Marquette University High School honor rolls now online
We've just posted the latest honor roll lists for Marquette University High School.
Not only will you find the complete list of outstanding area students, when you click on a student's name, you'll see a printable honor roll certificate.
MyCommunityNOW.com and Marquette University, which sponsors the honor rolls, would like to congratulate the local students for their outstanding achievements. We also welcome honor rolls for local elementary and middle schools - both public and private. If you don't see your child's school on this list, ask your school to e-mail its honor roll to honors@mycommunitynow.com.
Waukesha County chamber leader announces retirement
Waukesha — The president of the Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce announced Friday that she is retiring after more than six years on the job.
Patti Wallner, who previously led the Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, has worked for the countywide business group since the fall of 2002.
Wallner, 61, whose retirement takes effect in September, succeeded Ann Nischke, who left the chamber presidency after winning a seat in the state Legislature.
The chamber has nearly 1,000 members representing 800 businesses with a combined 40,000 employees.
Officials said a search committee has been formed to find Wallner's successor.
Child molester still too dangerous, judge says
A child molester who has had 13 years of inpatient treatment under the sexual predator law is still too dangerous to return to Waukesha, a judge has concluded. Read more in Proof and Hearsay.
Carroll gets zoning change for off-campus site
Waukesha — Carroll University has gotten Plan Commission approval for a zoning change that allows it to build an off-campus Graduate Center at 2140 Davidson Road, the site of the former AT&T call center.
Temperature tops 90 for first time since 2007
Temperatures in Milwaukee surpassed 90 degrees for the first time in almost two years Wednesday, kicking summer into full, sweaty mode and air conditioners into high gear.
The temperature at Mitchell International Airport hit 94 at 2:59 p.m., three degrees short of the record high of 97, recorded July 24, 1937.
The last time Milwaukee saw a 90-degree day was Sept. 5, 2007, when the high temperature reached 91. But not everyone was complaining.
"It can't get hot enough for me," Michael Sturdevant, 51, of New Berlin said Wednesday evening while attending the River Rhythms festival in Pere Marquette Park with his wife, Linda.
"All I do is think about Jan. 2 at 7 a.m., getting in my car to go to work and shivering."
» Read Full ArticleWaukesha plans third Big Read
Waukesha — The Waukesha Public Library announced Wednesday that it has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host The Big Read in Waukesha for a third consecutive year.
The library is one of 269 organizations to receive grants for a Big Read project that provides an opportunity to read, discuss and celebrate one of 30 selections from U.S. and world literature.
Waukesha will focus on Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell To Arms." Activities will take place between Sept. 27 and Nov. 11.
The library, in partnership with about 30 other Waukesha organizations and businesses, will celebrate the joys and benefits of reading, Library Director Jane Ameel said.
Previous Big Read selections in Waukesha were Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" and F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby."
» Read Full ArticleFamily YMCA to open new Youth Center
The Waukesha Family YMCA, 320 E. Broadway, is doing some interior renovation to create a Youth Fitness Center by September, Chris Becker, the Waukesha YMCA's executive director said. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
3 seriously injured in Brookfield crash
Brookfield — Three people were seriously injured in a crash in Brookfield Tuesday morning, Police Capt. Phil Horter said.
William and Carol Ann Joseph, of Waukesha, were on a motorcycle and taken in separate Flight for Life helicopters to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, he said. William Joseph is in critical condition and his wife's condition is being evaluated, a hospital spokesman said.
A teenage Sussex girl, who was driving a car, was taken by ambulance to Elmbrook Memorial Hospital. Police refused to release her name.
The motorcycle was traveling eastbound on Capitol Drive when it was struck by the car at Mitchell Park Drive at 8:50 a.m., according to the preliminary investigation. There is a stop sign on Mitchell Park Drive, Horter said.
Wisconsin Ave. resurfacing unveiled later today
The city's Department of Public Works is holding an informational meeting for the public from 5 to 7 p.m. at City Hall, 201 Delafield St. about the planned resurfacing of Wisconsin Ave., between W Broadway and N. West Ave. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Waukesha County beach hours extended to fight heat
As a way to cool off during the heat, operating hours for the six Waukesha County park beaches have been extended for today and Wednesday. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Three injured in Capitol Drive crash
An accident between a car and a motorcycle on Capitol Drive sent three people to the hospital today.
A husband and wife from Waukesha were driving eastbound on Capitol Drive about 8:50 a.m. when their motorcycle collided with a car entering Capitol Drive from Mitchell Park Drive. The car was driven by a teenage girl from Sussex.
Brookfield Fire Department paramedics treated the victims at the scene. The girl was taken to Elmbrook Memorial Hospital, and the two people on the motorcycle were transported Froedtert Hospital via Flight for Life helicopters.
Capitol Drive was close for about two hours, police said.
The accident remains under investigation. Police will not release the names of the drivers or passenger until later today or tomorrow.
New Sloppy Joe diner at Five Points
Joe and Lois Lester, owners of the popular Divino Gelato Cafe on W. Main St., are opening a restaurant within a couple of weeks that will feature sloppy Joe's, real ice cream, a soda fountain and hot dogs. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Waukesha man charged with fatally stabbing girlfriend
Waukesha — A 49-year-old Waukesha man was charged Friday in Waukesha County Circuit Court with first-degree intentional homicide in the death of his girlfriend, Carol Fisher, by repeatedly stabbing her with a 10-inch butcher knife in his apartment.
Court Commissioner Thomas Pieper ordered Daniel K. Christesen to undergo an evaluation for mental competency. Pieper set bail at $500,000. A court review of the evaluation findings is set for July 6.
The charge carries a term of life imprisonment.
Fisher, 55, and Christesen lived in separate flats in a duplex in the 900 block of Arcadian Ave. - he in the upper and she in the lower. Police say Christesen contacted them Tuesday evening, saying he fatally stabbed Fisher in his flat.
Christesen peacefully surrendered to police, a Bible in one hand, a phone in the other, the complaint says. He asked emergency medical personnel: "Do you think I will go to Hell for this?"
» Read Full ArticleCity escapes major storm damage
Waukesha appears to have avoided the worst of this morning storm. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Teenagers arrested in Waukesha vandalism spree
Waukesha — Police have arrested two males on allegations they shot out windows 21 times around town by using BB or pellet guns during the last few months.
The two suspects, 18 and 17, will be referred to the district attorney's office on multiple counts each of causing thousands of dollars in damage. They were also found to be involved in stealing exhaust system parts off of vehicles and will face charges for that, police Capt. Mark Stigler said.
The 18-year-old is accused of 14 misdemeanor and three felony counts of criminal damage to property and one count of theft, related to the exhaust systems. The 17-year-old will be referred on 15 misdemeanor and three felony counts of criminal damage and one count of theft, Stigler said.
Woman killed in Waukesha stabbing identified
Waukesha — The victim of a deadly stabbing at an east side Waukesha apartment was identified by police as Carol D. Fisher.
The Waukesha County medical examiner's office said the 55-year-old woman was killed by "multiple sharp-force injuries" and the manner was homicide, police Capt. Mark Stigler disclosed.
Police found Fisher on Tuesday night in the suspect's apartment in the 900 block of Arcadian Ave.
Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel said Thursday that he expects to file criminal charges Friday against the 49-year-old Waukesha man suspected of stabbing a woman in his apartment.
Schimel said the suspect was transferred Thursday to the Waukesha County Jail. Shortly after telling police Tuesday that he fatally stabbed Fisher, he was put under police guard at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Police say the suspect has mental health issues.
Habitat for Humanity closing Waukesha store
The Board of the Waukesha County Habitat for Humanity has announced the closing of their Waukesha HomeStore operation. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Incidents keep police busy
In addition to Tuesday's homicide, police have responded to a number of incidents lately. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Nuisance ordinance passed
The Common Council Tuesday unanimously passed a new chronic nuisance ordinance. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Waukesha Tool signs lease for Grafton expansion
Waukesha Tool & Stamping LLC has leased a 42,900-square-foot industrial facility at 2076 First Ave., Grafton, to house a newly purchased business, it was announced Wednesday. Read more in Land and Space.
Waukesha police investigate first homicide of 2009
Waukesha — A 55-year-old Waukesha woman was apparently stabbed to death Tuesday on the upper floor of a two-story duplex on the city's east side in what appears to be a domestic dispute turned deadly.
A 49-year-old man who lived in the flat is the suspect. He was arrested and held at Waukesha Memorial Hospital under police guard.
The homicide was the first this year for a city that rarely experiences murders, police Capt. Mark Stigler said at a news conference Wednesday.
The two had a "contentious relationship," and police had responded to complaints at the home in the 900 block of Arcadian Ave. at least 15 times since Jan. 1, 2008, Stigler said.
An owner of the rental property, Lois Jacobson of Waukesha, said the two often had lovers' quarrels.
» Read Full ArticleWaukesha council to take up nuisance law
The Common Council tonight will consider the proposed chronic nuisance ordinance for premises that require repeated police calls. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
City gets grant to target lead paint
Mayor Larry Nelson, just back from the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Providence, R.I., announced Monday morning that the city was awarded a $150,000 grant to rid homes of lead paint and test kids for unsafe lead levels. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
West soccer team headed to finals
Ellie Volpano scored the winning goal in a shootout Friday as the Waukesha West soccer team defeated Madison Memorial to advance to a semifinal game of the WIAA state tournament.
Volpano, a junior defender, calmly buried her shot and broke a 4-4 tie in an electrifying shootout. Her goal beat state-ranked Memorial and put the Wolverines in the Division 1 state title game on Saturday.
The teams played to a 1-1 tie through 80 minutes of regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods.
The Wolverines (19-3-4) made the state tournament the last three seasons but lost in the quarterfinals the last two years. They reached the semifinals in 2000, but lost.
“We’re the first girls team to ever make it this far,” Volpano said. “It’s an amazing feeling. It feels great.”
» Read Full ArticleMuseum announces new board members
announced Wednesday afternoon the addition of seven new members to its board of trustees. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Crites Field enhancements proposed
Waukesha – The Waukesha Aviation Club wants to install a low-power transmitter that allows visitors at Crites Field public viewing area to listen to air traffic on car radios.
The initiative received preliminary approval Wednesday from the Waukesha County Airport Commission.
The club also wants to put picnic benches, a trash can, a fence and signs at the site, located at Gate 5, near Pewaukee and Blue Mound roads.
The proposal will be further considered by the commission at a later date, possibly at next month's commission meeting.
Sundaes at Grandview Blvd. Culver's to help food pantry
Local girl scouts raised enough cash to purchase 6,000 cans of soup, and took the time to make 600 ceramic bowls, all to help the Food Pantry of Waukesha County. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Getting Milwaukee water could be difficult
A top Milwaukee official said Tuesday that his city hasn't ruled out selling Lake Michigan water to Waukesha, but without state rules in place to regulate the sale:
"It'll be very very difficult for the Common Council to approve it," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's Chief of Staff Pat Curley said. "I can't stress the word 'difficult' enough."
Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Residents returning to homes after gas main break
Waukesha – A ruptured gas main on Pewaukee Road, just north of W. Moreland Blvd., is no longer a danger to the area, and residents who had been evacuated from two dozen houses are now being allowed to return to their homes, authorities said Tuesday afternoon.
Homes north of the Waukesha County Courthouse had been evacuated as a precaution after street crews boring a hole in Pewaukee Road ruptured a gas main. Traffic on Pewaukee Road north of Moreland had been diverted, but the road is now open to traffic. The leak was in the area of Pewaukee Road and Palmer St.
Four homes along Pewaukee Road continue to be without gas Tuesday afternoon as crews from We Energies continued to repair the break, Fire Department official Joe Hoffman said. Evacuees were staying in city buses.
If the odor of natural gas persists, fire officials are advising residents to call We Energies at (800) 261-5325.
HAWS goes on the road
Public access to The Humane Animal Welfare Society, 701 Northview Road, will be limited, during its rebuilding project this summer, a press release said Monday morning. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Recording artist from Waukesha found dead
Waukesha native Jeff Hanson, whose sweet falsetto and deft songwriting skills, won him a recording deal with the prominent indie label Kill Rock Stars, was found dead in his St. Paul, Minn., apartment Friday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He was 31 years old.
Cutler Park concerts set to begin
Music will flow from downtown Cutler Park this summer with the Jazz in Cutler Park 2009 Concert Series on Wednesdays and the Civic Band series on Thursdays. Check out the schedule in Waukesha FYI.
HAWS kicks off summer fun
Despite construction at the shelter, the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha is plugging ahead with a full agenda of activities for June. Read more in Animal Magnetism.
County golf lessons offered for women
Moor Downs Golf Course now offers Woman’s Lunch and Learn in which ladies of all ages can learn about golf, eat a delicious lunch and then apply all their knowledge with a 9-hole game to cap off the afternoon. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Waukesha man charged in bar stabbing
A Waukesha man is being held in jail after he was charged Wednesday in Waukesha County Circuit Court with stabbing another man outside a bar, according to a criminal complaint.
Medina returns boxing to Waukesha
Oscar Medina, a local boxing coach, has re-opened a gymnasium and ring here. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
St. Joe's pays penalty
County Treasurer Pam Reeves said this morning that St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 822 N. East Ave., has paid the $434.11 it owed the county for not paying its fire alarm penalties in 2005. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Waukesha may need less Lake Michigan water than predicted
Waukesha - The Water Utility released Wednesday morning more than 50 pages of responses to a lengthy list of questions from environmental groups about the City of Waukesha's likely bid to pursue Lake Michigan water.
The response says the city now has a lower estimate on the amount of daily lake water it needs and would return after being treated at a sewage plant.
"Our current use is about 7 million gallons a day on an average day and about 10 million gallons per day on peak days," Mayor Larry Nelson said in a statement. "We now estimate that when the city is completely built out, which could take 50 years or more, our average demand would be 11 MGD, with possible peaks of 18.5 MGD on a few days of the year.
"That is substantially less than the peak demand of 20 to 24 MGD that we had predicted."
Nelson called the questions "comprehensive and thoughtful."
» Read Full ArticleFlags stolen from graves of vets
Thirty-nine flags have been reported stolen from the graves of military veterans at Prairie Home Cemetery. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Nurse caught stealing pills on the job
A registered nurse from Waukesha had her license suspended indefinitely after she was caught on the job with high levels of narcotics in her system. Read more in Public Investigator.
Dresser Waukesha to lay off 113 workers
Waukesha - Dresser Waukesha said Tuesday that it intends to lay off 113 production workers after their shifts end Friday, the result of economic conditions that continue to affect the engine manufacturer.
The layoffs are indefinite, but the workers have call-back rights and expectations are that they would be recalled once business conditions improve, company officials said.
"Our markets will recover, and we'll get through this," said Jim Pachmayer, director of human resources for Dresser Waukesha.
The workers who are being laid off are members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union Local 1377.
After the layoffs, Dresser Waukesha will employ 300 production workers and another 300 people in office jobs.
» Read Full ArticleNuisance ordinance draws interest
Ald. Carrol Waldenberger, chairman of the city's Ordinance and License Committee, reported this morning that the bid to establish a Chronic Nuisance Ordinance was put on hold last night because police officials who are pushing for the new law were out of town and unable to attend. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
Chronic problem property owners could be penalized
The Ordinance and License Committee will at 7 tonight wade into a proposal to create a new ordinance to deal with properties that are known to be a chronic nuisance. Read more in Waukesha FYI.
WaukeshaNOW.com and the Waukesha & Pewaukee Visitors Bureau are teaming up to provide you with an online calendar of community events and attractions.