kevin Ervin of Franks Diner as they help us celebrate 100 episodes of Ktown Connects! And you might hear a few special guests as well! T…

49 years ago, Tod Ohnstad came to Kenosha on a Greyhound bus with a job at American Motors and not much else. He soon became interested in leadership, worker’s rights, and politics. After completing his career with AMC/Chrysler he dove into local government, serving as the 6th District Alderman beginning in 2008. In 2013, he was elected as the repr…

Our next guest has shown his love and appreciation for Kenosha his whole life. Mark Gascoigne may be best known as a co-owner and operator of Coins Sports Bar for 20 years. Beginning at Coins, he began to host fundraisers and charity events for the community and has raised countless amounts of dollars for our neighbors – and he has no intentions of…

SJ Crystals, located at 5701 Sixth Avenue in Downtown Kenosha has been providing fine clothing for over 100 years! It’s one of Kenosha’s longest operating retailers and we sit down with current owner Lew Aceto to talk about the rich history of this business and how Lew and his great staff can make you look your absolute best! For the finest in men’…

Sharon Rossow is the second-generation owner of Copy Center, 5036 Sixth Ave., in Downtown Kenosha. Celebrating their 50th year this summer, Copy Center offers ‘quick-like-bunny' printing service. Sharon talks about growing up downtown, the lives of her prominent mom and dad, Judy and Gordy Rossow, and more in kickoff episode to our fifth season. Bo…

Chef Danielle Weybright is the creator at Portside Catering, she is joined by co-owner Jeanette Armstrong. Jeanette, along with her husband Mick Kelly, are owners of Captain Mike’s Beer and Burger Bar, 5118 Sixth Ave (for more about them, you can find our interview from December 2020 in our archives). At Portside Catering, Danielle creates a custom…

A graduate of Indian Trail Academy, Daniel Gaitan found an interest in journalism which took him to DePaul University and then back to Kenosha to work with the now-defunct non-profit Life Matters Media, a short stint at Kenosha.com and now he returned to the Kenosha News on the reporting team as of last year. Gaitan is always seeking the story and …

It’s the Kenosha equivalent of Avengers:End Game, but with a lot less death, when Ktown Connects collaborates with fellow podcasters, Shelby Nesmith and Jake Hoey of The ArtSpace Podcast! You can find their podcast where ever you found this one, and click here to follow them on Facebook. We dive in with Shelby, who is also the Development Coordinat…

We’re not sure exactly how today’s guest made the time to come in to the Ktown Connects studio for an interview, but we sure are grateful she did! Haven Wells, aka Miss B Haven, was once known as “The Little Entertainer” as a child musician performing the circuits around Rockford, Illinois. Now, she is all grown up and taking Kenosha by storm as th…

For many years, Brandi Cummings has been the face and voice of our own Kenosha Public Library system. We sit down with Brandi and talk about her connection to Kenosha and why libraries are still so important to our community! For more info on what our libraries have to offer, click HERE! This episode was recorded on September 12th at Luigi’s Pizza …

Born and raised in Kenosha, Gary Schneeberger, may have spent a few decades away, but he has returned with a ROAR! We talk to Gary about growing up in Kenosha, how he got interested in writing, and what led him to today. If you are looking for ways to BE HEARD, visit Gary’s website here and be ready to ROAR! Find info about his 2018 book “Bite The …

For almost 10 years, you heard today’s guest on our local rock station, WIIL as the better half of the weekday Tom & Emily Morning Show. After COVID, Emily Jacobs reevaluated things in her life and discovered a new passion in creating charcuterie boards for friends and relatives – now, nearly two years later, her business has exploded with Fancy Sn…

Kevin and Lyna Postuchow met while working at a local floral shop – their love for each other and for their craft blossomed and then soon took over owners of A Summer’s Garden Flowers and Gifts, 5617 Sixth Ave. We sit down with Kevin and Lyna and find out about their CONNECTION to KENOSHA. Click here to visit their website and learn more about thei…