Kenosha County executive highlights human services, infrastructure and public safety in State of the County address

County Executive Samantha Kirkman used the State of the County address Monday to highlight recent county milestones and lay out priorities for the coming year, from completed restoration work to an emphasis on human services and public safety.

Kirkman noted 2025 was a banner year, marking Kenosha County's 175th anniversary and the centennial of the historic courthouse. She said the restoration of the ceremonial courtroom will open in the months ahead and praised community partners whose support helped fund the project.

Turning to county facilities and services, Kirkman announced the near opening of a new human services building and said a time capsule was placed in the facility for future generations. She underscored the scale of the department, saying human services is the largest share of the county budget and that nearly 337,000 calls were placed to human services last year.

Kirkman also highlighted public‑safety investments, saying the county has invested nearly $200 million in levy dollars over the last four years to add deputy and detective positions, a civilian jail administrator, a data analyst and a deputy mental‑health program, and that the county has procured new body‑camera equipment.

On environmental restoration, Kirkman described Phase 3 of the Pike River restoration at Petrifying Springs Park, noting trail improvements, an ADA‑accessible bridge, new plantings and additional recreational amenities. She said the county secured more than $1.4 million in grants for the project, including a $700,000 EPA award obtained with the help of Congressman Brian Steil and additional funds from the Wisconsin DNR and Great Lakes partners.

Kirkman also announced succession in Human Services: John Jansen will retire after 38 years and the county executive plans to bring Rebecca Dutter's appointment as Human Services director to the board in the coming weeks.

On energy policy, Kirkman referenced the county's 2024 battery storage zoning ordinance and urged supervisors to consider a one‑year moratorium on new approvals while staff and the board address health, safety and zoning questions that have emerged in Wheatland Township and elsewhere.

She closed by urging support for the Kenosha County Housing Task Force and a comprehensive housing study to inform future development.

Kirkman: "I appreciate the support and the trust the community has put in me to lead our county. There's much to accomplish over the next four years, and I look forward to working with each of you to make our community even stronger together," she said.