Ktown Connects

This week we connect with Amalia “Maya“ Salinas, owner and operator of Wooden Chair Antiques, 5710 Fourth Ave. All her life, Maya has dreamt of owning her own business, and she has finally made her dreams come true in Downtown Kenosha – but there is so much more for her to conquer – she is a strong woman with a vision of her future, and it looks like nobody, even John Fox, will be able to stop her...

It’s time for another Kenosha Conversation as we welcome back two fantastic Downtown Kenosha business owners: Chelsea Sallese of Sallese and Company – the newest salon and boutique in Downtown Kenosha with a focus on enhancing our community by supporting local artists and stylists; and Ben Trecroci of Trecroci Realty. Ben is following in the footsteps of his late father, Frank, by providing honest...

Rachel Young-Sipos has a long history here in Kenosha, her family has been here for several generations, dating back to her great-great grandfather Charles Young being the longtime lighthouse keeper in Kenosha.   Through the years, Rachel’s love for music has led her in different directions. From her operatic aspirations, to hanging out at local open mics to meeting her future husband, Chris Sipos...

Behind all the great things Kenosha has to offer, there are many people behind the scenes who bring these things for life. And for over 50 years, Frank Carmichael has been one of those people. From his early days as a popular Tremper student, to becoming a movie theater owner by age 20 and a magazine publisher not long after, Frank has always asked the question, “What is there to do in this town?”...

After learning the ropes working for the Mike’s franchise around Kenosha in the 2010’s, John Ziemba launched out on his own in 2017, opening Johnny’Z Pour House at 10936 Sheridan Road. After establishing this business as a proven success, Johnny is branching out with TWO new enterprises! Next week, the Lake Andrea Beer Garden opens for the season and John and his staff will be running the drinks a...

It’s a reConnection and a reMix very special episode when we welcome Joy of Lulu Birds, 5913 Sixth Ave-A, and Sam of Blue House Books, 5915 Sixth Ave-A , to fill us on the changes since they were on the show over four years ago!  This episode was recorded on April 21, 2025 at the Better Call Parise Recording Studio in Downtown Kenosha – call on the Law Offices of Frank J. Parise when your bad day...

Today we connect with local artist Mitch Braver = for the past seven years, Mitch has been tattooing customers at Tallulah Tattoo in Downtown Kenosha. You can find more details at his website oldhabitsdeadrabbits.com - there you can also find details on how to pick up his book featuring his fantastic line art drawings.   We dig deep with Mitch to talk about his influences on his art, including the...

On this episode we connect with Ben DeSmidt, co-owner of Union Park Tavern as well as serving as our 65th District Assemblyman and Art Debaere, owner of Champions Sports Bar , 17th District Alderperson , president of the Kenosha Tavern League and a representative for the Wisconsin Tavern League . Although these two may differ poltically, they are both local tavern owners who are involved in politi...

Ron’s Place originally opened back in 1972, long before Tony and Emily Vole were even born. But this couple purchased the business last year and are looking forward to continuing providing Kenosha with their delectable 5x5 burgers, their world famous Long Island Ice Teas, and their wonderful hospitality and exceptional customer service.  Ron’s Place, 3301 52nd Street opens at 11am daily. Find out...

We get artsy this week on Ktown Connects as we connect with artist Janette Hill! You might not know it by talking to her, but Janette wasn’t born here in Kenosha – join us as we dive into her past, what brought her to the Midwest and how she fell in love with art.  Janette is a multi-talented artist – she has illustrated dozens of children’s books, painted backdrops at some of your favorite Kenosh...

We continue our Kenosha Conversations series with owners of two of the greatest dive bars in Kenosha – Craig of The Port of Kenosha Beverage House and Hill of Hill’s Hot Rod Hideout. In this episode, these two icons talk about the struggles and benefits of being a bar owner in Kenosha, all while sharing numerous drinks with your hosts. This episode does contain adult language.   Mark your calendar...

Today we connect with Trista Jablonski, the new owner of To and From Gifts, 5535 Sixth Avenue. Trista tells us all about her early days growing up in Kenosha – attending Indian Trail Academy during one of the darkest periods in Kenosha High School history, why she left Kenosha for a few years to pursue a career in youth ministry, and why she returned to her hometown and decided to, with zero retai...

What came first the singing or the suits? Well, you can find out this week when we connect with the smooth dresser with the captivating voice – Jim Namio.   Jim has been a lifelong creator -- whether it was writing as a child while listening to film soundtracks, developing into a nationally recognized acrylic artist in high school, or making fabulous meals while working at some of Kenosha’s iconic...

Smile and say “CHEESE!” Today we connect with Michael Ventura of Mars Cheese Castle. Michael, who runs this iconic Kenosha business with his family, is the grandson of the late Mario Ventura Sr, who along with his wife Martha, started up a little cheese shop over 75 years ago!  In this episode we get into all the details about the history of Mars Cheese Castle – going back to their Uptown Kenosha...

The Inaugural Eric Olson Memorial St Patrick’s Day Parade is coming on Saturday, March 15th, and with all the details we have three of the event organizers in the studio with us – Kevin Ervin of Franks Diner, Mick Kelly of Captain Mike’s and Jonathan Olson of Swedes’s.  Saturday, March 15th activities in Downtown Kenosha:  7am Franks Diner opens serving up Irish food specials  8am Captain Mike’s o...

Learn all about the history of the Ktown Burlesque Show from co-creator, co-producer, and one of the stars of the show - Eric Houghton - in this special mini-episode recorded at the Rhode Center for the Arts. The 10th Ktown Burlesque show is coming to the Rhode Center in Downtown Kenosha for six amazing performances: Friday, January 17th at 8pm; Saturday, January 18th, two shows, 7pm and 10pm; Fri...

If you have seen some of the beautiful hand-painted signs around Kenosha, there is a good chance that the steady hand behind that sign is none other than Kenosha artist Dean Tawwater!  After growing up in Kenosha and discovering a love for art, Dean branched out and explored the US, but like most of us, he returned to his beloved hometown where he began taking his art seriously, renting out studio...

Today we sit down with local radio icon and legendary “nice guy” Bill Lawrence!  Bill spent over 30 years in radio, with most of those years as the morning voice on Kenosha’s own WLIP. Bill talks about how he fell in love with the Chicago Cubs and radio as a kid growing up in Racine County, his first starts and stumbles in radio, and looks back on his on-air feud with former co-worker Lenny Palmer...

This week, we dive into a Ktown Conversation with two former civic leaders, Steve Casey, former Alder for the 12th district from  1988-2010 and John Fox, Downtown ambassador and former 2nd district Alder from 2016-19.  We chat it up roundtable style about some of the hottest topics in Kenosha in 2024 including the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, the Downtown Kenosha developments, and much more! ...

Luke and Meghan are proud “Kenoshans by choice,” they are an amazing couple who individually relocated to our town many years ago. After falling in love with each other and then the downtown area, the two made the decision to open a business. We sit down with Luke and Meghan and talk about what inspired them to incorporate alcohol and axes!   Hold My Beer offers a perfect night of entertainment –...

We were saddened to hear about the passing of Kenosha icon and our good friend Ronny Valeo, who died October 16, 2024 at the age of 63.  We were honored to have Ronny in our studio earlier this year to tell his story. Our show format is usually 90-120 minutes of chat, and then we edit it down to under an hour for the final public release.  But all of our interviews are also published in this unedi...

Sarah Prince dreamt of one day having her very own latibule - - a cozy, safe, hidden away place... And now she has it with her very own boutique shop and arts and craft studio – Latibule, located at 4906 Seventh Ave. Not only is Latibule a perfect place to get a one-of-a-kind gift, but Sarah also hosts numerous craft and painting classes throughout the week. Plan you upcoming friend’s holiday expe...

You may have heard the rumors, but have you heard the facts? One fact is that longtime Milwaukee beer icon Lakefront Brewery has taken over prime ownership of Public Brewing Company in Downtown Kenosha this past summer.   You gotta listen to this episode to get all the details as we connect with Russ Klisch, co-founder and President of Lakefront Brewery and we welcome back Matt Geary, founder of P...

This week we connect with the lovely and talented Rebecca Rivera. Rebecca came to Kenosha under very typical circumstances, but since she arrived, she has begun to make a splash in the local art world! She is a singer/song-writer under the name Rebz River!  Find her music here on Spotify!   But wait – there's more!! She is also a ceramic artist and has opened classes at her Wild Roots Ceramic...

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 website here!   Emiko is also joined in our studio with her husband, To...