WISCONSIN – Severe storms moved through southeastern Wisconsin on Thursday night, June 11, leaving damage behind in Kenosha and the Town of Burlington.

Tornado touchdown?

What we know:

In Kenosha County, a DOT camera captured a tornado-warned storm moving quickly east over I-94. Traffic appeared to slow as the storm crossed over the freeway.

The National Weather Service reported an observed tornado touchdown in the area. The agency is expected to confirm storm damage in the following days.

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In the Town of Paris, County Highway 142 was blocked near 136th Avenue because of downed power lines. The road was also blocked farther west near County Highway MB South, also known as 152nd Avenue.

Scattered damage

What they’re saying:

Homeowners in the area described intense winds and scattered damage. Trees were ripped up from the roots, aluminum flagpoles were bent close to the ground and a trailer near the Uline facility appeared to have been tipped over.

“The wind picked up real, pretty strong, and it only lasted like 30 seconds,” resident Mark Wisnefski said. “You know, whew, it went through and it was gone. But I see there’s a trailer tipped over in the lot.”

COMPLETE COVERAGE: Live blog tracks severe weather through southeast Wisconsin

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office said County Highway 142 was expected to remain closed for some time because of extensive damage and downed power lines.

Burlington severe weather

Dig deeper:

Storm damage was also reported in Burlington, where a large tree blocked a road and knocked down power lines. About four homes were impacted, according to Burlington Fire Chief Bill Vrchota.

No injuries were reported.

The fire chief said crews responded to several downed trees.

“Rough estimates initially are anywhere from about a half a dozen to a dozen,” Vrchota said. “I did talk to our DPW head and we wanted to make sure that we addressed all the road closures we need to and that’s the number that he had given me and what I have talked to the Sheriff’s Department about.”

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Officials reminded people to stay away from downed power lines because they could still be energized.

Racine during the storm, courtesy of Loki Lott

Burlington neighbors described hearing a loud boom as the storm moved through. One person compared the sound to a car bomb and described the rain coming in as a wall of water.

Crews were working Thursday night to clear damage and restore power.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: Live blog tracks severe weather through southeast Wisconsin

On Thursday, the Minneapolis City Council voted on major action items regarding the future of George Floyd Square.

One provides financial relief to those who live and own property near 38^th & Chicago Avenue, in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The other rejects a proposal from the mayor, setting up yet more delays. 

The city was seeking a more than $630,000 assessment to help pay for the $15 million construction project that’s underway — but in unanimous support, the council voted to not charge home, business and property owners. 

Help may be on the way for people face special assessments near George Floyd Square

“This project has been billed for so long as something the city was doing for the community, and you can’t do something for the community and then charge them for it as a way of recommence for the murder of George Floyd,” said Councilor Soren Stevenson, who represents part of the area around George Floyd Square. 

At the meeting, the council also rejected the mayor and city staff’s recommendation on who should have exclusive development rights for the former gas station site at the intersection, now known as The Peoples’ Way.

Defying community input from a survey about what people like to see at the site, the mayor chose the Minnesota Agape Movement to handle the work.

Minneapolis mayor, city staff defy community survey, pushback growing on council

The city and Mayor Frey received sharp criticism from some council members at their meeting. 

“The city absolutely fumbled this process from start to finish,” Robin Wonsley said. 

Council member Jason Chavez, who also represents parts of George Floyd Square, said, “Much of the feedback that my office has received since a decision was made has been frustration and distrust in the process.”

In a statement from the Mayor’s office, they pushed back on the criticism of how he’s handled project planning, sharing specifically about the action taken Thursday:

“Voting down Agape and returning to the drawing board is the Council’s prerogative. Mayor Frey’s goal is to move forward at George Floyd Square and stop delaying. The mayor is already coordinating with Council Members Chavez and Stevenson and City staff to determine a path forward.” 

Since the city shared their pick for development rights at the Peoples’ Way, the mayor’s office has declined multiple interview requests, as we try to learn his reasoning.

We also had other questions about what seems like a contradiction in how he’s felt about community being involved in this process so far.

For example, following a city council override of his veto as they pushed for a 38th & Chicago plan that community surveying found was not wanted in February 2025, the mayor lashed out at council members. 

“Today’s short-sighted decision by the council has ignored community wishes and is a colossal waste of both time and money,” Mayor Frey said that February day last year.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — School’s out for the summer, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is offering free activities designed to steer kids away from gangs and violence. The programs help young people build connections with police officers.

One long-running program continues to make an impact.

G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Camp has been around for nearly 30 years. This camp expands on the school-year G.R.E.A.T. curriculum, reinforcing leadership, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills and mentorship from IMPD officers.

Dwayncate Vinson has attended camp for four years.

“It helps, like, what to do and what not to do. If you have an encounter with a police officer,” Vinson said.

He says he loves the activities like playing basketball and going to Kings Island.

During the summer, students take part in team-building activities and community service projects. They also get the chance to meet and interact with specialty units, including K-9 officers and SWAT teams.

“I would recommend this camp because it helps you stay out of trouble when you grow up, and if you want to become a police officer, it can help you with that a lot,” said Vinson.

While campers say the program is a lot of fun, organizers say it’s also about connecting kids with resources and positive role models. IMPD GREAT officer and organizer Marilyn Grunell has been spearheading the program for decades.

“We don’t want them to repeat that cycle; we want them to walk away from the violence instead of getting involved in it,” Grunell said.

The camp allows the kids to spend time with police officers one-on-one in a safe and welcoming environment.

“This is a great program we’d love for it to continue as many years as we can get it going out there for youth,” said Grunell.

The Great Camp is one of multiple programs and activities offered in the city for free. You can check more of IMPD’s programs website.