Milwaukee, WI
UW-Milwaukee, Bart Lundy agree on five-year contract extension through 2029-30 season
UWM coach Bart Lundy discusses basketball tournaments other than NCAA
In this era, there are many complicating factors for a team like UWM considering post-season options after missing the NCAAs.
In this day and age when uncertainty reigns in college basketball with the transfer portal and Name, Image and Likeness having changed the game in so many ways, the UW-Milwaukee men’s team can now count on some long-term stability at a very important position.
Head coach.
Bart Lundy, who is the first coach since Bruce Pearl (2004-07) to lead the Panthers to three consecutive 20-win seasons, has signed a five-year contract extension that will keep him at UWM through the 2029-30 season.
It’s a pact that will pay the 53-year-old Lundy $430,000 annually, up from the $350,000 he had been making on the deal he originally signed in March 2022, and includes a number of lump-sum incentives for individual and team achievements.
“‘If we can keep him, we’re going to do it,’” is how director of athletics Amanda Braun described the thinking in pre-emptively constructing and presenting Lundy with the extension, which was finalized in closed session by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents last week.
“In the last three years we’ve solidified a really strong foundation – and not just competitively. He makes great decisions. He brings in great young men. He’s got a stable staff that we’ve worked hard to keep together. For me, that right there is exactly what we need for our future.
“Yeah, we hoped we would perform better, finish the season differently this year, but that’s OK. It’s a couple swings here and there, and that stuff happens. But it’s not a flash in the pan. Twenty-three years as a head coach.
“He’s legit.”
The gesture meant a lot to Lundy, who has gone 63-38 (.642 winning percentage) overall and 40-20 (.667) in Horizon League play – tops over that span for any current coach in the conference – during his time on the East Side.
“It shows my commitment to being here for the long haul,” Lundy said. “And the way that I operate is, when people show loyalty, I try to be at least that loyal, if not multiplied. So, the fact that Milwaukee wants me to be their basketball coach, and they’re committed to me, that means the world to me and makes me not only energized but determined to prove them right and to do everything within my power to make this the best possible basketball program for the university.”
Lundy and the Panthers recently concluded a 22-11 campaign that was equal parts gratifying and frustrating as after being picked to win the Horizon League in the preseason, they finished tied for second in the regular-season standings at 14-6.
That was good enough to earn a first-round bye in the Horizon League tournament, but third-seeded UWM opted to play its quarterfinal home game against sixth-seeded Oakland on campus at the Klotsche Center and ultimately fell by a score of 72-64.
It was the second time in as many years the Golden Grizzlies ended the Panthers’ season; in 2024 UWM advanced to the Horizon League tournament title game in Indianapolis and led Oakland with under 3 minutes to play before running out of gas and losing, 83-76.
Coming that close to its first NCAA tournament berth since 2014 and not cashing in was immensely disappointing. Now, after taking that body blow this past season, Lundy left no doubt it has to be March Madness or bust for the program moving forward.
“That’s the next step, without a doubt. And we’re right there,” he said. “With the turnover and rosters, it becomes more difficult to say, ‘Hey, we’re building toward that,’ because you’re going to have some roster turnover, you’re going to lose some of your players, and most likely, your best players.
“But so is everyone else at our level. All 15 of the all-league guys are gone (in the transfer portal). We’ve had the same staff all three years, so we’re finding a way to have consistency there, knock on wood. And then if we can maintain pushing forward with our administration and stay right on the edge of all the things that are happening fast in college basketball, I feel great that we’ll be at the top of the Horizon League.”
Indeed, Lundy will once again need to rebuild after losing his top five scorers – three to the portal (Themus Fulks, Jamichael Stillwell and Erik Pratt) and two to completed eligibility (AJ McKee, Kentrell Pullian).
The losses of Fulks, UWM’s scoring and assists leader, and Stillwell, one of the nation’s leading rebounders who was named first team all-Horizon League and the conference’s newcomer of the year, to Central Florida for lucrative NIL deals leave especially large voids to fill.
While strides have been made in terms of resources for keeping players on campus with the Panther Future Fund, the reality is Lundy and UWM will continue to face an uphill battle to keep players they identify and develop when larger programs can offer far more money and exposure.
“I do see those challenges,” said Lundy, who also lost star BJ Freeman to Arizona State last offseason.
“I think they’re enormous challenges. We don’t have some of the things in place with revenue sharing that obviously a lot of universities are going to have. But at the same time, I’m doggedly optimistic that we have the right pieces in place to compete and that we will find a way to attack these challenges one way or another.
“It may not be as easy as some others have it, but I think our administration is on the right page. And we have good synergy with everything going on in the city, and I believe that we’ll be able to surmount any challenges at our level that we’ll face.”
Braun believes Lundy is uniquely qualified to continue navigating the madness.
“Being a head coach right now with everything you have to deal with is just incredibly difficult,” she said. “He has that foundation to build on with this craziness. He knows the decisions to make. He knows what to pay attention to, what not to pay attention to. What to deal with and tolerate and what not to, and and that goes a long way in a long season.
“These are young people you’re dealing with, and he just has a great feel that way. I trust his judgment.”
Under terms of his extension, Lundy can also increase his base salary if the team meets certain grade-point-average requirements and finishes first through third in conference play. There are also retention bonuses possible each year if the team meets GPA requirements and finishes in the top eight in the league.
If Lundy accepts another collegiate or professional basketball coaching position, there would be a buyout amount of $450,000 if he leaves between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026; $350,000 between May 1, 2026 and April 30, 2027; and $250,000 between May 1, 2027 and April 30, 2028.
UWM also has the right to reduce or waive a buyout at its discretion.
“The building blocks are in place,” Braun said. “We’ll just keep, one step at a time, putting the right things in place and making the best decisions we can.”
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.
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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.
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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.
Your quick guide to Milwaukee concerts in spring 2026
Here’s a look at some of the top acts coming to the Milwaukee area from March through May 2026.
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.
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MPD officer Gregory Carson Jr. was placed on a list of officers with credibility issues. That didn’t prevent his ability to testify in court.
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.
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