It's Sucker and Carp for Many Kenosha Fishermen

Balancing on a beam that spans the length of the bridge, Tim Wojnicz lowers a large dip net and pulls out Sucker and Carp fish like he's done every spring for the last 45 years. With a bigger mesh, Wojnicz says he can grab fish faster. His timing is perfect. In the waters near Seventh Street and Sheridan Road, fish are leaving Lake Michigan and swimming up the Pike River to spawn. 

"These Suckers are running about three to six pounds on the big ones," Wojnicz said as today's catch flopped on the bridge. "The Sucker is a good tasting meat. The only problem is the bones but when we pickle them, they disintegrate. If you like Herring, it's better than pickled Herring." 

On this sunny afternoon,Wojnicz and his crowd stand out. They talk about how their old fishing spot has changed. The area across from Kenosha's popular La Fogata Mexican Grill is dominated more by Carthage students and parents pushing jogging strollers than fishermen. "This used to be so popular that as soon as you got out of high school, you had to run down here to get a (fishing) spot, said Wojnicz. "Nobody is going to do it after we're gone. This is it."

William Merritt, who plans to smoke the Carp he caught, also remembers those days. The fishermen, who were next door neighbors, grew up a couple blocks from here. Even a stranger can see the deep bond they share.  "It's still fun. It's still good eating. It's just like being a kid again,"Merritt added. "You don't see your buddies all the time but you can come down here and find them."

Kenosha Streetcar Ready for Valentine's Day

Bradley Preston has the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Hop on his streetcar in downtown Kenosha and Preston will transport you to a world that feels like a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  

Inside Preston’s red, 1951 Presidents’ Conference Committee streetcar, cheerful hearts hang from the ceiling.Metal support poles are lovingly converted to mouth-watering peppermint sticks. Giant hearts on the front and back of the streetcar deliver a message of love as the streetcar loops around the track.

These Valentine's Day decorations are a welcome surprise to Kenosha streetcar fans who typically expect the decked out cars only at Christmas or Halloween. Preston’s wife, Lori suggested the new Valentine’s Day theme and even combed local stores looking for material. A niece, in-laws and others hung many of the ornaments that make this car special.

As you talk with Preston, a Kenosha Area Transit streetcar mechanic, it’s easy to see his passion for the city’s streetcars. However, you’ll also discover his love for Kenosha’s historic downtown. In fact, Preston says the streetcar plays an important role when it comes to building a healthy downtown.

It has become an iconic symbol of Kenosha,” Preston says. “So many of the emblems for Kenosha include a streetcar. It’s just one of the things that make Kenosha what it is today. We know that people come here from all over the world and we can show them all the places that the streetcar goes by.”

If Valentine’s Day is the day you show love, Preston’s streetcar provides the perfect backdrop. The festive ride is perfect for parents looking to create a memorable Valentine’s Day experience for young children. And if you want to show that you put some time and thought into this Valentine’s Day date night, Kenosha’s streetcar is just what you need to say, I love you.

Winter Activities

Looking for something to do as the cold weather continues for another four months? 

I've been in the Midwest most my life but around this time of year, I'm sick of the cold. Even the kids start to complain. Recently, I've heard a lot of parents asking - what's to do?

I'm still new to Kenosha but already the Kenosha YMCA ranks high on my list. It's our refuge even when the temperature dips well below zero. For $98 per student, the Y offers 45-minute swim lessons that are hard to beat. When summer does get here, the girls will be ready for the Wisconsin lakes we plan to explore.