MILWAUKEE — Illegal tire dumping has become a significant environmental concern in Milwaukee, with hundreds of tires being improperly disposed of across the city.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Milwaukee man speaks out against persistent illegal dumping

Emad Elkhalifa has owned Brother’s Auto for 19 years, and has witnessed firsthand how some customers and businesses choose to dump old tires in incorrect places to save money.

“I’ve been here for 19 years and I know that you can’t just go around and throw tires in a neighborhood,” Elkhalifa said.

According to Elkhalifa, some people take shortcuts when disposing of used tires.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Milwaukee enforces $5,000 fine for illegal dumping, sparking mixed reactions

“Sometimes they put it on the top of the car, the back of the car, and they throw it around the corner,” Elkhalifa said.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is concerned about the environmental risks posed by improper tire disposal.

“Proper tire management has been an issue in Wisconsin for a long time,” said Casey Krausensky, Solid Waste Coordinator for the Wisconsin DNR.

Just last week, Dennis Bowen, who claims to own “Dennis Tire Recycling LLC,” was cited 66 times in one day for allegedly dumping hundreds of tires across Milwaukee over several months; however, no business with that name is registered with the state.

The DNR sent Bowen a notice of noncompliance in March for leaving tires in several locations throughout the city, including dumping thousands in a vacant lot on Teutonia Avenue.

Elkhalifa explains that illegitimate businesses often offer to pick up tires from auto shops for less than established companies charge.

“If you’re telling me, ‘I’m gonna charge you a dollar,’ and the other company charge me $4 — I’m gonna go with you. Cause after 400 tires, it makes a difference,” Elkhalifa said.

Many shops only discover they weren’t working with licensed recycling companies after the deal is completed.

“It happened to me myself, I’ve been a victim of that,” Elkhalifa said.

As of Monday, piles of tires still remain inside the empty Teutonia lot. In an agreement with the lot owner, the DNR has mandated that all tires must be completely removed within the next two years and must be properly covered to protect against fire and other hazards until then.

Meanwhile, Bowen faces thousands of dollars in fines for the illegal dumping.

Elkhalifa believes addressing the issue will require cooperation from the city, consumers, and business owners.

“We have to work together, we have to be responsible,” Elkhalifa said.

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MILWAUKEE — Many people in Milwaukee are feeling the ripple effects as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues.

On Sunday evening, demonstrators gathered at Red Arrow Park for a “Hands Off Iran” protest, organized by the Milwaukee Anti-war Committee (MAC).

The group condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, launched on June 12, and called for the U.S. to disengage from military involvement in the region.

Many protesters carried signs reading “Hands Off Iran,” and chanted messages opposing war and foreign intervention.

“I feel like we’re being dragged into what could be a World War III,” said Farouq Abukhamireh of Greendale, who has family in Palestine. “I am concerned about what’s going on — a war I feel is not fair and not necessary.”

Just hours before the protest, the Temple Menorah synagogue on Milwaukee’s northwest side was vandalized.

The Milwaukee Jewish Federation confirmed that a suspect, known to law enforcement, was taken into custody and there were no injuries.

Check out: Israel-Iran attacks spark protest, Synagogue vandalism concerns Milwaukee

Rising Iran-Israel tensions: “hands off Iran” protest and synagogue vandalized

While law enforcement has not confirmed the motive, the incident has caused concern among members of Milwaukee’s Jewish community, who say it comes at an especially sensitive time.

“It’s disheartening. It’s unsettling,” said Roberta Clark, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. “Every time there’s a rise in activity in the Middle East, antisemitism rises in this country — like clockwork.”

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Clark emphasized that while the motive is not confirmed to be antisemitic, the timing has heightened anxiety within the community.

“Antisemitic incidents in Wisconsin have risen 459% since 2015. What we don’t want is for the Jewish experience for anyone in Milwaukee to be about fear,” Clark said, adding the need for allies.

In a public statement, the organization said security protocols at Temple Menorah helped limit access and that there is no known ongoing threat related to the incident.

“We appreciate the swift response by law enforcement who have apprehended the perpetrator,” the Federation said in a Facebook post. “This was an isolated incident… there is no reason to believe there is an additional threat to the community.”

The Wisconsin Jewish Security Network is working with law enforcement to support the synagogue, and the Federation said it would refrain from sharing additional details due to the ongoing investigation.

At the protest, Abukhamireh also addressed the vandalism.

“Any vandalism or violence against anyone is not something we condone,” he said.

TMJ4 has reached out to Milwaukee police for more information on the incident.

As the international crisis deepens, local leaders say maintaining safety — and respectful conversation — remains critical here at home.

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MILWAUKEE — Looking for a way to celebrate a dad in your life? Treat him to a day at the Zoo!

The Milwaukee County Zoo is offering free admission to fathers this Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15. Parking and regular attraction fees still apply.

Fathers get in free, thanks to Prairie Farms Dairy, from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Father’s Day.

Zoo goers will have the opportunity to meet some of the Zoo’s animal dads, including Bactrian camel Stan, De Brazza’s monkey Hugo, and many others.

While at the Zoo, don’t forget to bring Dad by the Summer Exhibit: Exploration Dinosaur. Explore prehistoric life with bones, teeth, and more from dinosaurs like the T. Rex and Triceratops. Take Dad through more than 20 full-sized and scientifically accurate animatronic displays.

Exploration Dinosaur is $4 per person, after regular admission.

Visit the Milwaukee County Zoo’s website for more information.

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