Milwaukee, WI

Second lead screening clinic held for Milwaukee Public Schools students

Published

7 months ago

May 7, 2025

Press Room

Second lead screening clinic held for Milwaukee Public Schools students

Milwaukee Public Schools, health officials and community partners held a lead screening clinic for children after lead hazards were found in school buildings.
The city health department plans to deploy teams to areas with low screening rates to ensure testing access.
Milwaukee’s health commissioner expressed confidence in the school district’s lead action plan, describing it as a “living document” that will continue to evolve.

It was no coincidence that Terresa Linton and her 9-year-old son were among the first to step foot in the May 7 lead screening clinic at Milwaukee’s North Division High School.

Her son, Thailand Hodges, attends Brown Street Academy — one of the two most recent Milwaukee Public Schools buildings that will close so lead hazards can be addressed.

When the school closes May 12, students and staff will move to Andrew S. Douglas Middle School.

Linton, 39, of Milwaukee said she had been nervous walking into the clinic but breathed a sigh of relief when the test results came back within minutes showing her son didn’t have elevated levels of the toxic metal in his blood.

“Everyone should get their children tested and … make sure that they’re safe,” she said.

Screenings hope to identify children with concerning lead levels

The afternoon clinic was the second held by Milwaukee Public Schools, Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers, Children’s Wisconsin and the City of Milwaukee Health Department as the district contends with deteriorating facilities that pose a risk to its students.

The clinic had the capacity to screen 300 children.

The first lead screening clinic, which was held in March, found “a very small number” of the approximately 250 children tested had elevated levels of the toxic metal in their blood.

Even as more children have been getting tested, including at their pediatricians’ offices, the fact that few children are testing positive has not put health officials’ minds at ease.

“The children that are in most need of screening often have the most barriers to getting screened, often low-income families,” said Milwaukee Health Department Deputy Commissioner for Environmental Health Tyler Weber.

That’s why various clinics, including these two, have been held and why city health officials are encouraging the school district to hold screening clinics at specific schools, he said.

The health department also is readying a team of health workers to deploy to areas with low screening rates to ensure the children hardest to reach get tested, Milwaukee Health Commissioner Mike Totoraitis told a meeting of the city’s Board of Health on May 7.

Some of the MPS students identified as having lead poisoning are older than 6 years old, the age when children stop getting tested for lead under city recommendations. He encouraged parents of MPS students to get their children and teens tested, no matter their age.

“When we start looking at older children, we’re going to find lead-poisoned kids,” he said.

‘Small amount of lead … has ramifications that affect everyone’

Outside the screening clinic, a group of about 15 had gathered to call for changes.

Among them was Kat Cisar, whose twin first-graders attend Trowbridge Street School of Great Lakes Studies in Bay View. The school reopened in March after being closed for nearly two weeks to address lead issues.

She said she was happy that children were getting tested but that the approach of responding to lead-poisoned children also put the youngest Milwaukeeans on the “front lines.”

She urged thinking about the city’s lead issue not as an individual problem but as a collective public health issue.

“My kids might be fine, but that’s not acceptable to me if other kids aren’t, because we all grow up together,” she said. “They are all going to grow up together. They’re going to be adults together, and if they have negative impacts from even a small amount of lead that has ramifications that affect everyone.”

Lead action plan will continue to grow

Totoraitis expressed confidence in the MPS lead action plan released last week after the protesters called for changes.

He called the plan a “living document that is continuing to grow” and said he appreciated input on it.

Totoraitis addressed a central concern raised by the protesters that the school district’s lead action plan was more reactive than proactive, saying that, at this juncture, the focus is on bringing the school district back into compliance after years of degradation.

“Ideally, we would love to get ahead of potential poisonings, not just in the school buildings but in homes and daycares, everywhere across the city,” he said.

Once the district is in compliance, he said, officials will look to continue the discussion about the investments the city needs to ensure safe and healthy housing.

Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com.

Sarah Volpenhein can be reached at svolpenhei@gannett.com or at 414-607-2159.

Source link

Click to comment

Milwaukee, WI

Hugh Jackman to attend Milwaukee premiere of ‘Song Sung Blue’

Published

16 hours ago

November 20, 2025

Press Room

Hugh Jackman to attend Milwaukee premiere of ‘Song Sung Blue’

MILWAUKEE — Oscar-nominated actor Hugh Jackman will be visiting the Badger State in the coming weeks for his upcoming film “Song Sung Blue.”

The film, starring Jackman and Kate Hudson, is based on an iconic Milwaukee Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning & Thunder.

Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina (left) and Kate Hudson as Claire Stengl (right) in director Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue,” a Focus Features release. (Focus Features)

Mike Sardina was the “Lightning” while Claire Stengl was the “Thunder.” As the film’s description suggests, the two found love while following their musician dreams. They performed in the Midwest throughout the 80s and 90s and also opened for some major bands. They later married. Mike Sardina died in 2006.

Now, with the film about their lives and careers gearing up to play in theaters, there will be a special appearance in Cream City.

Hugh Jackman in director Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue,” a Focus Features release. (Focus Features)

Because of the film’s roots, a premiere will take place at The Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee, 2230 N Farwell Ave, on Dec. 2.

During the hometown premiere, Jackman and the writer and director of the film, Craig Brewer, will attend.

Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina (left) and Kate Hudson as Claire Stengl (right) in director Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue,” a Focus Features release. (Focus Features)

“Song Sung Blue” will start playing in theaters on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2025. The film also stars Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley with Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi.

Source link

Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival returns Thursday with music, fireworks

Published

1 day ago

November 19, 2025

Press Room

article

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

MILWAUKEE – Downtown Milwaukee will glow again this holiday season with the 27th annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, kicking off on Thursday, Nov. 20.

What we know:

The six-week event, presented by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 and Johnson Financial Group, begins at 6:30 p.m. at Pere Marquette Park with live performances, treats and a firework show. The festival runs through Jan. 1, 2026.

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

The main program includes DJ Mr. NY, characters from Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s “A Christmas Carol,” Anita’s Dance Center, The Squeezettes, select cast members from Cirque du Soleil’s “‘Twas the Night Before…,” Marquette University’s Gold ’n Blues, Christopher Gilbert, Willow Newell – Miss Wisconsin and Jenny Thiel.

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

Santa and Mrs. Claus are also scheduled to appear.

Fireworks are planned for shortly before 7 p.m., followed by free cocoa, cookies and complimentary Jingle Bus rides operated by KB Excursions.

After the kickoff, residents and visitors can view light displays coordinated by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 through Jan. 1. Four downtown parks will feature themed installations: “Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park, “Santa’s Celebration Square powered by We Energies” at Zeidler Union Square, “¡Felices Fiestas!” at Pere Marquette Park and “Slice of Ice Lights” at Red Arrow Park.

Dig deeper:

Street decorations will line several downtown corridors, including an 18-block stretch of silver and gold chandeliers over Wisconsin Avenue.

The Jingle Bus, a 40-minute narrated tour of downtown holiday sights, will operate Fridays through Sundays from Dec. 5 to 28. Tours depart from the festival’s new Warming House at Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St. Tickets are $8 per person, with advance purchases encouraged.

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

The Ornament Trail will also return this year, with 20 ornaments hand-painted by locally or nationally renowned artists with Milwaukee ties. The Ornament Trail will run from Thursday through Jan. 18.

More information about the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival and Jingle Bus tickets is available on the festival website.

The Source: The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News, with information from Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21.

HolidaysMilwaukeeNewsThings To Do

Source link

Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee neighbors oppose Pius XI’s interest in long-term lease for Dyer Playfield

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2025

Press Room

Milwaukee neighbors oppose Pius XI’s interest in long-term lease for Dyer Playfield

MILWAUKEE — Neighbors of Dyer Playfield on Milwaukee’s west side and Milwaukee Public Schools voiced strong opposition to a potential lease agreement between the city and nearby Pius XI Catholic High School for enhanced athletic facilities at a Tuesday MPS committee meeting on Accountability, Finance, and Personnel.

“I’m firmly opposed to this partnership and lease agreement,” Warren said during public comment.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Community members shape conversation on Pius XI’s interest in Dyer Playfield in MKE

The concept would allow Pius XI to work with the City of Milwaukee and the MPS Recreation Department to provide upgraded facilities at the park. The Catholic high school already uses the fields for some of its athletics programs.

Pius XI President Jack Herbert spoke Tuesday and stressed a long history of collaboration with MPS and the city, and assured the board that community access would remain a priority under any agreement.

Watch: Milwaukee neighbors oppose Pius XI’s interest in long-term lease for Dyer Playfield

Proposed leased agreement meets opposition

“Any path forward will prioritize an upgraded welcoming recreation space that our neighbors, our students, and the broader community can continue to enjoy for generations to come,” Herbert said.

However, several community members expressed concerns about privatizing public space. Those who spoke also noted that Dyer is already well-utilized, going against claims that it’s underutilized.

Magnus, a neighborhood resident, argued against a long-term lease agreement.

“I don’t believe the land should be used for private use. The neighborhood does use it,” Magnus said.

The park is owned by the City of Milwaukee and operated by Milwaukee Recreation, a department within Milwaukee Public Schools. Sue, a frequent user of Dyer Playfield and a Pius XI graduate, believes the community should have input on any future changes.

“It makes most sense to let the rec department maintain control of Dyer field in a fair and collaborative process to reimagine it, to carry that out,” Sue said.

MPS Recreation has a proven model for revitalizing playfields through extensive community engagement – usually a 3-year process from planning to completion.

Several board members expressed opposition to a 100-year lease or any private control that undermines equitable public access.

MPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius told board members that MPS would not consider a new lease agreement for Pius XI, emphasizing the district’s Long Range Facilities Master Plan must guide future land-use decisions.

She said no specific lease terms have been shared with the district at this time.

Alderwoman Sharlen Moore is revisiting the concept to have Pius XI take a more active role in the park and plans to bring the conversation to the Milwaukee Common Council.

Residents emphasized that a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders would best serve the community’s interests.

“Pius could certainly be part of that process, along with the neighbors and visitors and frequent users of Dyer,” Sue said.

Moore stressed that discussions are in early stages and that the community will be included in any future conversations about the playfield’s development.

This story was reported on-air by Mike Beiermeister and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Let’s talk:

Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.

It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.

Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.

Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip

Source link