Milwaukee, WI

A nonprofit pledged to restore the Milwaukee Breakwater Lighthouse. What happened?

Published

2 years ago

August 21, 2024

A nonprofit pledged to restore the Milwaukee Breakwater Lighthouse. What happened?

The Milwaukee Breakwater Lighthouse, which has dotted the city’s landscape since 1926, has been empty since 1966. And despite a local nonprofit’s promises to restore the historical landmark in 2013, it remains untouched and inaccessible.

Brookfield-based nonprofit Optima Enrichment acquired the lighthouse for free from the National Park Service in 2013, promising $2.5 million worth of major renovations in hopes to create a publicly accessible museum by 2015. Now, almost ten years later, not much has changed.

After Madison resident Steve Tyska purchased property in Sheboygan last year, he noticed a lighthouse in the harbor was in need of some renovations. Thinking it could be a fun project to tackle after retirement, he dove into research.

That’s when he stumbled on past Journal Sentinel articles about the Milwaukee Breakwater Lighthouse. Upon learning of Optima Enrichment’s goals to renovate the building, he called the organization’s owner, Brookfield optometrist Randall Melchert, for some advice.

“This guy tried to do, on a much bigger scale, what I was thinking about doing,” said Tyska.

But Tyska said he was never able to reach Melchert. Disappointed he was unable to find out what came of the project, he contacted Public Investigator.

“10 years later, nothing’s been done,” Tyska said. “Who is overseeing this project? Should the city get involved?”

Despite multiple attempts to reach Melchert through email and phone, Public Investigator was also unable to get in touch with him.

In 2016, Melchert told the Journal Sentinel his nonprofit raised less than $20,000 since it received the deed, which was mostly spent on insurance.

“We were a little optimistic,” Melchert said at the time.

National Park Service spokesperson Jordan Fifer said the lighthouse is still owned by Optima Enrichment.

According to Fifer, the National Park Service is aware that the group hasn’t raised enough money to fulfill its obligations under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000.

Under the act, federally-owned historic lighthouses can be transferred at no cost to federal, state or private entities that pledge to preserve them. The entity that acquires the lighthouse must make it publicly available for educational, recreational, cultural or historic preservation purposes.

If this fails to occur, Fifer said, it’s up to the federal General Services Administration to determine if if the entity should lose ownership.

Fifer said the National Park Service monitors compliance with the act every two years and “maintains regular contact” with the General Services Administration.

Public Investigator asked the General Services Administration whether it has kept tabs on the Milwaukee Breakwater Lighthouse. The agency did not respond by the time of publication.

Meanwhile, Port Milwaukee spokesperson Madison Goldbeck said the city has no authority or jurisdiction over the lighthouse.

Had no other qualified nonprofits or government agencies expressed interest in the Milwaukee Breakwater Lighthouse at the time, it would’ve been sold to the highest bidder, according to the Journal Sentinel’s 2013 article.

For now, Tyska said he’s hopeful an article may spark public officials’ interest.

The Milwaukee Breakwater Lighthouse is one of the last examples of a fully enclosed breakwater lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Its Fresnel lens — the glass that once surrounded the lighthouse’s bulb — is currently on display at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc.

“It’s something that could potentially be a benefit for the city if it was tended to,” Tyska said, “and it’s certainly something that could be a liability to the city if it’s neglected.”

Quinn Clark is a Public Investigator reporter. She can be emailed at QClark@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Quinn_A_Clark.

About Public Investigator

Government corruption. Corporate wrongdoing. Consumer complaints. Medical scams. Public Investigator is a new initiative of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and its sister newsrooms across Wisconsin. Our team wants to hear your tips, chase the leads and uncover the truth. We’ll investigate anywhere in Wisconsin. Send your tips to watchdog@journalsentinel.com or call 414-319-9061. You can also submit tips at jsonline.com/tips.

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Milwaukee, WI

Carin León, Summerfest’s first regional Mexican music act, draws new visitors to Milwaukee

Published

54 minutes ago

June 21, 2026

Press Room

Carin León, Summerfest’s first regional Mexican music act, draws new visitors to Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE – Summerfest wrapped up its first weekend Saturday with headliner Carin León, who organizers said is the first regional Mexican music artist to hit the stage.

Out-of-town draw

What they’re saying:

The performer drew visitors to the festival from Chicago to Michigan.

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“I love the experience, it’s really cool,” Gigi Acosta, who traveled from Chicago, said. “We love it, it’s so much fun here.”

Folks flocked into Henry Maier Festival Park to take part in the fun.

“He puts on a great show,” said Karina Rodriguez, who came from Chicago with her family.

“Five hours, to me, is really nothing to come see him,” said Tracey Solis, who along with Filberto Solís, traveled from Michigan.

Tourism in Milwaukee

Big picture view:

It is an impact Summerfest leaders said will have a greater impact on the city.

“We drive over $160 million in tourism to this economy,” Jerrod Woods, senior director of marketing for Summerfest, said. “Carin is another huge aspect of that to help bring all the tourism to the city.”

Woods said León’s performance is an example of the diverse number of artists they want to keep bringing to the festival.

“The amount of people and outpour that you receive, like, ‘thank you for bringing such an incredible artist,’ like Carin León, who represents the Latin community not only here in Milwaukee but around the region,” Woods said.

It’s what brought new visitors, like the Rodriguez family, to Milwaukee.

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“We brought my mom because she’s a super fan,” said Karina Rodriguez. “She loves him, and this is our first time at Summerfest.”

Acosta even made a poster hoping to get her favorite artist’s attention.

“I love you Carin León,” she said as she blew a kiss.

What’s next:

Organizers said Saturday’s show is another example of giving people what they want. They told FOX6 News that they are already planning for 2027.

The Source: Information in this story is from FOX6 News interviews with Gigi Acosta, Tracey Solis, Filberto Solís, Karina Rodriguez, Georgina Rodriguez, Casey Rodriguez, and Jerrod Woods.

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Milwaukee, WI

Brewers’ No. 6 prospect gives glowing review of Milwaukee’s farm system

Published

11 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Press Room

Brewers’ No. 6 prospect gives glowing review of Milwaukee’s farm system

While the Milwaukee Brewers continue their battle for NL Central supremacy, 2025 first-round selection Andrew Fischer is working his way up the minor leagues. Now the No. 6 ranked prospect in the team’s farm system, the third baseman posted a .311/.402/.446 slash line in 19 games with the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

Fischer’s recent performance warranted a promotion to the Double-A, where he is now competing as part of the Biloxi Shuckers. The 22-year-old is turning heads around the league, leading him to join Foul Territory TV for a recent interview about his experience in the Brewers’ farm system so far:

“The talent in here is unreal. I think that’s why the Brewers do such a good job of developing their guys, is they put you in environments where you’re literally competing every day with the best of the best,” Fischer explained. “For me, it’s going to make my batting practice sharper. It’s going to make my in-game reps sharper. It’s going to make our communication on the field sharper. It’s honestly really special what they have over here.”

Before diving into the specifics of what he discussed — this was a great first impression as someone who had never seen Fischer in an interview before! He’s well-spoken, he seems passionate, and he has a good sense of the value of the opportunities around him. As the Brewers search for answers at third base, he’ll certainly be in the back of GM Matt Arnold’s mind. If he can keep producing the way he has thus far, it won’t be a hard decision down the line.

But more importantly in the short-term, Fischer pinpointed the exact winning recipe that has been driving sustainable long-term success for the Brewers all decade.

Andrew Fischer just summed up one of the hardest lessons the Brewers organization has ever learned.

When you’re considered a small market in a league like the MLB where spending can equate to success, the only way to compete is to double down on what you’re good at. For the Milwaukee Brewers, that’s become scouting and development.

From rookies to reclamation projects, the Brewers help players find the best in themselves by simplifying the game, building good habits, and having players lead by example. As Fischer discussed, surrounding talented players with other like-minded individuals is a recipe for building sustainable growth. Those incremental steps toward success stack up until eventually, you’ve got a winning ballclub on your hands.

It starts with the front office, where GM Matt Arnold and the Brewers’ elite scouting team identify players with the traits that fit on and off the field. That trickles down to the managers and coaches, who see the potential in these players and use their expertise to draw it out of them. That, along with the camaraderie these players build along the way, is the recipe for a culture that could bring success to Milwaukee for many years to come.

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Milwaukee, WI

Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20

Published

21 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Press Room

Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20

Every morning throughout Summerfest 2026, we’ll deliver a guide that covers the day’s entertainment and how you can get in the gate free of charge. This is where you’ll find info about the AmFam Amp headliners, eclectic picks from our knowledgeable staff and the music lineup for the day (see the full 2026 Summerfest lineup here).

Today at the AmFam Amp + Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1

Carín León, 7 p.m.

For the first time in the festival’s 58-year history, a Spanish-language artist is headlining the main amphitheater. As a Mexican, it’s super exciting to see rising stars bring our music and vibrant dancing to an entirely new crowd. Hearing live banda is a whole new world and something everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. Think of it as a taste of what Mexican Fiesta brings to the lakefront every August (coming very soon, too!). Grab a beer your boots and your tickets to witness a very special moment.

— Leslie Garcia Ramirez

Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2

The Academy Is… @ Miller Oasis, 10:30 p.m.

In the midst of the emo and screamo wave of the early to mid 2000s, this Midwest band made a name for themselves. Still, you may have missed The Academy Is… like I did.

Fortunately, I got some help after becoming a diehard fan boy of the Milwaukee indie-rock outfit Whips (RIP! 😢) and discovered that band wasn’t Milwaukee-based drummer Andy Mrotek’s first rodeo. Mrotek was with The Academy Is… almost from day one, did his own thing when the group broke up and returned when they got back together a few years back.

Since reconnecting, the band have been touring and recording, and this past March they released their most recent album — their first in nearly 20 years. Whether you’re a fan of The Academy Is… or just loved the genre, reunite with your mid-2000s self and check them out at the Miller Oasis (and come early to check out fellow emo greats Braid, which you may hear about momentarily).

— Jay Burseth

Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3

Braid @ Miller Oasis, 8:30 p.m.

Hailing from the Midwest Emo Holy Land of Champaign, Ill., Braid is the sonic personification of everything it means to grow up in the chilling plains of Middle America. The stinging lyrics and pouting guitars amalgamate to anthems that have had angsty teens in a chokehold since well before their landmark 1998 album, Frame and Canvas.

This posse of sad dads is set to take on the Miller Oasis, making their return to the Summerfest grounds for the first time since 2015, when they closed the set with their love note for our great city, “Milwaukee Sky Rocket.” Braid’s irrefutable impact on our city’s emo scene will be sure to draw in kickers and screamers from all over, and you won’t want to miss it.

— Matthew Poulton

Radio Milwaukee staff pick #4

Trapper Schoepp @ Uline Warehouse, 5:30 p.m.

It’s always a special treat to see Milwaukee bands playing Summerfest. I get excited to think about all the new fans our local artists reach when they hit the stage — something singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp has experienced a time or two over his wonderful career.

One of Milwaukee’s true artists, Schoepp’s career in music literally started as an accident. While recuperating from a BMX-related back injury, he heard Bob Dylan’s “Hurricane” and was inspired to pick up a guitar as a “safer” hobby. He put out his first record at the age of 17 with his brother Tanner; he’s collaborated with Bob Dylan, Nicole Atkins and Wilco; and — almost two decades later — he’s still one of those musicians who seems to thrive onstage.

Schoepp’s songs are a slice of Americana with a bit of a punk-rock edge. He sings about the nostalgia of his youth on Bay Beach Amusement Park, and his journey through addiction and recovery on new album Osborne. Will he come out into the crowd and play guitar while standing on the benches with you? Check out the show this today and find out for yourself.

How to get in free today

Briggs & Stratton United Way Diaper & Wipe Drive

Help United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County provide essential diapers and wipes to families across the community. Between noon and 3 p.m., the first 1,500 patrons who donate new unopened wipes or diapers with a total minimum value of $10 per person will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All donations benefit United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Diaper Bank network.