Send us a text This week we connect with Emiko Chiappetta! After many years of professional teaching, Emiko has branched out with her very own art education studio with the Reid Street Studio, located at 920 61st Street! Reid Street Studios specializes in group and one-on-one art studio experiences for ages 3-18. For details, check out their websit…

Send us a text David and Jeannette Haight are longtime Kenoshans and organizers of The Port of Fear Film Festival – which is coming to Kenosha next weekend at the Kemper Center! It’s much more than just films – come enjoy the Spooky Market – with vendors selling both handmade arts and crafts and creepy collectibles. Cocktails and food trucks will a…

Send us a text We’re movin’ and shakin’ this week, as we welcome Quinn Smith to the Ktown Connects Podcast. Quinn moved to Kenosha around 2012 and has built his business About Time Moving Systems into the #1 movers in the Kenosha area! If you are ready to relocate, contact Quinn and his staff for whatever needs you may have! Check out their website…

Send us a text Sherry Ludwig, owner of Bisou Lingerie, 635 58th St, in Downtown Kenosha, says that her life drastically changes about every ten years. Well, from a hell-raising teenager to a military wife, to single woman who had just moved to Kenosha, Sherry has lead an interesting life! Since 2011, she has been a Downtown Kenosha business owner, …

Send us a text This is part two of a two part interview, be sure to listen to part one to hear about Candy’s wild years! In the early 90’s, Candy Eisenhauer had sobered up and was looking for a new outlet in life. Taking her love of music, she opened CD Warehouse on 80th Street in 1996. Shortly after that, she joined the Kiwanis Club of Western Ken…

Send us a text This is Part One of a Two Part Interview. Part Two arrives in your podcast player on Tuesday! Growing up on what was then Kenosha’s “West Side,” young Candy Eisenhauer was sneaking listening sessions of her older sister’s 45 records. It would just be a little hint of the amazing woman she would become. Enjoy this connection with musi…

Send us a text One day, John O’Neill spent a night in Kenosha attending his sister’s wedding. Just that one visit and he fell in love with the town. It wouldn’t be long before he packed up his stuff and left Kettering, Ohio at the age of 26 to move to Kenosha. John, aka “Toast,” has been working the stand-up stages in the area for many years, you c…

Send us a text Don’t tell Meryl Strichartz that she isn’t a true Kenoshan! Although she may have not been born and raised here, she has been here for more than 30 years and has embraced Kenosha as her true hometown! For many years, Meryl has been building her beachfront empire, her first steps was with the Lakeshore Pedal Tours – these fun bikes yo…

Send us a text Teddi Morin wasn’t your average teenager. Growing up watching her father become a successful tattoo artist, and eventually business owner gave her the confidence and strength to succeed in her own life. At the age of 16, Teddi was already a licensed tattoo artist. But she continued to grow, and now as a woman, she is now the sharehol…

Send us a text 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,…

Send us a text 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…

Send us a text 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 intere…

Send us a text 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…

Send us a text 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 Ce…

Send us a text 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 incorpor…

Send us a text 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…

Send us a text 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 199…

Send us a text 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 r…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 s…

Send us a text 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. Th…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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, …

Send us a text 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 awni…

Send us a text 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” …

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 K…

Send us a text 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 incentive…

Send us a text “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. …

Send us a text 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/o…

Send us a text 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-a…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 life…

Send us a text 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 locate…

Send us a text 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 a…

Send us a text 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 organiz…

Send us a text 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 t…

Send us a text 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…

Send us a text 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 –…

Send us a text 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 Ground…

Send us a text 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'…

Send us a text 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 …

Send us a text 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 A…

Send us a text 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 mo…

Send us a text 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 R…

Send us a text 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.…

Send us a text 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 gu…

Send us a text 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 elec…

Send us a text 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 n…

Send us a text 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…