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Straight-line winds topple more than 100 trees at Brackendale; county tracks cleanup, insurance options
Summary
A straight-line wind event knocked down or split more than 100 trees at Brackendale golf property. County staff documented damage, tracked labor hours and equipment, and are assessing insurance claims while keeping most playable areas open.
Kenosha County staff reported that a straight-line wind event on the evening of May 15 caused heavy tree damage at the Brackendale golf property, knocking down or breaking more than 100 trees and closing portions of the course while crews clear debris.
Why it matters: staff estimated private cleanup could cost roughly $200,000. The county said it is tracking labor hours, equipment use and photos for an insurance claim and has asked adjusters to visit the site.
Jim (staff member) told supervisors the storm began near the southwest corner of the property and tracked northeast, damaging mostly perimeter and outlying trees. The worst area is the front nine of the Loose Cruise Course, which remained closed while crews removed large debris. Staff said parks crews and assistance from highways crews helped reopen 36 holes over the following days; the goal was to be fully reopened if weather allowed.
Staff said they are documenting all hours and equipment use, taking photos stored on county drives, and obtaining contractor proposals in case insurance does not cover cleanup. Jim provided an estimate that professionally contracting the cleanup could cost about $200,000; staff said they can perform the work in-house over time if necessary.
Randy Schultz, the golf course superintendent, was singled out for on-the-ground response; staff said he walked onto the property when roads were blocked by downed trees and began clearing with a tractor. Supervisors praised staff coordination and interdepartmental assistance.
Ending: County staff said they will continue to track costs and work with the insurance carrier; an adjuster site visit was expected the week following the meeting.
