Milwaukee, WI
‘We’ve been here for 33 years’: Milwaukee Co. Zoo exhibit set to close
MILWAUKEE — For the past three decades, the seal and sea lion show has been going strong at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
The beloved attraction is set to conclude this weekend.
“I feel extremely sad,” said Shelley Ballmann, founder of Ocean Connections. “We’ve been here for 33 years.”
Ballmann, whose journey began as a dolphin trainer in 1987, has evolved her passion, kick-starting Ocean of Fun in 1991, ultimately transforming it into Ocean Connections in 2018.
“We pride ourselves in the work that we do with rescue animals and providing forever homes to seals and sea lions that would not make it out in the wild today,” said Ballmann.
The departure, Shelley insists, is not a choice but a necessity, driven by the urgent need to repair the zoo’s pool because of a leak, directly affecting the welfare of the animals.
“It’s an old pool,” said Ballmann. “It is 37 years old, and it needs some renovation. It needs some updates and we’re very hopeful that the zoo is going to take that on and make some improvements, but meanwhile for the welfare of the animals, it is time for them to travel.”
All the finned performers will soon find new homes at sister facilities with three headed to Hershey Park, Pennsylvania and one reuniting with an old friend at Myrtle Beach.
“Our goal is to make a difference in animals’ lives but also in peoples’ lives, so the reach we have within this community is really powerful,” said Ballmann.
Even in its departure, Ocean Connections has left an indelible mark on Milwaukee. Families like the Boelks, driving from Rockford, Illinois, for one last aquatic show, value the emotional connection forged over the years.
“I was like we’re going to make it for this last weekend,” said Angela Boelk.
Boelk reflects on the seal and sea lion shows that shaped her childhood, memories she’s passing down to her own children.
“Your inspiration and your dedication and your love only grows for things you know and things you’re taught, so I wanted them to have the opportunity to fall in love with something I fell in love with,” said Boelk.
Though Ocean Connections is leaving Milwaukee, Ballmann is happy with the educational impact on the community.
“The difference we made in this community educationally has been seen, has been felt and we hear it,” said Ballmann.
House fire near 7th and Lincoln
A FOX6 News viewer shared this video of a house fire near 7th and Lincoln — on Milwaukee’s south side.
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee firefighters battled a house fire on the city’s south side on Friday morning, Dec. 27.
The fire broke out around 10:30 a.m. near 7th and Lincoln.
Milwaukee fire officials say flames were found in the rear cottage of the residents.
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All people in the home managed to get out safety.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WBAY) – A Milwaukee tow truck driver who was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Christmas Eve, has now been identified and the suspect made an appearance in court today.
39-year-old Christopher Sponholz is charged with felony hit-and-run involving death.
He was also ticketed for failing to notify police about the accident.
Prosecutors say Sponholz was estimated to be driving 80 miles per hour when he allegedly struck 40-year-old Hussain Farhat on interstate 94 in Waukesha county.
Sponholz then allegedly fled the scene.
Farhat was loading a disabled car at the time of the accident.
According to a criminal complaint, Sponholz told friends he thought he hit a deer.
A hit-and-run conviction can bring a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.
The bond for Sponholz has been set for $750,000.
He’s due back in court on Feb. 5.
Copyright 2024 WBAY. All rights reserved.
Milwaukee, WI
Hundreds celebrated second night of Hanukkah with concert from American-Israeli rapper/singer, Nissim Black
MILWAUKEE — From all over Milwaukee, hundreds of people celebrated the second night of Hanukkah with a special performance from a world-renowned Jewish singer and rapper.
Chabad of the East Side hosted Nissim Black, an American-Israeli rapper/singer at a Milwaukee venue. Nissim Black performed some of his most popular songs for an eager crowd who knew all the words to his songs. Along with the concert, there was a menorah lighting, prayer, dreidel playing, donut bar, music synthesizers, arcade games, and more.
Dec. 26 was the second night of Hanukkah. During the eight days and nights of Hanukkah, various celebrations are being organized by local Jewish groups. The Jewish Community Center hosted a Hanukkah dinner that was accompanied by live music. The Hoan is being lit each night. Also, a public menorah is lit on Whitefish Bay on Silver Spring Drive. Different groups will light it each night around 5:30 p.m., except for Friday when it’s at 4:00 p.m. Congregation Shalom in Fox Point will host a Hanukkah service, dinner, and activities on Friday starting at 5:00 p.m.
Watch the interviews to see what it was like at the concert.
Celebrating Jewish pride on the 2nd night of Hanukkah
The best moments from the Hanukkah concert in Milwaukee
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