Milwaukee, WI

Homestead’s big week leads off Milwaukee-area girls basketball takeaways

Published

1 year ago

February 8, 2025

Press Room

Homestead’s big week leads off Milwaukee-area girls basketball takeaways

By this time next weekend, the anticipation for the WIAA girls basketball tournament brackets will be at a fever pitch.

For some, the first goal is checked off the list with conference titles. For others, it’s going to take a couple more victories to bring some hardware home this season.

In this week’s takeaways, we take a look at a trio of teams that have clinched conference titles, who is close to winning their own titles, and one of the hottest teams in the area capping a big week with a personal milestone.

Homestead vaults itself into thick of North Shore title race

They still need some help to preserve their North Shore Conference title streak, but what a week for the Highlanders.

Not only did Homestead hand Hartford its first conference loss in yet another thriller between the two programs, the Highlanders moved their winning streak to seven with an 84-46 rout of Slinger on Friday night to sit at 12-2 in NSC play with four games left. After a stretch where the Highlanders lost four of five games from Dec. 21 to Jan. 14 against stellar competition, they all of a sudden look like a dangerous team that will be tough to eliminate in a few weeks.

Hartford (13-1), Whitefish Bay (12-2) and Homestead (12-2) all have four conference games to play, with a Valentine’s Day matchup between the Blue Dukes and Highlanders coming next week. If Hartford handles its business against Grafton, Cedarburg, West Bend East and Slinger, it is the outright NSC champion. But, if the Orioles slip in one of those four games, the door swings open for both the Blue Dukes and Highlanders in the title chase.

On top of a crucial week, senior guard Grace Zortman also joined the 1,000-point club Friday night. She became the third player on the current Homestead roster (Madison Fitzgibbon and Natalie Mueller) to score at least 1,000 points in a career.

The Prairie School, Salam and Union Grove clinch conference crowns

The Prairie School (Metro Classic) and Union Grove (Southern Lakes) officially clinched outright conference titles with victories Friday night. The Hawks cruised past a streaking Racine St. Catherine’s side with a 74-45 victory to move to 18-2 (12-0) on the season. It’s the fourth straight season the Hawks have either captured a split or the outright MCC title and they moved to 18-0 against in-state competition this season.

In the Southern Lakes Conference, it’s Union Grove’s world again. For the sixth straight season, the Broncos have captured at least a share of the SLC title. The Broncos (19-2, 11-0) dispatched Elkhorn in a 75-41 blowout for their fifth straight victory and the 10th in their last 11 games to win the outright title. Coincidentally, the lone loss came in a 67-61 defeat against The Prairie School on Jan. 18.

Despite a 37-30 loss to Kenosha Christian Life on Friday night, a 49-34 victory over University Lake/St. John’s earlier this week clinched the outright Lake City Conference title for Salam (16-3, 13-0) with three conference games to play. The Stars raced out to a 32-16 halftime advantage and put it in cruise control for their third straight conference title.

Other title races that could come down to the final week of the season

Classic 8 Conference: Muskego (11-1, two conference games left), Arrowhead (11-2, one conference game left), Catholic Memorial (8-3, three conference games left).

East Central Conference: Kettle Moraine Lutheran (9-0, three conference games left), Winneconne (9-1, two conference games left).

Greater Metro Conference: Wauwatosa East (13-1, two conference games left), Brookfield East (13-1, two conference games left).

Midwest Classic Conference: Lake Country Lutheran (12-0, four conference games left), Watertown Luther Prep (10-1, five conference games left).

Milwaukee City (Blue) Conference: Milwaukee Bradley Tech/Arts (11-0, three conference games left), Milwaukee Vincent (8-2, two conference games left).

Milwaukee City (Gold) Conference: Milwaukee Golda Meir (11-0, three conference games left), Milwaukee King (9-2, three conference games left), Milwaukee School of Languages (9-3, two conference games left).

Southeast Conference: Oak Creek (11-0, three conference games left), Kenosha Bradford (9-1, four conference games left).

Woodland (East) Conference: Whitnall (10-0, two conference games left), Greenfield (9-1, two conference games left).

Woodland (West) Conference: Pewaukee (10-0, two conference games left, plus a crossover game), Pius XI (10-1, one conference game left, plus a crossover game).

Other happenings around the area

With its 59-47 victory over Shorewood on Friday, Whitnall (17-2, 10-0) stayed perfect in Woodland East play behind a 27-point performance from senior star Riley Ward. The 17 victories are the most for the program since the 2008-09 campaign, when the Falcons won the Woodland East title with a 17-5 overall mark and a 9-1 record in conference play.

In the 35th Street rivalry, Oak Creek (13-7, 11-0) continued to roll with a 46-31 victory over Franklin, moving one step closer to the Southeast Conference title. The win marked the seventh victory in the last eight contests for the Knights, who still have matchups with Racine Case and Park next week before a Feb. 18 matchup against Kenosha Bradford that could decide the SEC champion. The Red Devils kept the heat on the Knights with a dominant 77-24 victory over Racine Horlick on Friday to move to 18-2 (9-1) on the season.
There’s just two undefeated teams remaining in the state and one of them resides in the Milwaukee area. Milwaukee Bradley Tech/Arts moved to a perfect 17-0 (11-0) on Friday night with a 59-32 win over Milwaukee South. Out of its 17 wins this season, 13 have come by double digits for the Trojans. With three wins next week against Milwaukee Pulaski, Madison and North, the Trojans could finish the regular season at a flawless 20-0.

Source link

Click to comment

Milwaukee, WI

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

Published

10 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

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.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

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.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

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.

Crime and Public SafetyMilwaukeeNews

Source link

Milwaukee, WI

Things to do in the Milwaukee area this weekend, including Sports Show

Published

22 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Things to do in the Milwaukee area this weekend, including Sports Show

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.

Source link

Milwaukee, WI

MPD officer accused of using Flock cameras to monitor dating partner resigns

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

MPD officer accused of using Flock cameras to monitor dating partner resigns

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.

Source link