Racine County's most notable news of 2023 (2024)

Racine County experienced a busy 2023, making strides in various departments, from expanding behavioral health services to making a deal with tech giant Microsoft. Here are some of the county’s biggest stories from 2023:

Behavioral Health Services expanding: Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave announced on March 15 that the county would expand the Behavioral Health Services campus in Racine to include a new consolidated mental health service building at 1720 Taylor Ave.

The county purchased the property for $290,000 in July 2020 with the intent of making it a juvenile detention facility, but the plan did not advance because of unforeseen environmental costs.

Demolition on the former Brannum Lumber site began on Oct. 24. According to the Racine County Executive’s office, groundbreaking for the new building will begin in July 2024 and the estimated project completion date is April 2026.

County, Higher Expectations launch early literacy work: Racine County partnered with Higher Expectations for Racine County and Steady State Impact Strategies to create initiatives for increasing early literacy, it was announced in April.

The county’s Early Literacy Steering Committee met six times this past year. The committee’s focus is to create solutions that best fit the needs of county residents so the county can become a national leader in literacy.

The committee decided on three action items for increasing early literacy, which include a community-wide literacy campaign, literacy passports, and having local businesses encourage literacy through internal policies and practices, according to Racine County Executive Administrative Assistant Casey Morgenson.

The committee presented these items to the County Board and has consulted RAMAC, City of Racine Library, RCEDC and United Way.

County fires Jay Kerner following child abuse allegations: Racine County fired Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Jay Kerner in March because of child abuse allegations against him.

Kerner and his wife, Tiana Kerner, appeared in court on the charges in June.

Jay Kerner faced eight charges of physical and mental child abuse; Tiana Kerner faced 19 counts of physical, mental and sexual child abuse. Both entered not guilty pleas on all counts.

The Kerners will return to court in March 1, 2024 for a status conference.

Alexander Freeman filled Racine County’s Office of Emergency Management coordinator post in July. Freeman had worked for the county since December 2021 as deputy emergency management coordinator.

Nonprofit gets green light to fundraise for Racine County Ice Center: A nonprofit group received approval from the county board at the June 27 meeting to move forward with fundraising for an indoor community ice arena.

According to the Racine County Executive’s Office, the county expects to report on updates regarding fundraising progress and potential construction plans in winter or spring of 2024.

Racine County passes 2024 budget with unanimous vote: The Racine County Board of Supervisors passed the 2024 annual budget of $243 million with a 19-0 vote on Oct. 31.

The budget is a nearly $23 million increase compared to 2023. It incorporates the remaining $14.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for the construction of the new behavioral health facility in Racine and also increases property taxes from $58.5 million to $60.8 million.

Microsoft purchases 1,345 acres for data centers in Mount Pleasant: After two purchases, Microsoft owns 1,345 acres within the Village of Mount Pleasant’s Tax Incremental District No. 5, part of the Foxconn development.

Racine County and Mount Pleasant’s journey with Microsoft began in March, when the tech giant expressed interest in purchasing 315 acres from the village to develop a data center.

Mount Pleasant approved the $50 million sale later that month, followed by the Racine County Board’s approval in April. Microsoft completed the purchase on May 25.

In November, Microsoft presented plans to expand on its purchase to acquire an additional 1,030 acres within Mount Pleasant TID No. 5. The Mount Pleasant Village Board and Racine County Board both unanimously approved the expansion at their respective meetings at the end of November.

Foundation work began in November and will continue through spring 2024, according to Microsoft.

Toni L. Young appointed to Racine County Circuit Court: Gov. Tony Evers on Nov. 30 announced the appointed Toni L. Young to the Racine County Circuit Court Branch 3.

The appointment filled the vacancy created by Judge Maureen M. Martinez’s resignation, effective Nov. 17. Young will complete the term, which ends July 31, 2024, the governor’s office said.

UW Extension Racine County awarded Sparks Grant: The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities awarded a 2023-24 Sparks Grant to UW Extension Racine County, the organization announced Dec. 4.

The $5,000 grant was provided with the purposed of encouraging inclusiveness and conversations surrounding people with disabilities.

UW Extension Racine County will create a committee of about 12 youth of varying abilities to host a discussion next year regarding disability inclusivity in the county.

The discussion likely will be held in August or September, according to UW Extension Racine County.