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UWM alum Sky Hopinka wins MacArthur Foundation 'genius' award
Ho-Chunk video and film artist Sky Hopinka, who earned his master's degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is one of this year's winners of the prestigious MacArthur Foundation fellowship, commonly known as a "genius" grant.
In its citation announcing his award, the MacArthur Foundation credited Hopinka with "developing new forms of cinema that center the perspectives of Indigenous people." It noted that his films move "between documentary-style representations and abstract imagery with vibrant and varied color palettes."
Hopinka is one of three Native American artists whose work is on exhibit through Jan. 8 at the Museum of Wisconsin Art's DTN satellite location, inside Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, 139 E. Kilbourn Ave.
Many of his films and videos can be viewed on his website, skyhopinka.com.
MORE:Art City Asks: Sky Hopinka
More:UW-Madison historian Monica Kim awarded MacArthur 'genius' grant
A native of Washington state, Hopinka, 38, is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. He is an assistant professor in the film and electronic arts program at Bard College in New York state.
Hopinka was a 2017 winner of a prestigious local Mary L. Nohl Fellowship in the emerging artist category.
His video "Visions of an Island" was screened at the 2017 Whitney Biennial, a major survey of contemporary art in the United States.
The MacArthur fellowships include a stipend of $800,000 to the recipient, paid out in equal quarterly installments over five years.
MORE:Madison cartoonist Lynda Barry wins MacArthur Foundation 'genius' award
MORE:Theater artist Anne Basting wins MacArthur Foundation 'genius' grant
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2022-10-12T18:50:34Z
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www.jsonline.com
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UWM alum Sky Hopinka wins MacArthur Foundation 'genius' award
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/arts/2022/10/12/uwm-alum-sky-hopinka-wins-macarthur-foundation-genius-award/10477847002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/arts/2022/10/12/uwm-alum-sky-hopinka-wins-macarthur-foundation-genius-award/10477847002/
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About half of the Milwaukee households eligible for low-cost internet service are now enrolled in a federal program that offers it, but statewide enrollment is only around 25% and the program’s barely been used in many communities, according to new figures released Wednesday.
Even in Milwaukee, where the Affordable Connectivity Program has been heavily promoted, thousands of eligible households haven’t signed up for the benefit that provides $30 a month toward the cost of internet service, also known as broadband. Moreover, when combined with a discount ACP price from Charter Spectrum, AT&T, and other service providers, the service would be free.
The signup rate of eligible households in Wisconsin has ranged from under 1%, sometimes in rural communities that lack internet access, to more than 70% in Brown Deer in Milwaukee County.
Statewide, the rate was 25% of 894,005 eligible households, according to the national nonprofit group EducationSuperHighway that released the data. That’s just above the national average of 24%, less than Michigan at 26%, but better than Minnesota at 16%, Iowa’s 13%, and Illinois, 20%.
City data, which EducationSuperHighway pulled from the Affordable Connectivity Program, showed a signup rate of 49% in Milwaukee. Some other Wisconsin cities: Appleton, 26%; Green Bay, 30%; Oshkosh, 32%; Sheboygan, 34%; Manitowoc, 19%; Madison, 23%; Stevens Point, 31%; and Wausau, 27%.
Nationwide, nearly 52 million households are eligible for the ACP benefit, yet only 13 million have enrolled, according to EducationSuperHighway, whose goal is to help close the broadband affordability gap.
There’s plenty of room for improvement nearly everywhere, said Jack Lynch, the organization’s chief operating officer.
Many low-income families already have internet service but could still get the ACP subsidy if they enrolled in the program. Millions of others are described by the report as “unconnected,” meaning they don’t have a home internet subscription at all.
The subsidy is available for households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty rate, which is around $26,000 for an individual and $52,000 for a family of four. Participants in Medicaid, public housing, Women and Infant Children (WIC), free and reduced-price meals at school, Pell grants, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are also among those eligible.
In addition to a $30 subsidy each month toward internet service, and $75 for families on qualifying tribal lands, eligible households can claim a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop, or tablet from participating providers.
If it’s such a great program, why haven’t more people signed up?
One reason is low-income families in many rural communities don’t have internet service available other than a cellphone or maybe an expensive satellite dish option. The ACP enrollment rate is very low in some places where the choice of service providers is slim to none.
There are many other reasons why people remain unconnected.
For example, EducationSuperHighway said millions of American households weren’t aware of the subsidy despite months of promotions by government agencies and internet service providers.
Also, the enrollment process could be frustrating, especially if someone doesn’t have a computer and internet access to complete the online application.
On average, it takes 30 to 45 minutes, according to EducationSuperHighway. But if an applicant’s address isn’t recognized by the system, they’re asked to provide GPS longitude and latitude data – something hardly anyone would have readily available.
The application requires an email address, but many eligible households don’t have one. Applicants rarely have immediate access to all the documents they’re required to upload, and they must restart the process if their chosen form of identification doesn’t exactly match the documents they’re using to prove eligibility.
Many standard eligibility documents provided by states are rejected, and many people are overwhelmed by the application process.
“Unfortunately, 45% of ACP applicants are rejected, and many more simply abandon the complex, time-consuming process,” EducationSuperHigway said in its report.
There’s also a trust issue. Some people are skeptical of government programs and free services, they’re worried about unexpected costs if the subsidy ends, and they don’t want to share personal information as part of the application process.
Even after someone qualifies for the program, they then have to find a broadband service provider participating in it.
“That’s one of the challenges. It’s a two-step process,” said Lynch with EducationSuperHighway.
It can be difficult to find which service plans are free under ACP and how to sign up for them.
“There are a lot of different things to navigate, and for the unconnected population, that just raises the level of difficulty,” Lynch said.
The $14.2 billion program was funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as part of the Biden administration’s effort to close the broadband affordability gap.
State officials have said approximately 650,000 Wisconsin residents lack home internet access of 25 megabit-per-second downloads and 3 Mbps uploads, nothing special in today's digital world but adequate for streaming a video or taking an online class. Moreover, officials say, another 650,000 people simply can't afford the service that's available to them.
The Federal Communications Commission has said nationwide around 14 million people lacked broadband access. However, the firm Broadband Now, which helps consumers find service, estimated it was closer to 42 million. Microsoft Corp., through measuring the speed that people use the internet for software downloads, has put the number at 120 million.
More:White House announces $40 million in broadband funding for Wisconsin
More:Charter Spectrum pushes large broadband expansion to connect 140,000 homes and businesses in rural Wisconsin
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2022-10-12T18:50:40Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Affordable internet program in Wisconsin lacks sign-ups
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2022/10/12/affordable-connectivity-internet-program-wisconsin-lacks-sign-ups/10474857002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2022/10/12/affordable-connectivity-internet-program-wisconsin-lacks-sign-ups/10474857002/
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Ron Johnson opens 6-point lead over Mandela Barnes in U.S. Senate race
Bill Glauber Corrinne Hess
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson has surged to a 6-point lead in his re-election race against Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes according to Wednesday's Marquette University Law School Poll.
Meanwhile, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers held a 1-point edge over Republican challenger Tim Michels, making the race for the governor's mansion a toss-up.
Johnson, running for a third term, was backed by 52% of likely voters compared to 46% supporting Barnes, the state's lieutenant governor.
Significantly, Johnson held a 6-point lead over Barnes among independent voters. Back in August, it was Barnes who held a 15-point edge among independents.
With millions of dollars of ads buttressing his case and millions more spent on attacking Barnes over the past two months, Johnson has stormed from behind over the last few months in the poll.
Marquette's August survey, conducted just after the primaries, showed Barnes with a 7-point advantage over Johnson among registered voters. That Barnes lead evaporated by the time September's poll rolled around, which showed Johnson 1-point ahead of Barnes among likely voters.
In the governor's race, Evers led Michels by 47% to 46% among likely voters was well within the poll's margin of error.
"The governor's race, every indicator is it's a close toss-up," said poll director Charles Franklin.
The poll wasn't completely gloomy for Democrats. In the sample of all registered voters, Barnes and Johnson were tied at 47%-47%, while Evers led Michels by 46% to 41%.
But at this stage of the race, with less than a month to go before the midterms, the emphasis remains on those certain to vote.
The main campaigns have one more chance to speak statewide to voters. The final U.S. Senate debate is scheduled for tonig in thtime
In the senate race, Johnson was viewed favorably by 41% and unfavorably by 45%, a slight improvement from previous polls. Barnes sagged to 339% favorable and 40% unfavorable.
In the governor's race, Evers was viewed favorably by 44% and unfavorably by 46%, just slightly underwater. Michels was at 36% favorable and 36% unfavorable with 20% not hearing enough about him to form an opinion.
The campaigns all sought to positively spin the poll.
Michel's campaign manager Patrick McNulty said momentum is on the side of the GOP runner: “The more people are reminded of Tony Evers’ failures, the more they coalesce around Tim Michels."
Evers campaign spokeswoman Kayla Anderson said: “Wisconsinites trust Governor Tony Evers to do the right thing for our kids, our economy, and working families, and this latest Marquette poll shows what we’ve known all along — this will be one of the most competitive races in the country and we aren’t taking anything for granted."
The survey of 801 registered Wisconsin voters, including 652 likely voters, was conducted Oct. 3-9. The margin of error for the full sample was plus or minus 4.3% and for the sample of likely voters was plus or minus 4.8%.
The sample was 30% Republican, 29% Democratic and 40% independent.
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2022-10-12T18:50:46Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Marquette poll shows latest in Wisconsin governor, U.S. Senate races
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/12/marquette-poll-shows-latest-in-wisconsin-governor-u-s-senate-races/10477147002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/12/marquette-poll-shows-latest-in-wisconsin-governor-u-s-senate-races/10477147002/
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UW-Madison historian Monica Kim awarded MacArthur 'genius' grant
A University of Wisconsin-Madison historian on Wednesday won one of the nation's most prestigious awards, which comes with a no strings attached $800,000 stipend to spend however she sees fit.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation named UW-Madison professor Monica Kim, 44, as one of 25 national recipients of the MacArthur fellowship. Also known as the "genius grant," the awards are given annually to a select group of individuals across a range of disciplines who show exceptional creativity in their work and future ambitions.
Individuals cannot apply for the awards. Instead, hundreds of anonymous nominators across the country submit about 2,000 nominations each year for a secret selection committee to consider.
More:UWM alum Sky Hopinka wins MacArthur Foundation 'genius' award
Over the past 30 years, about 1,100 individuals have won the award, including journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates, surgeon and author Atul Gawande and sociologist Matthew Desmond, who wrote an award-winning book about eviction in Milwaukee.
At least four other UW-Madison professors have received the MacArthur award, with the two most recent grants awarded in 2019 to cartoonist and art professor Lynda Barry and climate researcher Andrea Dutton.
Kim's research focuses on the changes in warfare over the 20th century by studying the experiences of ordinary people as opposed to official accounts. She has studied the Korean War extensively, an interest that stems from her Korean parents immigrating to the U.S. during that time.
The MacArthur Foundation said her research "reorients our understanding of U.S. foreign policy during and after the Korean War."
"As a historian, I am forced to reckon with a fundamental principle: the stories we tell about war affect if and how we can imagine a radical peace," Kim said.
Kim earned her bachelor's degree from Yale University and her doctorate from the University of Michigan. She previously taught at New York University before joining UW-Madison in 2020.
She told UW-Madison she may use the grant money, which is awarded over the next five years, toward her next book or a lab where activists, scholars and journalists can explore ways of looking at geopolitics.
Other grant recipients this year include Priti Krishtel, a lawyer exposing inequities in the patent system to make medications more affordable; Jennifer Carlson, a sociologist studying the motivations and assumptions that shape the country's gun culture; and Jenna Jambeck, an environmental engineer working to reduce global plastic pollution.
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2022-10-12T18:50:53Z
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www.jsonline.com
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University of Wisconsin historian Kim wins MacArthur genius award
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2022/10/12/university-wisconsin-historian-monica-kim-wins-macarthur-genius-award/10477457002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2022/10/12/university-wisconsin-historian-monica-kim-wins-macarthur-genius-award/10477457002/
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Former Packers receiver Davante Adams was cited for misdemeanor assault in the Municipal Court of Kansas City Wednesday after Adams pushed a cameraman to the ground following the Las Vegas Raiders' 30-29 loss to the Chiefs on Monday.
The incident citation noted that Adams, in an "intentional, overt act," used two hands to push the photographer to the ground, "causing whiplash and head ache," and a possible minor concussion. The photographer arranged for private transport to a hospital after the incident.
Adams was given a court date of Nov. 10.
ESPN reported that the photographer was freelancing for ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage, and a decision over whether Adams would face league suspension may not come quickly with the Raiders on a Week 6 bye.
In the aftermath of the incident, caught on camera shortly after the narrow loss to the Chiefs, Adams apologized both on social media and during media availability. The five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro receiver is in his first season with the Raiders.
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2022-10-12T18:51:05Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Former Packers receiver Adams cited for shoving camera man after loss
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2022/10/12/former-packers-receiver-adams-cited-shoving-camera-man-after-las-vegas-raiders-loss-to-chiefs/10477463002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2022/10/12/former-packers-receiver-adams-cited-shoving-camera-man-after-las-vegas-raiders-loss-to-chiefs/10477463002/
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Reckless driving killed a 40-year-old man in downtown Milwaukee, police say
Milwaukee police are investigating a downtown crash Wednesday morning that left a 40-year-old man dead.
Police say a 22-year-old Milwaukee man was driving eastbound in the 1100 block of West Wells Street around 9 a.m. when he disobeyed a red light at North 10th Street and struck a vehicle being driven by a 40-year-old Milwaukee man traveling northbound on North 10th Street through a green light.
The 22-year-old driver also was traveling "at a high rate of speed," police said in a statement.
Both vehicles then traveled east and struck four parked vehicles, police said.
The 40-year-old man was transported to the hospital, where he later died.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office said an autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.
The 22-year-old driver was taken into custody and police said the case will be presented to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office in the coming days.
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2022-10-12T21:08:56Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Reckless driving killed a 40-year-old man in Milwaukee, police say
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2022/10/12/mpd-reckless-driving-killed-40-year-old-man-downtown-milwaukee/10480187002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2022/10/12/mpd-reckless-driving-killed-40-year-old-man-downtown-milwaukee/10480187002/
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The improvement of Julie Pospisilova, the impact of Avery LaBarbera lead takeaways from Wisconsin women's basketball on Big Ten media day
MINNEAPOLIS – Marisa Moseley’s message Wednesday was to expect more of what the Wisconsin Badgers women’s basketball team showed during the final third of last season.
After struggling for much of the season, UW went 3-4 in its final seven regular-season games to close out a 5-13 campaign that was the program's most successful Big Ten season in seven years. The highlight of that stretch was a 22-point comeback win over Purdue that was the largest in conference history.
“As far as what I see coming forward for our team and the season, I think you'll see the same thing you saw as we finished out the year: selfless play, a lot of tenacity,” Moseley said. “We want to be the most prepared team, we want to execute, and we want to make sure that we're excited for other people's success just as much as our own.”
Moseley, along with senior guards Julie Pospisilova and Avery LaBarbera and junior guard Halle Douglass, represented the program on second and final day of Big Ten basketball media days at the Target Center.
Moseley hopes to give the players some freedom on the court
In addition to winning its most Big Ten games since 2015, Wisconsin finished 8-21 overall. One lesson Moseley took from the Year 1 experience as coach was to empower her players more.
“I have to make sure I get really good players who understand what it is we're trying to do, but then I've got to let go of the reins a little bit and allow them to be who they are, play through some of their mistakes," she said. "Ultimately they're going to gain confidence from knowing that I believe in them and we can take those steps together."
Graduate transfer Avery LaBarbera already has made impact
The former Holy Cross standout who was the Patriot League player of the year last season will serve as one of the team's captains. This marks the second straight year Moseley added a veteran guard to the team's dynamic.
"She's a floor general. She's a great leader. She understands time and score and pace of play," Moseley said. "She can get people organized and they have really rallied around her. You can't get that with young players."
Julie Pospisilova ready to step up her game
When your best player is also your most improved it usually bodes well for your team. That could be the case for UW, which was lead by Pospisilova, a 6-foot guard who topped the team in scoring (14.1 points per game), while ranking second in rebounding (4.2) and assists (1.7).
Douglass called her the team's improved player.
"Her strength and being able to use her body," Douglass said. "She is a bigger guard so she is good at using her body to get into the lane. She's a really good finisher around the rim. She can really shoot the ball."
Watch out for Serah Williams
Part of the reason for optimism is a freshman class that includes four-star recruits Lily Krahn and Savannah White. Last week, Moseley added Serah Williams as another freshman to watch. The native of Brooklyn, New York, caught LaBarbera's attention, too.
“She’s 6-4, she’s lanky, she’s super athletic and for me being a short, little point guard I’m going to need someone to throw the ball into inside,” LaBarbera said. "Her wingspan is incredible. The way she can catch the ball and finish has been honestly really impressive to watch."
Intangibles as much as talent will fuel UW’s improvement
Moseley highlighted the need for not only more talent in order for the program to grow but also the need to foster the traits that allow players to make the most of their potential.
“For them to buy into that this is bigger than basketball, we're talking about leadership stuff, we're talking about making sure we're giving back to the community,” she said. “All of those things build into your culture and a championship mindset. It's not just about X's and O's, but it's all the things we're building that they understand who we are, how we're going to do things at Wisconsin.”
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2022-10-12T21:09:02Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Five takeaways for Wisconsin women's basketball on Big Ten media day
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/12/five-takeaways-wisconsin-womens-basketball-big-ten-media-day/10472948002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/12/five-takeaways-wisconsin-womens-basketball-big-ten-media-day/10472948002/
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Thomas Farm ordinance approved by Delafield Town Board places conditions on development
The controversial Thomas Farm development took a big step forward Tuesday with the adopting of an ordinance that would allow a maximum of 230 residential units on the 152 acres, pending traffic, sewer and water studies.
The ordinance, passed by a 4-1 vote, comes after years of debate in the town of Delafield about the property north of Golf Road between Glen Cove and Elmhurst roads.
When it was first proposed in 2019, as many as 484 units were discussed. Years later, that number dropped to 230 at the Oct. 4 plan commission meeting.
What was presented to the town board Oct. 11 was an ordinance that capped the number of units on the property and would require the development to be entirely residential with no rentals. This included not allowing multi-family, senior living or commercial properties. There would be some condos.
Additionally, the ordinance would require any future developer to fund and conduct, in conjunction with necessary governing bodies, traffic, sewer and water studies that could result in a decrease in the number of units.
More:Debate continues over proposed Delafield subdivision; Town Board to vote on revised ordinance
More:Latest Thomas Farm development concepts again met with ire of residents
Technically, there were two options on the table. The ordinance described above and voting against the ordinance.
The latter option would mean that the land would be broken up into as many as five parcels. Those would then be developed separately, not require the three studies and could include multi-family, commercial and other potential uses and possibly more units.
Each would require a separate site plan to be approved by the town board.
"They would take the northernmost lots and would come to us with a plan and idea and layout, and we would approve or not approve that, and then something along Elmhurst and then something along Golf and then something along all of them individual," said town Chairman Ron Troy. "We would have no water or sewer study or traffic or interconnectivity of trails. (It) requires it to go from Golf Road all the way to the state trail, everything interconnected, and you could end up with more units, depending on which classification that they apply for and just possibility of commercial along Golf Road."
Town board not united on plan
During town board discussion, supervisors shared mixed feelings.
"I’m here to represent the residents of the town, and I don’t think this is where we should be as far as what’s in this ordinance," said town supervisor Magalie Miller, who voted against the ordinance. "I think we’re rushing. I don’t think we’re ready to move forward on this. I just don’t think it’s right, and I think we can do much better than this.”
Miller said a goal for her might be 150 units for the 150 acres and avoiding multi-family. Other praised the plan commission for removing multi-family rentals from the plans and only including the possibility of condos.
Supervisor Joseph Woelfle said that there were trade-offs with either option.
"That’s where my dilemma is," Woelfle said. "Do I want to see 230 units there? Not really. But do I want to see an Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin there and a big stretch of blacktop and streetlights? Or do I want to see a church with a big stretch of blacktop and streetlights? Or do I want to see $600,000 homes with kids and trees and swing sets? That’s the dilemma and the crossroads that I sit at."
Other concerns discussed included the potential for additional density in the town impacting Pewaukee Lake and the Pewaukee Lake Sanitary District.
"I think the two things we needed to hear are the density, which has come a long way. It’s much lower and a tolerable level in my opinion," Supervisor Steve Michels said. "Also, I got many emails asking me if I think that we listened to the concerns of the Lake Pewaukee Sanitary District … We’re not here to say that we’re going to guess the impact on the sewer system. We are going to say that the developer will not only fund a study, but if there is any concern that this ordinance will maintain the max number of units or decrease the units."
Despite the mixed feelings, most supervisors were in favor of the ordinance versus the alternative of developing the individual parcels separately.
"I’m going to be the first to stand up to say if we’re going to destroy the character of the town, I’m not for it," Supervisor Edward Kranick said. "But I don’t think this ordinance is going to destroy the character of the town of Delafield."
Ordinance still needs to be finalized
While the ordinance was passed by the board, it is not yet legally in place. The way it is written, the current Thomas Farm land owners have to individually sign the ordinance within 90 days.
"There are five, to my knowledge, five family members who own different percentages of the five (parcels)," Troy said. "We put the burden on them collectively, and it’s a big burden saying one developer has to master develop the 150 acres. We’ve never done that before. That’s a burden. To avoid the potential of a lawsuit, our attorney advised that the Thomases have to agree to those burdens and to sign the ordinance before it goes into effect."
If the family members do not sign the ordinance, it will be void and the five parcels could be developed and designed separately as if the ordinance did not pass.
"The ordinance gives what the developer and the Thomas family what the town expects to go on this property," Troy added. "While it is not legally binding if they don’t sign it, if they start developing them individually, they have a road map of what we expect from this."
If it is signed within 90 days, the ordinance will officially be implemented, and any developer must abide by it as written.
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2022-10-12T23:15:29Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Delafield's Thomas Farm proposal receives town board approval
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2022/10/12/delafields-thomas-farm-proposal-receives-town-board-approval/10475835002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2022/10/12/delafields-thomas-farm-proposal-receives-town-board-approval/10475835002/
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Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced a $16 million, statewide investment Wednesday to improve maternal and infant health, especially among people of color.
The funding, largely made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, will be split between the state health department's Maternal and Child Health program, the Medical College of Wisconsin's Healthier Wisconsin Endowment and the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Medicine and Public Health. Each entity will receive $5.5 million.
The health department program will use the money to launch a grant program to fund community and systems-level initiatives that focus on reducing mortality rates for mothers and infants. Wisconsin has historically faced some of the worst racial gaps in the county when it comes to maternal and infant mortality rates, especially for Black mothers and their children.
“We have to connect the dots to expand access to quality, affordable health care if we want to address the health disparities our state has faced for years," Evers said in a statement. "I’ve always said that what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state, and these investments are critical for supporting kids and families and creating the future we want for our state.”
The MCW endowment fund and UW-Madison will use the funding to also support community grants for programs that focus on the social conditions that contribute to racial disparities in Wisconsin's maternal and infant mortality rates.
Those factors include unequal access to affordable housing, employment and access to doula and midwifery services. The universities will also fund efforts to train community health workers, increase health education and outreach, provide pre-conception care and education and implement prevention strategies to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Perinatology found that Wisconsin had the worst Black infant mortality rate in the U.S. among 36 states and the District of Columbia. Infants born to Black mothers were three times as likely not to survive to their first birthday than infants born to white mothers.
State data also shows mortality rates for Black mothers are approximately 5 times higher than those of white mothers, according to the 2018 Wisconsin Maternal Mortality Review.
Such disparities also exist for other groups: infants born to Indigenous women and Latino women are 1.5 times as likely to not make it to their first birthday.
More:Even after a major push to lower Black infant mortality in Milwaukee, many babies aren't living to see their first birthday.
Separate from the $16 million, DHS will put another $5 million in ARPA funding toward innovative projects including those that focus on the social determinants of health, mental health and well-being, investing in perinatal workforce development and wraparound services for people in uncertain situations, like those who lack housing or are incarcerated.
The $5 million grant program, called the Advancing Equity in Maternal and Child Health Grant Program, includes several groups from Milwaukee County, including $300,000 for the African American Breastfeeding Network, $240,000 for the Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin, and $413,480 for the Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective.
“Through these grant funds, partners will be able to develop a comprehensive approach to improving health outcomes for Wisconsin's vulnerable populations that is both impactful and self-sustaining,” DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake said in a statement.
More:Wisconsin Department of Health Services warns thousands of Medicaid members about data leak
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2022-10-12T23:15:42Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Evers, Wisconsin DHS grant $16 million for maternal and infant health
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/health/2022/10/12/gov-tony-evers-wisconsin-department-health-services-grant-16-million-maternal-and-infant-health/10478566002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/health/2022/10/12/gov-tony-evers-wisconsin-department-health-services-grant-16-million-maternal-and-infant-health/10478566002/
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MINNEAPOLIS - Wisconsin coach Greg Gard took a moment during his address to the media from around the Big Ten to note that this upcoming season will be the Badgers’ 125th.
"There's a lot of history, a lot of tradition, and I think most importantly the success of our student-athletes and how that has grown over the years,” he said.
Making the milestone year truly one to remember, though, will depend on the players' and coaches' ability to replace Big Ten player of the year Johnny Davis’ star power and Brad Davison’s leadership.
The Badgers, however, have three returning starters: senior forward Tyler Wahl, junior forward Steven Crowl and sophomore point guard Chucky Hepburn.
Those three players joined Gard on the second and final day of Big Ten basketball media days at the Target Center.
Greg Gard warns of the folly of preseason predictions
In case you missed it, UW has been picked to finish ninth in the conference in a poll conducted by the Columbus Dispatch and The Athletic. If there is any place that understands how those predictions can go off point, it’s the Badgers.
UW, the defending conference co-champion, was picked 10th last season.
“I never really get wrapped up in whether we’re picked first or 14th because at the end of the day it really doesn’t matter. You’ve got to play the games," Gard said. "Last year if there was ever a storyline that washed all that preseason prediction stuff out that was it.
"I really don’t talk about it. I’m sure the players see it. They don’t live under a rock. If they use it as motivation great, but at the end of the day you’ve still got to play the games and take them one at a time.”
Gard, Juwan Howard are good
A heavily circulated photo on the internet Wednesday featured Gard and Howard, side by side, smiling. It was obviously a stark contrast to their meeting following UW’s win over Michigan last February.
Gard called the incident “water under the bridge,” noting the two saw each other during the summer and had a good visit Wednesday.
Carter Gilmore has made great strides
The former Arrowhead standout has caught Gard’s attention with his improvement. The 6-foot-7 forward, who started as a walk-on and has since been placed on scholarship, was called the team’s most improved player by Gard.
“The biggest transformation with Carter is what he has done physically,” Gard said. “His commitment to get into the weight room and really be serious about it, clean up his diet, improve work habits – not that he was a poor worker or didn’t work, he just needed to work more. He understood, watching some older guys, how hard they worked and how much time they put in away from the coaches."
Max Klesmit, Jordan Davis breakout players?
Hepburn was asked which teammates who are under the radar entering the season could play big roles for UW. His answer was Max Klesmit and Jordan Davis. Here is why.
On Klesmit: “He’s just got that Brad Davison to him, a little fire to him and he does anything he needs to do in order for his team to win.”
On Davis: “Obviously Jordan is not the same type of player Johnny is, but Jordan still brings good things to the team. He’s a really good shooter, really athletic, really good on the defensive side, so he brings a lot more stuff that we need on the defensive side that we need to do to win this year.”
UW will continue to work the transfer portal
Last year UW got Chris Vogt out of the portal. This past offseason the Badgers got Kamari McGee and Klesmit.
"I don't think in today's world you can live with feet in one or the other,” Gard said. “I think you have to find the right balance. There are some advantages, the experienced player part, those things that come out of the student-athletes that are in the portal. But at the same time, you're trying to find that balance and develop and have a culture in place.”
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2022-10-12T23:15:48Z
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Wisconsin coach Greg Gard bonds with Juwan Howard at Big Ten media day
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/12/wisconsin-coach-greg-gard-bonds-juwan-howard-big-ten-media-day/10472934002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/12/wisconsin-coach-greg-gard-bonds-juwan-howard-big-ten-media-day/10472934002/
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“Overall I think we’ve felt really good about it so far,” Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said of training camp. “It has been unique and I think we’ve had to be thoughtful with how we approach it, but I would say overall very happy with how things have gone. I think there’s been a couple, to me, having a really good practice on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, having a good practice on Monday when we got home from Abu Dhabi, some days where I think the team could’ve maybe not been as focused, just human nature could’ve (set in).
"I think the guys have been very, very good on those days. I think we’ve talked about it – we’ve said these are important days because we have less of them maybe because of the trip – so overall I think it’s good. We obviously have a lot of things to work on. We’re fortunate we have another week or so, give or take a day, going into opening night. With an open scrimmage on Saturday, another chance to get some work in there that’s going to be important for us.”
Box score:Nets 107, Bucks 97
His only other game appearance was Oct. 6 in the United Arab Emirates against Atlanta, where he played 21 minutes and scored 19 points on 6 of 16 shooting.
During the ESPN broadcast, Bucks all-star Khris Middleton gave an interview during the game and said he began ball handling drills Wednesday for the first time since having wrist surgery in the offseason.
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2022-10-13T03:10:31Z
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Giannis plays in preseason finale as Bucks fall to the Nets
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2022/10/12/giannis-plays-preseason-finale-bucks-fall-nets/10475256002/
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Torres and his family flew from Mexico to Chicago. On the drive up to Milwaukee, Torres fell asleep and woke up in a new home very different than the one his family left behind.
“Coming to an apartment that had carpeting instead of cement walls and a tarp over the building,” Torres remembers.
Growing up in the greater Milwaukee area, Torres felt like a normal kid in America. But the reality of his situation, his immigration status, was difficult to realize once he became an adult.
“Obviously, I wasn’t legal, so the only places that accepted, I guess illegal people, were restaurants,” Torres said.
When Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was put into effect in 2012, Torres was able to get some relief knowing he wouldn’t get deported because he came to the U.S. when he was a child.
But life as a DACA recipient is always uncertain.
On Oct. 5, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled that the policy violated federal law, but it did not rule on a new regulation created by the Biden administration that codified it into regulatory law.
In 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration could not dismantle DACA.
A move from restaurants to welding
But after working in the restaurant industry for 12 years, he wanted a change and knew it would not be cheap. He decided to enroll in the welding program at Milwaukee Area Technical College and was expecting to pay several thousand dollars to finish the program.
That’s when he heard about the DACA Plus Scholarship at MATC which offers DACA recipients $500 per semester for eligible students taking 6-8 credits, $750 for 9-11 credits and $1,000 for 12 or more credits.
“It was a relief,” Torres said when he applied for and was granted a scholarship for $1,000.
Two businesses come together for one scholarship
The DACA Plus scholarship has been around for the last few years but the account was almost dry until Van Horn Latino donated $100,000 and the El Rey grocery store chain donated $12,000.
The DACA fund at MATC has about $121,000 to give to students. This year 56 students received scholarships up from 29 the year before. And 12 DACA students have graduated so far.
Although DACA recipients can’t be deported, they are not allowed to receive taxpayer money for higher education, unless the money is raised through private donations.
Antonio Diaz, general manager of Van Horn Latino and MATC board member, pushed for the dealership to get involved in helping the most vulnerable members of the immigrant community in Milwaukee.
Diaz said the dealership served roughly 150 people per month, most of their customers are Latino, and roughly 35% of them had good credit.
“When you’re coming from Latin America or in a different place, (credit) doesn’t exist,” Diaz said. “People don’t have access to credit.”
Diaz wondered about the best way to improve financial literacy within the immigrant community.
“I started looking at the metrics and said ‘Ok, what’s needed for my community? Why are we so behind?’” Diaz said. “The immigrant generation they came from Mexico or other places, you can figure out they might not have high levels of education but that is being passed along to their kids and families.”
Diaz sees education as a pathway to closing the financial and educational gap.
“If you really want to create wealth, if you really want to have a better life and if you really want to have a shot at the American dream, you need an education,” Diaz said. “And we cannot deny an education to anyone who lives in the United States. I’m not trying to make this political, whoever is here and they’re already contributing to the community, they need to have an opportunity to go to college, to get a higher education.”
Without Van Horn Latino or El Rey donating to the DACA Plus Scholarship, Diaz is doubtful any other private parties would have donated.
“We need to do something different because whatever we’ve been doing is not working,” Diaz said. “This trend has been the same for many years.”
Allows MATC to help more students
Eva Martinez, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for MATC, said the donation from Van Horn Latino and El Rey can increase the number of students they can help.
“I think MATC is one of the few colleges and universities in the state that is taking the support that we provide to our DACA students to the next level and we envision that with a donation from Van Horn Latino and El Rey, that we can expand those opportunities by developing more ways to get donors to donate to the scholarship,” Martinez said adding the college plans to recruit other businesses to help in the effort.
“We know that there was a need for us to create not only the scholarship but then also create additional resources and pathways for DACA students to be able to enroll in MATC and be able to succeed.”
With MATC being a majority-minority school, scholarships like DACA Plus and Checota, which pays for short-term career advancement certificates for jobs like dental assistant, pharmacy technician and truck driving, have an impact.
“If we want to move the needle for individuals’ families and communities, we really need to invest in a community and technical college education,” Martinez said. “MATC graduates the highest number of Latino students in the state of Wisconsin.”
DACA recipients are also eligible for the Checota Scholarship.
Ellen and Joe Checota plan to give up to $5 million to the college on the condition that MATC raises $2.5 million on its own. Altogether, the $7.5 million would establish the largest scholarship fund in the school's 110-year history.
Ellen is an artist and Joe is the chairman and CEO of Landmark Healthcare Facilities LLC, a national developer, owner and manager of outpatient buildings.
'We left everything'
Felipe Beltran’s journey to America is just as important as Torres’ but it’s more dramatic.
In 2003, Beltran, from Leon, Guanajuato in Mexico, was just 11 years old when he went with his mom and sisters to Juarez to try to cross the border.
They took a bus to the border city hoping to cross.
“We left everything,” Beltran said adding the bus got stopped at a checkpoint in Juarez. “I remember it was the military, the Mexican military, they were checking everybody.”
Beltran said when they did get off the bus they met with the coyotes, the guides meant to help get them across the border and crossed the Rio Grande.
“We were running to cross the river and I remember there were some ranchers in the United States, on the other side of the river, they were shooting shotguns,” Beltran said. “I don’t know if (they were shooting) the birds, I don’t know what it was. I remember seeing a lot of those shell casings all over in the river.”
But they got caught by U.S. Border Patrol agents.
“I remember my mom giving my sisters to one of the coyotes,” Beltran said. “They crossed and stayed in a hotel. My mom and I were sent back, so we were separated for a couple of hours.”
With the help from his uncle, Beltran and his mother were able to board a different bus that got over the border.
They reunited with his sisters in El Paso, then traveled to Kansas City, Kansas and stayed with a different uncle for a few days.
Beltran remembers a friend of his uncle took them to Milwaukee to reunite with his dad who had been in the city for the previous two years.
“It took us one week. I remember it was from one Thursday to one Thursday.” Beltran said.
A day after arriving in Milwaukee, Beltran turned 12. When asked what he remembers about that birthday he says:
“I don’t remember.”
Beltran said he’s only told his story of his journey to Milwaukee only three times.
In 2011, Beltran graduated from Pulaski High School but with no legal status, he felt lost and unsure of what he would do for work.
Like Torres, the only jobs he could find were in the restaurant industry.
When Beltran got DACA, he enrolled in MATC and graduated with a associates degree in business.
“When I got DACA, that’s when the doors started opening,” Beltran said. “It’s taken me 10 years, 10 years exactly, to be where I am now. To rebuild myself and to be able to use these opportunities.”
Moving on to Concordia University
Beltran received a DACA Plus Scholarship to help pay for transfer classes so he can continue his education at Concordia University.
“What people don’t understand is we have talent,” Beltran said of other DACA recipients. “We were raised here. We were raised the American way. We have talent and we should get the same opportunities because we could be a benefit to the community.”
Torres said the business community helping provide scholarships to DACA students is inspiring because it’s giving them a rare chance.
“People actually believe in what me and (Beltran) are actually doing over here. It’s really humbling to realize some people in high society are willing to invest in our education,” Torres said. “Us, as DACA recipients, are going to take full advantage of the opportunity because we don’t have any opportunities.”
More:Midwestern community colleges work to lure, and keep, students struggling with poverty
Kelly Meyerhofer of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.
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2022-10-13T10:58:16Z
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DACA Plus Scholarship at MATC offers rare opportunity to migrants
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2022/10/13/daca-plus-scholarship-milwaukee-area-technical-college-offers-rare-opportunity-migrants/10328110002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2022/10/13/daca-plus-scholarship-milwaukee-area-technical-college-offers-rare-opportunity-migrants/10328110002/
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The two candidates for U.S. Senate agree on one thing on the issue of abortion — their opponent is a radical extremist.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson is coming under fire for co-sponsoring a so-called "personhood" amendment in 2011, his first year in the Senate. A legal scholar says the proposal would have eliminated any exceptions for abortion, though Johnson disputes it.
Meanwhile, Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes — who has tried to shift the current debate in the race to abortion in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade — has been accused by conservatives of opposing any legal limit on the procedure. He denies the assertion.
Their stances are likely to be explored when they meet Thursday night in their second and final debate at Marquette University's Varsity Theatre. WTMJ-TV (Channel 4) will air the hour-long event that begins at 6 p.m.
Ron Johnson and Mandela Barnes have been trading barbs on abortion
For weeks, the two candidates have been trading barbs on the issue.
"Lt. Gov. Barnes has the most extreme position when it comes to abortion that is no restrictions, no limitations," Johnson said Tuesday. "Allowing abortion right up to the moment of birth."
Barnes said a day earlier:
"Ron Johnson has supported eight different abortion bans. He supported bans that had no exceptions for rape, incest or the life of the mother. That's the reality right now. Ron Johnson is putting the life and the health of women at risk."
Johnson has said he wants a one-time referendum to let the voters of Wisconsin decide what to do — even as Republicans in the Legislature blocked a plan by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to have such a vote.
In addition, Johnson has stated he supports abortion exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother but has not called on the Republican-led Legislature to amend Wisconsin's 1849 law that bans most abortions.
Johnson said he supports some exceptions to full abortion ban, but has been in favor of legislation, laws without them
Johnson's stance on exceptions appears at odds with his move in 2011 to co-sponsor the Life at Conception Act.
The bill sought "to implement equal protection under the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution for the right to life of each born and unborn human person."
The bill never came up for a vote.
When asked about the bill during an interview last week, Johnson said the measure simply acknowledged "that life begins at conception."
"Isn't that an obvious thing?" he asked. "I think that's an obvious thing. But that's not saying at what point do you protect life."
When pressed that a personhood amendment had no exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother, Johnson said, "Again, I think you're, you're interpreting a personhood amendment different than I would interpret.
"All, to me, all that amendment said is life begins at conception. I think that's what it does. But the question is, at what point do you protect that life? I think we all agree it's outside the womb."
Law professor Mary Ziegler of the University of California Davis indicated Johnson had an incorrect reading of the bill, which she said would ban most abortions without any exceptions.
"The history of the pro-life movement, which, I mean, he would be aware of as much as anybody else, is that if life begins at conception as the statute says, then each pre-born person is protected by the 14th Amendment," she said.
Under such a statute, Ziegler said, "Many abortions if not all abortions would violate equal protection and due process clauses — which would mean that many abortions, if not all abortions, would violate equal protection and due process clauses."
"It's not like you just say life begins at conception and that doesn't matter," Ziegler added. "That's what the pro-life movement's entire kind of body of work is about."
Johnson spokeswoman Alexa Henning said Johnson "always supported exceptions in the case of rape, incest, or the life of the mother. This (2011) bill wasn’t banning anything in the senator’s view. It recognized life begins at conception but he believes it would be up to the people and their representatives to enact potential protections for the unborn."
Barnes supports returning to Roe v. Wade laws
For his part, Barnes has said he supports returning to laws that existed under Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed federal constitutional protections to abortion rights,
Under Roe, states were unable to significantly restrict abortion access before fetal viability — the point when a fetus can survive outside the womb on its own.
Conservatives have sought to attack Barnes on this issue, suggesting he wants to remove all legal restrictions on abortions.
They point to an exchange Barnes had Saturday with John McCormack of the conservative National Review magazine during a news briefing following a Milwaukee rally.
Barnes was asked by McCormack to respond to Johnson's assertion in the previous night's debate: "You support abortion up until birth. You responded you support Roe. But what about after viability, when Roe said that there could be limits? Say at 23 weeks of pregnancy, if the pregnancy doesn’t pose a risk to the physical health of the mother — the baby’s healthy — should abortion be legal or illegal in those cases after viability?"
Barnes responded: "It all goes back to this decision being made between a woman and her doctor. That’s as simple as it gets."
In a follow-up question, Barnes was asked: "So even when there’s no physical threat to the mother’s life and the baby’s healthy after viability?"
Barnes responded: "I used Texas as an example yesterday. When there’s a complication with a pregnancy, who gets to determine if there is a complication? Who exactly knows? That’s why it’s important for the woman to be able to make that decision with her doctor. Ron Johnson doesn’t have a medical degree."
The Pew Research Center reports around nine-in-ten abortions occur during the first trimester of pregnancy, before 13 weeks of gestation.
Later, when asked by WISN-TV if he supported a woman being allowed an abortion up until birth, Barnes said, "Well, I'll tell you that's a decision that should be made between a woman her doctor, I don't have the medical credentials to make that decision."
Asked if that was "yes or a no," Barnes replied: "I think most members of Congress don't have the medical credentials to make that decision. And unfortunately, we have uninformed people who get to impose their own personal views or women and that's just not right."
Thursday night's Wisconsin U.S. Senate debate
Where: Marquette University's Varsity Theatre
Moderators: TMJ4's Charles Benson and Shannon Sims
How to watch: WTMJ-TV (Channel 4)
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2022-10-13T10:58:28Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Wisconsin senate debate between Johnson, Barnes will focus on abortion
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Ticket sales begin Oct. 13 for Christmas at the Pabst Mansion tours, which include an expanded lineup of mimosa and twilight tours and family-oriented Sunday afternoon events this year.
The 20,000-square-foot historic mansion, built in 1892 as a home for beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst and his wife Maria, goes all out when it decorates for Christmas, including dozens of Christmas trees.
Holiday visitors can also take in the year-round attractions of the Pabst's Flemish Renaissance Revival architecture and design, including high-ceiling rooms, ornate woodwork and an extensive art collection. The Pabsts lived large, with a wine collection of 3,000 bottles, acting director Mame McCully said last year.
MORE:New Pabst Mansion tours include happy hour with a PBR, kid-friendly tour, Father Christmas
Christmas tours begin Nov. 17 and continue through Jan. 8. Options included self-guided tours, holiday mimosa tours on weekend mornings, twilight tours on selected evenings and family-centered Sunday afternoon tours that include Father Christmas.
The Pabst Mansion is at 2000 W. Wisconsin Ave. Tours begin slightly west of the main entrance at the new Pabst Mansion Visitor Center, 2040 W. Wisconsin Ave. (The visitor center is also home to the mansion's gift shop.)
Self-guided tours will be available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday (last entry at 3:15 p.m.) and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday through Jan. 8 (check the Pabst Mansion website for holiday hours). Tickets are $20 for adults; $18 for students, seniors and military; $13 for children (ages 6-17); and free for children 5 and under and members.
Self-guided Twilight Tours will be offered 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, Nov. 25 through Jan. 7, excluding holiday eves. Tickets are $26 for adults; $24 for students, seniors and military; $11 for members. Glühwein (hot mulled wine) and other seasonal adult beverages will be on sale. A changing roster of musicians will perform during these tours.
Holiday mimosa tours will be available at 9:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sundays. Same prices as twilight tours; a mimosa is included with the ticket. The mimosa tours are the only guided tours offered through the holiday season, said Jocelyn Slocum, director of operations and curatorial affairs.
Tickets will be for timed entry and are limited; advance purchase is recommended at pabstmansion.ticketsocket.com/#/event-list.
Family-fun tours, including an appearance by Father Christmas, will be offered from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 18. Musicians will perform on select dates. These family tours are included with paid Pabst Mansion admission: $15 for adults, $13 student/senior/military, $8 children (ages 6-17), free for children 5 and under and members.
For more information, call (414) 931-0808 or visit pabstmansion.com.
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2022-10-13T13:19:22Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Christmas at the Pabst Mansion 2022 includes mimosa and twilight tours
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/arts/2022/10/13/christmas-pabst-mansion-2022-tickets-mimosa-and-twilight-tours/8234295001/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/arts/2022/10/13/christmas-pabst-mansion-2022-tickets-mimosa-and-twilight-tours/8234295001/
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Summerfest is getting a jump start on celebrating its 55th year in 2023, announcing a few promos Thursday and teasing the first headliner announcement.
Select Miller products will be $5.50 every day of the fest from 4 to 5 p.m., and the first 10,000 entrants on opening day June 22 will receive a Summerfest 55 commemorative gift that won’t be sold in stores.
The festival also announced business group tickets will be 55% off through Oct. 31, which includes enrollment in the Summerfest Business Alliance program which includes perks, networking opportunities and more.
A new Summerfest logo has been announced along with a contest to celebrate its 55th anniversary
Dropping business sales coming out of the pandemic have been cited as a factor for falling attendance for Summerfest and Milwaukee Brewers games this year. For Summerfest specifically, group ticket sales dropped 46% from pre-pandemic levels.
Summerfest officials also revealed a new logo for the 55th year, and announced a "Fest Fan of the Past 55" contest. Entrants can share their favorite Summerfest memory, with one winner receiving two nine-day general admission passes, two tickets to an American Family Insurance Amphitheater show of their choice during the festival, a gift card, signed memorabilia item. The contest will launch Feb. 1 with more details to come.
As for the lineup, that will take shape in the coming months, with a likely full headliner reveal in March or April. But the first headliner will be announced Oct. 17, festival officials revealed Thursday.
Is Justin Bieber coming to Summerfest 2023? No official word yet
There's also a chance that Justin Bieber will play the festival in 2023, but that's up in the air. The pop superstar was supposed to play the festival in 2020, but it was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was slated to play this past summer, but postponed multiple dates, including the Summerfest stop, due to partial facial paralysis from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which occurs “when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of your ears,” according to the Mayo Clinic. The late postponement forced the festival to keep the amphitheater dark for only the second time in the venue's history.
Bieber returned to performing in July at a festival in Italy, and upheld scheduled dates through the Rock in Rio festival in Brazil in early September. But after that appearance, Bieber postponed some dates to “take time to rest and get better.”
Earlier this month, tour promoter AEG announced that all dates slated through March 25 would be postponed, and that "the potential new dates will be subject to venue and date availability." The Summerfest show and other North American dates originally postponed this past summer had yet to be rescheduled.
Summerfest will return to Milwaukee's lakefront June 22 to 24, June 29 to July 1 and July 6 to 8.
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2022-10-13T13:19:28Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Summerfest reveals promos, teases first headliner news for 55th year
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/festivals/summerfest/2022/10/13/summerfest-reveals-promos-teases-first-headliner-news-55-year/10484347002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/festivals/summerfest/2022/10/13/summerfest-reveals-promos-teases-first-headliner-news-55-year/10484347002/
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But in the last two polls by Marquette Law School, Democratic incumbent Tony Evers has led the race for governor and Republican incumbent Ron Johnson has led the race for U.S. Senate.
Over the course of the next two decades, however, ticket splitting plunged as voting patterns became more party-line and elections became more nationalized. In 2010 in Wisconsin, only one in fourteen voters split their tickets for governor and senator, according to exit polls.
Based on history alone, Republicans should be in the driver’s seat in both big Wisconsin races. The president’s party has lost the last six races for governor in Wisconsin, dating back to 1998. A Democratic win by Evers over Michels would buck this trend. And the president’s party hasn’t defeated a senator in the “out-party” since 1962. A Democratic win by Barnes over Johnson would buck this trend.
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2022-10-13T13:19:58Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Two parties could split top of ticket in Wisconsin election
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/analysis/2022/10/13/two-parties-could-split-top-ticket-wisconsin-election-senate-governor/10479889002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/analysis/2022/10/13/two-parties-could-split-top-ticket-wisconsin-election-senate-governor/10479889002/
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MADISON - Wisconsin Medical Society leaders are asking health care providers to reach out to lawmakers and “put their money where their mouth is,” with the first election since the overturning of Roe v. Wade less than a month away.
“It is always hard for me to say, but it is politics. It is a game,” said Dr. Wendy Molaska, president of the Wisconsin Medical Society, which includes 10,000 members. “Unfortunately this is how the game is played. We need to put our money where our mouth is."
Molaska said it is imperative for doctors to reach out to lawmakers — especially Republican lawmakers and lawmakers in rural communities — to explain how the overturning of Roe v. Wade is not only compromising the physician-patient relationship but the ripple effect it may have on the state's workforce, specifically doctors no longer wanting to practice in the state.
“We have to be open to playing both sides of the aisle. We have to work on talking to our Republican legislators as much as our Democratic legislators,” she said.
Dr. Jerry Halverson, board chair of the Wisconsin Medical Society, said a “cornerstone of advocacy is helping to safeguard the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship.”
“Any interference to that relationship should be looked at with great skepticism,” Halverson said. “And today’s topic certainly can be considered a prime example of the government driving a dramatic wedge into one of the most personal areas of someone’s health care, reproductive medicine.”
The comments from the board chair and president of the Wisconsin Medical Society came during a Tuesday panel of legal and medical professionals who took part in a discussion on patient care and the legal landscape following the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, which provided patients a federally protected legal right to abortion access.
The Supreme Court's ruling has created a “legally gray area” for Wisconsin doctors, said panel members. That is another reason Wisconsin Medical Society leaders are encouraging health care providers to get active by talking to lawmakers or donating to candidates or political action committees prior to the November election.
That gray area stems from a law passed in 1849 that makes it a felony for someone to intentionally destroy the life of a fetus, said Diane Welsh, an attorney with Madison-based Pines Bach. The only exception is to preserve the life of a pregnant patient.
Welsh said a woman cannot be criminally charged for seeking an abortion or performing her own abortion.
Whether or not the 173-year-old law is now the law in Wisconsin is the biggest question facing health care providers, Welsh said.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and Gov. Tony Evers, both Democrats, filed a lawsuit that challenges the old ban and calls it "unenforceable." The case is pending.
"We don’t know if its enforceable," Welsh said. "That leaves a predicament for health care providers who don’t want to be hauled off to jail to await a criminal trial, while lawyers or judges or legislators figure out what the law is or what it means."
For that reason, the state's four abortion clinics immediately closed following the Supreme Court's June ruling.
"From a practical standpoint, it has had a chilling effect," Welsh said. "Most providers in the state that I’m aware of are choosing to operate as if there could be criminal enforcement — even if they don’t believe it should be enforced."
Angela Rust, an attorney with von Briesen & Roper in Milwaukee, said the criminal statute of limitations in Wisconsin is six years.
Rust said this creates concern for doctors — even in counties with district attorneys who say they will not enforce the old law — from performing the procedure.
Evers said he would pardon or grant clemency if doctors are prosecuted under the state's 1849 abortion law. Both these scenarios presume that the same elected officials will be in office in six years or that prosecutions would happen immediately, Welsh said.
"There is a six-year window (to prosecute)," Welsh said. "That is not adequate comfort for providers to move forward and practice as they always have."
The November election could flip the governor's and the attorney general's seats, replacing Evers and Barnes with Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels and Attorney General candidate Eric Toney.
Michels has said he would sign legislation creating exceptions to Wisconsin's abortion law for rape and incest, despite opposing such exceptions for at least two decades.
Toney has said he wouldn't rule out using state Department of Justice resources to prosecute abortions, even in cases of rape and incest.
Prior to the overturning of Roe v Wade, abortions were legal in Wisconsin up to 20 weeks. Molaska said the point of fetal viability is generally between 22 and 24 weeks.
In general terms, the Wisconsin Medical Society's policy concerning abortion says that an abortion should be considered a "legal, evidence-based procedure."
Molaska said she didn't want to attach a specific time frame for how long abortions should be legally allowed in Wisconsin but said she'd want to see something passed that codified a physician being able to provide "evidence-based medicine where appropriate." It is part of reproductive health, she added.
"If your morals or your beliefs say abortion is wrong, please don’t provide abortions as a provider," Molaska said. "We don’t want to force providers to provide abortions, but we do want our physicians to be able to provide them, if they are comfortable with it."
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2022-10-13T15:31:17Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Wisconsin Medical Society: November elections key to abortion access
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/13/wisconsin-medical-society-november-elections-key-abortion-access/10478373002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/13/wisconsin-medical-society-november-elections-key-abortion-access/10478373002/
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Bice: Ron Johnson comes under criticism over purchase of private plane by his adult children
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson has come under plenty of criticism for voting for then-President Donald Trump's 2017 tax plan.
First, there was the proposal itself, which cut the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and narrowly passed the U.S. Senate.
Then there was the tax break for small businesses and other so-called pass-through entities that Johnson got inserted in the bill, benefiting two of his biggest donors and Johnson himself.
Now here comes a new one.
Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Johnson's Democratic opponent, is going after Johnson for a provision in the Trump tax plan that allows those buying private jets to write off the full amount of their new plane's cost on their tax return.
This summer, Howard Air LLC, an Oshkosh firm owned by Johnson's adult children, purchased a Pilatus PC-24, which is valued at $12 million. Johnson's son Ben and Johnson's wife Jane are listed as managers of the company in corporate records.
In addition, Howard Air also bought a Pilatus PC-12 in 2019 — more than a year after the Trump tax plan passed — and an Embraer EMB-505 Phenom 300 a year later.
Under the Trump tax plan, Johnson's family members may be eligible to write off the cost of those planes. Howard Air owns a total of three single-pilot, business jets.
"Ron Johnson has no problem raising taxes on working people after delivering a tax cut for billionaires as long as his family can still afford yet another luxury plane to add to their fleet," said Maddy McDaniel, spokeswoman for Barnes.
"Maybe if he stopped complaining about only doubling his wealth while in office, he’d notice how painfully out of touch he is with working Wisconsinites who are begging him to stop attacking Social Security and Medicare."
More:Bice: On Twitter, free-wheeling Mandela Barnes called Trump a 'Russian spy' and rejected George Washington as a top president
But Johnson officials said there are a number of problems with the latest line of attack.
For instance, the second-term Republican senator and his wife have no financial stake in Howard Air. The company is owned and controlled by the Johnson Family Trust, an irrevocable trust that was set up for Johnson's three adult children and run by Ben Johnson.
Howard Air has never been listed on Johnson's annual financial disclosure form.
Also, Johnson campaign officials said the airplane tax break had no impact on Howard Air's decision to purchase any of its planes. Howard Air used third-party financing to pay for the jet it purchased this summer and has leased out the plane to another company.
Beyond that, the Senate took no vote on the tax break for the purchase of private aircraft. Johnson has indicated that he was ready to vote against the Trump tax plan over a wholly different provision of the bill, not this one.
Johnson officials say the private airplane provision had no impact on his vote on the Trump proposal.
"Lt. Gov. Barnes must be confused," said Ben Voelkel, a spokesman for Johnson. "It is Ron Johnson who is running to represent Wisconsin in the Senate, not his son Ben Johnson.
"Lt. Gov. Barnes is a career politician who is relying on his dad's work ethic to fill the gaps in his own resume, and attacks like this on family reek of desperation."
Howard Air became an issue in 2020 when Johnson decided to start using a private plane owned by his children's company to travel between Wisconsin and Washington, D.C., amid the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. He paid for the flights himself.
Johnson's decision to start flying the private aircraft, instead of using commercial aircraft, came at a time when he was warning of a "level of unjustifiable hysteria" in the public around coronavirus.
Federal flight records show Johnson took the private plane on 14 roundtrips between Appleton International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in 2020.
Ben Johnson filed the paperwork to create Howard Air in 2016.
"Senator Johnson has been flying to Washington in a private plane for safety and logistical reasons during the pandemic," Voelkel said in 2020. "Before the pandemic, Senator Johnson flew commercial, always attempting to capitalize on low fares, and has done so throughout his time in the Senate."
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2022-10-13T17:33:46Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Ron Johnson's children buy new plane after federal tax break
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2022/10/13/ron-johnsons-children-buy-new-plane-after-federal-tax-break/10485403002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2022/10/13/ron-johnsons-children-buy-new-plane-after-federal-tax-break/10485403002/
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An attempted armed robbery led to a police chase, crash and four arrests in Waukesha, police say
Four men have been arrested in connection to an armed robbery that took place in the city of Waukesha Wednesday night.
According to a Waukesha Police Department news release, two suspects jumped out of a car around 5:25 p.m. in the 400 block of W. Sunset Drive carrying a firearm and demanded personal items and a vehicle from the victim. The suspects were unable to take the vehicle and fled the scene in the vehicle they arrived in.
Police later found the suspects' vehicle driving recklessly in the 2000 bock of South West Avenue. A short pursuit reportedly followed before the suspect vehicle crashed at the corner of South West and Hoover avenues.
Four suspects exited the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued. Three suspects were detained immediately but a fourth got away, according to the release.
Waukesha police searched the area around Mindiola Park for five hours before a K9 unit located the fourth suspect hiding in a truck concealed in heavy brush around 10:15 p.m. The K9 unit was able to apprehend the suspect, the release said.
All four, not from Waukesha, have been transported to the Waukesha County Jail. The release said that police are recommending armed robbery, obstructing, possession of narcotics, eluding and attempted theft charges to the district attorney's office.
The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, New Berlin Police and the Wisconsin State Patrol assisted with the incident.
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2022-10-13T19:28:54Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Attempted armed robbery in Waukesha ends in crash, 4 arrested: police
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/waukesha/2022/10/13/attempted-armed-robbery-waukesha-ends-crash-4-arrested-police/10488347002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/waukesha/2022/10/13/attempted-armed-robbery-waukesha-ends-crash-4-arrested-police/10488347002/
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Guy Boulton
Froedtert Health and ThedaCare have formed a joint venture that plans to build medical campuses, which will include so-called micro-hospitals, in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac.
The two projects, which also will include medical offices, are estimated to cost a total of $111.3 million.
The micro-hospitals each will have an emergency department staffed around the clock and eight beds for patients who require an overnight stay.
Froedtert Health has opened similar hospitals in Oak Creek, New Berlin, Pewaukee and Mequon in recent years.
“We do obviously want to grow as a regional health system,” said Cathy Jacobson, president and CEO of Froedtert Health. “We think we have a lot to offer as Froedtert Health. But we want to do it in a way where we go in with community partnerships who actually know their communities.”
The announcement means that Oshkosh, a city of 67,000, and Fond du Lac, a city of 43,000, each will have three hospitals, including three emergency departments staffed around the clock.
Ascension Wisconsin and Advocate Aurora Health have hospitals in Oshkosh and SSM Health has a hospital in Fond du Lac.
Advocate Aurora is building a hospital in Fond du Lac initially projected to cost $67 million and expected to open in 2024.
Froedtert Health and ThedaCare’s joint venture plans to build the Oshkosh campus on the Fox River in downtown Oshkosh, the site of a major redevelopment.
The campus will be closer to residential neighborhoods than the two existing hospitals, Jacobson said.
The project, which will include an ambulatory surgical center with three operating rooms, is projected to cost $76.3 million.
The Fond du Lac campus is projected to cost $35 million and will be in a retail district.
Construction is expected to begin next spring and be completed in 2024.
Froedtert Health and ThedaCare each will have a 50% interest in their new joint venture.
ThedaCare, which has a hospital in Neenah, now has a presence in Oshkosh. And Jacobson said that Froedtert Health has been drawing more patients from Fond du Lac in recent years.
Froedtert Health has worked to expand its presence in recent years as health systems have consolidated.
The health system has a 25% stake in Froedtert South, formerly United Hospital System, with has hospitals in Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie.
Froedtert South operates as a separate entity but shares an Epic system for electronic health records with Froedtert Health and must adhere to Froedtert Health’s clinical guidelines and quality measures.
Froedtert Health also bought a majority stake in Holy Family Memorial Medical Centers in Manitowoc in 2021.
The joint venture with ThedaCare could be a step toward the two health systems eventually aligning as health systems continue to consolidate.
ThedaCare was long thought of a likely candidate to merge with Bellin Health in Green Bay.
In June, Bellin Health announced plans to merge with Gundersen Health in La Crosse.
Separately, Marshfield Clinic Health System this week announced that it was in merger discussions with Essentia Health, based in Duluth, Minn. Marshfield Clinic Health System previously explored a potential merger with Gundersen Health.
Froedtert’s micro-hospitals — the health systems refers to them as community hospitals — have proven successful and have an average of two to three patients a night, Jacobson said.
The hospitals’ contracts with health insurers have lower rates for emergency services than larger hospitals, she said.
Those hospitals’ emergency departments offer more services for patients.
Froedtert Health had revenue of $3.3 billion in its fiscal year ended June 30, up from $3.1 billion in the previous fiscal year, according to its most recent financial statement.
Its operating revenue fell to $95.9 million, down from $221.9 million in its 2020 fiscal, as the cost of salaries, fringe benefits and supplies increased.
The health system also received $29.6 million in the 2020 fiscal year from the federal CARES Act passed during the pandemic compared with $5.3 million in its 2021 fiscal year.
Froedtert Health reported a net loss of $129.8 million in its 2021 fiscal year compared with a net profit of $580.7 million the previous fiscal year.
The loss stemmed from $225.7 million in realized and unrealized losses on its investment portfolio because of the sharp drop in the stock and bond markets.
Froedtert Health — which has an investment portfolio of roughly $2 billion — posted $358.9 million in realized and unrealized gains in its investment portfolio in its 2021 fiscal year.
ThedaCare had revenue of $1.2 billion in 2021, up from $1 billion in 2020. It reported an operating profit of $48.4 million, up from $23.7 million the previous year. It had a net profit of $177.4 million in 2021, up from $104.6 million the previous year.
More:Froedtert South's emergency department set to close in downtown Kenosha as the health care provider consolidates services
More:$16 million in grants will support maternal and infant health initiatives across Wisconsin
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2022-10-13T19:29:00Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Froedtert, ThedaCare plan medical campuses in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/health-care/2022/10/13/froedtert-thedacare-plan-medical-campuses-oshkosh-fond-du-lac/10487246002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/health-care/2022/10/13/froedtert-thedacare-plan-medical-campuses-oshkosh-fond-du-lac/10487246002/
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More:'I thought we did a great job of battling': Wisconsin volleyball overcomes slow start, beats Purdue in showdown of top 10 teams
Bramschreiber's search for a new school led to the Badgers
Sixth month ago, Bramscreiber wouldn’t have dreamed of being in this position. She was wrapping up her master’s degree in education after a standout career at Baylor as a libero/defensive specialist and looking into her prospects to play professionally.
Until that point she hadn’t planned on playing again collegiately. Baylor had used its scholarships on other players leaving Bramscreiber in search of a new school. Wisconsin, which had just lost All-American libero Lauren Barnes to graduation, had a need at the position.
Adding salt to the wound was the knowledge that University of Washington football player Jaxson Kirkland was reinstated after missing one game or 8% of his regular season due contact he had with an agent as he prepared for the NFL draft.
Though she couldn’t play, Bramschreiber, who is a studying for a Capstone Certificate in Global Health, has travelled with the team and worked multiple times a day on her game. In addition to practice and team lifts, she is typically in the gym for an hour-90 minutes in the morning in addition to getting in extra work immediately before and after practice.
“I spend all my team in the gym with the team, so I don’t get much social activity,” she said. “None of my classes are on campus. They’re all online, so I’m here most of the day and the team has been that family for me, the trainers, the media people that we have obviously the coaches.”
UW coach Kelly Sheffield has been an outspoken supporter of Bramschreiber’s but even he wasn’t sure earlier this week how she might fit into the team’s plans.
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2022-10-13T19:29:12Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Shanel Bramschreiber ready to help Wisconsin Badgers volleyball
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/13/shanel-bramschreiber-ready-help-wisconsin-badgers-volleyball/10485024002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/13/shanel-bramschreiber-ready-help-wisconsin-badgers-volleyball/10485024002/
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Proposed development in downtown Hartland would include boutique hotel, apartments and event space
The Hartland Village Board unanimously approved a concept Oct. 10 for a multi-use building downtown that would house an events space, a boutique hotel, retail space and apartments.
The proposed site is 221 Cottonwood Ave., the northwest corner of Cottonwood and Park avenues, where there's currently a house.
James Kupfer, a real estate investor with Kupfer Investments LLC, and Chris Miller, owner of Miller Marriott Construction, presented the initial concept for the multi-use building to the board.
In total, the building would be four floors with different uses on most of them.
On the first floor, Kupfer detailed a 3,000-square-foot retail space with an entrance on Park Avenue and a separate, 5,000-square-foot events space on Cottonwood Avenue.
The latter would connect with the second floor, which would be a boutique hotel with 23 rooms, each with an average size of about 450 square feet. It would contain mostly king suites.
On the third and fourth floors, there would be a total of 26 apartments, 13 on each floor. These would be eight two-bedrooms at about 1,000 square feet, 16 one-bedrooms at about 800 square feet and two studios at about 600 square feet. The cost to rent is estimated to be around $1.50 per square foot.
The building would also have underground parking for the apartment residents.
"We really want to lean into Hartland," Miller said. "We really want this facility where people can walk the downtown, walk to local restaurants. It’s what attracted my wife and I, and I think that’s one of the amenities as well, that we can help revitalize not only Cottonwood, but also bring more people to Hartland, and I think that helps all of the other establishments as well."
The board chose to bring this forward for initial discussion before going to the plan commission because it wanted it to be public before it began going through the approval process.
"All this means is it will come back to village board after a long process," said village President Jeffrey Pfannerstill. "This does not mean it is a yes vote. It means the village board likes the concept and likes where this is going and thinks this may a be a good idea for the village so much so that it goes to the plan commission."
Discussion was short with hopes that the plan commission can work out the details before it comes back to the board. The few comments made were positive toward the project.
"I think it’s a great thing," said village trustee Rick Conner. "We need to revitalize. I hate to say it, but I think Hartland is behind the eight ball compared to the communities around us and I think it’s time to step up to the plate and get our competition up. I’m all for it."
The board voted unanimously to send the proposal to plan commission, which will take this up for the first time Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. for a concept review.
Kupfer said that if all goes to plan, he hopes to break ground in April 2023 and open within a year from then.
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2022-10-13T21:16:55Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Proposed Hartland building would include hotel, apartments and retail
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2022/10/13/proposed-hartland-building-would-include-hotel-apartments-and-retail/10477618002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2022/10/13/proposed-hartland-building-would-include-hotel-apartments-and-retail/10477618002/
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Three teens were injured after crashing their cars while racing in Greendale, police say
Three teenagers were involved in a car accident near Root River Parkway at Parkview Road while racing their cars on Monday, a Village of Greendale Police Department news release said.
Two teens in one car and one teen in another were racing side by side after school let out, the release said. When one of the vehicles swerved out of the way of an oncoming truck, it struck the other car.
Both vehicles left the roadway, one hitting a tree and one rolling over, according to police. Both vehicles were driven by teenage boys, Sue Zuber, assistant to chief of police, said, and one vehicle contained a teenage boy passenger.
Officers were alerted to the incident after a 911 call made at 3:33 p.m. on Monday, Zuber said.
The teens walked away with minimal injuries "as well as quite a few citations," the release said.
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2022-10-13T21:16:56Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Teens racing cars in Greendale injured in rollover crash, police say
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/southwest/news/greendale/2022/10/13/teens-racing-cars-greendale-injured-rollover-crash-police-say/10476282002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/southwest/news/greendale/2022/10/13/teens-racing-cars-greendale-injured-rollover-crash-police-say/10476282002/
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Bice: Mandela Barnes did several interviews with Russian-funded TV denouncing U.S. police
It's not really news that Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, vying to be the state's first Black U.S. senator, has on occasion strongly criticized American police.
He's made his thoughts known in a number of forums.
But it is news when it turns out that Barnes offered his harsh words about American law enforcement to a Russian-funded media outlet. Barnes, a Democrat, is taking on Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson next month.
Johnson, of course, has had his own Russian problems.
Records show that Barnes did six interviews with RT, formerly Russia Today, in 2015 and 2016, during his second term as a state lawmaker. RT is a Russian state-controlled international news television network funded by the Kremlin.
In May 2015, for instance, Barnes told RT that police brutality is a “total epidemic” in the United States. A month earlier, he posted a screenshot of his interview with RT on the Baltimore protests, commenting, "People are tired of being targets."
In July 2016, after five police officers were shot dead in Dallas in retaliation against alleged racial discrimination by police, Barnes told RT that “police officers across the country haven’t reformed their patterns and practices” and that “police officers are over-exercising their badges.”
Barnes then thanked RT on Twitter for interviewing him.
Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department said RT and another Russian-funded outlet are "critical elements in Russia’s disinformation and propaganda ecosystem."
"The overall goals are to manipulate and weaken adversaries," the State Department said in August 2021. "The main tactics for weakening adversaries are to discredit, divide, disarm, and demoralize them."
The New York Times reported in 2020 that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has stepped up efforts to inflame racial tensions in the United States" ahead of the presidential election.
"Russia’s more public influence operations, like state-backed news organizations, have continued to push divisive racial narratives, including stories emphasizing allegations of police abuse in the United States and highlighting racism against African-Americans within the military," the New York Times said.
More:Bice: Ron Johnson comes under criticism from Democrats over purchase of private plane by his adult children
With the attack, however, Johnson opened himself up to criticism on his dealing with Russia.
RT has run numerous stories on Johnson and his inflammatory remarks on the coronavirus epidemic, his criticism of former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial and his downplaying of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.
Many of these stories are from the last couple of years, not six or seven years ago as in Barnes' case. But unlike Barnes, Johnson did not sit for interviews with RT, it does not appear.
In 2018, Johnson was part of a delegation of eight Republican lawmakers who participated in the first congressional delegation to Russia since the annexation of Crimea four years earlier. As part of the trip, Johnson and the others ended up spending the Fourth of July in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
The group came under criticism from all corners.
In Moscow, the senators have been portrayed as anything from peacemakers to fools," reported the New York Times. "Democrats in Washington were only slightly more generous."
The same story said Johnson returned to D.C. "questioning the value of punitive American sanctions targeting Russian financial interest and urging his fellow senators to reconsider how to best discourage Russian interference.”
Johnson's campaign said the senator has always supported "targeted, effective sanctions to change Russia's bad behavior."
Interestingly, the Russian foreign minister reported a year later that Johnson's visa application was denied and that he was on a list of officials barred from the country.
In 2020, Johnson and others were warned by the FBI in "defensive briefings" that they were at risk of being used as Russian assets.
The warning came, the Washington Post reported, after Johnson used his position as a committee chairman to investigate Joe Biden's dealings in Ukraine while he was vice president and his son Hunter Biden was on the board of a Ukranian energy firm.
More recently, Johnson defended Trump’s decision to withhold $400 million in military aid to Ukraine. Those remarks prompted former national security aide Alexander Vindman to accuse Johnson and others of having "blood on their hands" as Ukraine came under attack from Russian troops.
There's a lot there. But much of this is already known. It's Barnes' appearances on RT that are new.
Maddy McDaniel of the Barnes campaign pointed to Johnson's issues with Russia when asked about Barnes' voluntary appearances on RT.
"Ron Johnson is the only candidate in this race who recklessly ignored warnings from the FBI when they called him ‘a target of Russian disinformation,’ further endangering U.S. national security,” McDaniels said in a statement.
McDaniels said Barnes was not paid to go on the Russian media outlet.
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2022-10-13T21:16:59Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Mandela Barnes did several interviews with Russian TV on U.S. police
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/13/mandela-barnes-did-several-interviews-russian-tv-u-s-police/10487575002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/13/mandela-barnes-did-several-interviews-russian-tv-u-s-police/10487575002/
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MADISON – Keontez Lewis prayed.
If you feared the worst when the Wisconsin sophomore receiver went down during the third quarter of the team’s loss to Illinois on Oct. 1, you weren’t alone. He was worried, too.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Illinois native stretched out to reach a high pass from Graham Mertz and as Lewis landed, his right leg was drilled by defensive back Sydney Brown. Lewis hit the turf and immediately grabbed his knee the way players do when something is seriously wrong.
Lewis couldn’t feel any part of his leg for that matter.
The visual wasn’t promising – he was carted off the field – but in a season when the Badgers have been hit by injuries and hard losses, they wouldn’t take the 'L' this time, not with this injury. Not only wasn’t Lewis’ injury serious, but he didn’t miss a game and was an unsung hero on the play of the day in UW’s 42-7 win over Northwestern last week.
Fortunately the severity of injuries isn’t based on appearances.
“I never speculate on an injury. You don’t know until you get the report from our medical staff,” UW offensive coordinator Bobby Engram said. “I was encouraged on Sunday and Monday when we got the reports back.
“He is a tough guy. East St. Louis, right? He has been through some things. “But he is a good young man. He is tough. He is a worker. He continues to get better.”
Lewis is also lucky. The numbness he experienced in the leg right after the hit was the product of a bone contusion. No ligament damage and thanks to treatment he received throughout the following week, no need to miss any games.
Lewis has been one of the feel-good stories for the Badgers. A transfer from UCLA, he has worked his way into the UW’s two-deep in his first season after not getting the opportunity to be part of the passing game at UCLA.
He caught one pass for six yards in the Northwestern win but give him credit for an assist on Chimere Dike’s 52-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter that gave the Badgers a 14-0 lead.
After Dike caught Mertz’s pass across the middle in stride he turned up field near the Northwestern sideline, Lewis got just enough of a block on the DB covering him to prevent him from making an attempt at running down Dike. Without the block it's not a sure thing that Dike scores.
“At the end of the day, you’re playing football so after you see one of your guys catch the ball, you’re trying to think of a way to get them into the end zone,” he said. “I saw a guy and tried to pick up a block. … being that one person to help your teammate get into the end zone is a real good thing.”
Lewis enters the Michigan State game with five catches for 108 yards and one touchdown. His 21.6 yards per catch is the best on the team.
They are statistics he is glad to have a chance to add to Saturday.
“It was just a little contusion, a little bone bruise,” he said of his brush with a major injury. “Nothing crazy like that. It was a blessing for real.”
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2022-10-13T21:17:15Z
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www.jsonline.com
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UW's Keontez Lewis doesn't miss game after brush with serious injury
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/13/uws-keontez-lewis-doesnt-miss-game-after-brush-serious-injury/10484010002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/13/uws-keontez-lewis-doesnt-miss-game-after-brush-serious-injury/10484010002/
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MADISON - A U.S. House committee investigating an attack on the U.S. Capitol is pushing back against an effort by Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to avoid testifying about his conversations with former President Donald Trump since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.
Vos was subpoenaed by the committee in September for his testimony after two weeks of failed negotiations between the committee and the Rochester Republican for his voluntary participation, according to recent federal court filings.
Now, Vos is asking a federal judge to throw out the committee's subpoena — a request the committee argued should be outweighed by public interest.
"It is difficult to imagine a Congressional investigation of greater national and constitutional significance," attorneys in the U.S. House's Office of General Counsel wrote in a new filing in the matter.
Both parties are scheduled to meet in federal court later this month before U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper of the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
The legal battle takes place the same week the committee unanimously voted to subpoena Trump during a hearing where they presented evidence showing the former president incited the assault on the U.S. Capitol while knowing he had lost the 2020 election.
In the months following the attack, Trump has issued a series of public demands and private requests to Vos to take steps to overturn his loss, even campaigning for a longshot primary challenger that the longest-serving Assembly speaker only narrowly defeated.
At the heart of Trump's pressure is the idea of decertifying the 2020 presidential election, a move that is legally impossible but one a significant portion of Wisconsin's Republican base of voters has pushed Vos to take. Vos has repeatedly rejected the idea, further enraging his party's most motivated voters.
Vos argues that a recent discussion with Trump is not within the scope of the committee. The committee argues Vos' discussions are key to understanding Trump's effort to "undermine the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election."
"The Committee is to investigate the events of January 6th, the events that led up to and caused January 6th, and the impact of those events on the peaceful transfer of power in January 2021," Vos' attorneys wrote. "The requested testimony, in contrast, is solely about a request Speaker Vos allegedly received in July 2022 pertaining to proposed legislative action in the wake of a July 2022 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision."
Vos has talked about his conversations with Trump to news reporters, prompting the committee's interest, according to the filings. His hiring and firing of former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman to review the 2020 election also were used as a basis for the subpoena, according to the court filings.
"These conversations are not the only examples of Speaker Vos’s entanglement in President Trump’s campaign to decertify the 2020 Presidential election results," the committee's attorneys wrote.
"In June 2021, reportedly under pressure from the former President, Speaker Vos hired a former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice to 'audit' the state’s 2020 election results. The subsequent 14-month investigation turned up no significant evidence of fraud, cost the state over $1 million, and concluded when Speaker Vos fired the man he had put in its charge, calling him 'an embarrassment to the state.'"
The committee sought Vos' testimony after Trump made a phone call to Vos in July after the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the use of unmanned absentee ballot drop boxes were illegal.
The ruling governs future elections, however, and does not invalidate votes cast via drop boxes as Trump contends. Drop boxes have been used in Wisconsin for years, including in 2016 when Trump carried the state.
"So what’s Speaker Robin Vos doing on the Great Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling declaring hundreds of thousands of Drop Box votes to be illegal? This is not a time for him to hide, but a time to act!" Trump said in a statement blasted July 19 to millions of followers after his phone call to Vos.
In an interview with WISN-TV, Vos described the call as another push from Trump to persuade Vos to declare President Joe Biden did not actually win Wisconsin in 2020.
"It's very consistent," Vos said. "He makes his case, which I respect. He would like us to do something different in Wisconsin. I explained it's not allowed under the constitution. He has a different opinion, and then he put out the tweet."
Vos argued in his lawsuit that the subpoena "imposes an undue burden" and violates Vos' "legislative immunity from civil process." He also argued details of such communication are protected by the U.S. Constitution.
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2022-10-13T23:05:53Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Robin Vos, House Jan. 6 committee battling in court over subpoena
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/13/robin-vos-house-jan-6-committee-battling-court-over-subpoena-wisconsin/10489986002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/13/robin-vos-house-jan-6-committee-battling-court-over-subpoena-wisconsin/10489986002/
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A tornado that touched down in West Allis and continued into Milwaukee on Wednesday was the first twister to touch down in Milwaukee County in nearly 23 years, the National Weather Service said.
The tornado touched down at 12:19 p.m. Wednesday near S. 105th St. and W. Becher St. in West Allis, according to the weather service.
The tornado continued on the ground and dissipated near S. 57th and S. 58th streets and W. Stack Drive north of Oklahoma Avenue in Milwaukee.
The tornado had peak winds of 75 mph and was on the ground for about 3 miles. It lasted about 10 minutes, the weather service said. It was rated an EF-0 tornado.
The EF scale measures tornado intensity based on the damage they cause.
Other twisters likely touched down in southeast Wisconsin on Wednesday as a brief and unusual October tornado outbreak occurred across the area.
"In the big picture, the idea of having some severe weather with a line of storms moving through in October, is not that unusual," meteorologist Andy Boxell of the National Weather Service in Sullivan said. "But yesterday was certainly unusual in that there was really no expectation that we could see this sort of spin-up tornado activity."
Most severe weather outbreaks in southeast Wisconsin occur in June, July and August. However, September and October also see their share of severe storms.
"We're very thankful," that there was no significant structural damage or any injuries reported as a result of the storms, Boxell said.
The weather service will continue conducting damage surveys during the next couple days to determine how many tornadoes touched down across the region.
Preliminary information on Wednesday indicated tornadoes touched down in or near Brown Deer, Pewaukee, Whitewater, Elkhorn, Franksville and Burlington.
Confirming tornado damage is a fairly involved and somewhat difficult process, especially when there is not clearly defined areas of damage such as what occurs with large, devastating tornadoes.
"These weaker type (tornadoes) will certainly take over the stronger ones," Boxell said.
It may take weather service investigators a couple more days to take a look at all the areas where tornadoes may have touched down, Boxell said.
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2022-10-13T23:05:59Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Tornado in West Allis is first in Milwaukee County in nearly 23 years
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/weather/2022/10/13/tornado-west-allis-wednesday-october-12-2022-first-milwaukee-county-twister-since-2000/10489922002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/weather/2022/10/13/tornado-west-allis-wednesday-october-12-2022-first-milwaukee-county-twister-since-2000/10489922002/
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MCTS bus drivers vote to strike if contract talks fall through, union boss says
The overwhelming majority of union members for the Milwaukee County Transit System voted to strike last week after MCTS presented a contract offer that union members also overwhelmingly voted "no" on.
Donnell Shorter, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998, said Thursday 97% of union members voted "no" on MCTS' latest contract offer.
According to Shorter, MCTS presented the latest offer as the "best and final offer." Because of that, the union also held a vote to decide if members would strike if MCTS is not willing to adjust its offer. Roughly 93% of members voted to strike.
MCTS is willing to sit down again for bargaining in November, spokesperson Anna Schryver said in a statement Wednesday.
"MCTS has made what we believe to be a fair offer that includes minimal healthcare changes and up to a 9 percent wage increase over the three-year period. We also have worked hard to improve the work life balance and safety of our employees. ... We’re still in negotiations and will continue talks in November."
Shorter agrees that the main "hang-ups" right now are health care and wages.
"We're not just saying we need more wages to improve our income, we're also saying those wages need to be there to have the workforce that we need," Shorter said.
According to Shorter, MCTS is currently down at least 60 drivers, which has attributed to MCTS suspending Freeway Flyer bus routes in January and stopping special services like rides to Summerfest this summer.
"We don't get the correct wages to be competitive with other transportation and we're not just talking UPS and other places like that, we're talking other ATU (Amalgamated Transit Union) properties around the country. We know we're behind everyone in wages," Shorter said.
The last Milwaukee County transit strike was in 2015, when drivers engaged in a work stoppage for three days. A strike would impact the most vulnerable residents, as many low-income people rely on the bus to get them to and from places, including work.
Stronger didn't want to comment on the consequences of a strike, but said he is looking forward to further negotiations in November, adding "there's no immediate plans for strike. But like I said, we're doing the necessary paperwork, following the necessary procedures in case it comes to that."
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2022-10-14T00:45:08Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Milwaukee bus drivers vote to strike if contract talks fall through
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/13/milwaukee-bus-drivers-vote-strike-if-contract-talks-fall-through/10491840002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/13/milwaukee-bus-drivers-vote-strike-if-contract-talks-fall-through/10491840002/
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Three weeks to go to the election. One candidate surging in the polls. And one last debate.
It was all to play for Thursday night as Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson met Democratic challenger, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes in their second debate at Marquette University's Varsity Theatre.
Johnson has seized command of the race according to voter surveys, taking a 6-point lead in the latest Marquette University Law School Poll.
The election is Nov. 8. The battle may get fiercer from here on out.
Here are five takeaways (and one bonus) from the debate:
They could have rung a bell to get this thing started
A generational battle over Social Security
"Let me be very clear, I want to save Social Security," Johnson said. "I want to save Medicare. The greatest threat to any government program is massive out of control deficit spending."
Dueling views on abortion
He said he supported going back to Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.
"When it comes to the topic of abortion, it should be up to a woman and a doctor," Barnes said. "I respect everyone’s personal beliefs I don’t believe everyone’s personal beliefs should be the law."
Ukraine creates sparks
Both candidates backed U.S. and Western support of Ukraine in its battle to fend off Russia, which invaded the country earlier this year.
"We need to do everything we can, short of American boots on the ground," Barnes said.
A spat over law enforcement
Barnes responded: "No police were more dispirited than the ones who were present at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6." The majority pro-Barnes crowd erupted in applause, prompting the moderators to call on them to be quiet, as they did multiple times throughout the evening.
The Democratic politician referenced Johnson's attempt to hand Vice President Mike Pence false elector packets from Wisconsin and Michigan moments before Congress was set to certify Joe Biden's victory ahead of the insurrection.
Bonus: 'What do you find admirable about your opponent?'
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2022-10-14T00:45:14Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Takeaways from Ron Johnson-Mandela Barnes U.S. Senate debate
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/13/takeaways-ron-johnson-mandela-barnes-u-s-senate-debate/10487663002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/13/takeaways-ron-johnson-mandela-barnes-u-s-senate-debate/10487663002/
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A number of friends, fans and admirers have began making social media posts to tribute Schank.
"Lord of the Rings" star Elijah Wood called Schank a "legend," adding "Mike Schank forever." Comedian Patton Oswalt tweeted a simple "RIP."
In 1999, Schank gained national notoriety by starring in the documentary "American Movie." The cult film chronicled the life of Mark Borchardt as he set out on a journey to make a short horror film. Schank was Borchardt's best friend and a co-star in the film. He also composed all the music.
Schank went on to star in the 2001 film "Storytelling" and also a TV credit starring as himself in a "Family Guy" episode in 2006.
According to the Milwaukee Record, in recent years, Schank could be seen on Milwaukee's east side "moseying around the neighborhood and offering a friendly hello to passersby."
A close friend to Schank announced his death on Facebook. Jackie Bogenberger told the Journal Sentinel she met Schank at the Milwaukee Alano Club while battling her own addictions.
Roughly three months prior to Schank's announcement, Schank began to tell friends and family that he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Bogenberger told the Journal Sentinel.
Bogenberger said throughout both his battles with addiction and cancer, Schank remained "one of the most kind and selfless human beings this earth was ever blessed with."
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2022-10-14T04:07:59Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Milwaukee musician Mike Schank, co-star of 'American Movie,' dies
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/2022/10/13/milwaukee-musician-mike-schank-co-star-american-movie-dies/10492669002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/2022/10/13/milwaukee-musician-mike-schank-co-star-american-movie-dies/10492669002/
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In the early morning hours of July 26, many St. Louis-area residents awoke to floodwater filling their homes, or to the din of blaring car alarms from vehicles overtaken by murky brown water.
Too much rain was falling far too fast.
The weather system dumped more than 9 inches on St. Louis – about a quarter of the city’s annual average – largely within a few hours. That same week, torrential rainstorms pummeled eastern Kentucky, where up to 16 inches fell and water rushed into people’s homes so swiftly that many didn’t get out in time.
Forty people were killed in eastern Kentucky; two died in St. Louis.
Longtime residents in both regions, no strangers to severe storms and flooding, said they’d seen nothing like it before.
The rainfall totals obliterated previous records in each area by a margin that was difficult for some experts to fathom. It was yet another example that rain isn’t falling the way it used to, with both the magnitude and intensity of extreme rain events increasing throughout recent decades across a large part of the country.
The climate is growing hotter and wetter, and more prone to dumping massive rains on communities whose creeks, streams and drainage systems are not equipped to handle them. That trend, which has escalated flood risks, raises urgent questions about the country's readiness to cope with spiraling and once-unheard-of rainfall extremes.
In the wake of July’s floods, the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk – a journalism partnership that includes more than 14 newsrooms, including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – asked climate data nonprofit Climate Central to analyze 50 years of rainfall patterns.
Findings showed that the eastern half of the United States is getting far wetter on average, with some areas – including parts of the Mississippi River basin – now receiving up to 8 more inches of rain each year than 50 years ago, based on data from the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
And when it rains, it pours. Data on rainfall intensity shows that not only is more rain falling, but it’s also falling harder in many places.
The basin covers more than 1,245,000 square miles, includes all or part of 31 states and two Canadian provinces, and roughly resembles a funnel with its spout at the Gulf of Mexico. It covers roughly the western two-thirds of Wisconsin, and in the southeast extends to the Milwaukee suburbs. Its tributaries in the state include the Rock River, Wisconsin River, Chippewa River and St. Croix River, among others.
Nationally, the rainfall trend is largely tied to heat.
As greenhouse gases from fossil fuels heat the Earth, that warming extends to the oceans and the Gulf of Mexico — a primary source of the atmospheric moisture for the eastern United States. Warming oceans produce more water vapor, and a warming atmosphere can hold more moisture, which can then deliver more precipitation in short windows of time.
That's certainly true in Wisconsin. Temperatures in the 2000s have been warmer than in any other historical period, and five years this century — 2010, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018 — have been among the wettest in state history.
The Midwest is one region absorbing the brunt of all that water. Since 1958, the region has seen a 42% increase in the amount of precipitation that falls during the most extreme events, said Ken Kunkel, a professor at North Carolina State University who studies extreme rainfall and is a lead scientist behind the National Climate Assessment.
That helps drive risks of high water even in some places set apart from increasingly flood-prone major rivers, with widespread flash flooding as a separate – and in some ways greater – danger.
What if it happens again and again?
In part of Appalachia, for example, the North Fork Kentucky River shattered its previous height record by more than 6 feet in July’s flooding, rushing in fast enough to destroy the U.S. Geological Survey sensor designed to monitor the water.
Flash floods have become even more dangerous in densely developed and heavily populated urban settings, said other experts, like Washington University's Criss, who has shifted his research focus more toward flash floods in recent years.
Such flood risks can vary widely from place to place but can be especially pronounced in small, "flashy" watersheds that are unusually sensitive to bursts of incoming water.
In Kentucky, residents were told to expect years of rebuilding. But some, like Mary Cromer of the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, point to the continued threat posed by climate change – giving the difficult rebuild the grim possibility of becoming a Sisyphean task, poised to repeat itself unless certain changes and precautions go into place.
So how can a city retool its infrastructure to withstand stronger flooding? How do people get out of harm’s way?
"Historical data is no longer a good predictor of the future,” Kunkel said.
Facing a no-win situation
Laurie Thomas already knows this all too well.
The Pecatonica River runs two blocks from her mother's stoop in Freeport, Illinois. After a recent two-day deluge, floodwaters reached the basement's ceiling. It was Freeport’s fifth major flood in just the past four years. Thomas and her mother have experienced flooding at least 15 times in the past 20 years.
As increased rainfall and repetitive flooding strain aging infrastructure in many towns, residents along the Mississippi River ask the same question: Do we pack up and move out? For Thomas and her mother, Freeport, a historic Black community on the east side of town, has always been home. Moving is not an option.
“People have always lived over here and there's always been the Pecatonica, but lately the floods, they’ve been worse,” Thomas said. “But they’ve been worse everywhere else, too."
Staying put in the face of flooding can be dangerous and is growing increasingly costly. Property taxes are the largest source of tax revenue for local governments in most states, and as flood risks increase, property values decline. That means less tax support for the local governments.
At the same time, federal funding remains relatively flat, according to data from the Congressional Budget Office. The federal government covers about 40% of general water and transportation infrastructure, but states are left to maintain it.
Without the tax base to maintain infrastructure, sometimes leaving is the only feasible option. But moving away can come with its own pain, whether it involves an individual through a home buyout, or numerous people and businesses through the partial or total relocation of a community.
Relocating a town is “always expensive, complex and contentious,” wrote Nicholas Pinter, a professor at the University of California-Davis, in a 2021 paper.
Paying people to leave their flood-prone homes, meanwhile, has cost the Federal Emergency Management Agency billions of dollars and still won't be enough if the climate gets wetter. Further, a Columbia Journalism investigation found the money doesn’t flow equitably; places with a higher share of residents of color than the national average received about 40% less funding per person. And the buyout process often takes too long. What’s left is not always attractive to the remaining residents.
The cost of relocation
Charley Preusser, editor of the Crawford County Independent newspaper in Gays Mills, remembers the sound the water made as it rushed over the ridge one night more than a decade ago.
It was the first of back-to-back floods of the Kickapoo River that hit the tiny, southwestern Wisconsin town in 2007 and 2008.
The next day, he made his way carefully from his home in the hills to the newspaper office downtown. He used a canoe to get down Main Street. The first thing he saw when he opened the door to the office was a mini-fridge, floating in nearly 3 feet of water like a fishing bobber.
It took weeks for the small staff to get back into the office, where the water and mud destroyed everything but paper archives — which rescue crews had thoughtfully stacked atop a high shelf — and a clock on the wall.
After a second flood 10 months later, Gays Mills secured more than $10 million in federal, state and local grant funding, as well as private money, to move. A few years after the floods, it had a new village hall, library and community center, a mercantile building for businesses, and several houses and apartments situated along Highway 131 overlooking the river’s backwaters, safe on higher ground.
Not everyone agreed with it, and not everyone moved. Even before the historic floods, some noted, the village had flooded 20 times since 1900.
But when the community got walloped with a third record flood in 2018, it was helpful to have fewer businesses and residents in the floodplain, and thus less damage, said Larry McCarn, who was village president during the floods. It also helped to be able to work from the village hall, which was left untouched because it was on higher ground.
Driving into town today, visitors first come upon a general store attached to a gas station, elevated and protected from the river below. Inside, the items for sale include fresh produce, dairy and meat. It’s unusual to have a grocery in a village of this size — population 523.
“If we hadn’t (relocated), there would not be a (grocery) store in Gays Mills,” McCarn said. “There would be absolutely nothing.”
As is common for relocated communities, Gays Mills has sought to stay connected to its history by hosting events in the old low-lying downtown area. The village hosts its annual Apple Festival there every fall, and in the grocery store, a sign advertises square dancing in the old community center once a month.
Relocating communities away from flood hazards on rivers and coastlines has been happening in the U.S. for more than 100 years. For communities that can achieve it, it’s often bittersweet. But it works to reduce flood damage down the line and help drive economic growth.
Soldiers Grove, a small village about 10 minutes from Gays Mills, moved to higher ground in the 1970s. Today, nearby Ontario and Viola are both pursuing new construction in parts of town outside the floodplain.
Whether to stay or leave
Two years after a historic flood in 2019 in which the Pecatonica River rose more than 17 feet, FEMA granted the city nearly $3.4 million so it could buy out roughly 120 properties in the river floodplain. City officials authorized another $1.1 million in matching funds.
Thomas said she’s known her neighbors, some of whom are family, her whole life. The amount the city is offering to leave isn’t enough, she said, plus many are too old to start over someplace else.
At least in Gays Mills and Freeport, money was offered. Pinter pointed to the case of Pinhook, Missouri, a majority-Black community that wanted to relocate wholesale to preserve its social bond after massive flooding in 2011. But they weren’t able to find the support to foot the bill. Residents scattered, leaving behind a veritable ghost town.
“All the activities that used to take place on the east side," she said. "Well, none of those take place now."
Norman didn’t disclose the offer the city made for her home but said she was satisfied. She’s sympathetic to people like Laurie Thomas who don’t want to sell.
For her part, Norman plans to move to higher ground in Freeport.
The city, after all, is home.
Doomed efforts to control the water
Other areas in the basin are exploring different responses.
People have lived along the river for millennia, the benefits competing with the risks. Modern levee systems built in response to flood disasters in the last century weren't designed for the newest risk: increased rainfall caused by climate change.
Municipalities have struggled to keep their residents safe. Many across the basin — like Atchison — are shifting away from traditional mitigation tactics to make room for the water instead. Creative, nature-based solutions might mean river communities look a lot different in 100 years: greener, safer and more sustainable.
Indigenous peoples adapted to the Mississippi's unpredictability. But early European settlers tried to restrain and control rivers — raising natural levees and cutting off the regular flow to floodplains — for navigation, agriculture and development.
These protective measures proved fruitless against what is known as the Great Flood of 1927.
“It was tremendously destructive,” Kelley said. “There were levees all up and down the whole river by '27. But they weren't equipped for floods like that.”
Months of heavy rainfall plunged 27,000 square miles of land underwater after the levee system collapsed. Flood waters didn’t subside for months, killing as many as 1,000 people and displacing more than a half million from Illinois to Louisiana. The overall damage was equivalent to around one-third of the federal budget at the time.
While the 1927 flood largely impacted the Lower Mississippi, the Upper Mississippi had its own reckoning in 1993. Increased rainfall claimed 50 victims and around $15 billion in damage across nine states. More recently, floods in 2011 and 2019 also rocked the region — their relative proximity to each other underscoring the growing influence of climate change, said John Anfinson, author of ”The River We Have Wrought: A History Of The Upper Mississippi."
The country’s primary reaction to these major floods was to continue fortifying levees to protect agricultural and urban areas. That historical infrastructure still defines the basin’s contours. But it is aging, like much American infrastructure, and not built to withstand the new threats.
Learning to work with nature
The Cedar River runs through the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa’s second most populous city. During the flood of 2008, the river drowned the city. Existing levees couldn’t protect the area from a record-setting 31-foot crest.
The Cedar River flood caused an estimated $7 billion in damage and destroyed properties. Residents feared the day the water would rise again. Their new plan? Making more room for the river and integrating flood infrastructure into plain sight.
A new amphitheater, encircled by a berm, doubles as a basin designed to take on water. Further downstream, a levee was moved back a few blocks. Bridges, trails and buildings are being raised higher to temper future flooding. Altogether, the city is opening up 77 acres of floodplain after purchasing 1,400 properties.
Other municipalities across the basin are also embracing waterways in the form of green infrastructure or “nature-based solutions,” said Lightbody, of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Flood-Prepared Communities project.
Communities are opening up floodplains. Cities and towns are enacting building restrictions in flood-prone areas. Governments also are buying flood-prone properties, letting residents relocate to safer locations and converting the areas back to green space.
Research has found that these nature-based solutions successfully mitigate flooding. Buyouts, combined with levee setbacks, reduced flood risks in communities all along the Mississippi River. The resulting floodplains offer opportunities for recreation, ecotourism and increased ecosystem services.
“There's more and more research that's making it more compelling … and it’s often less costly,” Lightbody said.
Still, local political and economic interests prevent more communities from making green adjustments. Giving rivers and floodplains back to nature often means taking space away from future development in seemingly prime riverfront real estate.
Congress has slowly begun to direct agencies to craft programs that offer communities more support. In 2020, FEMA launched the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program geared toward funding locally led projects that fortify areas before disasters strike.
This month, FEMA will have $2.3 billion for such projects — a windfall compared with past years but still a fraction of the $460 billion spent on disaster response between 2005 and 2019. Further, so far, Mississippi River communities have received a smaller percentage of BRIC dollars than coastal states, according to a Headwaters Economics analysis.
The Army Corps of Engineers is also working on adapting its programs, operations and policies. It has established a Responses to Climate Change program, which aims to ensure that future mitigation projects are built with resiliency in mind.
It's all part of the growing recognition that when it comes to protecting against future flood risk for Mississippi River basin communities, levees and floodwalls alone aren’t working anymore. Flood risks will continue to increase until communities make room for the water.
This story was reported by Madeline Heim of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; Bryce Gray of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Connor Giffin of The (Louisville) Courier-Journal; Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco of WNIJ-Northern Public Radio; Keely Brewer of the Daily Memphian; Eva Tesfaye of Harvest Public Media; Brittney J. Miller of The Gazette of Cedar Rapids; and Halle Parker of WWNO-New Orleans Public Radio. All are part of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, an editorially independent reporting network based at theUniversity of Missouri School of Journalism in partnership with Report For America and the Society of Environmental Journalists, funded by the Walton Family Foundation.
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2022-10-14T12:29:52Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Climate change bringing more heat, rain to the Mississippi River basin
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/14/climate-change-bringing-more-heat-rain-flood-mississippi-river-basin/10462119002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/14/climate-change-bringing-more-heat-rain-flood-mississippi-river-basin/10462119002/
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Never, ever, when he was lacing up his skates at the Bradley Center, did Spencer Stastney imagine himself playing across the street at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
He was a little kid from Mequon, just one of the hundreds of awkward youth players who skate between periods of Milwaukee Admirals games throughout every season. What did he know about what might happen a half dozen steps down the line? He was there for the camaraderie with his Winter Club teammates and the opportunity to play under bright lights, in front of thousands of people, rather than dozens, in a building that was erected in the hope of attracting the National Hockey League.
“We were just a big sports family, so we did a little bit of everything,” Stastney said. “I don’t remember being a huge Admirals fan. We’d go to Wave games, we’d go to Admirals games, a little bit of everything. It was always special being here and playing at intermission and being with the team.
“Even, like, we’re not doing anything tonight, let’s go to the Admirals game. Make it fun.”
Fast forward to June 2018. A graduate of the Chicago Mission youth program, a member of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, and a freshman-to-be at Notre Dame, Stastney was chosen in the fifth round of the NHL draft by Nashville.
The bell went off in his head.
“Getting drafted and all of this was pretty surreal in the moment,” Stastney said. “Just getting drafted by the Predators and realizing that wow, their (American Hockey League affiliate) team’s here in Milwaukee, was awesome. That was really cool.”
Four years at Notre Dame served Spencer Stastney well
So fast forward again – through the full college experience – and here is Stastney, lacing up his states at the Arena, across the street from where the Bradley Center once stood, beginning his first full season as a professional hockey player.
“Just looking at my college options, education is something that my family really prioritized,” said Stastney, who went to elementary school and middle school in Mequon but moved to Chicago before high school. “When you go to a school like Notre Dame, you don’t want to leave there without a degree. And going back is something that’s pretty tough. You don’t always know you’re going to have time to do that.
“So I knew going into college – and I was really vocal with the Predators and Milwaukee and they were all very supportive – I want to do four years, I want to graduate, I want to leave there with a degree. Fortunately that’s something I accomplished and thankfully the people here and in Nashville were really accommodating. It’s a proud moment.”
As was suiting up for the Admirals, which he did for two games in the spring after his college season ended, and then with Nashville during training camp.
Speed, skating, smarts and patience will help Spencer Stastney with the Milwaukee Admirals
The smooth-skating, 5-foot-11, 190-pound defenseman is just the second player who grew up in the Milwaukee area to suit up for the team, following Brookfield-raised goaltender Troy Grosenick (2017-20).
The regular season begins with road games scheduled for Saturday at Chicago and Wednesday in Grand Rapids before the Oct. 22 home opener against Manitoba.
“(Stastney) might be the best skater on the team,” Admirals coach Karl Taylor said. “He looks effortless on the ice.
“He’s a strong guy, he’s sturdy, he’s smooth. … He’s got a lot of upside. We’re excited to work with him. He’s very receptive to the coaching and he’s got a very bright future.”
Smiles seem to come easy to Stastney, and hearing of Taylor’s compliment about his skating brought a big grin.
That’s part of his game he believes will help him to progress at this level the way he did in college. Ditto for patience.
“Something you learn at Notre Dame is just playing a smart, simple, well-thought-through game, and I think that’s something I’ll bring here especially when it’s a stronger league, a faster league, just trying to use my speed, use my intelligence and strength,” Stastney said. “Be a smart player out there. Then when I get a chance to do something, try to show what I have.
“But it’s just getting confidence this first year and trying to have some fun.”
Playing four years of college hockey may not be the most common way for a player to make his way to the NHL, although the Admirals do have nine players who have done so, including defenseman Jordan Gross, who also went to Notre Dame.
The route served Stastney well.
He set personal highs in goals (seven), assists (20) and points (27) last season, leading all Irish defensemen. He served as an assistant captain, was named the team’s MVP and blossomed into one of the program’s all-time best defenders.
“I believe, as coaches, when we get them now, they’re a more mature, developed individual,” Taylor said. “He’s not a kid, he’s a young man. Some of the kids coming out of junior, they’ve had billets (host families), they haven’t lived by themselves. This guy’s lived four years by himself and handled all those things on his own.
“The other thing is, if a guy comes out of college earlier, they lose those third years, fourth years, when you’re in a leadership position. You’re in a spot where you’re relied on, you’re a part of the leadership group. Those experiences are important as you move through the pros.”
Plans for life after hockey for Spencer Stastney revolves around finance and film
Something else Stastney has is that degree, which gives him more options should his hockey development stall at some point.
A contingency plan is sometimes viewed as a lack of urgency or commitment on an athlete’s part, but that’s not the way Stastney sees it.
With a double major in business and finance and film – “to stand apart from the rest of the résumés” – he can envision himself working in corporate finance in the entertainment industry at some point. Just not yet.
“I’m all in,” Stastney said of hockey. “But I think it’s healthy for everyone to have passions outside of hockey and that’s some of what this is. But it’s also nice to have that piece of paper there saying this passion, there’s also work involved in that and it’s something that I’ve accomplished.”
Just one more thing that youth player from Mequon couldn’t have imagined.
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2022-10-14T12:30:23Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Mequon native Spencer Stastney glad begins hockey career in Milwaukee
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/hockey/2022/10/14/mequon-native-spencer-stastney-glad-begins-hockey-career-milwaukee/10483969002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/hockey/2022/10/14/mequon-native-spencer-stastney-glad-begins-hockey-career-milwaukee/10483969002/
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Shots fired incident shuts down stretch of I-94, affecting Zoo Interchange
A report of shots fired has closed down a 1-mile stretch on Interstate 94 from the Waukesha County line to Highway 100 in Milwaukee County, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.
The incident was reported at 7:20 a.m. and is expected to last about two hours, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
The closure includes eastbound lanes of Interstate 94 in the Zoo Interchange, along with northbound and southbound ramps from Interstate 41 to eastbound lanes of Interstate 94, the Department of Transportation said.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office did not report any injuries from the shots fired call.
More:Two dead after large van rolls over, catches fire on Interstate 894
More:North-side Milwaukee shooting that killed 12-year-old Olivia Schultz occurred as family returned from grocery store
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2022-10-14T14:26:47Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Shooting shuts down In-94 near Zoo Interchange in Milwaukee County
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2022/10/14/shooting-shuts-down-94-near-zoo-interchange-milwaukee-county/10495108002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2022/10/14/shooting-shuts-down-94-near-zoo-interchange-milwaukee-county/10495108002/
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The remark drew laughs from the crowd as Johnson explained he's been trying to uncover and expose alleged corruption within the FBI.
More:Here's what you should know about Ron Johnson as he seeks a third term in the U.S. Senate during the 2022 midterm elections
More:Here's what you should know about Mandela Barnes, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate vying for a chance to beat Ron Johnson
That briefing came as Johnson had spent much of 2019 and 2020 — when he was chair of the Homeland Security Committee — investigating the activities of Hunter Biden, the son of now-President Joe Biden who sat on the board of a Ukrainian energy company.
He also looked into whether Ukraine had interfered in the 2016 election.
(U.S. intelligence agencies determined Russia intervened in the 2016 election and that Russia tried to blame the election interference on Ukraine.)
"I asked the briefers what specific evidence they had regarding this warning, and they could not provide me anything other than the generalized warning," Johnson told the Washington Post last year. Without specific information, I felt the briefing was completely useless and unnecessary (since I was fully aware of the dangers of Russian disinformation)."
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2022-10-14T16:17:19Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson said during debate that the FBI set him up
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/14/wisconsin-sen-ron-johnson-said-during-debate-fbi-set-him-up/10495277002/
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Friends and family of the student pilot who died in a Wauwatosa plane crash have organized a chess tournament in his honor
An untimely loss in the Brookfield community is continuing to bring people together as a memorial chess tournament will be played in the name of Daniel Perelman — a young pilot who lost his life in a plane crash on May 26.
The event will be held on Oct. 15 at the Embassy Suites in Brookfield, and is sponsored by Brookfield Academy, the Daniel Gives Back Foundation and the nonprofit Power of Pawns — started by Krish Sharma, a friend of Perelman’s and a junior at Brookfield Academy.
When Sharma first learned about Daniel's accident he was devastated, but shortly after he said he was driven by a desire to honor his friend and classmate.
“Daniel was personally someone that I looked up to, so I just want to do something to uphold his legacy in the community because I think everyone knows he had a big impact here,” said Sharma.
Daniel’s father, Benny Perelman, echoed Sharma’s sentiments, saying that the events he does with the newly formed Daniel Gives Back Foundation are a way to make sure Daniel’s presence is not lost.
“What happened, happened and our lives will never be the same, but (the Daniel Gives Back Foundation is) a sort of therapy for us,” said Perelman.
“We just don’t want to let him be forgotten ... five years from now we would like to have his name associated with a continuance of good deeds in the community because that was the kind of person he was.”
Daniel Perelman was a U.S. Junior Open chess champion
A competitive and passionate individual, Daniel’s chess journey started in first grade where he occasionally played chess with his father. As he played more, it became clear that Daniel had a talent for the game, and he was even approached by a Brookfield Academy teacher who urged him to continue pursuing chess.
At 11 years old, Daniel would eventually go on to win the U.S. Junior Open, and as a member of the Brookfield Academy chess team, he would contribute to the school winning a conference championship in 2018.
Perelman said in many ways his son grew up through the game of chess as it taught him many important things about life.
“Chess is about intellect but it is also about character,” said Perelman, “Daniel wanted to win but you can’t always do that, so it taught him how to build confidence and how to think positively.”
Along his chess journey Sharma described Daniel as a kind figure who was always caring for and inspiring others around him. Now as Sharma gets older he says Daniel’s positivity remains with him constantly.
“He was just a good person and I feel the only way that I can live up to his legacy is to carry it on by trying to be the best that I can be,” said Sharma.
Head of School at Brookfield Academy Doug Ricci said he witnessed the impact that Daniel had at his school and is honored to be able to support an event that honors the boy.
"Throughout his life, Daniel Perelman made a positive impact on those around him. While it is heartbreaking that he won't have additional opportunities to share his many gifts, it is wonderful to see how students like Krish have been inspired to share their passions and skills with the community and to honor Daniel's memory in the process," said Ricci.
Daniel Gives Back Foundation will organize more community events
The first annual Daniel Perelman Memorial is just the latest example of how Daniel’s passing has inspired kindness within the community.
The first week after his death a “Deeds for Daniel” movement started in which over 1,000 individuals pledged to commit acts of kindness in Daniel’s name.
Additionally, through the Daniel Gives Back Foundation organized a blood drive in July.
As for what is next for the Daniel Gives Back Foundation, Perelman said he is working with the aviation club of Northwestern to help create courses that will teach young pilots about safety.
Perelman also said he wants to continue doing events that promote social responsibility, because he said these types of events embody the type of person his son was.
For Sharma, he is focusing on his non-profit, Power of Pawns, which seeks to provide chess lessons to individuals who may not have access to them otherwise.
He also said he is committed to making sure the Daniel Perelman Memorial Tournament is held each year. This year's edition, which is open to all ages and talent levels, already has more than 80 players signed up.
Sharma said his friendship with Daniel started at the board and he hopes this event can allow others to have a similar experience.
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2022-10-14T18:04:02Z
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Wauwatosa plan crash victim honored with Brookfield chess tournament
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/west/news/2022/10/14/wauwatosa-plan-crash-victim-daniel-perelman-honored-brookfield-chess-tournament/10478158002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/west/news/2022/10/14/wauwatosa-plan-crash-victim-daniel-perelman-honored-brookfield-chess-tournament/10478158002/
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Corrinne Hess Bill Glauber
The location and the time of the Obama-led event has not been announced by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. But the event comes as early, in-person absentee voting is underway, with Democrats trying to drive turnout in their stronghold of Milwaukee.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Lt. Gov. nominee Sara Rodriguez, Attorney General Josh Kaul, U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore and other Wisconsin Democrats will join Obama, according to a news release.
Obama won the state twice in his runs for the White House, defeating John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012.
Today, he is one of the Democratic party's most sought after campaign surrogates. He was in Milwaukee in October 2018, stumping for a ticket that included Evers, Barnes and Baldwin.
Obama was also in Wisconsin in 2014, endorsing Democrat Mary Burke during her unsuccessful race against Republican Gov. Scott Walker.
The former president's support of Evers and Barnes comes at a crucial time in the race.
Evers holds only a 1-point lead over Republican candidate Tim Michels, according to the latest Marquette University Law School poll.
Meanwhile, Barnes trails Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson by 6 points, according to the poll.
Former President Donald Trump campaigned for Michels in Wisconsin before the primary election.
Democrats said tickets for the Obama event will be available at the Milwaukee Coordinated Campaign Office, 8405 W. Lisbon Ave., beginning Thursday, Oct. 20, from noon to 8 p.m. weekdays and Sundays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
More:Wisconsin Senate candidates Ron Johnson and Mandela Barnes both on the attack in final Senate debate
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2022-10-14T23:02:02Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Obama coming to Milwaukee to support Evers, Barnes ahead of midterms
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/14/barack-obama-coming-milwaukee-oct-29-support-evers-barnes-ahead-midterms-democrats/10496791002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/14/barack-obama-coming-milwaukee-oct-29-support-evers-barnes-ahead-midterms-democrats/10496791002/
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Kostas Antetokounmpo smiled as he sat in front of his temporary locker in the Chicago Bulls locker room in the United Center on Tuesday night. He didn’t know, or at least he didn’t want to say if he did, what might be next for him in his basketball journey.
On Friday, he signed a two-way deal with Chicago and its G League affiliate the Windy City Bulls.
A two-way player can play a maximum of 50 NBA games with the team they sign with.
“Wherever the road takes me, I’m just ready to get better,” he said. “I’m ready to work.”
The deal brings the 24-year-old Dominican High School alumnus back to the NBA and the United States for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign when he appeared in 15 games for the Los Angeles Lakers. Originally drafted at No. 60 by the Philadelphia 76ers out of the University of Dayton in 2018, Antetokounmpo was immediately traded to Dallas.
He appeared in two games for the Mavericks that season. Signed to a two-way deal by the Lakers in 2019-20, he earned a championship ring that season. He also played against older brothers Thanasis and Giannis when the Bucks played the Lakers at Crypto.com arena on March 31, 2020.
Last year, Kostas Antetokounmpo played in Europe for ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne in France. They won the Pro A championship, besting Monaco in five games. In 47 total games, Antetokounmpo averaged 5.1 points and 2.4 rebounds in just over 12 minutes per game.
“Confidence wise, it helps you a lot,” he told the Journal Sentinel. “Just getting experience, being able to make some mistakes so you can learn.”
He then joined Thanasis and Giannis on the Greek national team this summer for World Cup qualifying and the EuroBasket tournament. Youngest brother Alex was part of the national team training camp roster as well.
“It was an amazing experience, an amazing moment that I definitely will cherish the rest of my life,” he said of being able to play with his brothers. “Not a lot of people get to say they played on the national team with three of their brothers. For sure, I was really happy about that.”
Once tournament play began, Kostas was 7-for-9 from the field for 16 points in 27 minutes of action in two World Cup games, but he was injured for most of the EuroBasket tournament (13 minutes in two games).
“Definitely learned a lot about myself defensively,” he said. “I learned that I’m a good switch guy as a big, being able to guard multiple positions. Just energy-wise, I get my energy from defense and offensively it just comes together.”
Kostas Antetokounmpo played four minutes and had four rebounds while scoring two points in Chicago's 127-104 preseason victory over the Bucks last Tuesday.
He won a state title at Dominican High School and was a first-team all-state selection his senior year.
“When I look back on Milwaukee it kind of feels like part of home, you know?” he said.
He pounded his chest over his heart.
“So, definitely have a spot in my heart in Milwaukee for sure.”
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2022-10-15T00:38:29Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Kostas Antetokounmpo signs two-way deal with Chicago Bulls
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2022/10/14/kostas-antetokounmpo-signs-two-way-deal-chicago-bulls/10500174002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2022/10/14/kostas-antetokounmpo-signs-two-way-deal-chicago-bulls/10500174002/
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A vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian near I-43 and Highland Avenue early Saturday morning, the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office reported.
The crash occurred about 3:15 a.m., according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Northbound lanes were closed until about 8:30 a.m.
The sheriff's office had not provided further information about the crash or the driver as of 8:30 a.m.
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2022-10-15T15:44:24Z
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Pedestrian killed in crash near I-43 and Highland Avenue in Milwaukee
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/15/pedestrian-killed-crash-near-43-and-highland-avenue-milwaukee/10508622002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/15/pedestrian-killed-crash-near-43-and-highland-avenue-milwaukee/10508622002/
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A sobering report released last week showed declines in U.S. birds in every habitat except wetlands and called for new conservation measures to help reverse the losses.
The 2022 U.S. State of the Birds Report released last week by the U.S. Committee of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative used the latest bird monitoring and scientific data to assess the status and health of all U.S. bird species, according to its authors.
It was the first comprehensive look at the nation's birds since a 2019 study showed the loss of nearly 3 billion birds in the U.S. and Canada over the last 50 years.
The 2022 NABCI report shows that more than half of bird species are declining and some are at a tipping point toward extinction.
The report used five sources of data, including the North American Breeding Bird Survey and Christmas Bird Count, to track the health of breeding birds in habitats across the U.S.
Findings in the 2022 State of the Birds report included:
Seventy newly identified Tipping Point species have each lost 50% or more of their populations in the past 50 years, and are on track to lose another half in the next 50 years if nothing changes. These species, none of which are currently listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act, include the rufous hummingbird, golden-winged warbler and black-footed albatross.
Hawaii's ten most endangered species are collectively represented by fewer than 5,500 individual birds.
Shorebirds are down 33% since 1970.
The report tells a tale of two trends, one hopeful, one dire, according to the American Bird Conservancy.
Significant declines of U.S. bird populations seen in all habitats except wetlands
Long-term trends of waterfowl show strong increases where investments in wetland conservation, including through the Federal Duck Stamp program and contributions from excise taxes and license sales to hunters, have improved conditions for birds and people.
But data show birds in the U.S. are declining overall in every other habitat — forests, grasslands, deserts and oceans.
More:Smith: Hawk Ridge, a migratory hot spot at the western edge of Lake Superior, is one of world's best spots to view migrating birds
The Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) list, mandated by law and updated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, identified 269 migratory nongame bird species that, without additional conservation actions, are likely to become candidates for listing under the Endangered Species Act.
"From grassland birds to seabirds to Hawaiian birds, we continue to see that nearly all groups of birds and types of bird habitat have declined significantly,” said Martha Williams, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Recovering America's Wildlife Act may help recover declining bird species
The report highlights the need for new funding and support.
“The State of the Birds report paints a grim picture for birds, but it also shows how concerted conservation efforts and investments can recover species," said Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico).
Heinrich is a sponsor of the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, a bill passed by the House of Representatives but awaiting a vote in the Senate. The proposal would provide about $1 billion annually to states and tribes for nongame wildlife management.
"Similar to laws like the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is widely supported and would smartly address the wildlife crisis in this country,” Heinrich said.
To view the full report, visit stateofthebirds.org/2022/.
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2022-10-15T18:25:09Z
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State of the Birds report shows broad declines for many U.S. species
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/outdoors/2022/10/15/state-birds-report-shows-broad-declines-many-u-s-species/10495432002/
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EAST LANSING, MICH. – The table appeared for a big day for Graham Mertz and Co. Saturday.
A week earlier at Northwestern, the Badgers junior quarterback as well as his top receiver, Chimere Dike, had their best days as collegians. Up next on the schedule was a Michigan State squad that ranked last in the Big Ten in pass defense (292 yards per game) and opponent completion percentage (69.4%).
Rather than a big day, the Badgers’ passing game mustered just 131 yards, the second-lowest total for Mertz this season. He completed 14 of 25 passes (56%) with two touchdowns and an interception.
Despite Michigan State's poor numbers against the pass, Wisconsin thought it best to establish the run, Badgers interim coach Jim Leonhard explained.
"As much as their pass coverage has struggled, their front is really good,” he said. “You got to keep them off balance, you have to slow them down up front, can't let them pin their ears back and get to Graham (Mertz). I felt like it was the correct plan offensively to still work through the run game. I thought we executed in the pass game, especially late.”
That strategy was reflected in UW’s approach on first down. The team ran the ball 17 times on first-down plays for 65 yards, an average of 3.8 yards per carry.
The Badgers had just one designed pass play on first down during the first half, though Mertz ran for a 14-yard gain on the play. For the game, he completed 4 of 6 for 38 yards on first down.
Mertz came into the game thinking UW would be able to make more plays with its passing game.
“I think that every week,” he said. “A couple of missed opportunities. We got a couple of third and longs. They had a good game plan as far as dropping out and playing the zones we were trying to attack. It forced me to take underneath stuff and when you’re third and 12 and third and 13 and you’re taking the underneath guy, it’s kind of hard to play in that world.”
Dike led the Badgers in catches (four) and receiving yards (45). He and Mertz teamed up for a 25-yard touchdown in the first overtime that, after the extra point, tied the game, 28-28.
“I definitely feel we could have attacked the DBs, but I trust (offensive coordinator Bobby) Engram and our coaching staff puts us in the best position,” Dike said. “We just have to execute better.”
After completing 6 of 8 passes for 58 yards in the first half, Mertz had more than twice as many throws in the second half.
However, most of those attempts came in third and very long situations (10 yards or more) or second down and at least eight yards to go.
Five times he dropped back on third and long, three times on second and long and once on fourth and goal with 3 yards to go. UW failed to convert on its first four third-down attempts of the second half and was 0 for 3 on those second-down situations.
More:Wisconsin doomed by disjointed effort as Badgers fall to Michigan State in two overtimes
Mertz did hit Keontez Lewis for a touchdown on the fourth-down play that, with the extra point, forced overtime with 1:55 left and he made a sharp toss to Dike for the team’s touchdown in overtime.
“Graham did a great job late in the game (with) some big plays in the pass game to get some touchdowns, so I think it was the right plan and we have to execute a little bit better,” Leonhard said. “It always gets tough. Early in the third quarter (we were) behind the sticks multiple series. It is just hard to get into a rhythm when you are constantly playing from behind.”
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2022-10-16T13:42:44Z
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Badgers lean on ground attack in overtime loss to Michigan State
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/16/wisconsin-leans-ground-attack-loss-michigan-state/10498806002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/16/wisconsin-leans-ground-attack-loss-michigan-state/10498806002/
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Wisconsin poised for a record budget surplus. That could mean good news ahead for tax cuts, school funding and more
MADISON - Wisconsin officials have an unprecedented amount of cash heading into January when lawmakers return to begin writing the next state budget — a game-changing sum that could be used to cut taxes, slash borrowing or transform funding for schools.
Tax collections and lower-than-expected state spending have swelled the state surplus to $4.3 billion — $1.5 billion more than projected in January, according to the state Department of Administration.
The state's so-called rainy day fund, which is supposed to be tapped only during recessions and emergencies, also reached a record $1.7 billion, according to Gov. Tony Evers' administration.
In 2021, Republican lawmakers and Gov. Tony Evers leaned on the state's budget surplus to enact a $2 billion tax cut package that reduced the state's third tax bracket for about half of Wisconsin residents to 5.3%. At the close of the 2021 fiscal year, Wisconsin had a $2.6 billion surplus.
The new budget picture emerges as the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates to slow inflation, which could change how much the surplus grows in the coming months.
Evers on Friday called on lawmakers to take up a plan he proposed in August to provide $600 million in tax relief, including a 10% tax cut for single filers at or below $100,000 in annual adjusted gross income and married-joint filers at or below $150,000.
The average recipient would see an income tax credit of $221 each year in their individual income taxes and the median family of four will receive an annual tax cut of more than $375.
Republican lawmakers rejected the idea.
"It's been fascinating to watch Tony Evers' election-year conversion on taxes. He wanted to raise taxes by $1 billion in his budget. Now, he wants to cut taxes as the political winds change," Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said in August.
“The surplus is further evidence that Wisconsinites are overtaxed while Tony Evers' agencies are asking for more money than the surplus can cover,” Evers’ Republican challenger Tim Michels’ spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement. “When Tim Michels is governor, his budget will cut taxes, support our law enforcement, and give parents more choices and a stronger voice in our education system."
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2022-10-17T11:18:51Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Tax collections give Wisconsin biggest surplus in history
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/17/tax-collections-give-wisconsin-biggest-surplus-history/10496188002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/10/17/tax-collections-give-wisconsin-biggest-surplus-history/10496188002/
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When a group of local Catholics decided to expand their advocacy work outside a Whitefish Bay living room, they had to come up with a name for their new organization.
They settled on “Awake Milwaukee.”
As Catholics who wanted to push for change on the issue of sexual abuse from within the church, the name represented their own views as well as what they hoped to do for others.
“We felt like we were finally awake. We were finally paying attention to something that had been there all along,” said executive director Sara Larson. “It’s also what we’re aiming to do for our broader community: to help people wake up to this reality.”
The group’s ethos is that while the Archdiocese of Milwaukee has come a long way in addressing clergy abuse, more can be done to support survivors and increase transparency. The group has also recently released a list of recommended changes.
Awake is unique among most anti-clergy sexual abuse groups because its leaders are practicing Catholics who want to remain in the church and see it improve.
“Real change and structural change can only come from within, when the laity really is speaking and saying we’re not comfortable with where this is at,” said Patty Ingrilli, a member of Awake’s board of directors.
An archdiocese spokeswoman said the church has put stringent policies in place to prevent abuse, worked with survivors and given anti-child abuse training to 100,000 people.
"No organization in the U.S. has done more than the Catholic Church when it comes to addressing sexual abuse, and incorporating prevention measures throughout the organization," said communication director Sandra Peterson.
'It's about listening first'
A lifelong Catholic with a theology degree, Larson was working at a local parish in 2018 when two pieces of news hit her like a “punch in the gut” and caused her to pay attention to the abuse crisis. The cardinal Theodore McCarrick was removed from ministry over allegations of child sex abuse, and the sprawling Pennsylvania grand jury report was released, detailing widespread abuse and cover-ups.
Previously, Larson believed a narrative she thinks is common among Catholics: Sexual abuse in the church "happened a long time ago, and when we found out about it, we fixed it, and now it's time for us to move on.”
Within a year, Larson had dived into research on the crisis, hosted other local Catholics in her home for discussions on the issue and launched Awake Milwaukee.
The group’s first action was an open letter to survivors, apologizing for the abuse they experienced and for the “many ways your abuse was ignored, minimized, and covered up.” Dozens of local Catholics, including priests and deacons, signed on.
Most of the group’s founders weren’t survivors of abuse or close family or friends of survivors. But they were people of faith who cared.
“We were people who maybe had been part of the problem by not caring enough about this, and not learning and not taking action earlier,” Larson said.
Ingrilli, a Brookfield Catholic who’d served as chair of her parish council, got involved because it was important to raise her three sons in the church, she said.
“I needed the Catholic Church to be a safer place than what I felt it was,” she said.
Awake has four areas of focus: education, prayer, advocacy and survivor support.
Educating "Catholics in the pews" about “the full reality of sexual abuse” in the church is key, Larson said. Awake runs a blog and hosts regular panel discussions with survivors and experts.
It’s been painful that some Catholics don’t support Awake’s mission, she said.
“We really think that a lack of understanding is a huge part of the problem,” she said.
Awake also runs support groups for survivors of clergy abuse. The virtual groups have drawn survivors from across the U.S. and Canada, Larson said. Not all experienced abuse within the Milwaukee archdiocese.
Most of the survivors have remained in the church and were looking for a place to be honest about the crisis while remaining “rooted in faith and hope,” Larson said.
“People want to be heard, and they want to be believed. That is the foundation of everything we do,” Larson said. “It’s about listening first.”
More:At funeral Mass for former Archbishop Weakland, some pray for forgiveness while others slam legacy of abuse coverup
Group compiled list of recommendations
Awake recently released a list of recommended policy changes for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Among the recommendations: publish an online list of all priests credibly accused of abuse in the archdiocese, including visiting priests and those from religious orders – the current list only includes diocesan priests; publish twice-annual reports detailing the work of two oversight boards; and acknowledge the sexual abuse of adults, not only children, in Archdiocesan documents.
Each recommendation includes reasoning for why Awake leaders believe it should be implemented, as well as examples of dioceses that have implemented it.
“We really wanted to focus on things that, from what we understand, are very possible,” Larson said.
While some changes may seem minor, they can have a big impact on survivors, Larson said. Take the suggestion to list all credibly accused priests online.
She says that an average parishioner likely would make little distinction between a diocesan priest and, for example, a priest who was ordained in the Archdiocese of Chicago but was working at a church in Milwaukee.
A survivor “could go looking and say, ‘my abuser is not on this list,’” Larson said.
And while so-called extern and religious-order priests aren’t directly accountable to the Milwaukee archbishop, “it’s just a really good way to increase transparency about the full scope of abuse that happened in our archdiocese,” Larson said.
The archdiocese says it does not list extern and religious-order priests because it has no way of knowing key details about abuse allegations against such priests and how they were investigated. "There is also no certainty that the Archdiocese would be informed of allegations against every priest who worked at some point in the Archdiocese," the statement said.
Another of Awake's recommendations is to be more public about the work of two lay-led oversight boards, which provide advice to the archdiocese on its clergy abuse policies and whether people are fit to serve in ministry.
In response to a reporter's question about the recommendation, the archdiocese spokeswoman said the Community Advisory Board includes survivors of abuse, victim advocates, professional psychologists and therapists, and members of law enforcement.
The board meets regularly and "serves as an instrument of education and vigilance and as a pathway of archdiocesan accountability to the larger community," Peterson said.
Especially important to Larson is the recommendation to expand protections for child victims to adults. It’s not just children who are vulnerable to power differentials, she said: women in religious orders, adult seminarians and lay leaders also suffer sexual abuse.
“I've come to believe that the abuse of adults in the church is that it’s happening on a really broad scale today and still being tremendously mishandled by the church,” Larson said.
Awake Milwaukee has not received a response after sharing the recommendations with archdiocese officials.
“My hope is at least that they can see that the recommendations have merit and that even if they don't directly respond to us, that it just makes them think,” Ingrilli said.
Ingrilli led a campaign last year to ask the archdiocese to ban liturgical music from David Haas, a widely known contemporary composer who was accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of women. Officials didn’t reply. The decision whether to play Haas’ songs falls to individual parishes.
In response to a reporter's questions about the lack of response to Awake's leaders, Jerry Topczewski, chief of staff for the archdiocese, issued a statement:
"We are always open to input from professionals regarding the Church’s considerable and ongoing efforts assisting those who were victims of clergy sexual abuse of minors, while also remaining vigilant in our abuse prevention and safe environment efforts."
More:'This is criminal evidence': Advocates deliver boxes of documents regarding clergy abuse to attorney general
More:Wisconsin's attorney general is investigating the handling of clergy abuse claims. Six months in, here is what we know.
Catholicism 'part of the fabric of my life'
Even as they find little traction with archdiocesan officials, Awake’s leaders remain committed to their cause as well as their faith.
It hasn’t been easy.
“I had no idea, when I said yes to this, how much it would break my heart,” Larson said. “The depth of the pain and the depth of the wounds that are still present in the church is just not something that I understood.”
For Ingrilli, the group’s work has been personal. She found her great-uncle’s name on the Green Bay Diocese’s list of credibly accused priests. Her priest working at her hometown parish in Kiel, a Salvatorian from the Buffalo diocese, was also accused of abuse but wasn’t removed from ministry until decades later.
The discoveries galvanized her to make a difference within the church. She didn’t consider leaving it.
“That is part of the fabric of my life. That is very much who I am. I can't imagine not having it,” Ingrilli said.
Ultimately, Ingrilli hopes Awake’s work prompts enough change that people who have left the church feel comfortable enough to return.
It’s her way of evangelizing, she said.
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2022-10-17T11:19:03Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Catholic anti-sexual abuse group Awake Milwaukee presses for change
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2022/10/17/catholic-anti-sexual-abuse-group-awake-milwaukee-presses-change/8189148001/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2022/10/17/catholic-anti-sexual-abuse-group-awake-milwaukee-presses-change/8189148001/
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Milwaukee man faces charges in shooting at the Shorewood Metro Market and police chase that lasted 8 miles
A 32-year Milwaukee man is facing charges after a nonfatal shooting at the Shorewood Metro Market and a police chase that lasted more than 8 miles before ending in a crash.
Patrick Key was charged in Milwaukee County Circuit Court with first-degree reckless injury with a modifier of using a dangerous weapon, and two counts of fleeing an officer with bodily harm or property damage; all felonies.
If convicted, Key could face more than 35 years in prison and fines of more than $100,000. His next court appearance is Monday, Oct. 17, at the Criminal Justice Facility for a preliminary hearing.
On Sept. 17 around 6:45 p.m., Shorewood police officers were dispatched to the Metro Market, 4075 N. Oakland Ave., for a shooting complaint. Officers located the victim at the nearby Walgreens with an apparent gunshot wound to his left wrist. He was taken to the hospital.
At the hospital, the victim said he had fought with Key earlier in the day. At the store, Key showed the victim that he had a handgun in his waistband. The victim pushed and hit Key, and a struggled ensued.
The victim eventually ran away to the parking garage and tripped, and Key caught up to the victim and put him into a chokehold from behind. During the struggle, the gun was knocked free, the victim grabbed it by the barrel and Key pulled the trigger and shot the victim through the wrist.
Key got into a black Hyundai vehicle and took off. An officer pursued the vehicle, turning from Oakland Avenue on to Capitol Drive at a high rate of speed.
The pursuit lasted 8.35 miles, went through multiple jurisdictions and reached speeds of 110 mph.
Key crashed into another vehicle with two occupants in front of Reservoir Park on North Avenue. After the crash, officers located Key in the driver's seat of the vehicle. Key suffered injuries and was later taken to the hospital.
The two occupants in the other vehicle were also transported to the hospital for injuries. Officers located a firearm on Key and a second firearm on the passenger side floorboard.
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2022-10-17T16:31:31Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Milwaukee man charged in Shorewood Metro Market shooting, police chase
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/northshore/2022/10/17/milwaukee-man-charged-shorewood-metro-market-shooting-police-chase/10496535002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/northshore/2022/10/17/milwaukee-man-charged-shorewood-metro-market-shooting-police-chase/10496535002/
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The new Powerline Trail in Greenfield is now open for runners, walkers, bicyclists and others
It's open.
The first phase of the Powerline Trail, a new paved, shared-use path in Greenfield, is now open for running, walking, bicycling and other forms of recreation.
The 3-mile segment connects to the Oak Leaf Trail near South 105th Street and West Cold Spring Road and extends east within the We Energies power line corridor to South 60th Street.
Construction on the 10-foot-wide trail began in the spring and a grand opening ceremony was held Oct. 5.
Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke cut the ceremonial ribbon and said the moment was a long time in coming.
"We’ve been working on making this trail a reality for decades," Neitzke said in an email. "It was great to see the many that worked so long and hard actually standing on a real trail. I know I felt great about it after almost 25 years."
Construction of Phase 1 cost $1.54 million, with a state Department of Transportation grant covering $1.23 million and the city funding $308,000.
Neitzke said the city has secured grant funding for the next phase of the trail, Phase 2, which will extend the path from 60th Street east to Pondview Park, just east of 35th Street.
Construction of Phase 2 could take place in 2024, if all goes according to plan, he said.
The hope is to ultimately extend the trail all the way to Lake Michigan.
The trail will be part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Route of the Badger, a plan for a 700-mile inclusive regional trail network in southeastern Wisconsin.
Neitzke said reaction to the trail's opening has been overwhelmingly positive.
"I have received nothing but enthusiastic feedback, even by a couple of early doubters," he said. "The best feedback that really matters is seeing people using it every time I’ve driven by. That’s real success."
More:Construction of the new Powerline Trail in Greenfield is expected to start this spring and be completed by fall
More:Greenfield gets a $1.2 million boost to build new Powerline recreational trail
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2022-10-17T16:31:37Z
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www.jsonline.com
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The Powerline Trail, a paved recreational path in Greenfield, is open
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/southwest/news/greenfield/2022/10/17/powerline-trail-paved-recreational-path-greenfield-open/10486478002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/southwest/news/greenfield/2022/10/17/powerline-trail-paved-recreational-path-greenfield-open/10486478002/
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After a two-year hiatus, the CP Holiday Train is back with stops planned for Oconomowoc, Wauwatosa and Hartland
Twenty-three years ago, onlookers waited eagerly for just a glimpse of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train's sparkling lights and decorations to whizz by. Since then, waiting for the CP Holiday Train has become an integral part of Canadian and North American families' holiday traditions.
Today, the 1,000-foot-long train is covered in thousands of LED lights and holiday-themed decorations, and musicians perform right out of a box car's drop-down stage.
After the pandemic halted the tradition from being in-person for two years, the train is back with 13 stops planned for Wisconsin, featuring musicians Alan Doyle and Kelly Prescott, including:
Concerts are free to attend, but all money and nonperishable food items donated go to local food pantries, sticking with why the holiday train began in the first place: to help feed those in need.
CP decided on the train's mission in 1999 after they asked employees what causes they'd like to see supported in their communities.
"And the feedback that we got from employees was that issues of hunger and food security are issues that are relevant in every community, and affected their neighbors," CP spokesman Andy Cummings said.
The holiday train has raised more than $21 million and collected 5 million pounds of food for community food banks across North America, Cummings said.
"What we really like to see is the community coming out and supporting the local food bank, and that's why we work to try and bring great acts out and to make the train look nice," Cummings said.
The Milwaukee area is one of Cummings' favorite places to stop.
"I would say that the turnout, particularly in the Milwaukee area shows, and the enthusiasm, is just really high," he said.
The 2022 tour will launch on Nov. 23. For the full schedule, go to cpr.ca/holidaytrain.
More:The 2021 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, which stops in Hartland, Oconomowoc and Wauwatosa, will again be virtual this year
More:The Holiday Train is coming back to Wisconsin in 2019; here's where you can find it
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2022-10-17T18:46:53Z
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www.jsonline.com
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CP Holiday Train plans stops in Oconomowoc, Hartland and Wauwatosa
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2022/10/17/cp-holiday-train-plans-stops-oconomowoc-hartland-and-wauwatosa/10522894002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2022/10/17/cp-holiday-train-plans-stops-oconomowoc-hartland-and-wauwatosa/10522894002/
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First, Wisconsin's Republican attorney general candidate Eric Toney suggested the Department of Justice prosecute cases in Milwaukee. Now, he would like to give district attorneys the power to cross county lines to prosecute abortion cases.
District attorneys in Wisconsin are not allowed to prosecute cases outside of their jurisdictions unless requested by that county's district attorney.
Toney, who is currently serving as the Fond du Lac County district attorney, has built his campaign on a tough-on-crime prosecutor.
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2022-10-17T18:46:59Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Eric Toney says DAs should cross county lines to prosecute abortion
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/17/eric-toney-says-das-should-cross-county-lines-prosecute-abortion/10523454002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/17/eric-toney-says-das-should-cross-county-lines-prosecute-abortion/10523454002/
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Bill Glauber Daniel Bice Molly Beck
More:Wisconsin U.S. Senate election updates: Diane Hendricks gives $9.4 million to pro-Johnson Super PAC
Johnson officials noted that all major campaigns hire law firms. They noted that Barnes' campaign has paid out more than $88,000 to the Elias Law Group since December. Marc Elias, the head of the firm, has been involved in a number of recounts for Democratic campaigns over the years.
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2022-10-17T20:56:13Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Ron Johnson campaign hires Donald Trump 2020 election attorney Troupis
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/17/ron-johnson-campaign-hires-donald-trump-2020-election-attorney-troupis/10526040002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/17/ron-johnson-campaign-hires-donald-trump-2020-election-attorney-troupis/10526040002/
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Emotional Wisconsin captains Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton 'needed a break' before discussing the Badgers' loss at Michigan State
MADISON – Of the players who were requested to meet with reporters after Wisconsin’s crushing loss to Michigan State, two were conspicuous by their absence:
Outside linebacker Nick Herbig and nose tackle Keeanu Benton.
“I talk to you guys all the time,” Herbig said Monday during UW’s weekly media session. “I give you guys my all every time. I appreciate you guys taking time out of your day to come and talk to me.
“But after a game like that, man … I’m an emotional guy. I just figured it would be best for me not to speak directly after the game. I’d rather just sleep on it and let it flush out of my system a little bit.
“I don’t think it would have been good to talk to you all after the game.”
What was the junior feeling after the 34-28 loss, which was secured when UW surrendered a 27-yard touchdown pass in the second overtime?
“I mean, kind of in disbelief,” he said. “We worked our tails off. Had a good week of practice. I thought we were playing a good game. For it to happen like that kind of sucks to see that one slip out of your reach.
“That’s tough. That is tough to lose like that.”
Benton shared similar reasoning.
“Of course, I wasn’t very happy,” he said. “And I didn’t think it was in the best interest for me to talk because of my emotions and the way I was feeling after the game. …
“I wasn’t out there. But me personally, my mental (state) wasn’t right. I needed a break so I didn’t do the interviews.”
What was he feeling that night?
“Like it would be after a loss in double-overtime,” he said. “It’s tough. You feel like your guys should have came out with the win and we didn’t …
Benton recorded one solo and five total tackles despite being limited because of a right knee injury he suffered one week earlier at Northwestern.
“I love this team,” he said. “I’d do anything for it.”
Herbig acknowledged the in-season firing of Paul Chryst and the losses have taken a toll.
“It has been a roller coaster, to be honest with you,” he said. “I’d be lying if I said everything was good. But as a leader, as a captain I’ve got to hold it together. I’ve got to hold it down for this team regardless of how I’m feeling.
“This is my team and I’m going to continue to lead them the best I can. I’m going to put my pads on every Saturday and I’m going to go out there and make something happen.”
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2022-10-17T20:56:19Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Wisconsin captains Herbig, Benton quiet after Michigan State loss
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Bucks' legend Brandon Jennings, the inventor of "Bucks in 6," will be stopping by a handful of Milwaukee bars on Thursday ahead of the team's season opener.
This is one of the events/promotions the Bucks announced Monday for tipoff week, presented by Michelob ULTRA.
Milwaukee is taking on the 76ers in Philadelphia on Thursday night. The Bucks home opener comes on Saturday against the Houston Rockets at Fiserv Forum.
According to a news release from the Bucks, Jennings and the "Bucks Bar Tour" will be visiting:
Brother’s Bar & Grill, 1213 N. Water St., from 3:30 to 4 p.m.
The Harp Irish Pub, 113 E Juneau Ave., from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.
Milwaukee Brat House, 1013 N. King Drive, from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
The MECCA Sports Bar and Grill, 1134 Phillips Ave., from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. A watch party will also be held there. Reservations can be made at themeccamke.com/event/bucks-watch-party.
The "Bucks in 6" prophecy came along long before the Bucks won the 2021 NBA Finals in six games against the Phoenix Suns.
In 2013, then-Bucks guard Jennings was asked about his confidence level going into the team's first-round playoff series with the Miami Heat, according to a previous Journal Sentinel report.
Jennings had been with the team since 2009, when he was selected as the 10th overall draft pick.
"I'm real confident," Jennings said. "I'm sure everybody is writing us off but but I see us winning the series in six."
They didn't. But local fans embraced the sentiment, even after Jennings departed.
He would return to the Bucks in 2018 as a reserve, and later as a good-luck charm during the team's 2021 championship run.
Other festivities for Bucks tipoff week will include:
A digital scavenger hunt around the city will be held on Wednesday. Prizes will include tickets to the Bucks’ home opener in the ULTRA Club on the Upper Concourse. More info will be available on the Bucks' Twitter.
Select area businesses will light up green at night. Fans are encouraged to sport green and cream on the first two gamedays of the season to show their support.
On Saturday, a Michelob ULTRA mobile bar will be at the Deer District's plaza from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. A DJ and other members of the Bucks Entertainment Network will perform.
For more info on these and other tipoff week happenings, visit nba.com/bucks/news/milwaukee-bucks-unveil-full-slate-of-events-and-promotions-to-tip-off-2022-23-season.
RELATED:Here are the Milwaukee Bucks' giveaways and theme nights for the 2022-23 season
JR Radcliffe of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.
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2022-10-17T20:56:25Z
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Brandon Jennings to visit Milwaukee bars ahead of Bucks' season opener
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2022/10/17/brandon-jennings-visit-milwaukee-bars-ahead-bucks-season-opener/10525593002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2022/10/17/brandon-jennings-visit-milwaukee-bars-ahead-bucks-season-opener/10525593002/
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Suburban Milwaukee school districts fare better than statewide numbers when it comes to enrollment
Most suburban Milwaukee area public school districts are ahead of the state enrollment average, based on headcount data released recently by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Statewide, public school district enrollment dropped by about 0.85% from last school year to this year, according to preliminary data from the DPI.
Compared to September 2019 — before the pandemic — to September 2022, school district enrollment statewide declined by almost 36,500, a drop of almost 4%.
In suburban Milwaukee, about 27 of 41 public school districts had either enrollment increases or smaller declines than the state numbers reflect for the last school year.
Growing school districts
The Merton Community School District had the largest enrollment increase in terms of percent change, growing by almost 7% — 58 students — from 2021 to 2022, going from 863 students to 921 students. Since September 2019, the district has increased its enrollment by 69 students.
Merton Superintendent Ronald Russ said there has been an increase in housing and subdivision development in the district, as well as an increase in the number of students opting into the district through open enrollment.
Russ noted that the district has added offerings to its vocational, career and technical education programs, such as a woods shop, metals lab, robotics, family and consumer education, a new art studio, improved band and music offerings and improved athletic and physical education facilities.
"We've got a lot to showcase here. So when we do the tour of schools with families when they're looking for that next home or where they'd looking to settle down, we've done some pretty significant educational improvements to really attract some quality people here for families," said Russ.
Another growing district is St. Francis, which increased almost 6% from 2021 to 2022, going from 1,009 students to 1,067 students, an increase of 58 students and just under its 2019 pre-pandemic enrollment of 1,075.
Glendale-River Hills increased its enrollment from 968 students in 2021 to 1,014 students in 2022, an almost 5% increase.
Grafton's enrollment increased by just over 3% from 2021 to 2022, going from 2,043 to 2,107 students..
Shrinking school districts
In 14 suburban Milwaukee districts, enrollment dropped more than the state average.
One of those districts is the K-8 Stone Bank School District, which recorded an almost 9% enrollment decline from 2021 to 2022.
The nearby K-8 Richmond School District, also in Waukesha County, recorded a 3.78% enrollment decline from 2021 to 2022.
Elsewhere in the suburbs, South Milwaukee and Palmyra-Eagle each recorded a 3.54% enrollment decline from 2021 to 2022; Port Washington-Saukville and Cudahy each had just over a 3% decline from 2021 to 2022.
The West Allis-West Milwaukee School District had just over a 2% decline from 2021 to 2022. Since September 2019, the district has dropped 862 students.
The Kettle Moraine School District had an almost 3% decline from 2021 to 2022, a loss of 102 students, declining from 3,570 to 3,468.
Where are students going?
Across the state, there are 10 more independent charter school options this year than there were in 2019, giving families 35 schools to choose from.
Homeschooling has become more popular too. Across Wisconsin, homeschooled students have increased by 9,400, or 47%, since the 2015-16 school year.
To look up your district, visit wisedash.dpi.wi.gov.
Reporter Danielle DuClos contributed.
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2022-10-17T22:55:34Z
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How are suburban Milwaukee school districts trending?
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2022/10/17/how-suburban-milwaukee-school-districts-trending/10499162002/
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A former school on Milwaukee's north side would be converted into 48 apartments under a plan that's received an initial city approval.
A former school on Milwaukee's north side would be converted into 48 apartments under a revised proposal that's received an initial approval from city officials.
The historic former Carleton Elementary School, 4116 W. Silver Spring Drive, would be redeveloped into 30 apartments.
Also, 18 new townhouses would be built just north of the school building.
The $18 million development, known as Historic Patterson Place, would be partly financed with federal affordable housing tax credits as well as historic preservation credits.
Developers that obtain the affordable housing tax credits, which are provided through an annual competition, must generally rent 85% of their units at below-market rents to people earning no more than 60% of the area median income.
The Plan Commission on Monday recommended a zoning change for the development. That zoning change needs Common Council approval.
The commission took its 5-0 vote after hearing opposition from some nearby residents, who said the development would be too dense for the site.
The development firms, AndersonWebb LLC and Wisconsin Redevelopment LLC, reduced the number of units and made other changes in response to concerns from neighbors first raised at a 2019 Plan Commission hearing.
Their plans initially called for 60 units, including 30 townhomes, said Sherry Terrell-Webb, of AndersonWebb.
Other changes include eliminating several curb cuts for driveways for the townhouses; adding more green space, and providing exterior security cameras, said Tina Anderson, of AndersonWebb.
The townhouses would be available under a rent-to-own program that allows tenants to eventually buy the units. Each townhouse would have three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an attached garage.
Prospective tenants at Historic Patterson Place would likely include municipal employees, retail workers and construction workers, Terrell-Webb said.
The developers' other projects include Mitchell Street Lofts, an affordable apartment building at 1948 W. Mitchell St.
Carleton School was built in 1917, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. It has been vacant since 2005.
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2022-10-17T22:55:41Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Former north side school to be converted to 48 apartments
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2022/10/17/former-north-side-school-converted-48-apartments/10527127002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2022/10/17/former-north-side-school-converted-48-apartments/10527127002/
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Madeline Heim Caitlin Looby
The Wisconsin River is known as the hardest-working river in America. Winding its way from the state's northernmost counties to its confluence with the Mississippi River near the Iowa border, it contains 26 dams providing electric power and is bordered by paper mills, farms and more than 70 municipalities.
In the 1970s, it was overworked. Waste from businesses, towns and agricultural lands polluted the water, choking off oxygen for fish and creating a sludge in some places that small animals could walk across. In other places, foam created by chemical discharge sat so tall atop the water that it could have covered a canoe.
Almost everyone turned their back on the river in those days ― sometimes literally, recalled Bob Martini, a former Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources employee who led its clean-up efforts. Buildings in Wausau didn't have windows on the side that faced the river because of the sight and smell.
Today, though, things are much different. Wausau boasts a prospering River District, with a world-class kayaking course and several guided fishing opportunities on the river.
RELATED: How a Supreme Court case about an Idaho couple could affect Wisconsin’s wetlands and waterways
RELATED: ‘I had to speak up’: Two Northwoods friends push Wisconsin DNR to protect lakeshore forests
Martini believes the federal Clean Water Act was integral to turning things around.
The nation's primary law designed to address water pollution passed 50 years ago Tuesday when Congress overrode a veto by then-President Richard Nixon to put the landmark legislation in place. Since then, it's been called one of the greatest successes in environmental law, driving big improvements in water quality with its goal of making the waters of the United States safe for fishing and swimming.
But the strength of the Clean Water Act is tested all the time ― including in a case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court just two weeks ago that could chip away at its protections. Meanwhile, others argue it doesn't go far enough to address different problems that plague Wisconsin's waterways.
Wisconsin’s waterways made a comeback
People were worried about the state of the Wisconsin River long before the Clean Water Act was passed ― in fact, a local newspaper’s editorials were already decrying its quality in the late 19th century, Martini said.
But making suggestions for cleaning up pollution without any regulatory authority wasn’t working, he said. The state was spending millions of dollars trying to offer technical assistance, education and cost-sharing programs to incentivize polluters to do a better job but there was little impact.
The water act gave them the authority to establish discharge permit limits for the mills and municipalities, which ultimately helped them cut back more than 90% of the waste from what was discharged into the river.
Mills had previously resisted because they said they didn’t have the technology to do so, Martini said, but new tech sprung up in Wisconsin to handle what the water act dictated.
“Every way you could measure water pollution, we had the worst of it on the Wisconsin River when I started,” Martini said. “Now, it’s a very good-quality river.”
Other water bodies in and adjacent to Wisconsin can claim similar victories.
The Fox River, which flows through other historic papermaking towns into the bay of Green Bay, was described as a “flowing sewer” before the 1970s, and swimming at the popular Bay Beach was prohibited in 1945 due to the harmful contaminants pouring into the waters. Today, the river has completed a multi-year cleanup of toxic chemicals and swimming may be possible by next summer.
The water act also laid the foundation to help restore the Great Lakes and all of the waterways that flow into it, and reduced industry pollution in the Mississippi River that began in factories and cities in Wisconsin and across the Midwest. A 2021 Louisiana State University study even showed that bacteria levels near where the river bottoms out into the Gulf of Mexico have been reduced by 99% since the 1980s.
And the impacts to Wisconsin’s waters are shown in its wildlife, too. Bald eagles have made a massive comeback in the state, in part due to river cleanups, and fish species that are sensitive to pollution are now common in the Wisconsin River.
‘A pollutant diet’
When the act was passed it was all about industrial pollution, said Sara Walling, senior agricultural policy manager at the Alliance for the Great Lakes. But it left out another big source of pollution: agriculture.
Industry is considered point source pollution. As the name suggests, it comes from a single spot and is easy to identify. Agriculture runoff is considered nonpoint source pollution, it comes from many places all at once. It’s harder to deal with and was left out of the Clean Water Act.
One way agencies try to deal with agriculture pollution through the water act is by regulating total maximum daily load, the maximum amount of a pollutant that can enter a waterbody and still meet its water quality standards.
This helps put water bodies on “a pollutant diet,” said Sara Walling,
And even though the landmark act doesn’t cover nonpoint-sources, like agriculture, it did give states the regulatory structure to do it themselves.
Public engagement crucial to water act’s success
In addition to supporting better water quality, advocates also say the act showed the strength of the public in pushing to protect an invaluable resource.
“The Clean Water Act is vitally important to all of us, especially tribes,” said Jen Vanator, a policy analyst at the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. The commission represents 11 Ojibwe tribes in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan and helps them implement their treaty rights in the ceded territories.
When it comes to the water act, reservations are treated like states. Tribes set water quality standards within reservation boundaries, but also any state or industries upstream need to take into account these standards as well.
But this isn’t the case yet for ceded territories and any degraded water that runs through puts their resources at risk, Vanator said.
“That’s one thing that’s lacking right now,” she said.
According to Walling, citizen engagement is key to filling in some of these gaps. She also believes that voluntary measures go a long way, especially in agriculture. But state governments need to make sure farmers have the financial and technical resources to make changes in how they manage their crops.
More progress on water quality may feel like a heavy lift in today’s politically splintered climate. But the water act overcame political differences 50 years ago because the public strongly supported better protection for their waters, Martini said ― changing the way elected officials felt about the issue and resulting in the overwhelming, bipartisan override of Nixon’s veto.
The override showed “that it was politically impossible to discount the Clean Water Act,” Martini said. “It was a political necessity at the time. I think it still is today.”
Madeline Heim and Caitlin Looby are Report for America corps reporters who write about environmental challenges in the Mississippi River Basin and the Great Lakes, respectively. Contact them at mheim@gannett.com and clooby@gannett.com.
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2022-10-18T15:46:24Z
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Wisconsin's waters improved at Clean Water Act's 50th anniversary
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MADISON - The father of a 5-year-old girl who died in a car crash over the summer involving Democratic Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bewley.
An attorney representing Fink and a spokesman for Bewley did not immediately respond to messages Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the Ashland Police Department said the investigation findings have been referred to Ashland County District Attorney David Meany, who was not immediately available for an interview.
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2022-10-18T15:46:48Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Lawsuit filed against state Sen. Janet Bewley in fatal Ashland crash
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2022/10/18/lawsuit-filed-against-wisconsin-state-sen-janet-bewley-fatal-ashland-crash/10530856002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2022/10/18/lawsuit-filed-against-wisconsin-state-sen-janet-bewley-fatal-ashland-crash/10530856002/
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20 Wisconsin libraries will offer state parks daily admission passes for free
Twenty Wisconsin libraries will soon be your one-stop-shop for books, newspapers, magazines, movies — and state park passes.
Beginning Nov. 1, card holders at select libraries across the state will be able to check out vehicle admission day passes good for free admission to all Wisconsin state parks, forests and recreation areas. The pilot program, dubbed Check Out Wisconsin State Parks, will run through March 1, 2023.
In the Milwaukee area, passes will be available at the Franklin Public Library, Hales Corners Public LIbrary, North Shore Public Library (Glendale), Oak Creek Public Library, Shorewood Public Library and Wauwatosa Public Library. Other participating libraries are: Argyle, Beloit, Deer Creek (Beloit), Edgerton, Farnsworth (Oconto), Grantsburg, Hedberg (Janesville), Irvin Young Memorial (Whitewater), Kenosha, McMillan (Wisconsin Rapids), Mercer, Platteville, Sherman & Ruth Weiss Community (Hayward) and Winter.
Each library will have 50 passes available for checking out for a one-time use. Libraries were chosen based on economic and social variables, including unemployment rate, free and reduced lunch rate, health insurance, poverty rate, age and race, according to the Missy VanLanduyt, recreation partnerships section chief for the DNR. She also noted the DNR worked to include both rural and urban areas across the state.
“The DNR is continually looking for innovative opportunities to bring more people to state parks and forests and to ensure everyone in Wisconsin has access to our incredible natural resources,” Steve Schmelzer, director of the Wisconsin State Park System, said in a news release. “By partnering with Wisconsin’s library system, we can reach households who may not be as familiar with the wide array of opportunities Wisconsin’s state parks and forests have to offer.”
Card holders who check out a pass also will get a kit with maps and information about the state park system, including accessibility information; a Wisconsin Explorer book for ages 9 and up, which can be exchanged for another book at nature centers and park offices; stickers and more.
The program is a collaboration between the DNR, the Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The Nicolet Federated Library System and Southwest Wisconsin Library System underwrote the cost for the passes.
The DNR plans to launch phase two of the program this winter with more libraries, and hopefully make it a permanent program in 2023. They'll be gathering feedback from participants via survey in this initial phase. Those who complete the survey after using the pass will be eligible to win a 2023 annual vehicle admission stickers courtesy of the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.
The DNR will host a free kickoff event for the program at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Platteville Public Library. The event will include story time and nature-based activities for young children, a visit from Smokey Bear and refreshments.
Daily admission passes to Wisconsin state parks cost $8, $10 or $13, depending on the park. Annual passes cost $28. The DNR typically hosts an annual Free Fun Weekend the first weekend of June when all state parks are free to visit. Some parks and forests, including Havenwoods State Forest and Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee, are always free to visit.
For more information on the program and Wisconsin state parks, see dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/outwigo.
More:Wisconsin's least popular state parks offer more than a quiet experience away from crowds
More:Your guide to Devil's Lake State Park, from the best hiking trails to camping information
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2022-10-18T15:46:54Z
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www.jsonline.com
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20 Wisconsin libraries to offer state parks admission passes for free
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/outdoors/2022/10/18/check-out-wisconsin-state-parks-libraries-free-pass/10526059002/
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150,000-square-foot building at Sussex's Highlands Business Park is expected to open in December
Sussex's newest business park — one that company officials say is soon going to attract many new businesses in the Sussex area — is getting closer toward completion, with one of its largest buildings set to open by the end of the year.
The 189-acre Highlands Business Park at the northwest corner of Highway 164 and Highway K is approaching its final stages of infrastructure build, which will include a regional stormwater retention pond and necessary road work.
A 150,000-square-foot multi-tenant industrial facility, one of the largest buildings in the business park, is scheduled to be ready for occupancy in December.
According to company officials, the building plans feature 60-foot speed-loading bays, two drive-in doors, 10 loading dock doors, interior LED lighting and a sprinkler system.
The facility, whose tenants are expected to include industrial and other types of businesses, will have 102 car parking spaces and up to 43 trailer parking spaces.
Ryan Holzhauer, director of industrial development and acquisitions for the developer Wangard Partners, said that the stormwater retention pond is a great asset because "a property owner doesn’t have to build stormwater ponds on their individual site, which means lower overall development costs."
When complete, the Highlands Business Park plans to accommodate industrial, food service, residential health care service and other businesses. Development sites range from 1 to 30 acres.
The other part of the business park, which is nearing completion on the park's west side, will feature approximately 35 developable acres and a second 5-acre regional stormwater retention pond.
Adron Tool Corporation and Kwik Trip have been among the first businesses to occupy space at the business park.
Officials say there remain significant opportunities for other tenants seeking space for light industrial, manufacturing, distribution, health services, senior housing, hospitality, and retail uses.
“As progress is made on-site, we look forward to having more tenants take advantage of this great location,” said Stu Wangard, president and CEO of Wangard Partners. “Highlands Business Park will be an incredible, regional destination for businesses within a wide range of industries.”
The plan is to have the Highlands Business Park finished by 2025.
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2022-10-18T20:39:50Z
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Highlands Business Park in Sussex is working toward completion
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/northwest/news/sussex/2022/10/18/highlands-business-park-in-sussex-has-some-areas-almost-to-completion/10487208002/
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Church Mutual opens downtown Milwaukee offices, hopes to increase local employment in the years ahead
Rich Poirier's corner office has a nice view of Lake Michigan and the Summerfest grounds – for the moment.
His office also has a nice view of the construction of the Couture building that will eventually affect his view of the lake, but the CEO of Church Mutual Insurance Co. doesn’t mind. He’s happy the company, which insures houses of worship, has a footprint in Milwaukee.
Church Mutual officially opened its downtown Milwaukee offices, 833 E. Michigan St., on Tuesday and hopes to have up to 60 people working in it.
“If I have my way, 200 jobs by 2030 will be here in Milwaukee,” Poirier said. “We’ll grow this office a little faster than others.”
Poirier said that roughly 50% of the company's customers were people of color. That led Church Mutual, which is based in Merrill, to come to Milwaukee to attract more diverse talent.
“We have an emphasis right now on hiring African American, Asian and Latino (employees), but we don’t limit it to that,” Poirier said. “We’re going to be ramping up and doing a lot more recruiting at all of the area colleges.”
More:Amid calls to replace I-794 with an at-grade boulevard to help spur downtown development, a more modest plan has surfaced: Remove two ramps.
Partnerships with Marquette and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will help ensure Church Mutual's mission of “serving those who serve others” is attractive to younger workers.
“This is a job with a purpose,” Poirier said. “That generation is very socially responsible. So when they come to Church Mutual, they don’t have to get up in the morning and find purpose or meaning in what they do here because of the nature of our mission.”
Church Mutual plans to expand the areas that it serves beyond houses of worship.
“We’re going to grow outside of just conventional churches, we’re going to grow in the nonprofit base, senior living, schools,” Poirier said. “So as we grow that, those compatible spaces, that’s how we get to $2.2 billion.”
Poirier said Church Mutual has about a third of the church market.
“The market is stable, but I would not say it’s growing at the same pace as the other markets that I mentioned,” Poirier said.
“We’re happy with the market share that we have in the church space, we’re going to maintain that, we’ll continue to be the leader, but we can’t get to $2.2 (billion) just doing religious (organizations). The numbers won’t let that happen. It’s been kind of flat in that area.”
Name recognition in the greater Milwaukee area is a big challenge for Church Mutual. Poirier is hoping the company can grow its popularity “organically.”
“You’re not going to see us on a ballpark,” Poirier said. “You’re going to see us sponsoring the nonprofit (events).”
As part of the new office ceremony, the company named one of its rooms the Dr. George Koonce Innovation Center.
Koonce played linebacker for the Green Bay Packers in the 1990s and won a Super Bowl with the team. After his playing career, he went on to earn a Ph.D. from Marquette.
Koonce was present for the unveiling of the center and called it “one of the highest honors that I’ve ever received outside of football.”
“My mission and their mission are intertwined together,” Koonce said. “They give back to institutions that are all about faith, and growing up in eastern North Carolina, growing up in a very poor area, that’s all we had to live on and fall back on was our faith.”
Koonce is on the board of CM Regent, a Church Mutual subsidiary.
State insurance commissioner Nathan Houdek said the new Church Mutual office is a good sign for the local insurance industry.
“It’s exciting to see them now have a footprint in Milwaukee, be growing into this market and really showing a commitment to investing in the community,” Houdek said.
“Wisconsin, historically, has had a very competitive and strong insurance industry. It’s something we take great pride in.”
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2022-10-18T20:40:10Z
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Church Mutual opens downtown Milwaukee offices, plans to grow
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/10/18/church-mutual-opens-downtown-milwaukee-offices-plans-grow/10488179002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/10/18/church-mutual-opens-downtown-milwaukee-offices-plans-grow/10488179002/
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Big East basketball coaches aren't optimistic about Marquette's men's or women's teams
The Big East coaches don’t see the Marquette men’s and women’s basketball teams challenging for conference titles this season.
The men’s squad, entering its second season under head coach Shaka Smart, was chosen to finish ninth in the 11-team league. Creighton, which returns three double-digit scorers from last season, was predicted to win the regular-season crown.
The Golden Eagles did not have any players tabbed for Big East individual awards. Connecticut big man Adama Sanogo was selected as preseason player of the year and Villanova’s Cam Whitmore was picked as freshman of the year.
The Big East released the poll results on Tuesday before the conference's media day at Madison Square Garden in New York. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams or players.
"We were sitting here last year in a very similar position," Smart told the Big East Digital Network. "Picked ninth. No players on the preseason all-conference team.
"And we had some guys emerge that weren't talked about as much by (the media) or by guys around the country. And so that's on us to make people talk about us."
The Golden Eagles finished fifth in the conference last season and earned an invitation to the NCAA Tournament.
The MU women’s team, with Megan Duffy as head coach for the fourth season, was chosen as the sixth-best team in the Big East. The Golden Eagles finished fifth last season after being predicted for fourth.
Connecticut was the overwhelming favorite to win the league, with Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma giving his vote to Villanova.
"It's interesting, we won 23 games and were in the NIT and it's like the world's ending at Marquette sometimes," Duffy told the Big East Digital Network about last season. "Because your expectations and your standards are so high.
"I love a new season and a fresh start. There's a lot of unknowns, I think, with a lot of teams. New players, you're putting new kids in different roles. But there's an excitement in Milwaukee. There's an excitement about our program."
MU guard Jordan King was chosen to the all-Big East first team. She averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals in her third season with the Golden Eagles.
Villanova’s Maddy Siegrist was chosen as preseason player of the year and Connecticut’s Ayanna Patterson was picked as freshman of the year.
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2022-10-18T20:40:16Z
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Marquette basketball teams ranked low by Big East coaches on media day
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MADISON – Jim Leonhard’s No. 1 and No. 2 goals this week:
Find a way to defeat a Purdue team that is tied for first place in the Big Ten West Division.
Then take advantage of a break in Wisconsin’s schedule so many injured players can get healthy and ready for the final four regular-season games, beginning Nov. 5 against Maryland.
“Hopefully, the bye week will help a number of our guys who are dealing with the wear and tear of the first part of this season,” UW's interim head coach said. “We have to find a way – whatever we have to do – to get to this Saturday with as much health and energy as we can and the best plan to go win.”
In UW's 34-28 loss to Michigan State on Saturday, the Badgers were missing seven players who have started at least one game this season, four on defense and three on offense.
The offensive starters out were: right tackle Riley Mahlman, tight end Hayden Rucci and fullback Jackson Acker. In addition, left guard Tyler Beach was limited because of an ankle injury and worked mostly as a jumbo tight end.
The defensive starters out were: end Isaiah Mullens, inside linebacker Jake Chaney, cornerback Cedrick Dort Jr. and safety Hunter Wohler.
It is unclear whether any of those seven players will be ready when UW hosts Purdue at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
More:Wisconsin next faces Purdue and quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who is flourishing again this season
More:Emotional Wisconsin captains Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton 'needed a break' before discussing the Badgers' loss at Michigan State
“It’s always a challenge,” Leonhard said of having to plug less experienced reserves into starting roles. “The biggest thing is you’re getting guys into much bigger roles. And some cases force them into getting more snaps than you probably would prefer at this point in their career.
“But next man up. You have to do what you have to do to have success. We’re trying to give these guys a game plan that we can execute with who we have.
“You wish you had experience all across the board. But that’s not the reality of college football all the time, especially when injuries hit. Guys have to step up.”
Beach, who missed the Northwestern game, could be used as a jumbo tight end again this week if he isn’t ready to return to full-time duty at left guard.
“You knew his snaps were going to be limited and that was the correct role last week,” Leonhard said.
Mahlman and Wohler haven’t played since the opener. Rucci has missed the last three games. Mullens has missed the last two games. Chaney, Dort and Acker were out for the first time last week.
Safety Kamo’i Latu made his sixth consecutive start last week despite undergoing surgery on his right hand one day before the game. He suffered the injury in practice.
Senior cornerback Alexander Smith made his season debut last week after battling a hamstring injury suffered in camp. He started on kickoff coverage and got a handful of snaps on defense.
The plan is to expand his role as his conditioning improves and he could play a key role Saturday as UW tries to slow a Purdue offense averaging 313.4 passing yards per game.
“The biggest thing with him is that it’s been a long enough time … it is making sure the conditioning is there,” Leonhard said. “How many plays can he play week in and week out? He handled the role we asked him to do last week very well. I see that expanding as the season progresses.
“He has the ability to play inside. He has the ability to play outside. He also has the ability to play safety, which we’re beat up at that position. We love his versatility.”
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2022-10-18T20:40:22Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Wisconsin football hopes to get injured players back for Purdue game
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/18/wisconsin-badgers-football-hopes-get-injured-players-back-purdue-boilermakers-game/10530519002/
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Ice Castles returning to Lake Geneva in 2023 with tickets on sale in November
The Ice Castles will return to Lake Geneva for the fifth year in a row this winter, with the display set to be constructed on the grounds of the Geneva National Resort & Club on Lake Como for the fourth year in a row.
Construction on the castles begins in November. They usually open in mid- or late January and remain open for about four weeks, depending on the weather. The castles opened Jan. 22 the past two winters.
Hundreds of thousands of icicles are combined to create towers, walls, tunnels, slides and other formations for the castles. Colorful LED lights add to the dazzling display at night.
To add to the winter fun this year, horse-drawn sleigh rides will be available for an additional cost, and guests also will have a chance to meet "whimsical winter characters."
Tickets for the castles go on sale at 9 a.m. Nov. 28. Tickets are limited and often sell out. On weekdays, advance general admission tickets are $25 for adults (ages 12 and up) and $17 for kids (ages 4-11); weekend tickets are $29 and $22.
The castles are the work of Ice Castles, LLC, a Utah-based company that also builds castles in Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York and Utah.
Pets are not permitted in the castles.
For more information, see icecastles.com/wisconsin.
More:The Ice Castles aren't the only winter attraction in Lake Geneva
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2022-10-18T20:40:46Z
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Ice Castles returning to Lake Geneva in 2023
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/2022/10/18/ice-castles-wisconsin-lake-geneva-2023/10531184002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/travel/wisconsin/2022/10/18/ice-castles-wisconsin-lake-geneva-2023/10531184002/
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This is fall in Wisconsin: Milwaukee-area temperatures could reach 70 degrees over the weekend
By the weekend, southeast Wisconsin residents can put their winter coats back in their closets.
It'll be in the mid-to-upper 60s Friday and Saturday and could reach the low 70s on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Sullivan. The forecast also calls for sunny conditions.
Highs will hover in the mid-40s through Wednesday before a gradual warming trend begins on Thursday.
Those who live farther inland are more likely to crack 70 degrees on Sunday. It'll likely remain in the upper 60s close to Lake Michigan.
The chilly weather the region has experienced in recent days is thanks to a pattern of cold air spilling down from Canada, said Jaclyn Anderson, weather service meteorologist.
"As that system starts to pull off and move over the northeast parts of the country, we will start to see a gradual rebound in some warmer air moving in from the south and west," she said.
The temperatures expected for the weekend aren't too unusual for this time of year, Anderson said.
Milwaukee's normal temperature is in the low 60s, so the current cold snap is about 20 degrees below normal, she said.
Still, temperatures in autumn tend to vary widely. The record high for Oct. 23 — Sunday this year — is 84 degrees, set in 1964. And the lowest high was 35 degrees, set in 1981.
"It's not uncommon for the temperature fluctuations like we're seeing," Anderson said.
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2022-10-18T20:40:52Z
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Milwaukee weather to warm up for weekend, could reach 70 degrees
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/weather/2022/10/18/milwaukee-weather-warm-up-weekend-could-reach-70-degrees/10531556002/
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Sendik's in Oconomowoc is holding its grand opening on Wednesday
Nine months after the announcement, the Sendik's in the city of Oconomowoc is set to open Oct. 19.
The quick turnaround occurred despite pandemic-related supply chain issues that continue to plague many industries.
Sendik's first announced its 18th store in the Milwaukee metro area in January. The store is the first completed portion of the Olympia Field development, which is home to the former Olympia Hotel and Resort.
"We’re so grateful and happy to be here in Oconomowoc," said Sendik's co-owner Ted Balistreri. "From the city officials to our neighbors, they have all been very supportive and we’ve attended art fairs and they’ve been so welcoming and we can’t wait to open the doors and show them everything."
Final preparations and setup are being accomplished Tuesday with the grand opening set for 7 a.m. Wednesday followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.
Inside, customers familiar with the Wisconsin grocery chain will find much of its usual fare, from a fully-stocked grocery store to the reusable red bags.
However, many new features are unique to the 60,000-square-foot store at 1450 Summit Ave.
One of the centerpieces is in the produce department: a nearly 10-foot tall, hydroponic garden with lettuce growing inside. Balistreri said the hope for the in-store unit will be for it to supply fresh lettuce for the salad bar.
More:A revitalized ski hill would be the centerpiece of the Olympia Fields residential development in Oconomowoc, new plans show
"It's pretty cool," he said. "It takes about four weeks for it to fully mature. We hope it can do a lot for our store. We've never tried it before, and we're excited for what it could do."
Sendik's is also opening a few new departments and offerings at its latest store. They will have Sendik's first make-your-own sandwich stand, candy and nut dispensers, and also freshly made caramel, cheese and regular popcorn.
Additionally, the store will boast its largest wine selection, a humidor with cigars, eight separate stands in an aisle for eight local coffee companies, and the largest fresh meat, full-service department in the area.
“We have the space and we had the time to devote to it,” Balistreri said. “Post pandemic, we just really wanted to brainstorm with our teams. It was a combined effort to figure out the product offering and have them come up to us saying they want to try popcorn or made-to-order sandwiches. To have the most awesome coffee setup in the state. It was so cool to see how excited they were and are.”
There will be 150 employees working at the store to start. Balistreri said despite a difficult labor market, they've been able to staff the store.
The bigger problems, he said, arose with the supply chain, forcing his team to be "very, very creative and persistent."
"We were able to get things together and scrounge around to find different cases," he added. "That was the biggest concern: getting refrigerated cases. Those are really hard to get right now. Well, we had some held in reserve and we were able to scrounge the marketplace to get some others. We ordered them in March for delivery in September and we’re really happy they came.”
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2022-10-19T00:47:31Z
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Sendik's in Oconomowoc to hold its grand opening on Wednesday
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More:Wisconsin Republican governor candidate Tim Michels uses his personal foundation to fund anti-gay and anti-abortion groups
Under the state's abortion law, doctors who perform the procedure face up to six years in prison if convicted. Michels' initial comments suggested he would take action to stop enforcement of the law as governors do not have the authority to arrest anyone.
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2022-10-19T00:47:43Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Tim Michels suggests he wouldn't enforce Wisconsin's 1849 abortion law
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/18/tim-michels-suggests-he-wouldnt-enforce-wisconsins-1849-abortion-law/10532897002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/18/tim-michels-suggests-he-wouldnt-enforce-wisconsins-1849-abortion-law/10532897002/
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UWM PANTHERS
It took much longer than expected.
But finally, Ahmad Rand and Bart Lundy are on the same side with Rand, a 6-foot-8 senior forward, expected to play a big role this season for Lundy's inaugural UW-Milwaukee men's basketball team.
Rand, a native of Lincolnton, Georgia, joins the Panthers after a circuitous collegiate route that saw him play his freshman and sophomore seasons at USC-Salkehatchie in Allendale, South Carolina.
He played three games at the University of Memphis during the pandemic season of 2020-21 and then transferred to Oregon State, where Rand averaged 13.5 minutes over 29 games for the Beavers last year.
Rand averaged 5.3 points on 53.8% shooting, 2.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game for the Beavers.
Now with the Panthers, Rand is in position to make a big impact.
"It's funny," said Lundy on Tuesday at UWM's annual media day. Lundy first recruited Rand while he was coaching Division II Queen's University in Charlotte.
"I brought him in as a high-schooler; we were the only ones recruiting him. I didn't take him. He went to junior college. Could have gotten him after his freshman year, didn't take him.
"He kind of blows up his sophomore year, goes to Memphis. Goes to Oregon State, didn't like his experience there. And so, when he decided to transfer here, I'd had him in for official visits twice and he was like, "Coach Lundy, I always wanted to play for you.
"So, it kind of worked out."
Rand is one of an eye-popping 13 players new to UWM this season and one of a handful who could make a real impact in a Horizon League that returns some top-shelf talent elsewhere but also lost quite a bit to transfer.
"He's super-athletic," Lundy said. "He could be the most athletic kid in the league. Can really block shots. His offense is all around the rim. He can step out and shoot a little bit, but he's more of a defensive presence."
How much did finally linking up with Lundy mean to Rand?
Enough that he's paying his own way to do so.
"He said, 'I'd rather pay my own way and play for you guys than take a chance on other people I don't know for one year,'" Lundy said. "He would have gone high-major.
"I wish we had him for more than a year."
Lundy had one scholarship remaining after the unexpected departure of another signee, point guard Eden Holt, but Lundy had to utilize that to land Holt's replacement in Kentrell Pullian.
"(Rand) was like, 'I understand.' You don't find that very often." Lundy said.
With Rand and 7-1 returnee Moses Bol roaming the paint this season, UWM's interior defense should be formidable indeed as the Panthers seek a quick turnaround from their 10-22, 8-14 finish in 2021-22.
"We've got unbelievable rim protection," Lundy said. "If anybody has, at our level, better rim protection in the country, I'd like to see it."
What's the point
Pullian, a 6-0 sophomore from Benton Harbor, Michigan, received UWM's final available scholarship and joins a large pool of players capable of playing point guard.
"That's the one spot where we have five guys that could probably play point guard," Lundy said. "I just don't think you can win in college basketball if you don't have a point. Maybe I was over-recruiting.
"Guys can do other things, but they can play point, too."
Pullian is a junior-college transfer like Angelo Stuart and Justin Thomas. Elijah Jamison, who finished with the fifth-most career points in North Carolina high-school history with 2,664, and Brian Taylor are also in the mix.
"He's a big, strong point guard," Lundy said of Pullian. "Can really shoot. Has got good speed and quickness. Good IQ. We really fell into a good player. We were recruiting him in the summer and he was our No. 1 guy for next year.
"He was going to Northwest Florida Junior College and came on an unofficial visit, he and his mom came over here, and at the end of the visit they go, 'How about this year?'
"Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good."
UWM has suffered one hit in the backcourt already with UNC-Pembroke transfer Jordan Ratliffe suffering a torn ACL in practice.
"That hurts us," Lundy said. "It was about three weeks ago. His toughness, his game experience. We still have his voice around, which is important because he's a great kid, a great leader.
"He's going to have the surgery and come back."
The 5-10 Ratliffe, who played his freshman year at Virginia Military Institute and the last three years at UNC-Pembroke, is an entrepreneurship major who's already earned a master's degree and is now seeking a PhD.
Grizzled veteran
If it seems as though Megan Walstad has been at UWM forever, you wouldn't be too far off.
The 6-2 forward is beginning her fifth season in the program but is still technically only a redshirt junior. Walstad played as a freshman in 2018-19 and redshirted the following year after blowing out her knee before blossoming into an all-Horizon League force in the pandemic season as well as last year.
"It is kind of crazy," said Walstad, who earlier Tuesday was named.to the preseason all-Horizon League team after averaging 14.4 points on 58.8% shooting, 9.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 30 games.
"Last year as a redshirt sophomore I was like, 'I might be the oldest sophomore there ever was.' But it's just a great opportunity to have extra years, extra time to be on the court, and I'm excited for this year."
What's the next challenge for Walstad?
"A big thing we've been talking to Megan about is increasing her leadership on the team," said coach Kyle Rechlicz, whose team was picked to finish fifth in the 11-team league. "I really think our team follows her lead and when she's confident, we're really confident.
"We've been drilling into our guards' heads the need for an inside-outside game and making sure we're getting Megan, Emma (Wittmershaus) and our other post players the touches that they need."
Sideline legends
Both the women's and men's teams at UWM will have former highly decorated high-school players from the state and the area on staff.
Anna DeForge, a Niagara product who graduated in 1994 as the state's all-time girls leading scorer joins Rechlcz's staff after four years at Nebraska and then a long and distinguished professional career that included eight seasons in the WNBA and two as an all-star.
"She's a legend in the state and had such a successful professional career," Rechlicz said. "When we had the position open, I couldn't think of a better person to fill it. She brings a wealth of knowledge – especially from the player development side, because she was such a good player herself, and she's also brought a lot of new ideas to our staff."
Joining Lundy's staff are a couple of well-known former guards from the area in Jose Winston of Milwaukee Vincent and Ben Walker of Oak Creek.
Winston was Wisconsin's Mr. Basketball in 1998 after leading the Vikings to three straight Division 1 state titles and finished his collegiate career on UWM's first-ever NCAA Tournament team in 2002-'03.
Walker graduated Oak Creek High School in 1997 after a decorated career there, then went on to play four years at Creighton and has spent the last 20 years coaching both at the junior-college and Division I levels.
"On the outside, it's guys that are native to Milwaukee, and they have automatic recruiting ties and connections," Lundy said. "But I think if you ask (the players), those two are such high-character, strong, good people. Good men. It goes so far beyond them just being from Milwaukee."
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2022-10-19T00:47:49Z
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Ahmad Rand's history with coach Bart Lundy led him to UWM
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Featured vintner at Lombardi dinner has a personal connection to cancer fight
When Matt Naumann went to create his own winery, he knew he wanted to put down roots. He wants a legacy, not just a label.
That’s the goal behind Newfound Wines, the small California winery Naumann and his wife, Audra, run in the Sierra Foothills.
It’s been quite the journey for Naumann, who got his start in the industry at a downtown Milwaukee wine shop. Nearly two decades later, he’s making his own wines.
Naumann is also the president at Wade Cellars, working to create wines with Marquette University alumnus and former Miami Heat player Dwyane Wade.
Naumann is a featured vintner at this year’s Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Celebrity Chef & Wine Dinner, with a menu by St. Louis chef Ben Welch, on Nov. 5 at the Wisconsin Club.
Newfound Wines at the dinner include a 2020 Semillon, 2017 Scaggs Vineyard Grenache and 2020 Gravels. Tickets are available at lombardifoundation.org/food-wine.
Naumann grew up in Germantown and attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School and UW-Milwaukee. This year, his Newfound Wines produced its first rosé. Typically Newfound wines are priced between $30 and $45. Order Newfound Wines at newfoundwines.com/.
I grew up interested in food, my mom liked to cook. The topic of wine was pretty fascinating. I got a job at a wine shop.
My first job was at Mo’s wine shop downtown. Johnny Vassallo owned it. I vividly remember the day I walked into the wine shop. I said hey, I know nothing about the industry. I’m fascinated by wine and just want to learn. The person said they actually were hiring, can you start tomorrow? That was the beginning of everything.
First wine he fell for
Early on, I lived on Downer Avenue, and Downer Wine and Spirits was the wine shop I would go to as I became more and more interested. … I got into French wine pretty early, and maybe the first glass of Pinot Noir I had, fairly cliche, but it was a bit of an a-ha moment.
Making his way west
Working at Mo’s that first year, I realized this was a career path I wanted to explore. Winemakers would come in from California, all over. I wanted to work in production and learn more about the industry. I learn by doing. I ended up connecting with Michael Phillips at Michael David Vineyard when he came to Mo’s. He said “You should come to Lodi (California). We have a student program.” That was when they were doing Seven Deadly Zins.
I moved to Lodi in 2003. That was probably the most formative experience of my career.
After summer 2004 I had plans to move to London. I came back to Wisconsin for a couple months waiting for my visa. I ended up staying in Milwaukee three more years. That’s when I worked at Grapes and Grain, a longtime really great community wine shop in Mequon.…
Being able to connect all the dots from consumer to winery to producers around the world, those are key moments in my background. I moved to California in 2007. I’ve been here since.
Finding himself at Failla
Ehren Jordan is the owner of Failla wines. I started when the winery was being built out, the only production employee for the first year.… The real owner-operators in this industry do everything. Ehren had all of those skills. It was great for me to be a part of that for 10 years. It spawned the desire to have my own project.
Putting down roots
When we started Newfound, we wanted to be grape growers, something tangible, something long lasting. Not just a label. There are a million labels out there. I wanted more of a legacy attached to it.
We purchased a property in the Sierra Foothills. We live in the Napa Valley, St. Helena. Prices in the Sonoma Valley and Napa are a little out of our income bracket, but there are some interesting vineyard sites in the Sierra Foothills.
There are some great wines made in the foothills, the area around Amador and El Dorado county. We’re in El Dorado just north of Amador. There is a lot of untapped potential … and you can buy land. A wine professional without deep pockets can actually become a winery owner. That’s what that area represented for myself and my wife.
We bought the property before we got married in 2016, before we even started the label .… We have five acres now. We’ll have 10 by next year, organically grown.
Where to find Newfound Wines
We’re not in distribution in Wisconsin. We do ship direct to consumers if they are part of our program.… Our wholesale markets are the main ones, California, New York.… We sell more wine in the UK than we do anywhere outside of New York. Then Quebec, northern Europe, Sweden, Denmark and Japan. That is a big focus for us.
His other Wisconsin wine connection
One of my closest friends out here is an attorney in Napa Valley and he’s very into wine. He started this business with (Marquette University alumnus) Dwyane Wade in 2014. His wines were sold exclusively in China for the first few years because of rules that the NBA had.
As Newfound became more demanding on my schedule, I left Failla so I could focus on my own things. A year into that, I needed something that would offer flexibility to focus on Newfound but also be a different project.… I realized quickly how serious Dwyane was about this. Currently I am the director of winemaking and president of Wade Cellars. When I started, we had 800 cases of to sell.… We’re now at 14,000 cases in a matter of three years. I see it growing.
Balancing his roles
Newfound is very organic. I get to make wines I really want to make and I can take my time and be really thoughtful with them in a different way.
Wade Cellars has all the markings of a brand that will be an incredible commercial success. Making wines and crafting for a broader audience is a different art. It is great to have both of those under my guidance.
Wine is a really difficult endeavor. When I moved to California I had like $500 in my bank account. None of this is coming from a place of privilege. We’re grinding to make this all happen. I am doing it because I love it.
His wines
Our wines are really made to be elegant wines. If you’re looking for something big and obvious, extracted, those are not our wines. I hope they never are.
His love list
I love grenache and carignan. I love mourvèdre. My white wine is a semillon, and my fascination there has to do more with the vineyard site than the grape variety. I do love semillon. It is not an obvious wine. They’re very understated. There’s no flamboyance to it. That's the style of wine I personally enjoy.
Our first vintage we produced 600 cases total. This year, this harvest, we’ll put 4,000 cases in the bottle. My goal is 6,000 cases and to see if we’re making enough money to pay for the business.
It is fairly ironic. Growing up in Germantown/Menomonee Falls area I was a caddy at North Hills Country Club. I remember caddying and being a spectator at the Vince Lombardi golf outing they’d have with the retired Green Bay Packers, and Bart Starr would show up. This was the '80s.
I was actually introduced to the Vince Lombardi Foundation working at Failla … I have stayed in contact with one of the organizers, Trace Tendick. He asked if we’d be interested in being the featured vineyard. It was a no-brainer to come back to Milwaukee. This will be the first time we will be in Milwaukee with our wines.
When I moved to California in 2007, I met my first wife. We got married in 2009, had our daughter who is now 11. But in 2012, my wife Sarah was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a grade 4 brain tumor. Our daughter was one and a half. We had just bought our first house. Our lives were in a tailspin, and for the type of cancer and tumor she had it was only a matter of time. It was a terminal disease.
This topic of cancer and supporting any type of charity supportive of patients and research is close to me. We’re super honored to be in Milwaukee to do this.
Wines to watch
We will be releasing our 2020 Newfound Gravels, a grenache and syrah blend. That is the wine I think we have become most known for.… Our second release is a syrah, from a vineyard I call “Shake Ridge” in Amador. We don’t make much of it. There are only 50 cases available. I wish we had more.
Start sipping
Find a shop with someone that is knowledgeable enough to point you in the right direction and understands where you are at in your wine drinking journey. If you didn’t grow up with it, the language is weird. … The great thing about Milwaukee is there are a lot of great wine shops and independently owned businesses.
More:No shortcuts, 'scrappy' and local: Chef Esther Choi carries on love for quality Korean food
What: Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Celebrity Chef & Wine Dinner, a five-course meal paired with wine and Wisconsin cheese.
Details: Nov. 5, Wisconsin Club, 800 W. Wisconsin Ave.
About the foundation: Started in 1971, it provides grants to organizations working to prevent cancer, care for patients and find a cure.
Tickets: Go to lombardifoundation.org/food-wine.
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2022-10-19T10:40:04Z
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Lombardi Foundation dinner's winemaker has a reason to fight cancer
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/food/fork-spoon-life/2022/10/19/lombardi-foundation-dinners-wine-maker-has-reason-fight-cancer-milwaukee-newfound-wines-dwyane-wade/10495574002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/food/fork-spoon-life/2022/10/19/lombardi-foundation-dinners-wine-maker-has-reason-fight-cancer-milwaukee-newfound-wines-dwyane-wade/10495574002/
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Fire in Genesee destroys barn and leaves one person injured
A fire in the town of Genesee Monday, Oct. 17, destroyed a barn and left one person injured.
Lake Country Fire & Rescue was dispatched to Saylesville Road in the town of Genesee around 3:29 p.m. for a report of a barn on fire.
When they arrived, firefighters found a 50-foot-by-100-foot barn with heavy fire visible from all sides of the structure, according to a department press release.
While deploying hoses, the second floor of the structure collapsed, causing significant structural compromise of the entire barn. The fire was then upgraded to a box alarm level.
With no fire hydrants in the vicinity, a tender shuttle was established with many area departments providing mutual aid, including the Kettle Moraine Fire Department, Village of Waukesha Fire Department, City of Waukesha Fire Department, Vernon Fire Department, Mukwonago Fire Department and the Western Lakes Fire District.
One person was injured and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the release.
The department said it took firefighters about 45 minutes to get the fire under control. The barn is considered a total loss.
The cause of the fire appears to be "accidental in nature," according to the department.
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2022-10-19T13:12:30Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Fire in Genesee destroys barn and leaves one person injured
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2022/10/19/fire-genesee-destroys-barn-and-leaves-one-person-injured/10530890002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2022/10/19/fire-genesee-destroys-barn-and-leaves-one-person-injured/10530890002/
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5 things to do in Milwaukee this weekend, including 'Beyond Monet' at the Wisconsin Center
1. 'Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience' at Wisconsin Center
"Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience," a walk-through multimedia show featuring the French Impressionist painter's dreamy poppies, water lilies and more, comes to the Wisconsin Center this weekend. Produced by the people who did the immersive Van Gogh exhibit at the convention center, "Beyond Monet" features more than 400 works and an original score. The exhibit opens Oct. 20. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Timed-entry tickets range from $30 to $50; see the website for details. Info: monetmilwaukee.com.
RELATED:What you need to know about ticket prices and the schedule for 'Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience' in Milwaukee
2. Gallery Night & Day
More than 30 Milwaukee venues are taking part in the fall Gallery Night & Day Oct. 21-22, with artists on hand (and sometimes refreshments, too). Doings at most locations start at 5 p.m. Oct. 21. Info: gallerynightmke.com.
3. 'Spirits of the Silent City: Unfinished Business' at Forest Home Cemetery
Milwaukee's past rises from the dead in "Spirits of the Silent City: Unfinished Business," an immersive, after-dark tour of Forest Home Cemetery featuring actors from Caper Company portraying historic Milwaukeeans buried at the history cemetery at 2405 W. Forest Home Ave. The performances run from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 20, 21 and 22. Timed-entry tickets are $45. Info: foresthomecemetery.com/visit/public-tours.
4. Boo at the Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo gets into the spirit(s) of the season with Boo at the Zoo, a walking event with family-friendly activities including pumpkin-carving demonstrations, a Trick-or-Treat Trail and more Oct. 20, 21, 22 and 23. Tickets are $13.50, $11.50 for kids ages 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and younger. Parking is included in the ticket price. Info: milwaukeezoo.org.
5. Milwaukee Public Market Harvest Festival
The Milwaukee Public Market is marking its 17th anniversary with its own harvest festival, with food, music and games in Riverwalk Commons Park, across the street from the market at 400 N. Water St., on Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those 21 and older can sample Lakefront Brewery's pumpkin ale, tapped from the market's giant pumpkin (a festival tradition). Admission is free. Info: milwaukeepublicmarket.org.
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2022-10-19T13:12:48Z
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www.jsonline.com
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5 things to do in Milwaukee this weekend, including 'Beyond Monet'
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/events/2022/10/19/5-things-do-milwaukee-weekend-including-beyond-monet/8178429001/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/events/2022/10/19/5-things-do-milwaukee-weekend-including-beyond-monet/8178429001/
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'Black Adam,' 'Ticket to Paradise,' 'My Policeman' and 'Tár' are among the new movies in Milwaukee this weekend
It's been a relatively quiet fall, blockbuster-wise. But it looks like the stars will be out in force this weekend.
Here's what’s new in Milwaukee-area theaters starting Friday, as well as some of the new movies available on streaming and on demand this week.
Short version: In the latest expansion of the DC movie universe, Dwayne Johnson is Black Adam, a human who was given the powers of the ancient gods and then imprisoned for 5,000 years — and now he's out for vengeance. He's up against the Justice Society, another group of superpowered folks including Hawkman (Aldis Hodge) and Dr. Fate (Pierce Brosnan), who are in league with the same people who employed the Suicide Squad (including Amanda Waller, in Viola Davis' second take-no-prisoners role this season).
Where you can see it: AMC Mayfair Mall; Marcus Theatres' Bistroplex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, Saukville, Showtime, Southgate, South Shore cinemas; Silverspot Cinema.
Where you can see it: AMC Mayfair Mall; Marcus Theatres' Bistroplex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, Saukville, Showtime, Southgate, South Shore cinemas; Silverspot Cinema, Landmark Downer Theatre.
Where you can see it: Marcus Theatres' Majestic, Menomonee Falls, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas.
Where you can see it: Marcus Theatres' Majestic Cinema; Oriental Theatre.
Short version: A fashion-influencer couple go on a luxury cruise led by an unhinged captain (Woody Harrelson), but things go off course when the boat sinks and leaves its ultra-rich passengers stuck on a deserted island. Ruben Ostlund's darkly comic social satire won the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, and is considered a serious Oscar contender.
The seventh Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival continues at the Oriental Theatre through Oct. 23. Highlights at the in-person festival, presented by the Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition and Milwaukee Film, include: "Scattered People," a story about the healing power of music told through two Iranian musicians, at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 22; "Tantura," which examines a Palestinian village and its fate since 1948, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 23; and "The Mauritanian," the based-on-a-true-story drama about a Muslim man held at Guantanamo for 14 years without a trial after the Sept. 11 attacks, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23.
RELATED:Milwaukee's fall film festivals: A quick user's guide
The 25th annual film festival exploring the Jewish experience begins Oct. 23. The festival, which has a mix of in-person and online screenings, runs through Nov. 6; all in-person screenings are at Marcus Theatres' North Shore Cinema in Mequon. Highlights of the in-person offerings this week include: "Persian Lessons," in which a Jewish man pretends to be Iranian to avoid being killed in a Nazi concentration camp, 7 p.m. Oct. 23; "More Than I Deserve," about a single mother and her son who emigrate from Russia who form a bond with their religious neighbor, 7 p.m. Oct. 24; and "Neighbours," a comedy-drama about a boy in a Syrian border village whose friendship with his Jewish neighbors is tested by the country's dictatorship, 7 p.m. Oct. 25. Tickets: $12 in theaters; $12 per household for virtual screenings (virtual content is available through Nov. 6). Info: jccmilwaukee.org.
The Rivoli Theatre, the community movie theater in Cedarburg, is going all musicals for the next few weeks. Showing this week: "The Wizard of Oz," 7 p.m. Oct. 21; "West Side Story" (1961), 3:30 p.m. Oct. 22; "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," 7 p.m. Oct. 22; "Mamma Mia!", 3:30 p.m. Oct. 23; "Singin' in the Rain," 7 p.m. Oct. 23; "Les Miserables" (2012), 7 p.m. Oct. 24; "Guys and Dolls," 7 p.m. Oct. 25; "La La Land," 7 p.m. Oct. 26; and "The Music Man," 7 p.m. Oct. 27. Tickets are $4 ($2.50 on Oct. 25). Info: rivoliofcedarburg.com.
Avalon Theater shares its Shocktoberfest horror-fest banner with sister theater Times Cinema this month. Showing this week at the Avalon: "The Cell," 9:30 p.m. Oct. 21; "Beetlejuice," 12:30 p.m. Oct. 22; "The Lost Boys," 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26; "Killer Klowns From Outer Space," 9:30 p.m. Oct. 27. At the Times: "Fright Night," 9:45 p.m. Oct. 21-22, and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27; "The Shining," 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 26; and "Monsters, Inc.," 3:45 p.m. Oct. 22-23. Info: avalonmke.com and timescinema.com.
Marcus Theatres' horror movie series
Marcus Theatres is filling October with retro horror movies, with varying showtimes. This week, it’s "Trick 'R Treat" and "The Ring," at Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Ridge and South Shore cinemas. Tickets are $5. Info: marcustheatres.com.
What's playing at Milky Way Drive-In
The Milky Way Drive-In, the outdoor movie theater in the parking lot at the Milwaukee Milkmen stadium at 7900 Crystal Ridge Drive in Franklin, goes all horror, all the time, from now till Halloween. Showing this week: a double feature of "A Quiet Place" and "A Quiet Place Part II" at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Tickets are $35 per carload. Info: milkywaydrivein.com.
Because of delays in renovating the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's student union, the Union Cinema during the fall 2022 semester is in Room B91 of Mitchell Hall, 3203 N. Downer Ave. Admission is free and open to all. This week’s highlights include: "Teorema," Italian film master Pier Paolo Pasolini's 1968 exploration of a family's corruption by a mysterious stranger (Terence Stamp), at 6 p.m. Oct. 21 and 5 p.m. Oct. 22; "Chess of the Wind," a rarely screened classic of Iranian cinema, at 8 p.m. Oct. 21 and 7 p.m. Oct. 22; and "Cure," an eerie 1997 Japanese horror gem in which the police trace a string of grisly murders to something sinister, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Info: cinema.uwm.edu.
"Hunted": Four young friends are caught breaking into a seemingly abandoned English estate where the owners, it turns out, have made a sport of capturing trespassers and hunting them, fox-and-hounds style. Samantha Bond, Nick Moran, James Lance and Malachi Pullar Latchman in this violent thriller. Available Oct. 25.
Recent releases newly available on demand: "Barbarian," Oct. 25.
"Descendant": Descendants of the survivors from the Clotilda, the last ship that carried enslaved Africans to the United States, set out to reclaim their story amid the discovery of the vessel in this award-contender documentary. On Netflix Oct. 21.
"Raymond and Ray": When their estranged father dies, a pair of half brothers (Ewan MacGregor, Ethan Hawke) discover his will requires them to bury him — and dig his grave. Maribel Verdu co-stars in this comedy-drama. On Apple TV+ Oct. 21.
"The Good Nurse": An ICU nurse (Jessica Chastain) has trouble coming to grips with the fact that her former friend and colleague (Eddie Redmayne) is behind the deaths of hundreds of patients. Kim Dickens, Malik Yoba and Noah Emmerich co-star in this based-on-a-true-story drama. On Netflix Oct. 26.
"Argentina, 1985": A pair of lawyers set out to prosecute the leaders of Argentina's military dictatorship for their crimes against the people in this based-on-a-true-story drama, Argentina's official entry for the 2023 Academy Award for best international film. On Amazon Prime Video Oct. 21.
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2022-10-19T13:12:54Z
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www.jsonline.com
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New movies in Milwaukee: 'Black Adam,' 'Ticket to Paradise,' more
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/movies/2022/10/19/new-movies-milwaukee-black-adam-ticket-paradise-dwayne-johnson-george-clooney-harry-styles-blanchett/8199542001/
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More:Jeffrey Dahmer killed 17 people before his crimes were discovered. These are the victims and what we knew about them
More:The building where Jeffrey Dahmer committed gruesome murders was torn down in 1992, and the lot at 924 N. 25th St. still sits empty today
More:Here is why a memorial for Jeffrey Dahmer's victims is unlikely to happen in Milwaukee
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2022-10-19T13:13:12Z
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A memorial to Jeffrey Dahmer's victims is long overdue in Milwaukee
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/2022/10/19/memorial-jeffrey-dahmers-victims-long-overdue-milwaukee/10522845002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/2022/10/19/memorial-jeffrey-dahmers-victims-long-overdue-milwaukee/10522845002/
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The building that housed the Affiliated Medical Services' former abortion clinic in Milwaukee is up for sale.
The historic building, located at 1428 N. Farwell Ave., has hosted an abortion clinic for decades, making it a well-known site in the city where abortion rights and anti-abortion activists clashed almost daily as patients sought out the procedure.
But in the months since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization — overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that assured access to abortion nationwide and in Wisconsin — the clinic has been mostly empty.
All abortion clinics in Wisconsin stopped providing services when the Dobbs decision came down June 24, essentially reverting Wisconsin to an 1849 law that bans abortion in all cases except where it is necessary to protect the life of the mother.
More:Roe decision means an immediate halt to abortion in Wisconsin, setting the stage for the state's 1849 ban to take effect
More:For decades, two sides of the abortion debate sparred almost daily outside a Milwaukee clinic. Now what?
Affiliated Medical Services ran one of two Milwaukee abortion clinics. The other was operated by Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, which also had abortion clinics in Madison and Sheboygan.
Dr. Dennis Christensen, CEO of Affiliated Medical Services and a retired OB-GYN, bought the building on Farwell Avenue in 2016 for $736,600, according to city property records. The building was listed for sale in late September for $1 million, according to LoopNet.com.
More:Rockford abortion clinic to open in coming weeks after meeting city's zoning requirements
More:What’s the lasting effect of having an abortion, or being turned away? Here's what research tells us.
In the wake of the Dobbs ruling, Affiliated Medical Services offered to help women with ultrasounds and abortion aftercare if they got the procedure in another state. The clinic was also referring women who wanted the procedure to clinics in Minnesota and Illinois.
But the demand for aftercare services was not strong, Christensen said Tuesday, and unlike Planned Parenthood, the clinic did not have other reproductive services that it could pivot to and justify maintaining a physical space.
"People call and they want to talk to the place where they're gonna go to have the abortion procedure," Christensen said. "It wasn't financially viable to maintain an office just to do (referrals and aftercare)."
Christensen's plans for Illinois clinic
Affiliated Medical Services is keeping its Milwaukee phone number active as a resource line for people who are seeking abortion services. Christensen said the plan is to eventually have the phone line run by staff who will be working at an abortion clinic he and other Wisconsin doctors have been trying to open in Rockford, Illinois.
The opening of the Rockford clinic is moving forward slower than anticipated, Christensen said. The doctor purchased two different buildings in Rockford in the wake of the Dobbs decision.
One building, which will first open for services, was caught up in zoning issues that have now been resolved, according to Christensen and the Rockford Register Star.
More:Flood of Wisconsin patients heading to Illinois for abortions, and doctors cross border to serve them
More:Overwhelmed and uncertain, Milwaukee abortion clinic providers prepare for a post-Roe world
Now, Christensen said, the group is still working through the process of getting a doctor licensed to practice in Illinois. Once that happens, they will be able to start providing medication abortions for people who are at or before the end of the 11th week of pregnancy, he said.
Christensen hesitated to put a date on when the clinic would open, though the Rockford Register Star estimated it could be a matter of weeks if the licenses are approved or the group finds a doctor already licensed in Illinois.
Christensen said he is also working on making the necessary building renovations so the clinic can perform surgical abortions.
"As soon as we have a license for the responsible physician for the clinic, we will start dispensing pills," he said. "We're planning to offer both pill and surgical services. (The building) still has to be renovated for (surgical) use and we are in the process of doing that."
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2022-10-19T17:49:05Z
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Farwell Avenue abortion clinic building in Milwaukee is up for sale
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Tim Michels sometimes seems to treat the Village of Chenequa Police Department as if it were his own.
Consider a couple of examples:
In February 2018, Michels, a construction executive running for governor, couldn't reach his wife at their Waukesha County lake country home on State Highway 83 for three hours, so he called the local cops to do a wellness check on her. Barbara Michels, it turns out, was napping.
"Everything was in order," states the police report.
Or the time in 2016 that Michels — a Republican running against Democratic Gov. Tony Evers next month — was hitting golf balls at his multimillion-dollar Chenequa home when he spotted an SUV tow away his 16-foot Zodiac boat from the driveway. Michels copied down the plate number of the SUV and called the local police department.
One cop interviewed Michels while another was dispatched to chase down the owner of the SUV, who confessed that he had taken the boat. He said he had dropped off the Zodiac at his shop in Hartland, where he had planned to make some repairs before an upcoming regatta. The whole deal had been worked out with Michels' wife, who was in London.
"It was confirmed that there had been some miscommunication or lack of communication between all the parties involved," the police report concluded.
More:What to know about Tim Michels, the Donald Trump-endorsed Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor
The two incidents were among more than a dozen times that the Chenequa police responded to calls or alarms involving Michels or his family over the past 20 years.
Michels' campaign dismissed questions about the police calls. Here is his campaign manager, Patrick McNulty:
"The Democrats and the press want to make a big deal about the times when police were dispatched to Tim's home in the last 20 years, yet they choose to ignore Evers’ callous four-year parole spree that has unleashed hundreds of convicted murderers and rapists into neighborhoods all across Wisconsin."
A spokeswoman for Evers declined to comment.
Records show that Michels was contacting the police about a variety of issues. Their Chenequa house, which is nearly 3,000 square feet of space, is assessed at about $5 million. Michels and his wife also bought a $17 million estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 2020.
Tim Michels' dogs listed in several police complaints
On five occasions between 2009 and 2021, Michels or his wife called the police or the police called them about their apparently hard-to-manage golden retrievers.
In 2009, Michels reported to cops that his puppy had fallen through the ice, but soon followed up to say the pooch has been recovered and "was warming up in the house."
Two years later, the co-owner of the Brownsville-based Michels Construction was contacted by police when his two golden retrievers, Jack Bauer and Huck, were found along Highway 83. Michels had the housekeeper pick them up. The family was encouraged by the police to get updated tags for the dogs.
A neighbor complained that one of the Michels' dogs had run away and ended up in that person's house in July 2013 for the second time in two days. Police warned Barbara Michels that "she will receive a citation if we get another dog-at-large complaint."
In 2019, Michels called the Chenequa police to say his golden retriever named Jack had been missing for two hours. There was no follow-up report. Last December, another dog-at-large — or, in this case, dogs-at-large — complaint was filed. A neighbor reported both of the Michels' dogs had shown up at her house down the road.
"Mrs. Michels was out looking for dogs," the Dec. 2, 2021, police report says. "Returned same."
Chenequa police were also repeatedly contacted because the burglary alarm at the Michels' house went off.
In the past decade, it went off eight times — four times in 2016 alone — and in each instance, it was a false alarm, set off in various instances by Michels, his father-in-law, a worker and the caretaker of the house.
"Arrived and spoke with Tim Michels, who accidentally set off the alarm arriving home," an officer wrote on a Jan. 26, 2021, report. "All is well."
Finally, Michels contacted the Chenequa Police Department twice over two littering incidents at his house.
In September 2004, Michels reported that someone had scattered free buyers guides on the lawn, the fourth such time this had happened in recent weeks. The guides were for "Home and Land," "Auto Mart," "Auto Sell" and "Harmony Homes."
Michels told the cops that he thought the son of a local car dealer was behind the littering sprees. At the time, Michels was running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, and he noted the local car dealer was backing Russ Darrow, who owns numerous car dealerships around the state.
Additional patrols were dispatched to Michels' house. Michels, incidentally, defeated Darrow in the GOP primary but lost to then-U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, a Democrat.
Months later, Michels contacted the police to report another littering incident after more than 100 Shepherd Express newspapers were strewn about his yard. Over the next several months, the officers met with Michels to discuss updates in the case. The culprits were eventually identified as some local high school students who dumped the papers on Michels' lawn possibly because of his "social status."
More:Tim Michels suggests he wouldn't enforce the 1849 abortion law, but his campaign quickly walked the statement back
Michels met with the students and their parents in July 2005.
"Michels informed me that he had voiced his concerns to the individuals as well as their parents, and that he was satisfied that he had gotten his message across," wrote the Chenequa detective.
The police report ended: "Therefore, based on the complainant's request, the report will serve as a report for record only and no additional follow-up investigation is necessary."
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2022-10-19T17:49:11Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Tim Michels has called local police over litter, dogs, wife and boat
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/investigations/daniel-bice/2022/10/19/tim-michels-has-called-local-police-over-litter-dogs-wife-and-boat/69572699007/
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Greenfield School District voters to decide on $20 million operational referendum in November
Voters in the Greenfield School District will have a decision to make Nov. 8 on a $5 million per year operational referendum.The referendum will ask voters to authorize exceeding the state revenue limits by $5 million each year for four years, beginning in the 2023-24 school year, for a total of $20 million.
According to the district, if the referendum is approved, the funds would allow it to keep current teachers and staff and hire new teachers and staff; maintain adequate class sizes; keep up with technological changes and needs; increase college and career-ready learning opportunities; maintain facility and learning investments while keeping up with inflationary costs of contracted services such as utilities, transportation and custodial supplies; provide learning environments to address individual student needs; "manage unprecedented inflationary costs and services" and continue enhanced programming and student mental health supports.If the referendum fails, the district said "significant cuts" would likely need to be made to its programs and services to balance its budget.For the 2022-23 school year, the district tax rate is expected to be $8.30 per $1,000 of fair market value. If the referendum passes, the district tax rate is expected to remain at $8.30 per $1,000 for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years, then fall to $8.12 per $1,000 in 2025-26 and then to $7.66 per $1,000 in 2026-27, the district's website said.
The district said the decreasing tax rate is due to an increase in property values and paying off long-term high school building/renovation debt.
Under the referendum, and if no other changes were made to the tax rate, a homeowner with a property worth $250,000 would pay $2,075 annually in school taxes for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years, $2,030 annually for the 2025-26 school year and then $1,915 annually for the 2026-27 school year.
District voters last passed referendums in 2007 and 2008.
District voters passed a two-question referendum in 2007 that renovated Greenfield High School and constructed a new auditorium at the school, according to the Department of Public Instruction's referendum database. In 2008, district voters passed another two-question referendum that built a new swimming pool and utility building at Greenfield High School.
There will be an information session about the referendum at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the district administration building, 4850 S. 60th St., Greenfield.
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2022-10-19T19:54:01Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Greenfield Schools voters to decide on operational referendum
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Oconomowoc residents critical of city decreasing library board budget
Dozens of residents attended and spoke out at the Oconomowoc Common Council meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 19, about proposed decreases in the city of Oconomowoc Public Library’s 2023 budget.
The concerns come as the city is in the midst of finalizing its budget for the upcoming year. As part of the initial discussion in September, the library board asked for an additional roughly $73,000 for their 2023 budget.
However, at the first budget workshop, the council chose to decrease that ask by $50,000 and then changed it to a $35,000 reduction at the second workshop, which caused citizens to speak out against the decrease.
City Administrator Mark Frye said this was done with many department budget asks, including decreasing the department of public works by roughly $63,000, the parks department by around $30,000 and $20,000 from the city attorney’s budget.
“It was part of the whole budget review,” Frye told the Journal Sentinel. “All departments have seen cuts to their budgets that were submitted throughout the process. This wasn’t singled out or put on a pedestal. This was part of the overall review of the budgets and where the council felt where there should be efficiencies and things that should be changed.”
Residents appeared to disapprove of the move, though, with 17 people speaking before the common council for roughly 45 minutes during public comments.
“A vibrant, active public library is a valuable asset, just like the police department, just like the fire department and just like the sewage plant,” Oconomowoc resident Sandra Perkins said. "Our Oconomowoc Library has really improved over the last few years. Let’s support it, not starve it to death.”
A common issue brought up was that the city budgeted for an additional police officer. That, plus the recent referendum to increase the Western Lakes Fire District’s budget, showed the library mattered less, according to residents.
“For the better part of a century, Oconomowoc has considered its public library to be a community treasurer,” said Former Oconomowoc Mayor Floss Whalen. “Many believe it is as essential a service as police and fire protection … It serves all ages. Libraries help in so many ways. In this time of inflation, we need more funds, not less.”
Additionally, residents mentioned concerns about how a lesser budget might affect hours, staff and resources.
“Going through the budget process as a library board member, as a trustee, I want to just bring back to the aldermen to please reconsider and to show the citizens how you justified the switches,” said Lisa Baudoin.
Library Director Betsy Bleck told the council at the second budget workshop that the library board could get by with just a $25,000 decrease from the library’s ask. However, it might get tough with anything more. Bleck echoed that after the council meeting, speaking with the Journal Sentinel.
“The board would then have to decide where to take that from, but it would result in some difficult decisions because the library's budget is already tight,” Bleck said. “We are so grateful for the funding we receive, but we really need the funding we receive to provide the array of services we provide. It would affect things like the services we provide, the book budget, it could affect all of these things that impact our community.”
Because the item was not on the agenda and council members cannot respond during public comments, no official action was taken. The next time council will discuss the library budget is at the Nov. 15 budget meeting when the 2023 budget will be finalized.
However, three alderpersons, Karen Spiegelberg, Kevin Ellis and Lou Kowieski, did make brief comments at the end of the common council meeting thanking people for speaking and asking residents to reach out further with concerns.
“I really appreciate the comments because a lot of really good points were brought up,” Ellis said. “It’s really going to make me think a little bit and really consider going forward what Oconomowoc looks like for me, so I really want to thank everyone who came out.”
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2022-10-19T21:53:01Z
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Oconomowoc residents critical of proposed cuts to library budget
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/news/oconomowoc/2022/10/19/oconomowoc-residents-critical-of-proposed-cuts-to-library-budget/69575272007/
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The campaign to replace I-794 with a surface street ramps up with webinar, images.
A campaign to persuade the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to replace I-794 with a surface boulevard running on downtown Milwaukee's southern edge is ramping up, with advocates hosting a webcast seminar.
That Wednesday program, sponsored by 1,000 Friends of Wisconsin, a Madison-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group, featured speakers, including an architect, talking about the benefits of removing the freeway. It drew around 150 attendees.
The webinar also displayed images of what could be developed on the 32.5 acres that now lie fallow beneath the elevated I-794 between the Hoan Bridge and North Sixth Street.
The potential value of the apartments, office buildings and other commercial development could eventually total $1.5 billion, according to estimates compiled by 1,000 Friends and its allies.
The group has a short-term goal of persuading the Department of City Development to include calls for studying the proposal in its updated comprehensive downtown plan.
A release of that proposed plan, which would need Common Council approval, could come in November or December, said Gregg May, transportation policy director at 1,000 Friends of Wisconsin, which focuses on connections between land use planning, transportation and the environment.
Related:Judge rejects request to halt University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's demolition of the former Columbia Hospital
Related:A vacant industrial building in Milwaukee's Harbor District is to be converted into new uses. That could include a brewery.
The bigger goal: persuade the DOT that replacing the freeway makes more sense than repairing it.
DOT has proposed spending $300 million to replace different pieces of I-794 on the freeway's eastern portion, including on- and off-ramps tied to the Hoan Bridge. Construction is tentatively set to run from 2025 through 2028.
The freeway portions to be replaced date to 1974. They were not touched when part of I-794 east of the Milwaukee River was reconstructed from 2013 through 2016 — a $239 million project that included rebuilding the Hoan's concrete deck.
DOT officials have said they will consider alternatives to replacing portions of I-794. The first public meetings on that proposal are to start in 2023, May said, with the project's design stage to be finalized in 2024 and 2025.
One of the webinar's speakers, Milwaukee architect Taylor Korslin, said advocates expect the DOT to propose removing a few ramps as part of the project − something that would better connect downtown and the Historic Third Ward.
"But we'd like to see them expand their limited view of this project," Korslin said.
The surface boulevard, along with freeing up land for development, would also be more attractive, said Xu Zhang, a Miami landscape architect who was among the webinar's presenters.
"The city streets really decide whether the city looks dull or looks interesting," she said.
Other cities that have seen additional development as well as new public green space after replacing elevated freeways include San Francisco, Boston and Rochester, New York, said Ben Crowther, of America Walks, an Annandale, Virginia-based nonprofit group which supports pedestrian-friendly communities.
And, Milwaukee has done a similar project with replacing the former Park East Freeway, said May.
He said the cost of removing it was $45 million − or $80 million in today's inflated dollars. The estimated developments on both Park East land as well as nearby parcels so far totals $1.1 billion, May said, with more projects in the works.
May also said traffic patterns show that drivers use I-794 to access downtown, but generally not to drive through it. That shows that a surface boulevard could accommodate that traffic.
In 2021, the average daily traffic count for I-794 at the river was 67,700 vehicles, according to DOT. That compared with 156,000 vehicles on I-94 at 20th Street.
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2022-10-19T21:53:07Z
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Campaign urges replacing I-794 in Milwaukee with surface street
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A Wisconsin conservative law firm asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to temporarily block President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan just days before debt cancellation may begin.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed the emergency appeal on behalf of the Brown County Taxpayers Association, which argues Biden's plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student loan debt is illegal executive overreach.
“What Constitutional power does Biden have to take John Q. Public’s money and pay Jane Q. Public’s school loans?" Brown County Taxpayers Association President Rich Heidel said in a statement. "Why not her mortgage, why not her car loan? How did the college-educated caste become the lucky ones? When and how does this stop? This nonsense not only defies the US Constitution — it defies common sense!"
Heidel's argument received little traction in the lower courts. U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach, who was appointed to the bench by Republican President George W. Bush, ruled earlier this month that the taxpayers association doesn't have “standing” before the court, or the grounds to sue. The appeals court also dismissed the group's request to temporarily pause the program from taking effect.
The Biden administration is facing several legal challenges relating to the program but this is the first to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
Student loan debt forgiveness could begin Sunday
The U.S. Education Department has said in court filings that the soonest it may forgive student debt is Sunday.
The emergency request to keep the plan on hold while the group’s legal challenge goes forward was filed to Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who has jurisdiction over the lower court that ruled on the case.
The case arrived on the court's "shadow docket," which is typically used for ruling on procedural and scheduling matters. But the shadow docket has taken on a larger role in the court's work in recent years, allowing the court to make decisions quickly and without the traditional written briefs, oral arguments and signed opinions.
A decision could be made in a matter of days.
Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty removed race argument to U.S. Supreme Court
The conservative group also previously argued that Biden's plan has an "improper racial motive" and violates the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection of the laws because the White House has said the debt cancellation will help narrow the racial wealth gap and advance racial equity. WILL removed the race argument from its petition to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The application for borrowers to apply for one-time loan forgiveness officially opened on Monday and is available at https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief/application. More than 12 million people have already applied.
Borrowers have until Dec. 31, 2023, to apply, but the administration has recommended people apply by Nov. 15 of this year to have the form processed before the pause on federal student loan payments is lifted in January.
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2022-10-19T23:46:41Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Wisconsin group asks Supreme Court to block Biden's loan forgiveness
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2022/10/19/wisconsin-institute-for-law-liberty-asks-us-supreme-court-to-block-joe-biden-loan-forgiveness/69575283007/
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High-level pro soccer is coming to downtown Milwaukee's new entertainment district, but fans will have to be patient
Milwaukee-area soccer fans eager to see the high-level pro game up close will have to be patient.
An agreement is in place for Milwaukee Pro Soccer to join the USL Championship, the second-highest tier of professional soccer in the United States, but not until 2025.
The franchise – owned by Kacmarcik Enterprises – and league announced their plans Wednesday.
The team will be the anchor tenant for Iron District MKE, a sports and entertainment district running from about 6th to 10th streets along Michigan Street on the south edge of downtown. Serious work on the site is set to begin this fall with demolition of the former Ramada Inn at 633 W. Michigan St. Plans for the Iron District were announced earlier this year by Kacmarcik and Bear Development.
Jim Kacmarcik, chairman and CEO of Kacmarcik Enterprises, owns the Forward Madison FC, which plays in the third-tier USL League One.
Milwaukee soccer team would be part of the professional USL Championship league
The launch of the new team would be the first time Wisconsin has had soccer at such a high level since 2002. The Milwaukee Rampage played in the A-League, a second-tier precursor to the USL Championship.
The cities closest to Milwaukee with teams playing in the USL Championship are Indianapolis and Detroit. Earlier this year, USL Pro Iowa was given the go-ahead to begin play in 2024 with home games in a stadium to be built in Des Moines.
The league had 27 teams in two conferences this season, with each team playing 34 matches from March to October, plus playoffs lasting into mid-November. The USL Championship has not traditionally been a feeder to the top level of U.S. pro soccer, with MLS teams typically relying on their own academies in the MSL Next system.
Milwaukee Pro Soccer has launched a “Name the Team” campaign to help with the team’s crest and colors, as well as its name.
Iron District MKE site would include more than just a soccer stadium
The Iron District MKE project has run into some opposition.
In addition to an 8,000-seat stadium for the new team and the Marquette University soccer and lacrosse teams, Kacmarcik and Bear plan to build a 3,500-capacity indoor concert venue, 140 apartments and a hotel, as well as other amenities.
Backers of the proposed FPC Live concert venue complex, to be built next to Fiserv Forum, have raised questions about whether the Iron District's soccer stadium would need city financing or other public funds.
That FPC Live project, to be reviewed by the Common Council's Zoning, Development and Neighborhoods Committee at its Oct. 25 meeting, is privately financed and would compete with the planned Iron District concert venue.
FPC Live supporters say the soccer stadium might seek city financing help through a tax incremental financing district. That district, which would need council approval, would generate cash through the new development’s property tax revenue.
One Iron District component, a 99-unit affordable apartment development planned for its western end, is receiving $1.8 million in tax district financing. TIF districts are often used to help finance affordable apartment buildings.
Tom Daykin of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.
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2022-10-19T23:46:47Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Milwaukee Pro Soccer get USL Championship team for 2025 season
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/soccer/2022/10/19/milwaukee-pro-soccer-get-usl-championship-team-for-2025-season/10535786002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/soccer/2022/10/19/milwaukee-pro-soccer-get-usl-championship-team-for-2025-season/10535786002/
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Snowmen and reindeer, Santas in sleighs with gifts piled high, Christmas trees decked out for the holiday, garland and bows galore.
There's more of everything at this year's Christmas Fantasy House, starting Oct. 29. It will take place in a 25,000-square-foot lakefront mansion, and one-third more decorators worked to dress the home in holiday style.
Gail Johnson, decorator chairperson for the event, said she expects the Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin fundraiser to be one of the best showhouses ever because of its venue: the former UWM Alumni House, which is now a private residence.
“We are absolutely hoping and expecting it to be much bigger than events in the past because of the home’s size, location and history," she said. “How often do people get to see a 25,000-square-foot mansion overlooking Lake Michigan?"
This year, 27 decorators — some of them new to the event — will dress up the mansion for Christmas. Previous events typically had about 20 decorators.
Johnson believes the kitchen, English pub, gentleman’s lounge and theater will be among visitors' favorite rooms.
“One room I love is the kitchen. It’s newly renovated, so it's up to date, but it has lots of Old World charm. Because it’s so large, they have much bigger pieces in there, and they are in the more traditional colors, the reds and the greens, that you don’t always see anymore.
“The English pub is also very nicely done. It’s in creams, golds, teals and emerald greens."
“The gentleman’s lounge was done by new decorators Mitchell Conklin and Jeff Ketterhagen of Luce Lighting & Luxuries in Milwaukee," she added. "They have Larry the Caribou hanging above the fireplace. The room is all in silvers and golds, and it’s so striking.”
She expects the theater room, by decorators Nikki Bruneau and Nancy Buntrock, also will be a favorite. That room was decorated in a popcorn and movie theater candy theme, with garland and gift-wrap made from paper popcorn bags.
Even though the home was featured this year as the Breast Cancer Showhouse, Johnson said, it’s a must-see for the holiday.
“It will be all decorated, and people can see what’s new and trendy in Christmas decorations. It will give people plenty of ideas,” and it will also provide a glimpse of furnishings selected by its homeowner, the entrepreneur and philanthropist Andy Nunemaker.
“We removed very little of his furniture. He has been wonderful to work with,” she said.
A kitchen set up for entertaining
The kitchen was decorated by Sheila Kruepke, owner of Urban Farm Girl, a home décor store and gift shop in West Bend.
The room has two large islands with unique pendant chandeliers, two farmhouse sinks, large expanses of cabinets and countertops, an AGA stove with a custom hood, and a wall full of copper cookware.
“We converted one section into a hot cocoa display, we added a lot of trees and Santas, and on the island we did a Santa in a sleigh with his reindeer," Kruepke said.
The trees range from 10 inches to 3 or 4 feet and represent an array of styles, from wood cutouts to old tinsel trees, she said.
“We also set up one of the counters to look as if we were entertaining. It will have charcuterie boards, dishes and utensils for entertaining.”
The room will have various decor styles but a cohesive look because of the colors she used, she said.
Kruepke, who also owns Urban Loft in West Bend, also decorated the foyer.
“That will be done in creams and whites. It will be natural and more organic. We will decorate the furniture that’s already there.
“There’s a marble table, and that will be the focal point. We’re doing a collection of silver and gold Santas and trees on it,” and a coatrack will hold Santa’s suit.
This is the first time she has decorated a room for the event.
“Not many people get chosen to do this, and we are very honored,” she said.
Bruneau said a Sweet Shoppe will be on the smaller island in the kitchen.
“Each year, we ask our wonderful volunteers to bring in baked goods such as cookies, brownies and cupcakes to be sold in our Sweet Shoppe. … They also bring in caramel corn, taffy, nuts, candy, caramels and specialty Christmas items like Elf Kisses and Reindeer Noses.”
She said committee members and others in the community also contribute goods. This year they include Waukesha County Technical College's baking and pastry management students, and Jen’s Sweet Treats in Cudahy.
A 'cozy cottage' and a playroom
Alicia Dineen and Mary Windall decorated a third-floor bedroom with a theme Dineen called “A Cozy Cottage Christmas.” Dineen and Windall are the owners of A Conversation Piece, a home decor store in West Bend.
“It’s probably the littlest bedroom in the house, but I was very drawn to it,” because of the roofline, the deep windowsill and the coziness, Dineen said. “Every room is so spectacular, but this room had the least amount of pizzazz to it. It is so simple, I could envision our products and decor in it.”
She said the focal point will be a custom-made fireplace and art with a moose in a winter scene.
To go with these pieces, they topped the bed already in the room with a white comforter, a plaid throw and fuzzy pillows; they added a small sleigh and lighted Christmas trees in different sizes that are clustered and decorated with red ornaments for a woodsy feel.
Garland is strung throughout the room, and Christmas and winter floral accents abound.
Dineen said this is the second year her firm has decorated a room for the event.
“We did it last year and we enjoyed it so much. We also love the cause,” she said.
Patty Gilbert, owner of Creatively Yours, a gift store in Mequon, also decorated a small bedroom on the third floor.
There she designed a children’s playroom filled with toys, gnomes, polar bears, snowmen and winter decorations.
“People will see a unique way to do a child’s room. I brought in colors that are very earthy. It’s a winter theme, and the bedspread will be the focal point. It has ice skates and other winter themes on it. The bed will also be piled high with pillows and plush toys. They include a large doll, doll furniture and a wood rocking chair."
She said a cherrywood chest of drawers already in the room will be topped with decorations, and the room's decorative window and chandelier will be decorated.
Gilbert said she participated in the event in the past when she owned a store in Cedarburg, but this is the first time her new store has been involved.
A 'more masculine' pub area
Kriysti Wick, owner of Crane & Arrow, a home decor and furniture store in West Bend, used a theme she calls “a modern metallic Christmas” when she decorated the pub.
“I used a lot of deep emerald green and gold tones and a lot of faux greenery. There are a lot of different metallic ornaments in there. … It has less-traditional Christmas colors,” she said.
Visitors will see a holiday display on the bar, wreaths and garland on the windows, small faux trees set throughout the room, and a large deer trophy candelabra at the back of the bar, she added.
“We wanted it to be more masculine. We wanted it to be simplistic and modern and to complement the European style of that room,” she said.
Because of the mansion's scale, even the main stairway was decorated by a professional.
Phil Meyer, floral manger at Bayside Floral Design/Bayside Garden Center, decorated the large front stairway, which has both upper and lower landings.
“I went with a more natural theme with grapevines and red accents. There are a lot of beautiful paintings in the second-floor hallway, and I didn’t want to compete with them,” he said.
He chose cone Christmas trees wrapped with grapevines, lanterns with candles in them and, on the lower landing, two large grapevine orbs with holiday lights set on black wrought-iron planters.
The railings of the curved stairway are decorated with grapevines, red bows and sprigs of artificial evergreens.
What: Christmas Fantasy House 2022. Tour a recently restored 25,000-square-foot east side mansion filled with holiday décor from design professionals. The former UWM Alumni House is now owned by philanthropist Andy Nunemaker.
Where: Shuttles will run continuously during the event. Parking will be at Lake Park on Saturdays (at East Newberry Boulevard and North Lake Drive). Parking for all other days will be at Veterans Park/McKinley Marina (at Lincoln Memorial Drive and Lagoon Drive).
When: Oct. 29 to Nov. 6. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30 and Nov. 5 and 6. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 31, Nov. 1, 3 and. 4. Closed Nov. 2.
Tickets: $25. The event benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin. Tickets will be sold at the door, at some participating decorators and some Pick N' Save and Metro Market stores, among other locations, and online.
For more information: christmasfantasyhouse.com or email christmasfantasywi@gmail.com.
Fantasy House needs volunteers
Hundreds of volunteers are need for the Christmas Fantasy House, more than usual because of the size of the house.
Volunteers will sell raffle tickets for holiday baskets, trees and wreaths; work in the boutique or the sweet shop, act as docents; or drive shuttle buses.
“There are two benefits. One is they are helping us reach our goal of helping the Ronald McDonald House financially. The second is that they are able to tour the house before or after their shift for free,” she said.
To volunteer go to christmasfantasyhouse.com.
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2022-10-20T12:46:27Z
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www.jsonline.com
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2022 Christmas Fantasy House has plenty of space, lots of designers
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/home-garden/2022/10/20/2022-christmas-fantasy-house-has-plenty-space-lots-designers/10499409002/
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This east side Milwaukee high-rise won city approval in 2017. The developer now has a new version.
A $69 million apartment high-rise that won city approval in 2017 over the objections of its east side neighbors is to undergo a new Milwaukee Common Council review for some design changes.
The 25-story, 192-unit apartment tower, planned for 1550 N. Prospect Ave., would be shorter − a height of 277 feet vs. 301 feet and 28 stories in the original version.
But perhaps the more noticeable change is its slimmer, less bulky design. That includes a setback of 60 feet from the neighboring condominium building at 1522 N. Prospect Ave. − compared to 51 feet in the previous plan.
That could prove helpful in obtaining council approval for the revised proposal. Much of the opposition to the original plan came from residents at that condo building.
Ald. Robert Bauman, whose district includes the site, is reviewing the changes. Bauman was among two council members who voted "no" on the original project in 2017.
"The revised plan is an improvement over the previous plan," Bauman told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
"The previous plan is approved and shovel ready. I cannot speak for the reaction of neighborhood residents, but I suspect they will agree that this plan is preferred to the approved plan," he said.
Bauman hasn't yet decided whether to support the revised plan until final design details are completed. Public hearings before the Plan Commission and council's Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee could come in November.
Developer Chris Houden Jr. said his firm, Madison-based Willow Partners LLC, would proceed with the original plan if the revised proposal isn't approved.
Houden said the new plan has a more attractive design, uses higher quality materials and would be a more environmentally sustainable project − with such additions as parking spaces for battery-operated cars and more indoor bike parking spaces.
"We anticipate this being approved," he said. "I think what we're doing here is more thoughtful."
With the private financing package in place, construction could start next summer, Houden said. The project is to be completed by spring 2025.
The apartments, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom units, would have rents comparable to two other high-rises now under construction: The Couture, 909 E. Michigan St., and 333 N. Water, 333 N. Water St.
Houden said the Prospect Avenue development would compete for residents based in part on its location, its views and its amenities, which include two outdoor decks, with a rooftop pool; a fitness and yoga studio, and a business center.
The revised proposal is coming six months after Houden's investors group bought the development site for $2.9 million from a group led by his father, Christopher Houden Sr.
The elder Houden's original development plan was delayed in part because the financing was to rely mainly on a private loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development − the same program The Couture is using.
The process of getting that HUD loan guarantee is lengthy, Houden said.
Meanwhile, the architect of the initial proposal, Thomas Miller, of Kahler Slater, died in 2019, Houden said. And, the 2020 onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to more delays.
The architect of the revised proposal is Devon Patterson, of Chicago-based Solomon Cordwell Buenz. Patterson's portfolio includes 333 N. Water, which is being developed by Houston-based Hines.
The project includes relocating and renovating the historic former Goll House to make room on the site for the tower.
As with the original plan, the former mansion's first floor is to house the high-rise leasing office. The uses for the second floor have yet to be determined.
More:Menard is again seeking approval for an outdoor storage facility near the former Northridge Mall. City officials have concerns.
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2022-10-20T12:46:33Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Milwaukee east side high-rise approved in 2017 seeks new review
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2022/10/20/milwaukee-east-side-high-rise-approved-in-2017-seeks-new-review/69574474007/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2022/10/20/milwaukee-east-side-high-rise-approved-in-2017-seeks-new-review/69574474007/
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Combating distrust, Wisconsin Elections Commission makes ‘Elections 101’ videos for teens
As Wisconsin state lawmakers have sought to decertify 2020 election results and sow doubt in the elections process, the Wisconsin Elections Commission is looking to clear some things up.
With a series of four “Elections 101” videos made for high school students but also promoted to the general public, Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe said she wants to help residents understand who runs elections and how they do it.
“We know people are really hungry for that information," Wolfe said. "We wanted to make sure we have lively, energetic content that helps them understand exactly how elections work.”
Hoping teachers will play the videos for their students, the commission worked with the state Department of Public Instruction to offer lesson plans that accompany the videos.
The videos, about five to seven minutes each, cover subjects like who election officials are, how to register to vote, how officials keep voting information secure, and a walkthrough of how to vote in person.
The lesson plans cover valid forms of voter identification, ways to register to vote, questions about who should be allowed to vote, and how to serve as a poll worker.
Students in Wisconsin are allowed to serve as poll workers before they are allowed to vote. To qualify as a poll worker, minors must be 16 or 17, have at least a 3.0 grade-point average, and have written permission from a guardian.
More:There's a nationwide shortage of poll workers for elections. How Minneapolis is using teenagers to help.
In focus groups of high school students who helped shape the lessons, WEC Public Information Officer John Smalley said there was a clear need for "baseline" information on how elections function.
"It was not that surprising that there wasn't a great baseline of knowledge there, so we felt like we could go forward with a pretty baseline level of how the elections process works," Smalley said.
Additionally, Wolfe said, the videos are meant to explain how officials keep elections secure and accurate.
"The other piece of it is what you need to know to draw your own conclusion about if the elections are secure and make sure that people have information so they can have confidence in the election process and understand how we secure elections," she said.
In August, the commission asked lawmakers for funding for a new office within the agency aimed at responding to misinformation, complaints and requests for records that have skyrocketed since former President Donald Trump began spreading false claims about Wisconsin's elections.
"It's based on this new climate, this new environment where people are asking and demanding more of election officials, and we want to be able to meet that need," Wolfe said.
Wolfe said the "higher level of engagement" is in some ways positive, as more people are seeking information on the election process. She hopes the videos help with that.
"I think that people having that basic understanding of election administration will help them be able to weed out misinformation about the election process," she said. "We want to try to make sure we're creating that base level of understanding for people so that when they hear these rumors or inaccuracies about the election process, they're less likely to fall for it."
Watch the 'Elections 101' videos
The "Elections 101" videos can be found at elections.wi.gov/101.
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2022-10-20T12:46:45Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Wisconsin Elections Commission makes ‘Elections 101’ videos for teens
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2022/10/20/wisconsin-elections-commission-makes-elections-101-videos-for-teens/69574642007/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2022/10/20/wisconsin-elections-commission-makes-elections-101-videos-for-teens/69574642007/
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GreenLight Metals asks for DNR approval to start exploratory drilling in December at Reef Deposit site near Wausau
A mining company will start exploratory drilling in December, pending approval from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, at a Marathon County site possibly containing gold and other minerals.
GreenLight Metals, submitted to the DNR on Oct. 7 a letter of their intent to drill at the Reef Deposit, east of Wausau and near the Dells of the Eau Claire River. The site is believed to contain about 454,000 tons of gold reserves.
The letter details plans for drilling at up to nine sites on a block of private properties. If approved, the drilling will take place when the ground is frozen this winter in two phases — three drilling areas focused on "identified targets" on the properties and up to six more areas to look for new targets.
Most of the drill sites are located in wetlands. Should the ground start to thaw, all drilling operations will stop, according to the letter.
The drilling is expected to take about 11 weeks. Restoration of the drill sites is anticipated to cost nearly $52,000.
GreenLight Metals is proposing new road extensions that they will construct and maintain to access the drilling sites, though the letter says existing drill roads and trails will be used "wherever possible." Small trees and shrubs cut down during construction will be scattered within 30 inches of the site, according to the letter, and cutting down trees that are larger than 3 inches around will be avoided "where possible." No profitable timber will be cut.
An unnamed creek that runs near the proposed drilling sites will serve as a water source for the operations, according to the letter, though it also suggests pumping from the Eau Claire River and the Yellow River. Normal drilling conditions require about 1,000 gallons of water per day, the letter says.
Community members expressed concern about the proposed drilling because of its proximity to the Dells of the Eau Claire River, an environmentally sensitive state natural area, and the Ice Age Trail.
GreenLight Metals earlier this month submitted a letter of intent to drill in the Chequamegon National Forest at a site known as the Bend Deposit, which contains an estimated 4 million tons of copper, gold and silver.
Madeline Heim is a Report for America corps reporter who writes about environmental issues in the Mississippi River watershed and across Wisconsin. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or mheim@gannett.com.
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2022-10-20T12:46:57Z
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www.jsonline.com
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GreenLight Metals asks DNR to start drilling Reef Deposit near Wausau
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2022/10/20/greenlight-metals-asks-dnr-start-drilling-reef-deposit-near-wausau/10525534002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2022/10/20/greenlight-metals-asks-dnr-start-drilling-reef-deposit-near-wausau/10525534002/
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A northeastern Wisconsin town is alleging that companies responsible for using and releasing toxic "forever chemicals" into the environment should be held liable for the damage they caused to natural resources, drinking water and property.
The Town of Peshtigo on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Tyco Fire Products, located in nearby Marinette, as well as Johnson Controls, Chemguard, ChemDesign and a list of 100 other unnamed "Doe" companies involved in manufacturing and design of PFAS compounds.
The suit alleges that more than 230 of the drinking water wells in the town of 3,800 residents have been heavily contaminated by the actions of Tyco and the other listed businesses that tested firefighting foam containing PFAS outdoors for decades.
"This contamination imperils the public health, safety, and welfare," the complaint says. "And undermines the Town's ability to protect and conserve natural resources, including surface waters, groundwater and soil."
To deal with the contamination, Peshtigo has begun looking into establishing its own public water system in order to provide residents with an option for water other than private wells.
“Today’s filing represents an important next step in protecting Town residents and in holding the polluters accountable," town chairwoman Cindy Boyle in a statement. "I am confident that the judicial process will help restore our town and begin to return to us what Tyco, JCI, and the other defendants have taken: our water, our safety, and ultimately our peace of mind.”
The suit was filed by environmental litigation group Grant & Eisenhofer, according to a press release. Peshtigo is seeking repayment for investments the town has made to deal with PFAS contamination.
Tyco, formerly known as the Ansul Company, was purchased by Johnson Controls in 2016.
The contamination in Marinette and Peshtigo stems from the Tyco fire training site, where fires were set outdoors and then doused with foam. The foam contaminated the ground it came into contact with and, eventually, the PFAS were carried across the area by the groundwater and the sanitary sewers it was washed into after testing. Outdoor testing was halted in 2017.
The company in early 2021 reached a settlement with more than 270 households in Peshtigo over the contamination, agreeing to provide $17.5 million. Of that money, $15 million will be allocated for class-wide claims, such as property damage, while $2.5 million will be allocated for people who have been diagnosed with testicular cancer, kidney cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease and preeclampsia.
Since the discovery of the contamination, Tyco has been providing bottled water and water treatment systems to residents with contaminated wells. In 2019 Johnson Controls said it was setting aside $140 million for cleanup. Part of that money is what will be used to help remediate water and soil in Peshtigo.
Madison was the last city to file a lawsuit against a larger group of manufacturers of PFAS in May, claiming that contamination found at the Dane County Regional Airport in the soil, groundwater, surface water and wastewater is linked to the use of PFAS-containing foam for fire response and training throughout the last several decades, both by the airport itself and the 115th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard, which operates Truax Field in the same area.
The City of La Crosse in March 2021 filed a suit against a similarly large list of companies, alleging that they continued to make and sell the foam for use at the city's airport, even though there was knowledge of the danger the PFAS chemicals within them posed to the environment and humans.
The contamination stemming from the La Crosse Regional Airport has impacted a large swath of the Town of Campbell, located just outside the airport's borders on French Island. Many residents on the island have been reliant on bottled water for over a year as the city explores options for providing a long-term source of clean water there.
There is a chance that both the La Crosse and Madison lawsuits could both be heard by a judge in the U.S. District Court of South Carolina, where cases nationwide involving PFAS contamination from firefighting foam are being heard.
The state has also taken action against one manufacturer — Tyco Fire Products, a subsidiary of Johnson Controls. Attorney General Josh Kaul filed a lawsuit against the company last month, alleging that the company knowingly released PFAS into the environment for years, putting residents in Marinette and Peshtigo at risk.
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2022-10-20T12:47:03Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Peshtigo files lawsuit against Tyco over PFAS pollution
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2022/10/20/peshtigo-files-lawsuit-against-tyco-over-pfas-pollution/69575684007/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/wisconsin/2022/10/20/peshtigo-files-lawsuit-against-tyco-over-pfas-pollution/69575684007/
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After retaining a Wisconsin law firm that represented former President Donald Trump in his effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson’s campaign has launched a website encouraging voters to report instances of suspected election fraud.
The move comes as Republicans have raised doubts about confidence in election results despite recounts, court rulings and nonpartisan audits that confirmed Joe Biden's victory over Trump by about 21,000 votes in the 2020 presidential count in Wisconsin.
Johnson has acknowledged Biden’s presidential victory while claiming there were “irregularities” in the election. Wednesday's website launch comes as Johnson has faced increased scrutiny for his office’s role in the plot to recognize fake slates of electors as Congress was set to certify the 2020 election on Jan. 6, 2021.
Johnson faces Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes in Wisconsin's contentious U.S. Senate race on Nov. 8.
The new website, SecureElectionsWi.com, features a video on how to identify “disqualifying issues” with absentee ballots, including verifying that the forms are properly signed and filled out.
“If the signature is missing or the address is incorrect,” the video instructs election observers, “object to the chief election inspector.”
It includes a form in which someone can fill out their contact information and details of a purported “election integrity incident.”
“Everyone in Wisconsin should have the assurance that their vote counts and it will not be canceled by a fraudulent vote,” Johnson said in a statement. “We are doing everything in our power in 2022 to restore confidence in our election by ensuring Wisconsin elections laws are fully complied with."
Johnson's campaign could use the complaints filed to its team of attorneys to question or challenge the results of the election. The campaign also has staff members appointed to coordinate hundreds of poll watchers.
A spokeswoman for Barnes on Wednesday derided Johnson's initiative.
“Ron Johnson is the last person Wisconsin voters should trust to ‘restore confidence’ in our elections," spokeswoman Maddy McDaniel said. "It’s shameful Johnson is casting doubt and refusing to say whether he will accept the results of the election, but voting is safe and secure and people should be empowered to cast their vote and know it will be counted.”
Ben Voelkel, an aide to Johnson, said the campaign is "doing everything that we can" to play a part in the election security process.
"We're allowed to have election workers, election observers. It's a citizen's right to be a part of the process," Voelkel said. "We're just working to make sure that we've got a robust program to make sure everything goes in accordance with state law."
The launch of the site follows news this week that Johnson's campaign hired a firm headed by attorney James Troupis, who was allegedly at the center of the plot to recognize Republican electors in what was the last-ditch push by the former president and his allies to stymie President Joe Biden's election certification on the day of the U.S. Capitol insurrection.
According to Federal Election Commission filings, Johnson's campaign made about $20,000 in payments to the Troupis firm since July. Those payments included $13,287 on July 15 for "legal consulting" and $7,000 on Aug. 18 for "recount: legal consulting." The campaign has said it would be "reckless" to be unprepared for a situation such as a recount given the tight nature of elections in Wisconsin.
The U.S. House committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol later revealed Troupis played a key role in an attempt to put in place Republican electors in states like Wisconsin, where Trump was trying to overturn election results.
Johnson this summer acknowledged that his office was involved in an effort to give then-Vice President Mike Pence packets of false electors from Wisconsin and Michigan. That plan was never executed after Pence's team rejected the packets, and Johnson has downplayed his involvement since.
Also on Wednesday, the Department of Justice announced that four assistant U.S. attorneys will lead the department's own election security effort in the run-up to Election Day, zeroing in on "complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election."
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2022-10-20T12:47:21Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Ron Johnson launches website seeking reports of voter fraud
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/20/ron-johnson-launches-website-seeking-reports-of-voter-fraud/69574586007/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/20/ron-johnson-launches-website-seeking-reports-of-voter-fraud/69574586007/
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Voting is easy. So is registering to vote.
To be sure, there have been obstacles enacted over the past decade, but voting is more essential than ever to ensure Black Milwaukeeans have a voice on the issues they most want politicians to address.
Yet panelists at a Wisconsin Main Street Agenda town hall meeting Tuesday evening at the Clinton Rose Senior Center in Milwaukee said voting is just the first step.
“We can’t have people just show up on election day,” said Michelle Bryant, a talk show host on WNOV-AM (860) radio. “You still have to do your part. Somebody has to show up.”
More:Wisconsin voters at Green Bay forum say candidates in November election should focus on policy, not attack ads
Bryant, who is also a political strategist and consultant, was referring to advocacy beyond election day to ensure that the issues voters care most about are addressed by elected officials. That could be testifying on proposed legislation or organizing events to send busloads of people to Madison to meet with lawmakers.
“We can’t just scare people. We need to connect the dots for people,” she said. “It’s not just vote or die. We have to be strategic in our vote. They can’t take Black voters for granted.”
More than 2,150 people have taken the Main Street Agenda survey. Overall, the future of democracy is the No. 1 concern followed by climate change and abortion. The survey is not a scientific poll, and its results cannot be generalized to the entire population of Wisconsin, but the responses do provide a snapshot of what’s on the minds of voters this fall.
As part of the collaboration of Wisconsin Public Radio, the La Follette School of Public Affairs at University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Ideas Lab, we’ve held two events in Milwaukee as well as town halls in Pewaukee and Green Bay. The final event will be Nov. 1 in Wausau. Register for the free event here: https://tinyurl.com/wausauagenda.
While worries about democracy continue to rank above all other issues on the survey, what’s fueling the concern has varied in our conversations with voters based on party affiliation and location. At Clinton Rose, the questions surrounding democracy centered on the franchise of voting. Bryant noted that for Blacks, the right to vote wasn’t fully cemented until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
More:‘Democracy is definitely on the ballot and currently in trouble.’ Voter survey shows major concerns about our republic heading into midterms
The Rev. Greg Lewis of Souls to the Polls, a voter awareness organization, said in a state like Wisconsin that is roughly equally spilt between parties, Blacks and other minority voters can play a large role in outcomes.
“We’re the only ones who don’t know we have this power,” Lewis said. “If you don’t vote, all you can do is wait to complain.”
About 50 people attended the town hall which also doubled as a voter registration event. Claire Woodall-Vogg, executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, said she wants to send a clear message that the process isn’t so daunting that it inhibits people from voting. People can still register to vote at the polls on Nov. 8 with a driver’s license or state ID and proof of residency, such as mail or utility bill.
“Your voice does and should hold power,” Woodall-Vogg said.
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2022-10-20T12:47:27Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Milwaukee town hall focuses on Black voices in Wisconsin's midterms
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/columnists/2022/10/20/milwaukee-town-hall-focuses-on-black-voices-in-wisconsins-midterms/69574951007/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/columnists/2022/10/20/milwaukee-town-hall-focuses-on-black-voices-in-wisconsins-midterms/69574951007/
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Caroline Harvey's scores first game-winner, leads our look at Wisconsin women's hockey
A biweekly look at the University of Wisconsin women’s hockey team.
The Badgers improved to 7-1 with a sweep of St. Cloud State. They maintained their spots in the rankings, holding down the No. 4 spot in the USA Today/USA Hockey poll and the No. 5 spot in the DCU/USCHO poll.
Caroline Harvey comes through in clutch, continues to rack up points
The freshman defenseman continued to produce for the Badgers. She had a hand in all the team's goals in a 3-2 comeback victory at St. Cloud State on Saturday. With UW down, 2-0, midway through the second period, Harvey teamed up with Jesse Compher to assist on goals twice. The first went to Britta Curl late in the second period. The second went to Casey O’Brien with 61 seconds left in regulation. Harvey then clinched the win with her fourth goal of the season at the 3:10 mark of OT. This was her sixth straight game with a point.
A decade at LaBahn and other notes
Celebrating LaBahn: Wednesday marked the 10-year anniversary of the first game played at LaBahn Arena. UW’s first opponent was Bemidji State. The Badgers lost that game, 1-0, and have a 148-16-10 record at the rink.
The anniversary comes on homecoming weekend. The Badgers plan to honor Olympians Emily Clark and Abby Roque with a ceremonial puck drop Thursday and plan to recognize alumni in attendance during the second intermission Friday.
Spreading the wealth: The depth and skill were expected to be strength of this year’s team.
So far UW has met those expectations. Six players – O’Brien (14), Harvey (14), Lacey Eden (13), Sophie Shirley (13), Compher (12), Nicole LaMantia (11) - have scored at least 10 points, while Curl and Maddi Wheeler are knocking on the door with nine points each.
“It’s a good sign for a lot of reasons. Probably the main one for me is when you score a goal you generally feel good about yourself, you made a contribution to that that game and with that comes confidence,” UW coach Mark Johnson said. “If I score and I haven’t scored much in the past, my confidence is going to be high. In younger players I’ve seen that and even some of our older players where if you get off to a good start it sets a foundation to continue.”
6.25 Shots per game for Casey O’Brien, the most in the WCHA.
40 Career multi-point games for Jesse Compher, who had two assists Saturday.
4 50-shot games for Wisconsin this season.
33 Unbeaten streak for the Badgers vs. St. Cloud State.
1 Point needed by Sophie Shirley move into a tie for 10th all-time with 167.
UW gets final tune-up as top-five showdowns loom
Vs. Bemidji State, 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday: This will be UW’s final tune-up before back-to-back series with Minnesota Duluth and Minnesota. The Beavers are 0-4 in the WCHA and 2-5-1 overall. They have been swept by No. 10 Clarkson, No. 2 Minnesota and No. 1 Ohio State in the past three weeks.
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2022-10-20T12:47:33Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Wisconsin's Caroline Harvey has big game for women's hockey team
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/20/wisconsins-caroline-harvey-has-big-game-for-womens-hockey-team/10535803002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2022/10/20/wisconsins-caroline-harvey-has-big-game-for-womens-hockey-team/10535803002/
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Oconomowoc police given OK by council to fundraise for K-9 officer
The department plans to raise around $75,000 to fund obtaining and training a canine officer.
The City of Oconomowoc Police Department has received approval from the common council to begin fundraising for a K-9 officer.
The common council voted unanimously on the resolution to allow the department to fundraise the estimated $75,000 to obtain and train the K-9. The department and the city will work with the Waukesha County Community Foundation on fundraising efforts.
Chief James Pfister said the department has already raised $25,000 toward that goal.
“I think this is a great time for us to be kicking this off,” Pfister said. “As most of you know, the (Waukesha County) Sheriff’s Department has made significant cuts because of their budget issues. With that, the K-9s are not even available for searches that we need in our community.”
The common council was mostly in favor of the move, with many voicing support right away. However, a debate on the public-private partnership for operational costs got heated when Ald. Charles Schellpeper shared his concerns.
Schellpeper's questions to Pfister focused on asking who identified getting a K-9 as a need and what gap this filled in the city.
"This was not a strategic goal at the time when I became chief," Pfister said. "It's been a goal of mine. I really wasn’t ready to put it in the strategic plan when we did that. I know that the way we wanted to do this was private funding and working with our community and part of the community policing we do here is about being a partner with the community.
"I can tell you, there’s hundreds of times that our officers stop cars and we need a K-9 and there’s just not one around. And I can tell you, drugs are driving through our community and we’re stopping those vehicles and they're driving away with it."
Schellpeper also voiced concerns about how the dog could be used in ways that don't necessarily protect the community.
"I think my biggest (concern) is that there is a crisis that needs to be solved (around fentanyl and opiates) but my concern is that we’re going to find this dog busting 15-year-olds for pot," he said. "That’s what we’re going to put most of the time into it for, and I don’t know if that’s where the city’s resources should be going toward. If it’s for fentanyl and cocaine, great. But I’m worried the gap we’re trying to fill here is specifically for the high school or for younger kids with marijuana specifically."
A larger debate among the common council was around the private funding for the K-9 officers.
"You say it’s going to be 100% privately funded, and that’s great," Schellpeper said. "But in some ways, there are other issues there. It’s not the same as the body cams. The body cams are a really community-service minded resource and tool that you can fundraise for. Privately fundraising for the dog is different. The dog can be used in aggressive ways. It has different impact on the community."
Ald. Matt Mulder shared similar concerns.
"I don’t have a crystal clear answer for why I feel this should be something budgeted and not donated," he said. "I think that donation of items feels right, but this is an operational cost. This is what the city does. It funds our operations. We’re not going to turn down a generous donation, but I don't think it’s good policy to have our operational costs donated to us ...The K-9 is an officer, and we provide for our officers."
Pfister mentioned that the K-9 would be a community resource and assist with more than just drug searches. He provided examples of finding missing persons, locating criminals and being a face in the community.
"We’ve had numerous officers fighting with subjects that we can’t get under control and had to go in," Pfister said. "They’ve gotten injured, hurt. I’ve got one that’s been injured a long time because they had to fight a subject. If I can send a dog in and keep an officer from getting hurt, I’ll do it every time."
Ultimately, the resolution was voted on unanimously by the common council to approve the fundraising efforts for a K-9 officer. There is currently no timeline for a K-9 joining the force.
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2022-10-20T16:01:21Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Oconomowoc police get approval from council to fundraise for K-9
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2022/10/20/oconomowoc-police-approval-council-fundraise-k-9/69575459007/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/2022/10/20/oconomowoc-police-approval-council-fundraise-k-9/69575459007/
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Oak Creek is hosting a 2022 World Cup watch party on Black Friday
While Black Friday can feel like a full contact sport in some stores, those not interested in braving the hordes of bargain-hungry shoppers can visit Oak Creek’s Drexel Town Square for a World Cup viewing party.
A partnership between Moran’s Pub in South Milwaukee and the city of Oak Creek will offer residents food, drinks, music and games during the United States vs. England match set to start at 1 p.m., Nov. 25.
The game will be shown on a big screen outdoors at 8040 S. 6th St. The event starts at 9 a.m. with a Netherlands vs. Ecuador game kicking off at 10 a.m., according to a joint news release.
“I’m excited to bring this family-friendly event to Oak Creek, and I can’t thank the city enough for its partnership,” said James Moran, owner of Moran’s Pub, 912 Milwaukee Ave. “Our pub has been in the family more than a quarter century, and our passion for soccer and the Bucks, Packers and Brewers comes through in everything we do. That will be on full display in Oak Creek.”
Moran’s will serve beer craft drinks while food trucks will provide various cuisines.
“We take pride in the special events we bring to our city, and this World Cup weekend will be a truly unique family experience,” said Oak Creek Mayor Dan Bukiewicz. “I can’t wait to see Drexel Town Square come to life with the World Cup — and show off our city to fans from across the region.”
Moran’s will continue to show the World Cup games throughout the tournament, according to the release.
“I love how soccer brings everyone closer together — where you leave as friends no matter the outcome of the match,” Moran said.
Moran’s is hosting Wizard World, a Harry Potter-themed pop up through the end of October.
Watch the Moran’s Pub Facebook page for updates on the Drexel Town Square watch party.
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2022-10-20T16:01:27Z
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www.jsonline.com
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World Cup 2022 outdoor watch party coming to Oak Creek on Black Friday
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/south/2022/10/20/world-cup-2022-outdoor-watch-party-coming-to-oak-creek-on-black-friday/10540257002/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/south/2022/10/20/world-cup-2022-outdoor-watch-party-coming-to-oak-creek-on-black-friday/10540257002/
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Milwaukee's George Tillman Jr. on why 'Soul Food' still resonates and what's next for the director
Twenty-five years ago, Milwaukee filmmaker George Tillman Jr. released his first movie, "Soul Food."
Little did he know then that the movie would still resonate among African American families today.
Tillman, 53, who grew up in Milwaukee’s Lincoln Creek area and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1987, fell in love with film after watching “Cooley High” and “Taxi Driver.”
I’ve known Tillman since 1980, when we were both ushers at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. We would attend Marshall High School together; work together at busboys at Sizzler steakhouse; and go on to become best friends. After high school we remained friends, with Tillman going to Columbia College Chicago to study film, while I went to Marquette University to study journalism.
On Sept. 29, Tillman talked to me about the impact of “Soul Food;” how the movie was reflective of his own family’s life; and how Sunday dinners at Black households remains the way for families to stay connected.
Tillman also talked with me by phone from Los Angeles about the 25th anniversary of "Soul Food," and the challenges he faced on his latest project, a George Foreman biopic, which is expected to hit theaters during the first quarter of 2023.
It’s been 25 years since the release of "Soul Food," why does the movie still resonate among moviegoers?
They say a filmmaker tells a story from what they know. I knew my family’s story. When I wrote “Soul Food,” I was desperate. I sold an independent film that never came out and I needed to write something. The one thing I knew was the soul food tradition from my grandmother. What surprised me the most is when people told me that they didn’t know families came together like that on a weekly basis. They assumed it was something only done on Thanksgiving.
How much was the movie based on your life?
It’s based on my own personal experiences. My grandmother lived on 10th and Burleigh in the middle of the block. We all attended the original Shiloh Baptist Church, which was right down the street from her home. Right after church – every Sunday – we would head to my grandmother’s house at 3147 N. 10th St. My Aunt Bessie made the sweet, iced tea. My mother made the potato salad, and my grandmother would always make egg pie. Most people never heard of egg pie. My Aunt Nancy made the best chocolate cake.
My aunts would all be in the kitchen cooking and the men would be in the living room watching sports. There were a lot of bad Green Bay Packers football games on during that time, but it was a time for all of us to catch up. We would talk. There were no cellphones. We talked to each other and knew what was going on in each other’s lives. We need to get back to those traditions. I took those experiences and made it into a movie.
I started writing the script in early 1994 and didn’t finish it until 1996. Most filmmakers can write a script in eight weeks.
What was your grandmother like?
My grandmother, Lorine Kincaid, loved having everyone around. She believed in good food, good conversation. Church and family. If you said you were coming over for Sunday dinner and you didn’t show, she would call and find out what was going on. My grandma was similar to Irma Hall, who played Mother Joe in the movie. My grandmother lost her husband in the 1960s, so it was important for her to keep us all together.
Unfortunately, my grandmother died during filming for the movie, so that was very emotional for me. She was diabetic and died from a blood clot after her leg was amputated, similar to Mother Joe in the movie.
Like the movie, when my grandmother died, we gradually stopped doing Sunday dinners and people started doing their own things. We lost the family matriarch, and we didn’t know how to keep things going after she died.
In "Soul Food," I showed how that happened when Irma Hall died, you saw how the family struggled. A lot of people thought Teri’s (Vanessa Williams) character would take over things because she had the money, but it was actually Maxine’s (Vivica Fox) character who everyone looked up to. She became the matriarch.
How did Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds become the producer of "Soul Food"?
After I finished the script I went out to LA and Tim Reid’s company read it and liked it but they didn't make an offer. Then a company called First Look read it and they offered me $3 million but they wanted me to take out all of my references to bacon. I was about to sign with them but then Babyface and his wife Tracey (Edmonds) said they could do it and get 20th Century Fox and a $7.5 million budget. They loved the story, but they wanted someone else to direct it. They knew they could make back $7 million off the soundtrack alone and they wanted to film it in LA.
I told them it was my story and I wanted to film in Chicago since I already had areas picked out there. I was willing to walk away because I knew I had the smaller company who would let me do everything. The next day, Babyface agreed to my terms.
They had all the connections. Babyface asked me who I wanted for the film, and I told them Vanessa Williams and he was like done. Who else you want? I wanted Nina Long, and he was like I know her, and he got her. I didn’t have those connections.
I had songs picked out for different scenes and Babyface said I can get you a better song. He would have a song that was perfect. He wrote “A Song for Mama” in two days. One time I went into the studio, and he had Stevie Wonder in there and on another occasion, he got Puffy to give us a track.
Do you keep in touch with the "Soul Food" cast?
I see some of them around Hollywood. Brandon Hammond, who played Ahmad, is a filmmaker now and he starting to do his own thing. I saw him at the Hollywood festival. We talked every day during filming. He would call me up because his character was me growing up. He wanted to know what I would be thinking and what my reactions would be to certain things. While he was one of the youngest people on the set, he was well established. Before “Soul Food,” he was in “Menace II Society,” “Tales from the Hood,” “Waiting to Exhale,” “Space Jam,” and “The Fan” with Wesley Snipes. He was only 12 or 13 when we were filming so his mom had to be there every day. If we had to go over our time, we needed to clear it with her.
I also keep in touch with Irma Hall, who played the grandmother. I really wanted her to be in the film after seeing her (in "A Family Thing"). She lives in Texas now.
How did you get into film?
During those cold winters in Milwaukee I spent a lot of time watching television. The two movies that did it for me was (the coming-of-age comedy-drama) "Cooley High" and "Taxi Driver" with Robert De Niro. Michael Schultz, who directed "Cooley High" is from Milwaukee.
I remember showing "Taxi Driver" to my father and he was quiet the whole movie and then when the credits started to roll, he looked at me and said don’t you ever show me a movie like that again.
I give a lot of credit to my mother, too. Every Tuesday when we lived off 42nd Street, she would take me to library to get books and I would pile up on the film books. I also would check out a lot of movies. The library for me was my resource. I remember seeing a flier at the library that talked about the MATA program that let you rent video equipment. They also had people who would teach you how to edit film. I made my first movie with equipment I rented from MATA. You were in my first movie.
From there I remember UW-Milwaukee had a free summer program for people who wanted to learn film. I was the youngest one in the program. I learned how to use a Bolex camera. When I was at Marshall, my broadcasting instructors John Holmes and Mr. (Thomas) Kaye also gave me free rein to the broadcasting equipment. There were a lot of programs around back then to help you get into film, you just had to find them.
How successful was the "Soul Food" TV series?
It was very successful. It ran from 2000 to 2005 on Showtime. I was the producer and executive producer. It had its own life and opened up the doors to a new audience who went back to revisit the movie. It starred Boris Kodjoe, Aaron Meeks, Nicole Parker, Malinda Williams, Rockmond Dunbar and Vanessa Estelle Williams. It also received five NAACP Image Awards for outstanding drama series and was one of the first long-running dramatic series on television to feature a predominantly Black cast.
Your wife Marcia Wright was in "Soul Food" and some of your other films, how did that come about?
She looks at all my scripts and if she sees something she likes, she says I want to do that role. It’s really that easy. She’s been in "Barbershop" and "Roll Bounce." In "Barbershop," she was the woman that took a bat to her boyfriend's car and discovers it's the wrong car. She usually picks a smaller role because she’s busy, too. She teaches acting.
We have been together for 36 years. I met my wife with you, James, outside of CUB Foods store right before our senior year of high school in August of 1986. Remember, I asked if you wanted to talk to her and you saw my face and told me to go ahead. I got on my bike and rode up to Marcia and the first thing I said to her was "I'm George Tillman and I'm a director." She replied, "Well, I'm an actress."
I promised her we will make movies and that I would introduce her to Janet Jackson, Eddie Murphy, and that we would live in Los Angeles. With the blessing of God and hard work, we accomplished all of those goals. We’ve been married 27 years now and we have one son, Chase. He does some modeling and he’s a music major at California State University, Northridge.
Where does "Soul Food" rank among your impressive portfolio of films?
It’s hard for me to rank them because they are so different. I would say “Soul Food” is the movie that people know me the most for. I would rank them "Soul Food" first, followed by “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete,” and “Men of Honor,” and “The Hate U Give.” They all have a special place for me. I will say the George Foreman biopic challenged me the most.
The George Foreman biopic is called “Heart of a Lion.” In what ways did this film challenge you?”
A. The biggest challenge was COVID-19. We had to shut down filming on three occasions and then a hurricane hit. It was also a challenge to keep everyone around me motivated to grind through this. We filmed in New Orleans, so I was away from my wife Marcia and my son for months. Those are the things people don’t see. I’m lucky to have a wife who understands the processes and how hard it is to complete a film. There was also the untimely death of Michael K. Williams, who was originally cast as Charles “Doc” Broadus in the film I had to work around.
But the film is my first boxing film. It follows the life of George Foreman, who had a tough life growing up. How he went from winning a gold medal in the Olympics to becoming the world champion to Rumble in the Jungle fight with Muhammad Ali, to leaving all of that behind and becoming a preacher. When he had financial problems, he stepped back into the ring and went on to become the world heavyweight champion at 45. It’s an amazing story of overcoming the odds. Foreman had a lot of input into the film.
To be at this for 25 years, sometimes you have doubts, and you have to look in the mirror and ask yourself is it worth it. For example, because of filming I couldn’t be at my kid’s high school graduation, I had to watch it on Zoom. My family understands but it's still hard.
At the end of the day, when you have a great body of work you realize that all of the sacrifices were worth it.
My career has given me the opportunity to work with some of the best of the best in Hollywood. It’s too many to name, but think about it, I watched Robert De Niro in "Taxi Driver" in 1976, and he was in my movie "Men of Honor" in 2000.
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2022-10-20T16:01:39Z
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www.jsonline.com
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George Tillman Jr.'s 'Soul Food' still offers a full plate of love
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/movies/2022/10/20/milwaukee-george-tillman-jr-soul-food-still-offers-full-plate-love/8174116001/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/movies/2022/10/20/milwaukee-george-tillman-jr-soul-food-still-offers-full-plate-love/8174116001/
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Residential electric bills could go up more than expected in southeast Wisconsin next year under a new rate proposal submitted this week by We Energies.
The company is now seeking a 13% increase in the rate for its residential customers pay for electricity, according to a recent filing in its rate case before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The $14.61 per month increase is more than double the utility's initial request of $6 a month. It would increase the average residential electric bill $175 a year.
That increase is paired in the filing with a nearly 50% reduction in the proposed rate for large industrial customers. We Energies' biggest customers would see an annual increase of 6.4% under the new proposal.
We Energies spokesman Brendan Conway said the proposed allocation of how much each class of customer pays is consistent with previous commission decisions and the recommendations of PSC staff. In its filing, the company called the initial proposal for residential rates "artificially low." Rising costs and worsening economic conditions required it to change its proposed rates, the company said.
Tom Content, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, said We Energies initially said it wanted to limit the impact of rising costs on residential customers. It's new approach "is really pulling the rug out from under the homeowners and renters," he said.
"Whatever concern they had about affordability for residential and small business customers has gone out the window," Content said.
Related:How a Milwaukee neighborhood organization is trying to change the debate on electric, gas rates in southeast Wisconsin
Concerns about affordability and the unequal impact of rising rates on low-income households let Walnut Way, a Milwaukee organization representing the Lindsay Heights neighborhood, to take the unusual step of becoming an intervenor in the rate case. Walnut Way is seeking a wholescale revamping of We Energies' residential rate structure to reduce the outsized burden of utility bills on low-income homeowners and renters by limiting utility bills to no more than 6% of household income.
In a partial settlement with the majority of the intervenors, We Energies agreed to "informal" meetings with Walnut Way and other groups to discuss an ability-to-pay pilot program after the rate case is settled. Walnut Way did not sign on to the settlement − executive director Antonio Butts argued that it does nothing to help low-income people who have been stuck in pattens of disconnection for non-payment and reconnection, and are now struggling with rising costs due to inflation.
Walnut Way also was among the organizers of a protest against rising energy costs on Saturday at We Energies' downtown Milwaukee headquarters.
We Energies' request for residential natural gas rates also ticked up from a $5.94 per month increase for Milwaukee-area customers served by Wisconsin Gas to $6.72. Wisconsin Electric Gas customers’ monthly bills would increase $7.71 a month, compared to an initial request of $6.39 a month. The revised rate requests represent increases of 10.7% and 13%, respectively.
Those increases are included in a projection that winter heating bills will be up as much as 30% this year. The additional increase is driven by a spike in the cost of natural gas, the company said.
We Energies is not seeking to change its 10% return on equity, or the profit it makes after expenses. However, CUB is asking the PSC to reduce it to 9%, a reduction of about $100 million in profits that Content said would be "a really sizeable cut to the size of the increase."
The PSC is expected to set the company's 2023 rates and return on equity by the end of the year. The case will remain open for 2024.
In-person public hearings have been scheduled for Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St.
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2022-10-20T16:01:45Z
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www.jsonline.com
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We Energies doubles requested bill hike for residential customers
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/energy/2022/10/20/we-energies-doubles-requested-electric-bill-hike-for-residential-customers/69574486007/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/energy/2022/10/20/we-energies-doubles-requested-electric-bill-hike-for-residential-customers/69574486007/
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MADISON - Republican candidate for governor Tim Michels is suggesting he would as governor shorten the timeframe Wisconsin residents may receive unemployment benefits should they lose their job — calling for changes to eliminate what he's calling "an entire class of lazy people” created during the coronavirus pandemic.
Michels’ position is a contrast to Democratic incumbent Gov. Tony Evers, who vetoed a bill earlier this year that would shorten the timeframe the unemployed could receive benefits in times of economic prosperity, citing a desire to not create new hardships for those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
"It doesn't take 26 weeks to find a job in this day and age. Help wanted signs are everywhere. It probably takes about 2.6 hours to find a job," Michels said during an interview at the Rotary Club of Milwaukee on Tuesday.
In an Oct. 14 debate with Evers, Michels said if elected "we're going to get people off of their couches and get them back to work. We created an entire class of lazy people during COVID. And it's time to get them back engaged in our economy, to stop just sending them the unemployment checks and COVID subsidy checks, which I know are now gone, but they were getting them and that's how they got lazy."
A spokeswoman for Michels did not answer what length of time he believes benefits should be available to unemployed residents.
Department of Workforce Development spokeswoman Jennifer Sereno described a different employment picture in the state, saying over the last year "Wisconsin has achieved record low unemployment, a record high number of people employed and record lows in initial and continuing weekly unemployment claims."
Wisconsin's unemployment rate was 3.1% as of August, just below the national rate of 3.7%, which amounts to 96,300 people in Wisconsin who are unemployed. About 16,000 more people were recorded as jobless a year ago, according to the DWD.
Sereno said the average duration for people to receive regular unemployment benefits totaled 16 weeks based on a rolling average between July 2021 and June.
Under a Republican-authored bill proposed last legislative session, the unemployed could receive regular benefits for up to 14 weeks — down from the current timeframe of 26 weeks. Under the proposal, the number of weeks of benefits that would be available would rise along with the unemployment rate, topping out at 26 weeks when the unemployment rate is at 9% or higher.
"(With) the economic climate we have right now, there's no reason that someone should need a half a year to find a good, high-quality paying job as they’re around every corner," Republican Rep. Alex Dallman of Green Lake said at the time he introduced the bill.
Evers said in a veto message he objected to "adding more barriers for individuals applying for and receiving economic assistance through programs largely designed to provide support when individuals and families are experiencing economic hardship."
Other bills Assembly Republicans passed earlier this year would have put in place more drug testing and work requirements for unemployment benefits and food stamps, cut off unemployment benefits for those who don’t show up for job interviews, and suspended people’s access to public health insurance if they turn down job offers.
Sereno said the state's current unemployment system "was established to support workforce stability, promote workforce participation and diminish economic volatility."
"The benefits paid to workers also diminish economic volatility because the money is used to buy groceries, pay rent, cover utilities, etc. This is turn supports other businesses," Sereno said by email. "The benefits are not considered sufficient to support an individual or family long-term, thus incentivizing a return to work."
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, has said he would bring back all legislation Evers vetoed if Michels is elected.
During a 2021 debate over whether to tighten unemployment rules, Vos said he would also like to see the state do more to withhold benefits from people who bypass the state's requirement to look for jobs, in order to boost the workforce and create accountability for the system.
“It seems like in Wisconsin we do not do a very good job of, number one, making it easy for an employer to report a no-show for an interview and then doing anything about it,” Vos said during a June 2021 roundtable discussion on worker shortages at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce in Madison.
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2022-10-20T16:01:57Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Tim Michels suggests he would scale back unemployment benefits
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2022/10/20/tim-michels-suggests-he-would-scale-back-wisconsin-unemployment-benefits-governor-tony-evers/69574585007/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2022/10/20/tim-michels-suggests-he-would-scale-back-wisconsin-unemployment-benefits-governor-tony-evers/69574585007/
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The Milwaukee Bucks regular season begins Thursday night in Philadelphia, and Milwaukee again ranks among the favorites to win the NBA championship. It's a roster chock full of familiar names, although with as much success as the Bucks have had lately, it's hard to get too fired up about the regular season, right?
So let's spice it up with some things we'd love to see this regular season, some suggestions more serious than others. What's on your list?
Giannis Antetokounmpo catches Michael Redd
Giannis Antetokounmpo comes into the year as the Bucks all-time leading scorer, and he's threatening to reach the top of the list in rebounding, assists and steals (he already owns the block category, as well). But there is one area he could still conquer: single-game point totals.
Michael Redd, who scored 57 points against the Utah Jazz, on Nov. 11, 2006, currently holds the Bucks single-game scoring record. Giannis has had his moments in the points column, such as a 52-point effort against Philadelphia in March 2019 and his unforgettable 50-point showing in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals. But Giannis only has one game in Milwaukee's all-time top 10 of single-game scoring. Among the most notable performances, Bucks good-luck charm Brandon Jennings famously scored 55 on Nov. 14, 2009, against the Golden State Warriors, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has four 53-point performances and one 55-pointer.
Whattya say, Giannis? Do we hear 60?
Truthfully, he'd probably have to reach that round number to even approach the gravitas of his Finals-clinching 50, but we'd certainly remember his big night if it came to pass. Of course, Giannis also would need to get the minutes to rack up 60 points, and … well, at least early in the season, that's a bit of a pipe dream.
Khris Middleton becomes a top-three all-time franchise scorer (and gets healthy first)
While on the subject of historical achievement, Khris Middleton is well within striking distance of becoming the franchise's No. 3 all-time scorer, behind only Antetokounmpo and Abdul-Jabbar. Middleton needs 1,039 points to catch Glenn Robinson (12,010), and in a normal season, Middleton would blow that mark away − he's scored at least 1,297 points in each of the past five single seasons. But, of course, that hinges on decent health. Middleton will get a late start to the year thanks to wrist surgery, and though he should still have the cushion to bypass Big Dog, it's not necessarily a certainty.
Middleton has been the Robin to Giannis' Batman during the Bucks resurgence over the past half-decade, and it feels right to see him earn such a lofty perch. He'll need more seasons to catch No. 2 Kareem, who held the Bucks franchise scoring mark until last season, but Middleton is cementing himself as one of the Bucks' all-time greats.
A coaches' night to honor Del Harris, George Karl and Larry Costello
There wasn't perhaps as much fanfare as you'd might expect when a whopping three former Bucks head coaches − Larry Costello, Del Harris and George Karl − were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in the same year.
Costello coached the team from the franchise's inception through part of the 1976-77 season, leading the Bucks to the 1971 championship and an appearance in the 1974 Finals. Harris was coach from 1987-91, reaching the playoffs in each of his four full seasons, and Karl led the team from 1999-2003, making the playoffs four of five seasons and leading Milwaukee to the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals.
All three had success in places aside from Milwaukee, and both Costello and Harris were inducted as "contributors" instead of just as a coach. But, coupled with Don Nelson, it now means the Bucks had a Hall of Fame head coach for the franchise's first 24 years of existence (and five more once Karl came along).
Karl, specifically, would make a great Milwaukee guest when the Bucks trot out the old purple jerseys for the "Classic Throwback" look this year.
Marques Johnson gets the Hall call
Speaking of the Hall of Fame, beloved former Bucks star Marques Johnson, who remains a part of the team's television broadcasts, has been a finalist for Hall of Fame induction four straight years. Maybe the fifth time is the charm?
Johnson, a member of the College Basketball Hall of Fame, was taken No. 3 by the Bucks in the 1977 NBA draft and made three all-NBA teams during his tenure with the Bucks from 1977-84, with two top-10 finishes in the MVP voting. He made five all-star teams in his career and, lest we forget, his poster was on Michael Jordan's wall, for crying out loud. Get this man in the Hall of Fame!
More:The Wisconsin sports references found inside Michael Jordan documentary, 'The Last Dance'
Bobby Portis in the 3-point competition
Speaking of beloved players, few have captured the heart of Milwaukee better than Bobby Portis. How cool would it be to see Portis get some national love?
Portis should get a ticket to Salt Lake City on Feb. 17-19 for all-star weekend. Get this man in the 3-point competition! He's a 42% shooter from beyond the arc in two years with the Bucks. He was at 39.3% last year, which puts him in the top-20 overall in the NBA for players with as many attempts as he had and second among guys who play center behind Karl Anthony-Towns … who did make the 3-point challenge last year and won the whole thing. Big guys shooting the rock is what people want to see. Let Bobby shoot.
Can we just get the whole all-star game in Milwaukee?
The Bucks haven't hosted an NBA all-star game since 1977 at the Milwaukee Arena, and when Fiserv Forum opened in 2018, it certainly stood to reason that Milwaukee would get asked to host an all-star game sooner or later. But the city lost out to Salt Lake City in its bid for the 2023 game, and the 2024 game is already scheduled for Indianapolis (relocated from 2021), so 2025 is the next one on the table. Could that be the one that winds up local? Milwaukee hasn't hosted a major pro-sports all-star game since the MLB game in 2002 at Miller Park.
Oh, and Jrue Holiday should be an all-star
There was at least some surprise last year when it was Khris Middleton headed to the all-star game as a second Bucks representative and not Jrue Holiday, whose value to the Bucks has been immeasurable over the past two seasons. Holiday, 32, has only made one all-star team in his career, which seems incredible. Surely he can join Giannis (and Bobby) on the trip to Utah this year.
Ray Allen back in the house for some promotional goodness
The Bucks promotional schedule has some cool highlights this year, including a Giannis "dad joke" bobblehead, several things that will keep you warm (mittens! a hat! a blanket!) and a Ray Allen legends bobblehead April 7 against the Grizzlies. What a perfect opportunity to get Allen back in town … maybe in concert with Karl and the purple jerseys, as mentioned above?
All four Antetokounmpos on the floor
OK, this one will require some crazy things to happen, but we'd love to see it: all four Antetokounmpos on the same floor.
We've already seen Giannis and Thanasis take on a Kostas team, and Kostas Antetokounmpo is on a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls this year. The teams play twice after the trade deadline (Feb. 16 in Chicago and April 5 at home), which means the annual chaotic roster machinations will already be under way. The Bucks have added under-the-radar guys late in the year before (Rayjon Tucker and Luca Vildoza come to mind); could they maybe be persuaded to add Alex, the youngest Antetokounmpo brother who was signed by the Wisconsin Herd (the Bucks G-league affiliate) in July?
Alex previously joined his Bucks' brothers at the NBA all-star skills challenge last year. How about in a regular-season game? OK, it's a longshot, but it would be an endearing grace note to the season.
Bob Uecker on the call for a Giannis dunk
We're off the rails, but since we are, you know what would be amazing? Merging Milwaukee's two biggest franchises. Heck, Giannis is already a part-owner of the Brewers, so this should work great.
Milwaukee plays in Phoenix on March 14, not far from where the Brewers will be playing spring training games, so who says no to Bob Uecker stopping over on the Bucks broadcast? Wouldn't you love to hear Uecker call a Giannis Antetonounmpo dunk? How about that one, folks?
A win in Boston on Christmas
The Bucks are on the road for the holidays this year, traveling to the TD Garden, where the 2021 season ended in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals. The Boston Celtics will again be one of the top teams in a loaded Eastern Conference this year, so a win over Boston has significant value on any day, not to mention the league's showcase regular-season date.
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2022-10-20T16:02:09Z
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Giannis, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks to tip off
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2022/10/20/giannis-khris-middleton-jrue-holiday-bobby-portis-milwaukee-bucks-take-aim-at-nba-finals-title/69574578007/
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The Milwaukee Bucks finally got some good injury news.
Wesley Matthews said Wednesday he is available for the Bucks' season opener against the 76ers on Thursday night in Philadelphia after battling a right ankle injury over the preseason.
"I'm ready to go," Matthews said. "Feel good. I've been putting in the time and effort to get back and get my ankle correct.
"I'm good. I'm excited. And whenever my name is called, I'm ready to go to work."
More:How two former women's players from UW-Milwaukee and Marquette helped get Wesley Matthews ready to chase a title with the Milwaukee Bucks
That will help fortify the depth on the wing that will be missing Khris Middleton (wrist surgery), Pat Connaughton (calf) and Joe Ingles (ACL).
Matthews, a Madison native and former Marquette star, is embarking on his 14th NBA season. He injured the ankle before the Bucks' first preseason game.
"It's still gratitude and excitement," Matthews said. "I mean, we're kids essentially. We get to play the game that we love, that we played our whole lives for a living. In front of thousands of fans. Millions world-wide. It's awesome."
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2022-10-20T16:02:15Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Milwaukee Bucks' Wesley Matthews will play season opener against 76ers
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2022/10/20/milwaukee-bucks-wesley-matthews-will-play-season-opener-against-76ers/10533958002/
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There have been some shakeups in head coach Mike Budenholzer’s coaching staff but the team from the front office to the end of the bench is largely intact from not just one year ago, but from the title-winning season. Eight players were on the championship squad from 2020-21 while George Hill, Wesley Matthews, Grayson Allen, Jevon Carter and Serge Ibaka are all in at least their second season with the team. It’s a veteran group that has won a lot of games and will not be surprised by anything that happens in the regular season or playoffs. There is something to be said for having few question marks and little drama – and the Bucks are counting on continuity to mean a heck of a lot this season.
For years the Bucks would shrug off an opponent hitting a record number of three-pointers against them in the regular season – or even a playoff game or two – because their defensive mindset of protecting the rim was a) historically good and b) led to many, many victories. But last season the defense drifted toward the middle of the pack and teams kept making threes – and finally Boston shot them out of the playoffs. This year, the Bucks are emphasizing limiting the number of three attempts and contesting the ones that do go up more often. It’s a change and doing so will likely result in some growing pains, but should they be able to make it happen often enough it could lead to another parade.
Three reasons why the Bucks will not win the title
If the Bucks had never won an NBA title, Khris Middleton’s playoff knee injury may go down as one of Milwaukee sports’ greatest “what if.” Even without their all-star, the Bucks had two closeout games against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals and there are many who feel if Middleton was healthy the Bucks would have, at least, been in position to defend their title. But, that was not to be. And that is the risk for all teams with legitimate title chances – the stars must be healthy.
Since Antetokounmpo signed his extension it was clear the team was going to go into the tax, and that is the cost of doing championship-level business. But as the season wears on, and without an open roster spot, will there be the flexibility both in minutes and money to make a necessary move (or moves) to get the team over the top? General manager Jon Horst is always on the lookout for improvement and with a loaded draft class perhaps enticing more teams to offload quality veterans, perhaps it will be easier to make a difference-making move than it appears today. But it always takes two (or three or four) to tango around the trade deadline and it’s not always a given that right player is available.
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2022-10-20T16:02:21Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Why Milwaukee Bucks could win NBA title, and why they could fall short
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2022/10/20/why-milwaukee-bucks-could-win-nba-title-and-why-they-could-fall-short/10524540002/
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Pat Connaughton's firm has sold a Brewers Hill building. It was to be razed for new apartments.
A Brewers Hill building that Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton's firm planned to replace with a six-story apartment building has been sold to a newly formed investment group.
The two-story, 13,400-square-foot building, at 1737 N. Palmer St., was sold by Connaughton's Three Leaf Development LLC to 1737 N Palmer LLC for $500,000, according to newly posted online state real estate records.
Milwaukee attorney Jeffrey Billings, 1737 N. Palmer's registered agent, didn't respond to a request for information.
The company was registered with the state Department of Financial Institutions on Oct. 7.
A similar sounding group, 1737 N. Palmer Street LLC, was registered in July. But it was dissolved on Wednesday, according to the department's records.
Its agent, Scott Alderton, a partner at Granular Marketing, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "there has been no purchase by any entity that I am affiliated with concerning the building you referenced."
More:A planned Milwaukee east side apartment development, opposed by nearby residents, has had one obstacle removed. But it still needs zoning.
Three Leaf Development, of which Connaughton is president, bought the Brewers Hill building in October 2020 for $500,000.
Three Leaf proposed demolishing the building and developing a six-story, 50-unit apartment building in its place. The demolition plans forced around a half-dozen small businesses and residents in two apartments to relocate.
But the development proposal was withdrawn in September 2021 after the city's Historic Preservation Commission staff recommended not approving the development.
That proposal also drew opposition from nearby residents. The Historic Brewers Hill Association said its scale, mass and height were "inappropriate for the site and not in harmony" with neighboring homes.
The brick building, constructed in 1906, was the longtime home of Badger Sash & Door Co., according to the Wisconsin Historical Society's architecture and history inventory.
The building is just south of the Brewers Hill Historic District. Its parking lot lies within the district, which triggered the preservation commission's role in Three Leaf's proposal because it was part of the development site.
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2022-10-20T18:53:12Z
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Pat Connaughton sells Brewers Hill building that was to be razed
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Beck Andrew Salgado AnnMarie Hilton
A spate of false active shooter reports have been made at schools across Wisconsin today. School responses have varied, but in most cases, classes have remained in session. Students from the targeted schools have been deemed safe as police continue to investigate.
At the time of this writing, schools that received false threats include Oak Creek High School, Franklin High School, Kenosha Bradford High School, Port Washington High School, Rufus King High School in Milwaukee, Green Bay East High School, Sheboygan South High School, South Park Middle School in Oshkosh, Stevens Point Area High School, Nicolet High School in Glendale, Roncalli High School in Manitowoc, Rawson Elementary School in Milwaukee, Lakeview Technology Academy in Kenosha and Park High School in Racine.
As police arrived at Port Washington High School, officers began to evacuate students and teachers from classrooms. During a police response to Port Washington High school the city took to social media to plead with parents not to arrive at the school.
A 911 call came in just after 9:30 a.m. about an active shooter at Roncalli High School in Manitowoc, according to a news release from the Manitowoc Police Department. The school went into lockdown, and officers from police department, the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Department and Metro drug unit responded.
This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.
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2022-10-20T18:53:18Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Wisconsin schools report false active shooter threats
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2022/10/20/schools-statewide-receive-false-active-shooter-reports/69577735007/
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Shorewood's Annamarie Strehlow ready to accomplish next goal as professional Ironman competitor
Annamarie Strehlow always wanted to be a professional athlete, but she never expected that dream to become reality as a 32-year-old in Ironman competitions.
She played soccer at Homestead High School and St. Thomas University, then fell into running after college while working as a physical therapist. That led to triathlons and, after an impressive performance at the Ironman World Championships on Oct. 6 in Kona, Hawaii, she is ready to turn pro.
“Growing up, it was ‘Oh, I wish I could be like Mia Hamm,’ ” said Strehlow, a Shorewood resident. “So there was always a fire in me and then I think I finally found it.”
In Hawaii, Strehlow finished her third Ironman in a personal-best 9 hours 42 minutes 17 seconds. Among the 1,167 women's finishers, she was the third-fastest non-professional and second in her age group.
“Kona is like nothing I’ve ever experienced,” Strehlow said. “And I think that’s because it’s not only a legendary race but just being on the island of Hawaii is incredible.
“There’s an indescribable feeling of energy coming not only from the athletes and the spectators, but just from the culture of people that are there. It’s electric.”
Paying attention to the heat among biggest factors for Strehlow in Ironman competitions
Strehlow had a crew of 15 family members on the island for support on a race day with temperatures in the 80s with high humidity. Her times exceeded expectations: 1:03:08 in the 2.4-mile swim; 5:15:09 in the 112-mile bike and 3:16:59 in the 26.2-mile run.
“My theme for race day was to stay present with each discipline,” Strehlow said. “So coming out of the water, I didn’t even look at my swim time. I wanted to focus then on the transition and be really clear and clean with my transition.
“And then once I was on the bike I was really focused on taking in my nutrition. Focusing on the data that I had in front of me. And similarly on the run it was all about what’s my pace, what do I need, how do I feel, what do I need to eat, how do I stay cool. Because the heat is what really I think is the biggest factor I think in how someone’s day can be successful or really tragic.”
Strehlow was the top female finisher in the 2021 Ironman Wisconsin, which qualified her for the World Championships, and also at the Ironman Lake Placid in July. But nothing was like crossing the finish line in Kona.
“I was just in shock that I had completed what I did,” she said. “It was such a hard day. I’ve never done anything so challenging in my life. So crossing the finish just felt like a incredible accomplishment.
"I was really proud of myself and what I was able to execute on the day.”
More:Milwaukee-born and former University of Wisconsin runner Emily Sisson sets marathon record for American women
Nickel:Runners and volunteers at Not Lakefront Marathon show Milwaukee wants a big marathon event
Next Ironman event is Oct. 28 in Saint George, Utah
Strehlow said she felt depleted in the days after her performance. But there’s always another race, and she will compete in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Saint George, Utah, on Oct. 28.
“My cup slowly fills throughout the year as we get closer to the race and once it’s over, it’s kind of sad,” Strehlow said. “Because you put in hours of training and hours of preparation, and it seems like a long race leading into it, nine-plus hours, goes by so fast. Because throughout the race you are concentrating so hard on every little detail.”
After that, Strehlow will apply for a license to race as a professional next season.
“I am looking for sponsorship because it does take quite a lot to travel and train,” she said. “I’ll continue to work full-time. But I’ll need financial assistance to compete at the level I want to compete at.
“And being pro is really being given the opportunity to race against the most elite athletes in the profession of triathlon.”
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2022-10-20T18:53:25Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Shorewood's Annamarie Strehlow turning professional in Ironman
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/2022/10/20/shorewoods-annamarie-strehlow-turning-professional-in-ironman/69574598007/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/2022/10/20/shorewoods-annamarie-strehlow-turning-professional-in-ironman/69574598007/
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With only two games as UW's interim head coach, Jim Leonhard evaluating all his decisions
MADISON – Interim head coach Jim Leonhard has made it clear he doesn’t want to micromanage Wisconsin’s offense and that he will leave personnel decisions up to the team’s position coaches.
However, two decisions made during the double-overtime loss to Michigan State offered a window into Leonhard’s general philosophy.
The first came in the third quarter with UW holding a 14-7 lead but facing fourth and 10 from the Spartans’ 37-yard line.
Leonhard didn’t feel comfortable needing 10 yards for the first down and the staff felt a field-goal of more than 50 yards was out of reach for Nate Van Zelst.
UW punted and pinned the Spartans at their 3. Michigan State responded with an eight-play touchdown drive to tie.
That result didn’t alter his thinking that punting was the right call.
“We need to find a way when we pinned them inside the 5 to get a huge stop,” Leonhard said. “Because we were in control up until that point.
“And as the offense was working through some struggles, we have to be that rock on defense. When we’ve played good football around here, we’ve been able to handle that. And then in big moments we have to rise up and be even better.
“That is the standard that we have on this defense and we haven’t been getting it done. I haven’t been getting it done. I have to give them more opportunities to be aggressive, more opportunities to make plays.
“When the players are in position to make them, they’ve got to execute as well.”
Leonhard pondered going for two points at Michigan State
The second decision came after Graham Mertz hit Chimere Dike for a 25-yard touchdown in the first overtime to cut Michigan State’s lead to 28-27.
Leonhard chose to have Van Zelst kick the extra point and force a second overtime rather than go for two points and the victory.
“It was definitely a thought,” he said of a two-point play. “I still felt like, at that point, we had outplayed them at times. And I thought at that point in the game extending it was the right thing to do.
“But obviously I’m going to be very critical, have these conversations with the staff (about) every big moment that has come up the last two weeks.
“What can we do differently? Should we have went for this? Two-point conversion here…timeout there. Everything.
“I am going to be ultra-critical, just with my lack of experience in those situations. I feel confident that we made the decisions that were right on game day.”
Wisconsin has important personnel choices to make before hosting Purdue
Leonhard and his staff should have more personnel choices to make Saturday against visiting Purdue because several key players could return from injury.
According to Leonhard: right tackle Riley Mahlman, cornerback Cedrick Dort Jr., inside linebacker Jake Chaney and fullback Jackson Acker have been cleared. Left guard Tyler Beach, who was limited mostly to the role of jumbo tight end last week because , could play more this week.
Mahlman suffered a leg injury in the opener and hasn’t played since. Dort missed the Michigan State game after suffering a concussion at Northwestern. Chaney and Acker were out last week.
“Getting some bodies back, which we need,” Leonhard said.
Leonhard excited to run out of the tunnel as interim head coach at Camp Randall
Saturday is to be Leonhard’s third game as interim head coach but his first at home.
Leonhard said leading the team out of the tunnel wasn’t high on his list of priorities but he acknowledged he has envisioned taking the field as UW's head coach.
“I’m excited,” he said. “It is an opportunity that I’ve thought about before, obviously. I’m excited to run out the tunnel with our guys and go battle.
“I think our guys have to understand the feeling in the stadium. I think there’s going to be some fans that are a little skeptical. We’ve played inconsistent enough that we have to show who we’re going to be.
“And I think the fans will rally behind that and provide the great atmosphere that we’re used to. But I think the players have to understand that we have to go create that excitement early.
“We have to have great energy and great execution early in the game.”
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2022-10-20T18:53:31Z
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Wisconsin Badgers football interim head coach Jim Leonhard reflects
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Port Milwaukee director heading to Biden administration after overseeing local growth
Port Milwaukee Director Adam Tindall-Schlicht, whose local tenure oversaw big growth in cruise ship dockings as well as a major new construction project, is leaving that job.
Tindall-Schlicht is taking an unspecified position in President Joe Biden's administration, the City of Milwaukee announced Thursday. More information on that position is to be announced by the White House.
Tindall-Schlicht's last day at the port will be Oct. 28.
“My position as port director has been the greatest experience of my professional life thus far,” Tindall-Schlicht said, in a statement. “Serving the residents of the City of Milwaukee and promoting statewide economic growth through the port’s commercial, recreational and cruise operations has been a privilege.”
“We are witnessing unparalleled growth across Milwaukee Harbor,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, in a statement. “Much of that progress is attributable to Adam, who has been tireless in his advocacy, strategic partnership building, fundraising efforts, and stewardship at the port. I am deeply appreciative of his contributions to the City of Milwaukee.”
Tindall-Schlicht has served as port director since August 2018. An interim director will be announced soon, with a search for a permanent replacement to follow.
Along with this summer's spike in cruise ship dockings, DeLong Co. is building at the port a $35 million agricultural maritime export terminal, which will handle exports of Wisconsin-grown products such as corn and soy.
The city-owned port is governed by the seven-member Board of Harbor Commissioners. Aside from receiving fees paid by private tenants and companies, along with $2.8 million allocated from the city in the 2022 budget, the port is funded through numerous grant programs at the state and federal level.
Also, Milwaukee World Festival Inc., the operator of Summerfest, paid slightly more than $1.6 million in 2021 to the city as part of its long-term lease of the Henry Maier Festival Park grounds, according to the port annual report.
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2022-10-20T21:28:55Z
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Port Milwaukee director leaving for post in Biden administration
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Paper mill fire in Michigan caused release of 'forever chemicals' into Menominee River
A fire at a Michigan paper mill that jumped to a nearby warehouse caused a release of toxic "forever chemicals" into the Menominee River last week, likely impacting the drinking water for residents in Marinette.
The fire started at a 70-acre warehouse space belonging to Resolute Forest Products on Oct. 6, and eventually jumped over to a warehouse leased by Johnson Controls for storage. The fire burned for several days, and could be extinguished fully by Saturday, according to officials. The plant is idled and is not expected to be able to resume production this month as large parts of the mill were completely destroyed and will have to be rebuilt.
The fire was reported in warehouse space that Resolute leases from KK Integrated Logistics, according to a statement from David Marshall, director of sustainability and public affairs at Resolute Forest Products. The company stores recyclable bales of paper in that warehouse. Those bales are manufactured into recycled bleach kraft pulp.
Wisconsin, Michigan and federal agencies are working to begin the process of cleaning up after the blaze, as well as ensuring the safety of human health in the area through water and air sampling. Water used to quench the blaze has been captured and pumped into a newly created retention pond or other containers that will later be removed from the site. Air is also being monitored at the site.
Most of the concern surrounding water contamination has stemmed from a second structure that caught fire during the blaze, a warehouse rented by Tyco Fire Products for storage.
The products in the warehouse facility included a mix of finished products ready for use to extinguish fires that can occur in kitchens, computer data centers, mine vehicle systems, and oil and gas facilities, said Karen Marie Tognarelli, a spokesperson for Tyco.
"The products in the warehouse facility included a mix of finished products ready for customer use along with spare parts and equipment needed by customers to maintain existing fire protection equipment," she said in an email.
Tyco is known to use PFAS in some of its firefighting foam.
More:Peshtigo files lawsuit against producers of toxic 'forever chemicals'
With that history, residents are concerned about the release of PFAS into the river and the bay of Green Bay. Marinette pulls its drinking water from the bay, with an intake pipe located near the mouth of the Menominee River, making it likely that PFAS could easily enter the drinking water system.
Doug Oitzinger, a Marinette city council member and former mayor, said he's highly concerned and has been using a pitcher to filter his water. He also said it highlights the need for rules regulating the storage and protection of substances containing PFAS, so if there is an emergency, communities aren't put at risk.
"Given the fact that this was next to a river and there were no containment barriers that we know of, it raises all kinds of issues," he said.
Officials from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Department of Health Services said at a Thursday afternoon news conference that the situation is being closely monitored, especially the drinking water.
Kyle Burton, field operations director of drinking water and groundwater for the DNR, said there was a spike in some PFAS compounds after the fire started, and that Marinette is sampling its water daily to ensure that no levels go above any state or health standards.
"We're trending down now, very close to historical levels," Burton said of the most recent test results.
More:Wisconsin voters care about clean water. Why aren't lawmakers paying closer attention?
Oitzinger said he's most worried about PFOA and PFOS — two of the most well-known and researched in the PFAS family — because this summer, the Environmental Protection Agency said that essentially no level of those two compounds are safe for humans to consume.
Marinette does routine sampling already of its drinking water and has found low levels of those two compounds in the past, but if there was any sort of increase in the concentrations, that would be very concerning, Oitzinger said.
"If they doubled or tripled because of this incident, that would be extremely disturbing news," he said.
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2022-10-20T21:29:01Z
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Fire caused release of PFAS into Menominee River, Green Bay
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In 1960, Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi suffered his one and only championship-game loss in a 17-13 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles. Naturally, in an effort to make sure it didn't happen again, the legendary Lombardi set his sights on a key area of improvement: team fashion.
As Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Robinson tells it (though he wasn't yet a Green Bay Packer), Lombardi apologized to the team over the loss and said it wouldn't happen again, that the coaching staff now possessed the championship-game experience that would help them prevail in these situations going forward. And, furthermore, the team's monochromatic gold helmets needed a change.
"The helmets looked like the Cleveland Browns, just plain, nothing on them," said Robinson, who was drafted by the Packers in 1963, won three NFL titles (including the first two Super Bowls) and earned induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. "(Lombardi) liked 'NY' (the interlocking Yankees logo) because he came from New York, so he wanted "GB" on the helmets, and Dad said he didn't like it. Vince said, 'You don't like it? Get me something better.' "
So, essentially, that's what Dad did.
"Dad" is Gerald Braisher, the beloved equipment manager for the Packers from 1956-76 who preferred a different look for the helmet, a solitary "G," perhaps in the shape of the football. Braisher, who ironically never married and had no children of his own but picked up the nickname "Dad" during his childhood, returned to the Union Hotel in De Pere that he called home. Working with St. Norbert College art student John Gordon to perfect the image, Braisher played a role in bringing one of the most iconic sports visuals to life.
"Vince said he didn't like that; he likes the 'GB' better," Robinson said, pointing out that Lombardi often wore baseball caps with an interlocking "GB" even after the "G" became the permanent look for the team. "But he said, 'Let's put it up to the coaches.' They all voted on the 'G' that Dad made. Lombardi agreed on a one-year trial, they won the championship in '61, 37-0, and Vince said, 'That's the new logo for the helmet.' "
Braisher, whose name appeared for years on the football field at De Pere High School, where he was a teacher and coach for decades before joining the Packers staff full time, isn't a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, and Robinson isn't the only one who would like to see that change.
"As a non-player and non-executive, I would think an oversight like this would be understandable," said Royce Boyles, co-author of "The Lombardi Legacy: Thirty People Who Were Touched by Greatness" with Robinson. Boyles is spearheading a grassroots campaign to accomplish two things, asking fans to sign a petition that will encourage Braisher's induction into the Packers Hall of Fame and contributing to improvements at Braisher's Janesville grave site.
Braisher, who died in 1982 at age 81, is buried close to family members in Janesville, where a small grave marker includes a picture of the Packers helmet bearing the G logo.
"We want this to come from the fans," Boyles said. "He designs this logo and it turns out to be this multimillion-dollar logo, and yet, … as powerful as the Packers and the NFL are, there are really few ways the fans can make a difference. Here's this really important thing in sports history in our state, it's a pretty important guy, and yet he's anonymously laid to rest in this cemetery."
There's a decent chance Braisher indeed gets inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame some day soon, but that doesn't mean it's surefire.
More:Braisher name gone, not forgotten, from De Pere field
More:Packers couldn't take field without seamstress Florence Van Sistine
Why isn't Dad Braisher already in the Packers Hall of Fame?
It sounds like a slam dunk. The guy who created the logo should be in the Packers Hall of Fame, which already includes 166 inductees, right? One of those is Bud Jorgenson, the equipment manager and trainer who started in 1924 and hired Braisher for the job, so there is precedent for inducting someone like Braisher.
But it's complicated. Though Braisher worked with the Packers for 21 years, he doesn't boast the longevity of many other Packers "contributors" in the Hall of Fame. Jorgenson, for example, was there for 46 years and a charter member of the National Trainers Association to boot; the Packers even held a "Bud Jorgenson Day" in 1955.
As Packers historian Cliff Christl points out, most of the 34 inducted contributors were essential executives or employees whose tenure lasted decades. Then there's the matter of the "G" artwork itself, which the Packers regard as Gordon's handiwork.
"Yes, Lombardi went to Braisher when he wanted to create the 'G' logo," Christl said. "But John Gordon designed it. I've talked to graphic artists that told me there's no way someone who wasn't an artist could have designed the football-shaped 'G' because of the symmetry and spacing. Braisher was a doodler, but that didn't make him an artist. I talked to Vince Lombardi Jr. who worked in the equipment room as a college kid with Gordon, and he vouched for his veracity. And Romo Display, which took Gordon's rendering and produced the final product, pretty much confirmed what the artists said."
McKim Boyd, who today owns the Union Hotel where Braisher took up residence from 1941-81 (after his apartment burned down, his temporary stay was extended when he realized the cost would be roughly the same, Robinson said), tells it similarly.
"Did Gordon do it? Yes, but when it went to a printer and a graphic design person, they altered the renderings as well," Boyd said. "Ultimately, the brain trust of the thing − the idea of a 'G' inside a football − was Dad Braisher's idea. My dad (previous hotel owner Jim Boyd) indicated that he had some pencil sketches that he had done − (Braisher) was an old shop teacher and used to tinker all the time with drawings and stuff like that − so there's a good likelihood he had created his own version of it, but he instructed Gordon to come up with the thing."
Boyd said Braisher came up with all sorts of locker room items − signs, banners, catch phrases − that he wonders if Braisher took the initiative to fashion the 'G' logo and brought it to Lombardi rather than the other way around, with Lombardi instructing Braisher to produce it. Jim Boyd and Braisher had a close relationship; McKim believes Jim paid to have the 'G' logo and helmet added to Braisher's grave stone.
Christl points out that someone like Domenic Gentile, a trainer from 1969-92 and a part-time assistant as far back as 1961, hasn't yet merited induction but has also gotten support from past players and may rank ahead of Braisher in terms of longevity and overall contribution with a higher profile role of trainer, as opposed to an equipment manager.
Braisher still has a good case for Packers Hall of Fame induction, though
But Christl still thinks Braisher would merit consideration. He was still a beloved figure during the team's glory years, and he did play a role in that logo, even if his hand didn't wield the pen.
Robinson stresses that Braisher was more than just a guy handling shoulder pads and cleats (though he did those tasks well).
"If he saw a new piece of equipment (that could help the team), Dad would get it, and he'd try it out, and if we liked it, we'd tell Vince," Robinson said. "If he saw a helmet piece or shoe … he was as much part of a team as anybody and did as much to lead us to victory and championships as anybody. All the players went to Dad Brashier for any little thing. During the season, there's a thousand things that come up. Something doesn't fit right, anything to do with equipment, Dad took care of it. Shoes, pads, jerseys, he took care of everything. and you never had to worry about it. I think everybody loved the guy."
Robinson illustrated that point by noting Braisher often received players' votes for a full share of bonus playoff money, an accommodation that didn't even always go to players who played a partial season.
"(Voting on playoff shares) was one of the meanest, cruelest things you ever saw in your life," Robinson said with a laugh.
A new look for his Janesville resting place?
Tom Presny, an usher at Packers games who's been retired from his role as city parks director in Janesville for eight years, has been a Packers fan all his life, so he naturally took notice of the Braisher gravestone with the Packers helmet at Oak Hill Cemetery.
"Being employed there and overseeing the cemetery and its care, I was asked by various people, 'Who was this man?" Presny said. "They thought he was some gentleman associated with the Packers but knew nothing more. The fact there was this Packers helmet on this gravestone just begged the question, so I started exploring."
Presny reached out to historical societies both in Rock County and De Pere to discover that Braisher's grandparents were buried in Janesville back in the 1800s, and his parents married there. Dad himself lived there for six years before moving to Oshkosh, where he grew up and starred as a multi-sport athlete at UW-Oshkosh.
"He has a city park and athletic field named after him (in De Pere) and yet he was a very unassuming person and wished no praise or visibility," Presny said. "He's been buried for 40 years in Janesville with little or no recognition."
Presny said he'd like to see that changed, viewing a gravestone "about the size of a loaf of bread" as too little for Braisher. He's built a committee looking into the development of a bronze plaque near the grave site and perhaps a bench. One of the possible fundraising options: bringing Robinson to town to talk about Braisher's legacy.
"(Robinson) made it clear to me that Dad Braisher was special to him and he was deserving of recognition," Presny said, "and he said, 'Tom, whatever you do, let's get this done. Let's make sure that Dad gets proper recognition.' "
Braisher was elected to the UW-Oshkosh Hall of Fame in 1979 and the Wisconsin High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1980. He also received a citation for his high standards by the NFL's Equipment Managers Association. Perhaps the Packers Hall of Fame is next.
Boyles' site includes a donation area for those who want to contribute to the Janesville project.
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2022-10-20T21:29:19Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Does Dad Braisher belong in Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame?
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2022/10/20/does-dad-braisher-belong-in-green-bay-packers-hall-of-fame-for-role-in-creating-g-logo/69574776007/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2022/10/20/does-dad-braisher-belong-in-green-bay-packers-hall-of-fame-for-role-in-creating-g-logo/69574776007/
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The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a conservative Wisconsin law firm's emergency request to temporarily halt President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty sued earlier this month on behalf of the Brown County Taxpayers Association. The firm challenged Biden's ability to cancel up to $20,000 in student loan debt for borrowers who earn less than $125,000 annually, arguing that the plan hurts taxpayers.
The Biden administration is facing several legal challenges relating to the program, but this was the first to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. The group asked the court to temporarily block the program because the U.S. Education Department has said it could start forgiving student debt as soon as Sunday.
The case arrived on the court's "shadow docket," which is typically used for ruling on procedural and scheduling matters. Justice Amy Coney Barrett denied the group's petition on her own, without referring it to the full court. Her geographical jurisdiction includes Wisconsin.
No explanation for the denial was included in court records, which is often the case for those on the shadow docket.
The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently held that taxpayer status alone isn't enough for standing, or the grounds to sue. A plaintiff must prove how they are harmed.
Lower courts followed this precedent when looking at the Wisconsin case. U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach, who was appointed to the bench by Republican President George W. Bush, ruled earlier this month that the taxpayers association doesn't have standing. The appeals court also dismissed the group's request.
About 685,000 borrowers in Wisconsin will be eligible for relief under Biden's plan.
Borrowers can apply for forgiveness at https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief/application. They have until Dec. 31, 2023, but the administration recommends people apply by Nov. 15 of this year to have the form processed before the pause on federal student loan payments is lifted in January.
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2022-10-20T23:53:27Z
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www.jsonline.com
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US Supreme Court declines Wisconsin suit on Biden student loan plan
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2022/10/20/us-supreme-court-declines-wisconsin-suit-on-biden-student-loan-plan/69578497007/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2022/10/20/us-supreme-court-declines-wisconsin-suit-on-biden-student-loan-plan/69578497007/
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If Milwaukee Bucks players were Milwaukee Public Museum exhibits, which ones would they be? The museum took to Twitter to share what they think and why ahead of the team's season opener in Philadelphia on Thursday.
In a Twitter thread, the museum paired seven of its exhibits with seven players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis.
Here are some of the highlights. Think they got it right?
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Hell Creek
"The ferocity and awe you feel at the dino display Hell Creek is a lot like watching the best player in basketball sprint into the paint," the museum tweeted. "There’s no stopping Giannis or a T. rex."
Antetokounmpo's remarkable career includes two MVPs, six all-star appearances, an All-Star Game MVP, a defensive player of the year award and four first-team all-defense selections.
Just three weeks removed from a hyperextended knee, the superstar had a 50-point performance in a 105-98 victory against the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals. That win gave the Bucks a 4-2 series victory over the Suns.
Name something more ferocious or awe-inspiring than that. We'll wait.
Khris Middleton and American Crocodile (Mangrove Thickets, North America)
"Do aggressive crocodiles double as elite shot creators? We’d hate to find out," the museum tweeted. "These reptiles from the Everglades are agile, and not afraid to attack. Get well soon, Khris!"
This is Middleton’s 10th season with the Bucks. He has won both an Olympic gold medal and an NBA championship. He broke Hall of Famer Ray Allen’s franchise record for made three-pointers.
He could become the Bucks’ No. 3 all-time leading scorer this season, according to a previous Journal Sentinel report. But he'll be starting off the season from the sidelines. He suffered a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist late last season, which required surgery.
Bobby Portis and Caribou (Arctic)
"Sometimes you need a big buck to lock antlers and flash some strength during the cold months," the museum tweeted. "In that way, we know you can’t do better than Bobby Portis as the heart and soul of your team."
Cue the "Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!" chants.
Portis is the face of the city. He's been called the "Mayor of Milwaukee" and "The People’s Champ."
This is the start of his third season and third contract with the Bucks in less than two calendar years.
The museum's other pairings included: Jrue Holiday and Jaguar (Costa Rican Rainforest, Exploring Life on Earth); Brook Lopez and Hebior Mammoth; Wesley Matthews and Wolverine (Wisconsin Woodlands); and Pat Connaughton and Red-Tailed Hawk (Wisconsin Woodlands).
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2022-10-20T23:53:45Z
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www.jsonline.com
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Milwaukee Public Museum Twitter imagines Bucks players as exhibits
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2022/10/20/milwaukee-public-museum-twitter-imagines-bucks-players-as-exhibits/69578830007/
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https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2022/10/20/milwaukee-public-museum-twitter-imagines-bucks-players-as-exhibits/69578830007/
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