Woman uses 5-year-old son as shield against Taser
A domestic dispute that boiled over at a business led to a woman being arrested for disorderly conduct after she used her son as a shield against being Tasered.
According to Glendale police:
A 36-year-old Milwaukee woman was arrested for disorderly conduct/domestic violence at the service area at Andrew Toyota, 1620 W. Silver Spring Drive, at 12:15 p.m. March 24.
When police arrived, the woman was holding the hand of her 5-year-old son while shaking her finger in the face of her boyfriend, an employee of Andrew, while yelling, “Give me my weed back!” She also wanted her keys back.
The boyfriend, a 28-year-old Milwaukee man, gave her the keys but denied to her and police that he had her $5 bag of marijuana. She struggled with police, refused to give her name and held her son in front of her to avoid being Tasered.
» Read Full ArticleFight in friend's Tosa basement ends with charges filed
A 35-year-old Milwaukee man who wouldn't leave a Wauwatosa home this weekend has been charged with a state count of vandalism in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
David J. Spiva and a friend went to a home in the 4200 block of North 95th Street on March 27 to watch some basketball in the homeowner's basement. Spiva had been drinking, and about 1 a.m. he began shouting at the homeowner and refused to leave.
Spiva then punched through a glass coffee table and got into a physical confrontation with the homeowner. During the fight, the two men traded punches, with Spiva receiving several blows to the face. A downstairs wall was damaged during the fight.
Spiva was then dragged upstairs and out of the house, and he and the other guest left. Police made contact with the two near Burleigh and Lisbon roads a short time later, and Spiva was arrested and taken to Froedtert Hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Man calls police after adult dancers leave him stranded
An Illinois man apparently believes a promise is a promise, even if it's from two unnamed strippers.
According to a Franklin Police report:
The 37-year-old Illinois man, who was staying at a Franklin motel went to On The Border gentlemen's club, 10741 S. 27th St., on Sunday night.
The man told police he spent $1,000 on lap dances from two dancers who told him they would come to his hotel room later that morning for private lap dances "on the house."
When the women failed to show up at the man's hotel room, he called police at 1:26 a.m. Monday morning believing he had been cheated.
New rule allows River Hills residents to keep bees, chickens
River Hills — Trustees put out the welcome mat for a select group of fowl friends and their buzzing buddies last week.
Prior to that, it wasn't legal to keep chickens or tend bee hives in the village, but it is now. You can even have a rooster if you are so inclined.
The permission does come with a caveat - make sure none of the critters disturb your neighbors. There could be repercussions.
Trustee Steve Anderson brought up the issue last month after he learned that his bee hives were off the grid, so to speak. Anderson and other trustees also know residents who have chickens but didn't realize they were breaking the law.
Village Attorney William Dineen last week told the board that in 2001 the board amended the ordinance on prohibited and nuisance animals to include exotic species using a model from another community.
» Read Full ArticleMiss St. Francis 2011 photo gallery now online
We've just posted a photo gallery from this weekend's Miss St. Francis pageant at Saint Thomas More High School.
Cudahy's Tonya Popowski won the event, succeeding Oak Creek's Angela Ahcin.
Her first-place prize package includes a $2,500 scholarship, a year of complementary hair styling services, a $600 wardrobe allowance and other gifts totaling more than $2,000.
Jennifer Dombrowsk, of St. Francis, was the first runner-up and receives a $1,500 scholarship. Bay View's Colleen Mrotek was named second runner-up, and awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
» Read Full ArticleSiebert confirms resignation as Falls boys basketball coach
Menomonee Falls boys basketball coach Ben Siebert confirmed today that he resigned from his position effective last Friday.
The information was originally reported by Wissports.net on Saturday.
Siebert, a math teacher at the high school, had held the position for three years compiling a a 47-25 record, including back-to-back WIAA sectional final berths in 2009 and 2010 and a 21-4 Greater Metro Conference championship mark in 2009-10.
Siebert declined to go into specifics other than to say his resignation was for personal reasons.
He said he informed athletic director Dave Petroff and then spoke to the team last Friday.
» Read Full ArticleNicolet girls earn first state title
The bruise is still on Nicolet forward Ashley Green's hip from the bad fall she took in the loss to Pius back in December.
It'll be a good, honest, painful reminder of the sacrifcie and hard work it takes to win a state championship. A four-year road of frustration and hard work and keeping an eye on the long-term prize that came to fruition for Nicolet Saturday night in Madison after their 58-54 state championship win over Middleton.
"This is very special to me," said Knight coach Corey Wolf, who went to state as player with Nicolet in the 1990s, "and it's been while since I've been in high school. It's special because this group is a special group of young ladies who made a lot of sacrifices."
» Read Full ArticleFollow along from the Kohl Center as Nicolet and Middleton vie for state hoops title
Join Lake Country and MyCommunityNOW sports director JR Radcliffe as he provides live commentary from the Kohl Center in Madison this evening when Nicolet (26-2) takes on Middleton (26-1) with the state Division 1 championship on the line.
The Knights advanced to the title game with a 72-46 victory over Eau Claire North. Middleton earned its spot with a 50-39 triumph over Pius.
Girls state basketball photo gallery now online
We've just posted Peter Zuzga's photo gallery from Day 1 of the girls basketball state tournament in Madison, featuring three North Shore teams.
Nicolet earned a spot in today's championship game against Middleton with a rout of Eau Claire North.
Dominican's late fight wasn't enough against Kewaunee in the Division 3 semifinal and Whitefish Bay struggled in the first half and ultimately fell to Luxemburg-Casco in a Division 2 semifinal.
Effort launched to make Town of Brookfield a village
Town of Brookfield - A new effort to incorporate the Town of Brookfield as a village was launched on Friday, a move aimed at preserving the town's identity and protecting its territory from the threat of future annexations.
Jay Walt, a town resident for 23 years and the town's Park and Recreation Committee chairman, is leading the incorporation effort. He published on Friday a notice of intent to circulate a petition supporting incorporation and plans to collect the 50 signatures required for the effort to move forward.
"What we have here I consider very special," Walt said.
Not only would the town's boundaries be preserved by it becoming a village, the move would keep in place a "responsible, conservative government as well as a responsible tax rate," Walt said, noting that the town tax rate is about $3.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The $100 million office and retail development proposed for the empty Menard's home improvement store, the former West Point Cinemas and a small strip retail center on 19 acres along Bluemound Road, near I-94 and N. Barker Road, is among the reasons the town is seeking to become a village, Walt said.
» Read Full ArticleWauwatosa police call for mediation of contract with city
Contract negotiations between the city and the Wauwatosa Peace Officer Association have reached an impasse, causing the union to apply for mediation.
Police union President Luke Vetter declined to go into too many specifics about the closed-door bargaining sessions that have occurred since October, but did say his group has offered to pay a larger portion of its health care costs and to forgo a pay raise in the first year of the contract.
"We have negotiated in good faith with the city in the past and agreed to concessions over the last two contracts," Vetter said. "We continued that this negotiation session."
But the officers believed the compensation concessions the city was looking for were "unreasonable," he added.
"Our officers have a dangerous and difficult job," he said. "They've broken bones, got shot, undergone surgeries, worked holidays, nights and 12-hour shifts or more for the citizens of Wauwatosa on a regular basis. They deserve better than what was offered to them."
» Read Full ArticleElm Grove would be among hardest hit for state aid cuts
Cuts to Elm Grove's state aid will be deeper than expected under Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget bill, according to reports from the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau.
The bill would cut shared revenues to municipalities by an average of 8.5 percent.
The exact amount each community would lose is based on population and assessed value, however. Elm Grove, with a relatively low population and high assessed value, stands to lose the maximum - 50 percent of its shared revenue, according to the bureau.
That will cost the village $53,500, significantly more than if Elm Grove's cut was closer to the average, which would have been a $9,000 hit to village coffers.
Transportation aid would also be cut at the maximum level - 15 percent, a loss of $85,756.
» Read Full ArticleWoman robbed after pulling into her garage
A woman was robbed of her purse while standing in her Wauwatosa garage Saturday night.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
The homeowner pulled her vehicle into the garage in the 6500 block West Lloyd Street about 8 p.m. Saturday and noticed a man walking toward her. As she exited her car, he said, "Give me your purse."
His hand was in his pocket. While he didn't mention a weapon, his actions implied he had a gun, the victim said.
She followed his direction and turned over the purse. Then he ordered her back into her vehicle while he ran off.
» Read Full ArticleOffer of new job may have been ID theft scam
Police are investigating a possible identity theft scam that appears to have used bogus job postings to glean personal information from its victims.
According to town of Brookfield police reports:
A Waukesha woman reported March 16 that she believed she had been scammed.
She had responded to an online job posting for a call center representative with a company that cleans air ducts.
She went to a rented office unit in the 20000 block of Swenson Drive for an interview and completed paperwork asking for personal information after being hired for the position.
» Read Full ArticleComing full circle, Bay beats Merrill for state title
The Whitefish Bay basketball players stepped off the podium set up at the Kohl Center in Madison, their shiny state championship medals gleaming in the flashbulbs of the multitude of cameras in front of them.
Their grins were wider than the sun and you couldn't wipe them off their faces if you tried. That's what a WIAA Division 2 state championship will do for a person.
Bay never trailed, and was tied only three times as they claimed their third gold ball and first title since 1998 with an emphatic 65-49 decision over Merrill Saturday night.
"Words can't explain this," said senior forward Ron Patten, who scored 19 points to lead Bay. "I've just spent the last 15 minutes hugging my teammates over and over. It feels so great."
Patten put the punctuation mark on the win with a breakaway one-handed slam with 1:04 remaining in front of the large and giddy Bay student section. It was a moment of sheer joy that had to be shared with everyone
» Read Full ArticleWhitefish Bay boys basketball state semis photo gallery now online
We've just added Peter Zuzga's photo gallery from Whitefish Bay's 54-52 victory over Seymour yesterday in a WIAA Division 2 sectional semifinal game.
Bay's Jamie Schneck tipped in the ball at the buzzer to give the Blue Dukes a 54-52 victory and a spot in tonight's championship game against against Merrill at 6:35.
Join our basketball scribes for a video look at the WIAA postseason
MyCommunityNOW has just added its latest video, featuring Lake Country Publications' JR Radcliffe breaking down the brackets with NOW's Steven L. Tietz, John Rech and Tom "Sky" Skibosh.
The discussion kicks off with a look back at the controversial end to the Super Tuesday matchup between powerhouses Appleton East and Germantown. The guys also take a look at some of the top girls teams remaining this season.
For more tournament coverage, visit the special Championship Chase page, which features photo galleries, a Twitter feed, game stories and more.
Family hopes billboard stops drunken drivers
St. Patrick's Day has become the biggest drinking holiday in the state. Unfortunately, that means the number of drunken drivers on the road also skyrockets.
Loved ones of Corrie Damske, a 34-year-old Wauwatosa native who was killed when her car was struck by a drunken driver in January, hope that a new billboard will get people to think about the potential impact of getting behind the wheel intoxicated this week.
The public service message billboard shows the grim reaper behind the wheel and the letters D, I and E from the words "Don't Drink and Drive" in red.
"I don't want others to go through this type of tragedy, and if the billboard helps one person not drink and drive, or one family who decides not to go out on St. Patrick's day because drunks will be on the road, that will be something positive that comes out of Corrie's senseless death," friend Michelle Friedman said.
Friedman approached billboard company Clear Channel Outdoor about donating space for a service announcement. Not only did the business agree to run the message that was unveiled Saturday overlooking the Interstate 94 corridor at 25th and Clybourn streets in Milwaukee, but also on seven other billboards.
» Read Full ArticleTosa police use Taser on man who threatened gas station clerk
It took two shocks from a Taser before a 55-year-old Milwaukee man complied with an officer's commands last week, Wauwatosa police said.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
The man was arrested for disorderly conduct after he spit on, threatened to kill and tried to punch a gas station clerk at BP, 7532 W. Center St., at 4:48 p.m. March 7. When an officer arrived, the man was standing outside the convenience store yelling and clenching his fists.
He refused to follow an officer's orders to put his hands on his vehicle. The man claimed he was a federal agent working a case and his cover was being blown, but there was no evidence to support that. He tried to walk away and when the officer tried to stop him he went into a fighting stance. The officer used an electronic control device, but the suspect tried to get up again so a second electroshock was delivered. The second blast caused him to defecate in his pants.
He was taken to Wisconsin Heart Hospital for medical clearance, then to a mental health facility because of homicidal and delusional comments he made. He said he was trained in the military as a hired assassin and he didn't like Middle Easterners. Later, the man said the clerk was dating a member of his family and he was not happy about it.
Car chase ends with crash into West Allis home
Residents of a West Allis neighborhood had to be evacuated temporarily after a car crashed into a home and caused a gas leak early Friday morning.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
At 1:34 a.m., a Wauwatosa officer tried to stop a GMC Envoy that failed to make a stop at Robertson Street and Wisconsin Avenue. However, the driver sped up and started a chase that exceeded 85 mph and covered 1.4 miles into West Allis. The driver lost control and the vehicle left the roadway, striking a stop sign and coming to rest against the home at 1101 S. 84th St.
The 19-year-old male driver and the 23-year-old female passenger, both from Milwaukee, got out of the vehicle and ran through neighboring yards. The woman was arrested for resisting arrest.
The man laid down like he was surrendering but he got back up and made another run for it. A canine officer found him hiding under a Jeep. He was arrested for vehicle theft, eluding an officer and habitual crimes. In the past two years, he has been convicted of vandalism, theft, resisting arrest and drug dealing.
» Read Full ArticleWauwatosa running out of road salt
Wauwatosa has nearly used up its supply of road salt and the Public Works Department is asking for money to buy more.
A special Budget and Finance Committee will be held at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday to decide whether to use $51,000 from contingency funds to purchase an additional 1,000 tons of salt.
The city has already purchased and used 3,400 tons for more than 30 road-salting operations this winter. A few years ago, the city implemented a policy to reduce salt use on side streets, but there has been a large number of snowfalls.
The purchase contract allows Wauwatosa to buy another 1,000 tons that is being held in reserve, but it must be delivered by April, according to a memo from Bill Wehrley, interim public works director.
The additional salt would put the city in a good position for late-season storms or it could be saved for next winter, when road salt prices are expected to come in higher.
» Read Full ArticleGermantown, Waukesha West photo gallery now online
We've just added Peter Zuzga's photo gallery from last night's sectional final game between Waukesha West and Germantown at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee.
Germantown won, 59-38, and will face Appleton East in a Super Tuesday contest. Waukesha West earned its spot in the sectional-title game with a last-second victory over Arrowhead.
Whitefish Bay boys basketball photo gallery now online
Whitefish Bay earned its first state-finals berth in more than 10 years with a 51-50 overtime victory last night over Wisconsin Lutheran and we've just posted Peter Zuzga's photo gallery from the game.
Bay (18-8) will take on Seymour (23-3) in a semifinal contest Friday at the Kohl Center in Madison.
Waukesha West stuns Arrowhead at the Al
Waukesha West's Joe Schobert hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to send the Wolverines past Arrowhead last night and we've just posted Peter Zuzga's photo gallery from the game.
Schobert's shot gave West a 58-57 victory and a spot in the Division 1 sectional final against Germantown tonight at 7:30 at the Al McGuire Center.
Germantown boys basketball photo gallery now online
The Germantown boys basketball team continued its strong postseason run last night with a 64-56 victory over Waukesha South, and we've just posted Peter Zuzga's photo gallery from the game.
The Warhawks advance to take on Waukesha West at 7:30 tonight in the sectional final. West hit a shot at the buzzer to defeat defending state champ Arrowhead.
20 students walk out of class at Brookfield East
About 20 students at Brookfield East High School walked out of class Friday afternoon, apparently in connection with a protest of the elimination of collection bargaining for teachers and other public employees and cuts in Gov. Scott Walker's 2011-13 budget.
The students walked off campus about 2 p.m., Principal Dan Pavletich said. The students involved in the walk-out will face disciplinary actions, he said. He did not elaborate on what those actions might be.
Brookfield Central Principal Don LaBonte said the walkout wasn't an issue at Central. The school held an assembly honoring its winter sports teams Friday afternoon.
Whitefish Bay, Tosa West boys basketball photos now online
Whitefish Bay earned a 41-30 victory last night over Wauwatosa West in a Division 2 boys basketball sectional semifinal and we've just added Peter Zuzga's photo gallery with all the action from the Al Mcguire Center.
Bay advances to the sectional final, where it will face Wisconsin Lutheran at 4:15 p.m. Saturday at the Al.
Whitnall, Wisconsin Lutheran boys basketball photo gallery now online
We've just posted Peter Zuzga's photo gallery with action from last night's Division 2 boys basketball sectional semifinal game between Whitnall and Wisconsin Lutheran.
Lutheran (23-2) earned a 57-47 victory at the Al Mcguire Center to end Whitnall's season. The Falcons (17-8) got 13 points from Stephen Pelkofer.
Detergent thief makes clean getaway, so far
A man took a case of laundry detergent from Pick 'n Save on Mayfair Road on Saturday morning, and tried to return for another load that afternoon.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
The man pushed a cart filled with 48 bottles of detergent out to his car at 7:44 a.m. Saturday. Police ran the license plate number and followed up at his home, where officers learned he had stolen his mother's car and that he used drugs.
The man again showed up at the grocery store at 1:55 p.m. and attempted to steal another case, but a manager recognized him. When the manager tried to stop him, the man pushed his cart toward cars. The manager stopped the cart before it caused damage, but the man drove off.
At 2:39 p.m., a man matching the suspect's description took a stereo from Kmart. As he backed out, his car struck a security guard that was trying to stop him. The employee was not injured, but she said she believed he struck her on purpose.
» Read Full ArticleFight at Denny's leads to broken nose, three arrests
A woman's nose was broken during a fight at Denny's early Friday morning, and officers ended up drawing a gun and using a stun gun while making arrests.
According to the Wauwatosa police report:
When an officer arrived at 2:51 a.m., a car was speeding away from the restaurant at 11155 W. North Ave. It stopped in the parking lot of a nearby hotel and three men got out. The officer drew his firearm and ordered them back into the vehicle several times, but they wouldn't comply.
Eventually, other officers came to provide back-up and the first officer used his electronic control device to stop a 25-year-old man from resisting arrest.
The man complained of injury from the stun gun, and a 23-year-old man had a cut to his forehead from the fight at Denny's. However, they refused aid from emergency medical providers.
» Read Full ArticleSensenbrenner, Vukmir discuss short-lived town hall session
State Sen. Leah Vukmir has received more than 20,000 e-mails and upward of 1,000 phone calls in the past three weeks. State Rep. Dale Kooyenga says he's received so many communications that for the first time since starting his election campaign and taking office, he's not been able to answer each one.
That's why they were looking forward to meeting with residents during the U.S. Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner's town hall meeting in Wauwatosa on Monday night, they said.
"We're supposed to be accessible to the people," Vukmir said Tuesday. "Because of the volumes of calls, letters and e-mails, I was excited for an opportunity to talk to a number of my constituents in one place and explain my position on issues."
But after she was drowned out by the crowd on several occasions, especially when she said that public workers would not be losing collective bargaining rights, the congressman decided to shut down the meeting.
"Most of the questions were directed at me," she said. "But the longer it went on, the less they were interested in hearing my answers. When I did get to answer they were more interested in telling me I'm wrong than listening."
» Read Full ArticleGreenfield, Greendale girls basketball photo gallery now online
Greenfield held off a fourth-quarter really and earned a 42-41 victory over Greendale last night in the opening round of the WIAA Division 2 tournament and we've just added C.T. Kruger's photo gallery from the game.
Greenfield advances to play at top-seeded Cudahy on Friday.
Texting driver hits minivan, injures 8-year-old girl
An 8-year-old girl had to have surgery on her face after the car she was riding in was struck by a driver who was texting last week.
According to a Wauwatosa Police Department report:
Dispatch received a call of a rollover accident in the 8000 block of West North Avenue at 3:46 p.m. March 1. A Ford Fusion with loud music playing over the stereo was on its roof facing west in an eastbound lane. Meanwhile, a Toyota minivan was stopped in the middle of the road.
A 26-year-old Milwaukee woman was lying on her stomach in the Ford looking out the frame where the window had been. She was yelling "get me out of here." Worried about potential injuries, the officer told her not to move until paramedics arrived.
The driver denied she had been texting when the accident happened, but a witness said the woman had a phone in front of her face blocking the line of sight. The driver's cell phone was found in the snow with an unfinished text message on the screen.
» Read Full ArticleBogus tree-trimmers make off with $1,000 from Tosa homeowner
Scam artists posing as tree-trimmers are back in Wauwatosa and a 71-year-old man fell victim to their con last week.
According to a Wauwatosa Police Department report:
A man knocked on the door at 1:30 p.m. March 2 stating that he worked for a tree trimming company and offering his services. The homeowner invited him into his kitchen, where they agreed on a $50 upfront payment. The worker watched as the homeowner took money out of a hiding place.
A second man showed up saying he was there to set up a wood chipper, but in hindsight the homeowner realized he didn't see any machines.
The initial worker asked the homeowner to accompany him outside to point out which tree to trim. When they returned, the man went back to his vehicle, got in and left. Soon afterward, he realized $1,000 was missing from the house.
» Read Full ArticleBrookfield East girls basketball photo gallery now online
Brookfield East's season came to an end with a 40-26 loss to James Madison last night in the first round of the WIAA girls basketball tournament, and we've just posted Peter Zuzga's photo gallery from the game.
Laura Burbach scored eight points to lead the Spartans.
Firefighters rescue blind dog from storm drain
A blind dog that wandered into a storm sewer was coaxed to safety by Brookfield firefighters March 6.
The wayward pup’s dog-sitter called firefighters just before 7 p.m. seeking help because the dog had wandered into a storm sewer in the 17000 block of Crest Hill Drive through a ground-level culvert.
“It accidentally wandered in there because it couldn’t see where it was going,” Chief Charlie Myers said.
Firefighters removed a manhole cover down the line from the culvert and heard the dog’s distressed barking but couldn’t see it.
After using an explosives meter to ensure it was safe, Myers said, firefighters called out and the dog followed their voices to the opening.
» Read Full ArticleSensenbrenner ends packed Tosa town hall meeting early
U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner shut down Monday night's town hall meeting in Wauwatosa early because the overflow crowd was more interested in talking about the state budget bills with Republican host state Sen. Leah Vukmir, attendees said.
"Congressman Sensenbrenner and the Wauwatosa library director repeatedly asked individuals attending last night's town hall meeting to be respectful as other patrons were using the library. After numerous requests for attendees to listen to the individual speaking and be mindful of other library patrons were ignored, the meeting was adjourned," said Wendy Riemann, communications director for Sensenbrenner.
"It is unfortunate that the same respect given at Congressman Sensenbrenner's Town Hall Meeting in Brookfield Sunday evening wasn't experienced last night, and individuals who were patiently waiting to ask a question, receive help with casework or share their concern were unable to do so at the meeting," she said. "Congressman Sensenbrenner invites those individuals to call his office or send him and email and he will get a response to them."
Some at the meeting saw things differently.
Wauwatosa resident Ryan Stoltz said Sensenbrenner “swung his gavel anytime someone from the crowd voiced dismay. He threatened to end the meeting anytime the crowd applauded, got too noisy for his liking or talked out of turn. It was crazy how he wouldn’t listen to anyone.”
» Read Full ArticleCustomer accused of maliciously clogging toilet
A 24-year-old man was banned from Half Price Books, 17143 W. Blue Mound Road, for intentionally plugging a toilet after an argument with an employee.
According to the Brookfield police report:
The man came to the store March 3 to sell some used books. He was angered when an employee asked him to show proof of ownership and responded by flushing paper towel down the toilet to clog it.
The store elected not to press charges, but asked police to inform the man not to return.
Embezzlement allegation investigated at Milwaukee Mailing
A former employee of Milwaukee Mailing and Shipping in Brookfield is being investigated for allegedly embezzling $30,000 from the company.
According to the Brookfield police report:
A 36-year-old woman at the company's headquarters located at 17020 Pheasant Drive in Brookfield racked up $30,000 in charges after creating a credit card with her name on it.
A company official contacted police last week to report the woman had admitted guilt, apologized and offered to pay restitution in an e-mail.
The woman allegedly made the fraudulent purchases between August 2010 and January.
Wauwatosa West boys basketball photo gallery now online
Wauwatosa West captured its first boys basketball regional title since 1996 with a 61-49 victory Milwaukee Lutheran on Saturday, as featured in this photo gallery by NOW's Peter Zuzga.
Next up for the Trojans (15-10) is a Division 2 sectional semifinal game against Whitefish Bay (16-8) at 6 p.m. Thursday in Milwaukee at the Al McGuire Center.
Get the latest on the girls basketball tournament in our video preview
There's been plenty of action in the local high school basketball scene the past week and the girls will take center stage when they begin post-season play Tuesday.
MyCommunityNOW has just added its latest video, featuring Lake Country Publications' JR Radcliffe breaking down the brackets with fellow insiders Steven L. Tietz, Tom "Sky" Skibosh, Mark Stewart and John Rech.
The guys start off with a look at the hype surrounding this week's J.P. Tokoto event and then preview some of the top teams and matchups in the girls' field.
For more tournament coverage, visit the special Championship Chase page, which features photo galleries, a Twitter feed, game stories and more.
Walker protesters take to street in front of City Hall
Tim Nieskes had a job working in municipal government as an arborist. Last October, he found himself unemployed as New Berlin cut his position as part of an effort to achieve a zero-percent tax increase.
He was fortunate to find a job working in the private sector, and with it came continued representation through the electrical workers union for the Wauwatosa resident.
"I lived this out already," he said. "In a way I got a head start, so I was lucky and got a job. There will be a lot more unemployed people who won't be so lucky."
He was one of about 100 people - mostly Tosa residents - who stood Thursday evening on North Avenue in front of City Hall with a protest signs. The protest was organized by a group called Grassroots Tosa, which got its start during John Kerry's presidential campaign in 2004.
"We decided it was time to regroup, giving people an outlet to speak out on the extremism of Scott Walker," organizer Greg Walz-Chojnacki said. "He's going to make a mess of the state as he's made a mess of the county. Then he's going to move on."
» Read Full ArticleTokoto announcement photo gallery, video now online
Menomonee Falls standout junior J.P. Tokoto announced his intention to attend the University of North Carolina last night and we've just posted Peter Zuzga's photo gallery of images from the event.
Tokoto chose Carolina from a list of finalists that included Connecticut, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Marquette, UCLA and more.
We've also added a link to our livestream video from last night's press conference of the moment when Tokoto telephoned Carolina coach Roy Williams to give him the news. Williams was watching live at the time.
Thanks to the more than 2,000 viewers who watched our live stream last night.
» Read Full ArticleTokoto chooses UNC, uncertain about future in Menomonee Falls
J.P. Tokoto's father Trevor Trimble got what he asked for from the 300-plus strong throng at Dave and Buster's in Wauwatosa Thursday night when his son announced to no one's surprise that he was going to sign with the University of North Carolina.
Everyone remained positive, very positive as the cheer was long and loud when Tokoto stated what was apparently obvious to everyone who had followed his storied prep basketball career.
It got louder still when a few minutes later, the Menomonee Falls star made the call to Tar Heels coach Roy Williams who had been monitoring the event over the Internet.
"Hey coach, it's J.P., how ya'll doing?," he said over his father's cell phone. "....I'm coming to the University of North Carolina to play for you."
At that point, the sound got deafeningly loud as Williams happily told Tokoto that he would call him back on Friday.
» Read Full ArticleJoin us live tonight when Falls' Tokoto announces his college choice
MyCommunityNOW will be at Dave and Buster's in Wauwatosa on Thursday night when high-flying Menomonee Falls junior J.P. Tokoto announces his college decision.
The event is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Follow our live video stream at mycommunitynow.com/tokoto and check out our photo gallery on the same page, or take a glance at the Tokoto highlight reel.
Some analysts have speculated Tokoto will choose the University of North Carolina, one of eight schools on his final list. It's expected Tokoto will by joined tonight by his Falls teammates, two days before the team challenges Waukesha South in the first round of the WIAA playoffs.
Where do you think Tokoto will end up? Vote in our Facebook poll.
Which college will J.P. pick? Got a question for our basketball gurus?
Do you want to weigh in on which college you think Menomonee Falls standout J.P Tokoto will announce he plans to attend?
Or maybe you have a question about the high school basketball postseason you'd like to pose to our sportswriters when they convene for a chat Friday.
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New Wauwatosa fire chief's salary set at $104,000
Wauwatosa's next fire chief will make a starting salary of more than $104,000.
The Common Council on Tuesday approved a compensation package for new hire Rob Ugaste. In addition to starting salary, he will get three weeks of vacation and a uniform allowance of $500 for the first year and $350 each year after. In addition, a week of executive leave was granted.
Executive leave is a way to provide a more attractive package, but if he would leave it would not be paid out like unused vacation time, City Administrator James Archambo said.
Ugaste's salary comes in about $3,000 less than recently retired chief Dean Redman, who held the position for 14 years.
The vote was 12-2, with aldermen Tim Hanson and Michael Walsh in opposition. Both men also voted against hiring and compensation packages for the new public works and finance directors two weeks ago. They were interested in holding off the votes until the council makes some decisions about residency requirements for department heads.
» Read Full ArticleElmbrook's budget hole would grow to $5.4M under Walker's budget, official says
After a first glance at Gov. Scott Walker's biennial budget Tuesday, Elmbrook Superintendent Matt Gibson said the governor's proposals likely would add to the district's budget problems for 2011-12.
Walker's budget proposal, released Tuesday, calls for per-pupil revenue caps to decrease by 5.5 percent in 2011-12 and be held flat in 2012-13. If the proposal is approved, that would mean Elmbrook would have to bring in about $5.4 million less in revenue, Gibson said.
The district would save about $3.8 million through Walker's budget-repair bill, which would drastically cut collective-bargaining rights and require public employees to pay more toward their pensions and health insurance, but it's unclear when the state Senate will vote on the bill, he added.
But even if that bill does pass, the money saved won't be enough to cover the cuts from Walker's biennial budget. On top of that, the district already is looking at a $3 million budget deficit for 2011-12 and has forecast a $16 million shortfall over the next five years.
Gibson said the district will work over the next week to verify its figures and gauge the other impacts the proposed state budget will have on Elmbrook. An update is expected to be presented to the School Board on March 8.
» Read Full ArticleWauwatosa West basketball photo gallery now online
We've just added Peter Zuzga's photo gallery from last night's first-round WIAA boys basketball tournament game between Milwaukee Madison and Wauwatosa West.
The host Trojans posted a 70-54 victory to advance into the second round and a matchup at Milwaukee Samuel Morse-Marshall, set for 7 p.m. Friday.
North Shore officials react to Walker's budget proposal
The devil will be in the details.
In the coming days Glendale's City Administrator Richard Maslowski said he expects the League of Wisconsin Municipalities will help sort out the implications of Gov. Scott Walker's proposed biennial budget.
Poring over the initial information shortly after the budget presentation in Madison, Maslowski said a 10 percent reduction in transportation aid, about $143,000 for the city, would be a big loss. The budget also proposes eliminating recycling aid, another $92,000 to $100,000 cut for the city.
"The program costs us about $250,000," he said.
The city would be held to a zero increase levy limit except for the net value of new construction.
» Read Full ArticleWalker's proposed budget could reduce state aid to Falls district by 8.2 percent
Gov. Scott Walker's budget speech already has Menomonee Falls School officials scrambling to crunch the numbers.
The proposed budget would reduce revenue limits per pupil by 5.5 percent and cut state aid to schools state wide by 8.2 percent.
"We really were expecting to have a pretty significant reduction so that's not surprising," said Falls Superintendent Keith Marty, speaking just before a meeting with the district's business staff.
He said another 20 to 25 preliminary layoffs could be added to the current list of 43 if the repair bill does not pass. That bill would have district employees paying into their health care and pension benefits at a higher rate and could save the district nearly $2 million.
The district had already planned on the 43 preliminary layoffs thanks to a $1.7 million current budget deficit.
Menomonee Falls School District sends out 43 preliminary layoff notices
The grim reality of layoffs due to budget constraints were made clear Monday night as the Menomonee Falls School Board voted to approve 43 preliminary layoff notices for teachers in the district.
Superintendent Keith Marty noted that last year there were 40 notices given out and only 10 layoffs. The district, however, must cover itself because teachers who are laid off can still bump other teachers based on seniority and certification, which means those who are initially laid off, may still retain some position with the district.
Earlier this month the board revealed it was looking at between 12 and 18 full-time equivalent positions to be cut thanks to a $1.7 million deficit. With the state budget looming, that number could balloon to two or even three times that and Marty said more notices could go out later this spring since final notices aren't due until mid-May.
The district has also extended the time frame in which teachers can file for retirement as a result of teacher concerns with a new collective bargaining agreement. Normally such notices would have had to be in by Feb. 1, but the teachers will now have until April 15 to give notice of retirement.
Any retiring teacher would ease some of the costs to the district, thus potentially reducing the number of teachers needing to be cut to fill the budget gap.
