Milwaukee, WI

UWM’s 3-0 start in Horizon League play is its best since 2011-12

Published

1 year ago

December 29, 2024

UWM’s 3-0 start in Horizon League play is its best since 2011-12

There’s still a long ways to go, but the UW-Milwaukee Panthers have built themselves some breathing room atop the Horizon League standings.

By virtue of an 88-81 victory over the vastly improved IU-Indianapolis Panthers on Sunday afternoon at the Klotsche Center, UWM – the preseason pick to win the conference – is 3-0 in Horizon League play for the first time since the 2011-12 season.

The Panthers used an 11-2 run sparked by a pair of Jamichael Stillwell baskets just after the final media timeout to grab control, then used 13-for-16 shooting from the free-throw line over the final 1 minute 50 seconds to salt the game away.

“This one was important because now we go on the road for three straight,” said coach Bart Lundy, whose team takes its four-game winning streak to Oakland on Jan. 2, followed by games at Detroit Mercy on Jan. 4 and Purdue-Fort Wayne on Jan. 8.

BOX SCORE: UWM 88, IU-Indy 81

Youngstown State sits at 4-0 currently, with UWM (10-4, 3-0) the only other undefeated team remaining in the league.

“We had to defend our home going into this stretch,” Lundy continued. “Oakland will obviously be a rematch of the championship game (of last season’s Horizon League Tournament), the Detroit trip is always tough and then Fort Wayne is an extremely good team. We’ve got our work cut out for us, but to be sitting 3-0 does give you a little leg up.”

Senior guard Themus Fulks scored a career-high 26 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists in 34 well-rounded minutes to lead four Panthers in double figures.

Kentrell Pullian added 20 points, Erik Pratt 11 (nine in the first half) and Stillwell put up his ninth double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds for UWM.

“We feel like we’re the best team in the conference,” said Fulks. “But it doesn’t matter what we feel. We have to prove it every single night.”

Stillwell sets a school record

Stillwell, the 6-foot-8 junior, is now all alone in the UWM annals having recorded five straight double-doubles.

He passed BJ Freeman – who set the previous mark last season – thanks to a game-turning sequence that began with his strip of Indianapolis guard Paul Zilinskas at midcourt.

Stillwell finished the play by soaring to the basket with a two-handed jam, then after the Jaguars sunk a pair of free throws he scored on a pretty driving layup on the baseline to give the Panthers a 74-72 lead with 2:39 remaining that they wouldn’t relinquish.

“His intensity amped up,” Lundy said of Stillwell. “He knows when winning time is, and not everybody’s like that. I don’t often get distracted by the crowd, but when he got the steal and the dunk, our crowd was loud. That’s a good sign, to hear a loud crowd in here.”

Stillwell is now averaging 13.4 points on 49.3% shooting and an even 12 rebounds (including 57 offensive). He ended the day .2 rebounds per game behind Northern Arizona’s Carson Towt for the Division I lead.

“I feel like from the first game we’ve played, he’s made tremendous strides,” Fulks said of Stillwell. “Coming from junior college, he had to make the adjustment a little bit the first 2-3 games, get settled in. Figure out what he was really good at, you know?

“And I feel like now he knows it. He’s really good at rebounding the basketball, being a lockdown defender, and he’ll score the ball as well.”

Themus Fulks is showing his all-around game

When it was pointed out to Lundy that perhaps it was a surprise that the 6-2 Fulks, a transfer from Louisiana-Lafayette who was signed specifically to fill a glaring void at point guard, is leading the Panthers in scoring at 15.4 points per game, the coach was quick to point something out.

“Well, I knew he was a good point guard, but I’ve always kind of known Themus as a scorer – he led the state of North Carolina in scoring as a senior,” he said of the Winston-Salem, N.C. native who averaged 9.2 points and six assists per game in leading his team to the NCAA Tournament last year.

“A good point guard, he picks and chooses spots. Today was a good game, because he recognizes when the other team is in the bonus and really can get into the paint. He also can distribute, and that makes him dangerous.

“He’s tricky. Getting into that mid-range, he’s got some tricks in the bag.”

Fulks, who has gone for 23 and 26 in his last two games against Division I opponents, hit 6 of 10 shots (none of which were three-pointers) and 14 of 16 free throws.

His 53.8% shooting on the season is outstanding, and only Stillwell (73) has shot more free throws than Fulks (68).

“Coach Lundy gives me a lot of freedom out there,” Fulks said. “I’m just trying to make the right play. I’m not really thinking, ‘I need to score this, I need to pass this.’ I just try to read what the defense gives me and make the best play for the team.”

Panthers getting to the free-throw line at will

Led by Fulks, UWM hit 27 of 37 free throws for the game (73%), with the 37 attempts tying a season high set against Cleveland State on Dec. 5 and the 27 makes 10 more than Indianapolis attempted for the game.

Through 14 games the Panthers have shot 342 free throws, an average of 24.4 per game that should put them around the top 30 teams in Division I come Monday.

“It’s huge,” acknowledged Lundy. “The margins that we work as a team to create are on the glass (UWM won there as well, 36-26) and with the free throws. We won by 10 on the glass and made 10 more than they attempted; that gives you a good chance.

“If we make a few more threes, then we’re cooking. I think that’s coming.”

Just as important is making the free throws, something UWM has struggled to do at times this year. On Sunday, the Panthers hit 20 of 27 in the decisive second half with the 13-for-16 finish in the final 1:50 crucial.

“After practice, coach tells us to make 50,” said Fulks, a 75% marksman on the year. As a unit, UWM is shooting 66.4%; it entered Sunday ranked 321st out of 350 Division I teams at 65.6%

“I think repetition and everybody just really dialing in, locking in, taking the time to realize that these free throws can win games and lose games will help us.”

Source link

Click to comment

Milwaukee, WI

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

Published

8 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Crime and Public SafetyMilwaukeeNews

Source link

Milwaukee, WI

Things to do in the Milwaukee area this weekend, including Sports Show

Published

20 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Things to do in the Milwaukee area this weekend, including Sports Show

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.

Source link

Milwaukee, WI

MPD officer accused of using Flock cameras to monitor dating partner resigns

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

MPD officer accused of using Flock cameras to monitor dating partner resigns

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.

Source link