Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Escuela Fratney parents react to easily spread bacterial infection at school
MILWAUKEE — Extra precautions were in place Friday at a Milwaukee elementary school following a confirmed case of a highly transmissible bacterial infection.
On Thursday afternoon, parents received an email regarding a confirmed case of shigellosis.
Previous Coverage: https://www.tmj4.com/news/milwaukee-county/shigellosis-case-confirmed-at-milwaukees-escuela-fratney-health-department-warns-sickness-spreads-easily
Shigellosis is a bacterial infection caused by the shigella bacteria. It can spread through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal matter.
Symptoms normally appear one to two days after exposure. Those symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
Children are often the most at risk of infection.
More Information: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/shigellosis.htm [dhs.wisconsin.gov]
Duran Ferguson has a son at Escuela Fratney. He shared his reaction before picking him up.
“Man, it was baffling,” said Ferguson. “Hearing that is like, for real?”
Mike Beiermeister
He told TMJ4 he now plans to focus on good handwashing and sanitizing hygiene, including sanitizing door handles in his car.
Once Meagan Ludwig received the email Thursday, she pulled her daughter out of school and kept her home on Friday as well.
“My biggest concern is that she will bring home a highly communicable disease, even though we as a family are always taking as many precautions as possible,” said Ludwig.
Mike Beiermeister
Ludwig also shared her worries with TMJ4 over a lack of emphasis on proper handwashing practices at school.
“Particularly, I was concerned because I know for a fact that the kids have not, and do not, historically wash their hands between playing outside at recess and then going to lunch,” said Ludwig.
TMJ4 obtained an email sent Friday evening by the school’s principal, highlighting some of the precautions the school is taking.
The letter noted that staff and students are washing their hands frequently and before eating, conducting deep cleaning of high-touch areas like bathrooms, and monitoring that students meet handwashing expectations. It also advised that children who are not feeling well should stay home.
Nicole Hertel-Meirose’s children told her they were practicing some of those precautions on Friday.
“He told me about how there are a few new things in place at school to help ensure they are really keeping their hands clean, so I was relieved to hear that,” said Hertel-Meirose.
Mike Beiermeister
Despite the initial report, she feels comfortable sending her kids to school.
Shigellosis is considered a Category II reportable illness. There are roughly 300 to 400 cases each year in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services.
Reporting Shigellosis: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p02566.pdf [dhs.wisconsin.gov]
Ludwig hopes the school will continue to practice these precautions to keep her daughter and others safe.
“We should be doing more than just telling individuals what they need to do; we should model how we take care of each other as a community, at school, and in Milwaukee,” said Ludwig.
The Milwaukee Health Department released this statement:
The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) is actively working with La Escuela Fratney due to a shigellosis exposure at the school. Shigellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Shigella bacteria, which can spread through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal material. Symptoms may include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically appearing 1–2 days after exposure.
MHD is providing guidance to affected individuals and recommending enhanced hygiene and cleaning measures. Families are encouraged to practice thorough handwashing and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
Shigellosis is a Category II reportable illness in Wisconsin [dhs.wisconsin.gov], requiring health care providers to report cases within 72 hours. For more information, visit the CDC’s website [dhs.wisconsin.gov], or contact the Milwaukee Health Department at (414) 286-6800
Milwaukee Public Schools released this statement:
MPS cannot share medical information about students or staff, but we are working diligently to make our campuses safe for all of our students.
MPS is aware of a case of one Shigella infection at one of our schools. We are following procedures to treat this issue, and no other infections have been reported.
Students and their families have been notified and we will be communicating our plan to ensure students and staff are washing their hands after transitions to ensure everyone’s safety. We will continue to conduct deep cleaning in high-touch surface areas as well.
We are working closely with the Milwaukee Public Health Department and will be providing a guide to students and families to make sure that they are taking all precautions to stay healthy.
As always, we work diligently to keep our students and staff safe, and we appreciate your effort to help us inform our families when health concerns arise.
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Illegal dumping plagues closed Pick ‘n Save
Neighbors say since a Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save at 35th and North closed in 2025, the parking lot has been filling up, but not with cars or people. It has been attracting illegal dumpers.
MILWAUKEE – Neighbors say since the Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save at 35th and North closed in 2025, the parking lot has been filling up, but not with cars or people. It has been attracting illegal dumpers.
Trash piling up
What we know:
There are old mattresses and furniture in the parking lot. There are piles of garbage at the entrance of the old grocery store. Behind the building, there are tires, more mattresses and more trash.
Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee
The Pick ‘n Save stores closed in July 2025. Since then, the building has sat empty.
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FOX6 News was contacted by a man who manages senior and family housing in the area. He said in the last couple of months, he has noticed the stile turn into a place for illegal dumping. The man said he was so fed up, he called the office of Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper about the problem. The man said the whole site is an eyesore, and something needs to change.
Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee
Change sought
What they’re saying:
“As the snow melts, it’s full of garbage. People are dumping furniture on it, tires,” said Jeffrey Sessions, who manages nearby property. “If you drive around it, it’s garbage everywhere. It’s unsightly for the neighborhood, and it’s probably going to create rats and mice problems.”
FOX6 News reached out to the Department of Neighborhood Services. Officials said the dumping has not been reported. They said the department’s commercial team will now be made aware of the issue.
Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee
“It makes the whole neighborhood look like garbage, like nobody’s taking care of anything around here,” Sessions said. “It’s a detriment, it’s unsightly, and it needs to be addressed.”
Illegal dumpers could face fines
Dig deeper:
If the dumpers are caught on camera, they could face fines.
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The owner of the property may also be ordered to clean it up.
Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee
The Source: Information in this post was provided by a person who owns property near the former grocery store, as well as Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services.
Your quick guide to Milwaukee concerts in spring 2026
Here’s a look at some of the top acts coming to the Milwaukee area from March through May 2026.
Travel to Ireland, learn how to catch a fish, visit wildlife at the zoo, and see costumed characters this weekend in Milwaukee.
Anime Milwaukee
The 2026 “Magical Academy” themed animation convention comes to the Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., and Hilton Milwaukee City Center March 6-8. The weekend features Japanese industry guests and cultural experts, artists and official merchandise, gaming, music, dance, manga, cosplay, anime and Asian fashion. New this year is the Nocturna Anime Bar with a lounge and specialty drinks, including nonalcoholic beverages. Exhibit hall hours are 1 to 8 p.m. March 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8. Full weekend access is $100; single day access is $50-$75. animemilwaukee.org
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show
The 85th year of the Sports Show is at State Fair Park’s Wisconsin Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, from noon to 7 p.m. March 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 8. Along with outdoor exhibitors, see what’s swimming in the trout pond, watch the lumberjack show and the fastest retriever race, or catch the archery and air rifle tournaments. General admission tickets at the door are $15; youth tickets (ages 6-14) are $6. In honor of Women’s Day on March 8, all women receive $10 admission at the door. Check out the full schedule at jssportsshow.com.
Gardens & Gears: Steampunk Faire
Celebrate the industrial age at the Gardens & Gears art fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 7 at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. The immersive garden event features creators, costumes and live entertainment, with gears, goggles and handcrafted mechanical curiosities on display in the gardens. Domes admission required. mitchellparkdomes.com
Milwaukee County Zoo Family Free Day
Everyone receives free admission at the Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 7. See the red pandas in their outdoor habitat, lions, penguins and more. Parking and regular attraction fees still apply. milwaukeezoo.org
Irish Family Day
Travel to the Irish countryside during “Passport to Ireland” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 at the CelticMKE Center, 1532 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa. With Irish dance, arts, crafts and storytelling, each county will be featured with an activity that celebrates Irish culture, history and traditions. Buy one, get one free Irish Fest tickets will be available to purchase, with lunch, beverages and snacks served in the Celtic Café. Admission is $10 at the door. celticmke.com
What’s new in Milwaukee-area theaters this weekend
Marcus Theatres: See a marathon of the 2026 Best Picture nominees at select theater locations. Day one of the marathon is March 7 and features “Sentimental Value,” “F1: The Movie,” “The Secret Agent,” “Bugonia,” and “Sinners.” The marathon resumes March 14 with a new set of films. Visit marcustheatres.com.
Milwaukee Film: Women’s History Month programming features the action films of Michelle Yeoh. See her Oscar-winning performance in “Everything Everywhere All At Once” screening at 6 p.m. March 6 at the Oriental Theatre.
“Hoppers”: A robotic animal with a human mind helps real animals thwart a plot to destroy their habitat in this Disney and Pixar feature film. See it at AMC Mayfair Mall; Avalon Theater; Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas; Rosebud Cinema.
“The Bride!”: A lonely Frankenstein (Christian Bale) travels to 1930s Chicago to ask a scientist (Annette Bening) to create a companion. See it at AMC Mayfair Mall; Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas.
“Protector”: A veteran war hero (Milla Jovovich) must use the violent skills she thought she left behind to save her daughter. See it at Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas.
Milwaukee DA Kent Lovern discusses if Brady List cops should testify
MPD officer Gregory Carson Jr. was placed on a list of officers with credibility issues. That didn’t prevent his ability to testify in court.
Josue Ayala has resigned from the Milwaukee Police Department days after he was charged with a crime over his alleged misuse of license plate-reading Flock technology.
Ayala, 33, pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted misconduct in public office during his initial court appearance on March 4.
The charge is a misdemeanor that carries a potential maximum penalty of nine months in jail and $10,000 fine.
Milwaukee is one in a growing number of communities nationally that have started using Flock cameras to help locate stolen vehicles, identify vehicles used in violent crimes, and track vehicles associated with missing persons. The technology is controversial and been criticized by civil rights and privacy advocates.
Conducting searches for personal reasons is a violation of department policies.
Prosecutors say Ayala used the Flock camera system while on duty more than 120 times to look up the license plate of someone he was dating. They believe Flock technology also was used on a second license plate, one belonging to that person’s ex, 55 times, according to a criminal complaint, filed Feb. 24 in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
Ayala joined the Milwaukee Police Department in 2017, and his total gross pay was about $120,000 in 2024, according to the most recent city salary data available.
Milwaukee police confirmed in a March 4 email to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Ayala has resigned from the department.
Ayala and his attorney Michael J. Steinle, of Milwaukee, would not speak to reporters as they left the courtroom.
Prosecutors say the department became aware of the allegations against Ayala after a driver saw that they were the subject of searches through the website, www.haveibeenflocked.com, which collects and publishes “audit logs” of searches of the Flock system by police agencies.
The driver saw that Ayala had searched the plate numerous times, which prompted the driver to file a complaint with the Milwaukee Police Department.
Detectives then audited Ayala’s searches in the Flock system from March 26, 2025, through May 26, 2025.
Ayala is at least the second Wisconsin officer to face criminal charges for misuse of the Flock system. A Menasha police officer was charged in January for tracking an ex-girlfriend’s car.
Milwaukee police began using Flock cameras in 2022. MPD has a $182,900 contract with Flock for the use of the technology. That contract is active through January 2027.
Court Commissioner Dewey B. Martin released Ayala on a $2,500 signature bond March 4.
Signature bonds, sometimes referred to as a personal recognizance bond, allow a defendant to leave custody without paying cash as long as they sign a promise to appear for their upcoming court dates.
Martin also ordered Ayala not to contact the two victims in the case.
Ayala also must report to the Milwaukee County Jail to be booked on March 9. If he doesn’t show up, a bench warrant will be issued for his arrest.
Ayala is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial conference on April 17.
David Clarey of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this story.
Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@usatodayco.com.
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