Milwaukee, WI
South side residents urge railroad company to clean up illegal dumping
As garbage continues to pile up on the train tracks behind their homes, neighbors on South 15th Place are urging the city and railroad company, Union Pacific, to address the illegal dumping.
See neighbor describe piles of trash near Union Pacific train tracks
Anna Zarnowski and her neighbors hope the city and Union Pacific will collaborate to clean up a mess left by illegal dumpers in her neighborhood.
Rats, cockroaches and piles of trash are frequent sights for some neighbors living near Pulaski Park on South 15th Place on Milwaukee’s south side.
The alley behind their homes and the train tracks beside the alley have become an illegal dumping ground for unwanted furniture, car tires, shopping carts, gallons of motor oil and large bags of trash.
Anna Zarnowski, who has been living on the street for 10 years, said this has been an issue since she moved in, but it’s ramped up in recent years.
She said she filed more than 10 complaints through the City of Milwaukee’s Click4Action app and said she’s called the office of her local alderman, 12th District Ald. Jose Perez, about the issue, on several occasions.
“I love the south side. You want to see it succeed and be great, and at least just be comfortable and clean,” Zarnowski said.
“It’s not too much to ask for.”
Each time she calls or files a complaint, the garbage in the alley behind her home is removed. However, the train tracks are on private property owned by the railroad company, Union Pacific.
“The city says it’s not their responsibility — then it just sits,” Zarnowski said.
In several of Zarnowski’s complaints, she’s included photos of garbage piling up on the ground by the train tracks. Some of the garbage has been on the ground near the tracks for at least four years, she said.
“It’s a concern. You don’t want to have vermin around,” Zarnowski said.
Illegal dumping is impacting several neighbors
Christina Ornelas, 41, has owned a home on South 15th Place for 10 years.
When she moved in, she noticed garbage piling up on the street and along the train tracks.
“It’s like they clean, and then the next day there’s already a lot of garbage,” Ornelas said, in Spanish, adding that the waste on the train tracks remains even if the waste on the streets is removed, leading to pest issues.
Ornelas has not yet called the city about the illegal dumping near her home, but said she wishes the city and the owners of the train tracks could come together to find a solution to prevent illegal dumping, for example, by adding cameras to the road to discourage the activity.
The city’s Department of Neighborhood Services processes some illegal dumping complaints, but most dumping complaints are addressed through a collaboration of other departments, including the Department of Public Works, according to Jeremy McGovern, the Neighborhood Services’ marketing and communications officer.
Neighborhood Services can help mitigate the problem by implementing some preventative measures to reduce illegal dumping, like installing cameras and traffic control measures to prevent access to the area, sending violation orders, or teaching neighbors how to report the issue to the city, McGovern said.
While Neighborhood Services is willing to provide this support, the illegal dumping taking place on the tracks behind Ornelas and Zarnowski’s homes is primarily the responsibility of Union Pacific.
Steps taken so far by Neighborhood Services
On Nov. 24, the department sent Union Pacific a violation order to remove the waste from its property behind Zarnowski’s home on South 15th Place by Dec. 3, 2025.
The railroad company can still file an appeal, which must be filed within 20 days, according to the violation order obtained by the Journal Sentinel.
Failure to comply with the order or file an appeal could result in prosecution or fines ranging from $150 to $10,000, according to the violation order report.
A representative from Union Pacific said the company plans to remove the waste on the train tracks following the new violation order sent by Neighborhood Services.
“Despite several clean-ups over the years, and another scheduled soon, illegal dumping at this site is a challenging issue that often returns just as quickly as we address it,” Union Pacific communications manager Robynn Tysver said in an emailed statement to the Journal Sentinel.
The last violation order sent to Union Pacific for the train tracks behind Zarnowski’s home was sent in April 2021.
This resulted in Neighborhood Services hiring its own contractor to clean the train tracks and billing the private company $835.66 for the clean-up, which it paid in full, according to McGovern.
A year later, on April 24, 2022, the train tracks were once again filled with garbage, and Zarnowski said she filed a new complaint.
Union Pacific declined to comment on why the previous violation order placed on the company to remove waste on the tracks resulted in an invoice from Neighborhood Services for the waste removal.
Elected officials respond to illegal dumping on railroad
Ald. Perez said Union Pacific is “historically difficult to work with … they are not the most responsive to any concerns.”
Perez said while his office has no record of Zarnowski’s calls, if the dumping on the train tracks near South 15th Place continues to be a nuisance for neighbors, his office is willing to collaborate with Neighborhood Services on a proactive solution to prevent the illegal dumping.
He also said his office would work with the City Attorney’s office to hold Union Pacific legally accountable to address the issue, if needed.
According to McGovern, Neighborhood Services is also willing to work with private property owners, like Union Pacific, regardless of the type of property, to discuss solutions for abatement and compliance.
However, Perez said he believes these kinds of issues would be better addressed if city departments worked more collaboratively on lasting solutions.
If one department arrives to conduct an illegal dumping clean-up, they could sweep the area to look for other possible concerns to refer to other departments, which would help address issues before they become a nuisance to neighbors, Perez said. This would ensure neighbors don’t need to file several complaints before an issue is escalated.
“These systems aren’t talking to one another … the accountability even between interdepartmental referrals is loose,” Perez said. “They’ve got to fix the system beyond the moment and the complaint in real time.”
Zarnowski said she hopes the waste is removed before heavy snow falls and freezes the garbage to the ground for another season.
“They [Union Pacific] should take some kind of action on it,” Zarnowski said. “If it’s their property, they should have some responsibility in keeping things tidy or at least trying to prevent it from happening.”
How to file a complaint for illegal dumping on private property
Neighbors impacted by illegal dumping on private property near their home can submit a complaint through the Click4Action App or by calling Neighborhood Services at 414-286-2268. For non-English speakers, bilingual staff members are available to assist, McGovern said.
If the dumping is on private property, they should make a note on the app or inform the operator, McGovern said. If a neighbor is unsure of whether the waste is located on private or city-owned property, Neighborhood Services can help verify the property owner and file the complaint appropriately.
Once the complaint is submitted, the city can schedule an inspection to verify it and then issue a violation order to the owner of the private property to remove the waste if needed, McGovern said.
If the waste is not removed after a given period, Neighborhood Services can hire a contractor to remove the waste and send a bill to the property owner, McGovern said.
If a resident files a complaint about illegal dumping and it’s on public or city-owned property, Neighborhood Services can escalate the complaint to another department, such as the Department of Public Works, McGovern said.
Alyssa N. Salcedo covers Layton Boulevard West for the Journal Sentinel’s Neighborhood Dispatch. Reach her at asalcedo@gannett.com. As part of the newsroom, all Alyssa’s work and coverage decisions are overseen solely by Journal Sentinel editors.
Support for this effort comes from the Zilber Family Foundation, Journal Foundation, Bader Philanthropies, Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Greater Milwaukee Foundation and individual contributions to the Journal Sentinel Community-Funded Journalism Project. The project is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #36‐4427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association.
Learn more about our community-funded journalism and how to make a tax-deductible gift at jsonline.com/support. Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation with “JS Community Journalism” in the memo, then mailed to: Local Media Foundation, P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689.
July 3 drone show at McKinley Beach
Watch the first-ever July 3 drone show at McKinley Beach in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee County will again opt for drones over fireworks for its Independence Day festivities this summer.
The county had its first-ever Fourth of July drone show in 2025, with officials saying at the time that drones would be better for the environment, safer and less costly than fireworks.
The show costs about $150,000 less than fireworks, Milwaukee County officials told the Journal Sentinel this week.
“Milwaukee County is at its best when we come together to create memorable, inclusive experiences for everyone,” County Executive David Crowley said in an April news release. “This drone show is another example of how we’re investing in our parks, our neighborhoods and our shared sense of community pride.”
How did residents react to last year’s drone show?
Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith said in a news release last year the show is “an exciting and environmentally conscious way to celebrate our community.”
“Unlike traditional fireworks, drone shows reduce noise and air pollution while still delivering an unforgettable experience,” Smith said. “It’s about making memories and ensuring everyone feels welcome in these shared spaces.”
But the Journal Sentinel polled readers after last year’s show and a majority responded that they would prefer the county bring back fireworks.
This year’s show will debut pyrotechnic drone technology, adding spark effect for an “even more dynamic and visually stunning performance,” the news release says.
How long is the Milwaukee drone show?
The show is 45 minutes long and features 900 drones, county officials said. It is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. July 3 along the lakefront at McKinley Beach.
Milwaukee police audit shows Flock camera uses
The Milwaukee Police Department released a sample Flock camera audit showing outlier uses tied to serious crimes as scrutiny continues over officer misuse and community privacy concerns.
MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Police Department is giving the public a closer look at how officers use license plate reader cameras, part of an effort to be more transparent about how the technology affects community safety.
What we know:
For the first time, FOX6 got a look at a sample of audit results from the MPD involving the license plate reader system, also known as Flock.
The transparency effort comes after former officer Josue Ayala was charged with using the license plate readers to track someone he was dating and that person’s ex. Earlier this month, the department said a second officer was under investigation for possible misuse of the Flock camera system.
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On Thursday, May 28, FOX6 obtained MPD’s Flock audit report from April. It is something the department does every month.
In the report, MPD shared 24 “outlier uses” of the system. Those are possible red flags. The list is not all of them, but it gives a glimpse into how MPD uses the Flock system and how the department checks for misuse.
Of the 24 outlier uses, some plate numbers were associated with a wanted homicide suspect, a felony narcotics trafficking suspect and a suspect vehicle used in the abduction of a 5-year-old. According to the audit, that vehicle was located, the child was returned safely and a suspect was arrested.
The audit also listed a homicide investigation in which detectives developed plate numbers for both a suspect and victim, as well as a plate connected to a person wanted for second-degree sexual assault who was later arrested.
What they’re saying:
“Those audit logs are what was used to hold the officer accountable,” said Paris Lewbel, Flock Safety spokesperson.
Lewbel said Flock Safety is partnered with 220 law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin.
“We think it is important that communities are talking about their technology and how they use it,” Lewbel said.
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The company does not release how many cameras there are, but Lewbel said there have been fewer than 15 misuse cases across the country among the 140,000 users on the platform.
“Within the FLOCK system from day one, we built an immutable audit log in the system that allows law enforcement command staff and internal affairs in these cases to be able to see exactly what is being searched in the law enforcement system and FLOCK system specifically,” Lewbel said.
Dig deeper:
In Milwaukee, license plate readers have faced pushback from people who fear the data could be misused. Critics have called the system an invasion of privacy, saying it tracks innocent people as the debate over how the cameras are used continues.
FOX6 asked the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday whether the second officer under investigation had been charged. The office replied, “not at this time.”
What you can do:
The full list of outliers from the audit is available on the FOX Local app.
The Source: FOX6 obtained the Milwaukee Police Department’s Flock audit report and utilized prior coverage.
Every week, Milwaukee With Kids answers a simple question for families across the area: What are we going to do this weekend? From indoor activities to outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered. For the full weekend list, make sure to visit the Milwaukee With Kids website.
Featured event
Summer Reading Kickoff
Milwaukee Public Library | Central Branch
May 30 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kick off a summer of learning with hands-on activities for kids and teens, special exhibits and early registration for the summer reading program. Special guests and partners include Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Discovery World, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum and Urban Ecology Center.
Up close with animals
Summer Exhibit: Powerful Pollinators
Milwaukee County Zoo
Through Oct. 4
Explore life-sized animatronic pollinators and discover how the Zoo helps protect them through native gardens, honeybee hives, and conservation initiatives. Entry fee: $4 after general zoo admission.
Raptor Encounter
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center | Bayside
May 30 | 1-2 p.m.
Come to the Great Hall to see two birds from the nature center’s raptor program. During this meet-and-greet experience, you can talk with raptor handlers about the specific skills, traits and adaptations that are unique to that bird. The program educates about raptor ecology, conservation and these birds’ important roles in the ecosystem, with an emphasis on hawks, owls, eagles and falcons, plus an American Crow. Free with membership or admission.
Strong body, strong mind
MKE REC Family Day of Play
Wick Playfield
May 30 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Families are invited to enjoy 10+ engaging activities, including an obstacle course, bubble bash, lava land, crafts, games and various types of sports equipment available for free play. The day also features delicious food available for purchase, raffle drawings for amazing prizes and live music filling the air. You’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch, but a limited number of tables and chairs will be available, so bring your own if you have them.
Moms Mental Health Initiative Summer Social
Wilson Park
May 30 | 9 a.m.-Noon
The fifth annual event doubles as a celebration of MMHI’s 10 years supporting the strength of the organization’s participants and the immeasurable power of togetherness. Funds raised from the silent auction, pluck-a-duck, raffle and donations will allow MMHI to continue offering hope and help to perinatal people struggling in Southeast Wisconsin and Dane County.
Music and movement
MSO Sensory-Friendly Concert: Musical Influencers
Bradley Symphony Center
May 31 | 2:30 p.m.
Good times and great music will be trending as onstage influencers from Pink Umbrella Theater introduce you to some of the most influential composers of all time. This special performance is designed for people of any age on the autism spectrum or with a sensory sensitivity and their families, but all are welcome!
Concert modifications include dimmed house lights remaining on during the performance, flexible seating, relaxed house rules, on-stage hosts, available sensory kits, noise-reduction headphones, quiet areas, concert social narratives and more. Patrons are encouraged to come early and enjoy an hour of special pre-concert activities.
Kid Boogie Down
The Cooperage
May 31 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Get your groove on as DJ Lukewarm introduces young audiences to genres ranging from classic disco and funk to modern hits synced with matching music videos. Plus, you’ll enjoy lots of kid-friendly fun: music, foggy bubbles, videos, temporary tattoos, a ring toss, snacks, cotton candy, and a vintage clothing and toy pop-up shop. Grab a four-pack of tickets for a $10+ discount.
Ferns, fossils and trees
FernGully: The Last Rainforest
Oriental Theatre
May 30-31 | Noon
Enjoy this family-friendly classic as Milwaukee Film wraps up its “Ani-May” movie series. When a sprite named Crysta shrinks a human boy named Zak down to her size, he vows to help the magical fairy folk stop a greedy logging company from destroying their home: the pristine rainforest known as FernGully. Zak and his new friends fight to defend FernGully from lumberjacks and the vengeful spirit they accidentally unleash after chopping down a magic tree.
Tree Climbing Festival
Riveredge Nature Center | Saukville
May 30 | 10 a.m.-Noon
Encounter the giants of the forest and explore trees from a new perspective as you climb into the canopy under the guidance of trained facilitators. Adults and children ages 7+ are invited to ascend to the top, swing from a branch or try a “bat hang.” Registration for this event includes 20 minutes of climb time, a scavenger hunt along the trails a naturalist-led hands-on nature investigation and access to picnic areas for lunch (please pack a lunch and be mindful of single-use plastic waste).
Family Fossil Hunting
Kenosha Public Museum
May 30 | 10 a.m.-Noon
Join Nick Wiersum from the Dinosaur Discovery Museum to explore the local fossils of Kenosha’s lakeshore. Meet at the museum to learn about the prehistoric life that called this area home and discuss how to locate fossils, then head out to the Simmon’s Island beach house to collect fossils of your own! The museum will provide you with any tools you will need, including a collection bag, fossil guide and magnifying glass.
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