CHICAGO, Ill. — Thousands of people from every corner of the country, including Wisconsin, made their way to Chicago for the start of the Democratic National Convention.
“We’ve got 78 days of hard work. We can sleep when we’re dead, not now, not now!” said Gov. Tim Walz.
A surprise visit from vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz kicked off Monday’s Wisconsin delegate breakfast.
First-time delegates like Henry Pahlow say getting the chance to see democracy in action is inspiring.
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“It’s just a tremendous honor to be here. I’m starstruck,” said Pahlow.
TMJ4
Henry Pahlow is a Wisconsin delegate at the Democratic National Convention.
Pahlow just turned 18 this summer and plans to vote in his very first election this fall. He says he is excited to support a candidate who cares about the issues that impact other young voters.
“Whether it’s making the cost of education more affordable by forgiving student debt, fighting against the climate crisis, or protecting reproductive rights and freedoms, I think those are issues that really energize my generation. They sure as heck energize me,” said Pahlow.
Watch: Gov. Walz surprises Wisconsin delegates in Chicago:
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Democratic National Convention kicks off with delegate breakfast
Milwaukee delegate Craig Mastantuono says Monday’s theme is personal.
“For the people, to me, is a reminder that our ticket looks like America, that we have a candidate who is also the daughter of immigrants, and that’s the American experience,” said Mastantuono.
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TMJ4
Craig Mastantuono is a Wisconsin delegate at the Democratic National Convention.
Mastantuono says the energy he feels on this first day is a good sign of things to come.
“People are really just getting their resolve up to go through the next three months and bring this home, and then going home and taking that energy and excitement and putting it into action,” said Mastantuono.
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Although Wisconsin houses famous cities like Milwaukee and Green Bay, some of its best downtown areas interestingly lie in the often-overlooked small towns of the Badger State. These bustling cultural centers, with vibrant main streets and thriving homegrown businesses, best showcase the character and culture of a specific location. The following towns in Wisconsin with vibrant downtown areas await exploration.
From lively destinations renowned for culinary delights to arts-rich enclaves tucked among scenic landscapes, wandering these vibrant commercial districts transports visitors back in time. Quaint storefronts and charming streetscapes reveal how the new blends with the old as you explore museums, galleries, entertainment venues, shopping boutiques, and trendy eateries. Prepare for a fulfilling adventure across the state to unearth hidden gems with main drags brimming with hometown spirit.
Cedarburg
Aerial view of downtown Cedarburg in Wisconsin.
This adorable village and Milwaukee suburb harbor is one of the most impressive downtowns in the region, and it is replete with attractions to cater to all preferences. Cedarburg’s rich heritage since its incorporation in 1885 comes alive through a lively museum scene and quaint cultural centers. The Cedarburg History Museum is an invitation to learn about the town’s long history by exploring diverse artifacts.
Meanwhile, the Cedarburg Cultural Center offers a feel for the local cultural landscape by displaying artworks by the creative community in southeastern Wisconsin. The facility is a short walk from the Cedarburg Art Museum, a beautiful Victorian-style home with a delightful portfolio of works by local artists. While exploring downtown, you can sample some of the town’s best wine offerings by popping into Cedar Creek Winery for tastings.
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Sturgeon Bay
Aerial view of the waterfront along Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin.
This scenic harbor town and Door Peninsula gem has the setting and atmosphere for a relaxed rural retreat. Its waterfront downtown area has a pedestrian-friendly vibe that encourages visitors to explore local attractions at an easygoing pace. The lovely hub hosts notable points of interest, including the Door County Maritime Museum. A walk through the venue’s hallways will reveal interactive exhibits focusing on the region’s nautical history. Elsewhere, the Door County Historical Museum preserves Sturgeon Bay’s and the surrounding region’s past.
Sturgeon Bay delights art enthusiasts with compelling theatrical performances at Third Avenue Playworks. The vibe is always friendly, and various shows, from musicals and dramas to comedies, mean there is something to keep everyone entertained. However, those who lean towards visual arts can have their way at the Miller Art Museum. The best part is that all of these landmarks are within a short walk of each other.
Hayward
Main Street in the town of Hayward, Wisconsin. Editorial credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com
This lovely riverside community in Sawyer County oozes small-town vibes with a quiet downtown encircled by rich natural scenery. Despite its diminutive size, the lively Main Street hosts the lion’s share of worthwhile stops. Walking down the avenue exposes you to adorable antique shops and candy stores. If you love to collect vintage souvenirs, you can pass by America’s Heritage Antiques & Collectibles to comb through their exquisite displays. Meanwhile, those with a sweet tooth will fancy a chocolate-laced treat from Lynne Marie’s Candy or Tremblay’s Sweet Shop.
The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is a must-visit near Hayward’s downtown. Besides housing various incredible artifacts on the sportfishing culture in Hayward, it has the town’s most recognizable roadside attraction: a giant fiberglass sculpture dubbed the “world’s largest muskie.”
Baraboo
View of the AL. Ringling Theater in downtown Baraboo, Wisconsin. Editorial credit: Eddie J. Rodriquez / Shutterstock.com
Baraboo has had a lengthy love affair with the circus world, with the symbiotic relationship dating back to the 1880s. It is where the Ringling Brothers gave one of their maiden performances before bursting onto the national scene as one of the biggest circus acts in America. It preserves the winter quarters established by the brothers, Circus World, which currently serves as a museum showcasing Baraboo’s circus heritage.
The Ringling Brothers left a lasting impression on the town, which you will get a sense of when walking along the downtown streets. If you are a fan of local craft brews, the AL. Ringling Brewing Company on Broadway Street has an ever-flowing taproom supplying patrons with freshly crafted beers. Just off Broadway Street, the AL. Ringling Theater captivates performance art lovers with various stage productions in a rustic yet opulent venue.
Bayfield
People celebrating the annual Applefest in the town of Bayfield, Wisconsin. Editorial credit: Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock.com
This picturesque gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore impresses vacationers with exciting on-shore and off-shore experiences. You can soak up stunning water views from its downtown while exploring local attractions. The area has a charming mix of museums, galleries, antique shops, and restaurants, which should keep visitors busy. Notable points of interest include the Bayfield Maritime Museum on 1st Street, which hosts various exhibits chronicling seafaring exploits on Lake Superior. Also, the Bayfield Heritage Association adds to the history lesson with a broader look into the town’s past.
Tourists love the tranquil atmosphere of Marina Park & Playground, a lovely downtown oasis where you can sit back, relax, and take in the spellbinding views of the lake and passing vessels. The experience is even better when sipping a glass of premium local wines from Manypenny Bistro.
Burlington
Historic buildings in the downtown area of Burlington, Wisconsin. By I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby publish it under the following license: – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.
This beautiful community, split between Racine and Walworth Counties, is known for its beaming festivals, which bring the downtown region to a standstill. The annual Burlington Chocolate Sale is an excellent time to visit as the community converges in the town center to mark a long-held tradition with delicious treats. Moreover, the downtown has numerous opportunities for shoppers and diners, thanks to businesses like the Track at Burlington Hobbies and Archives Bar & Grill.
The Malt House Theatre on North Main Street invites theater lovers for enthralling live performances on stage. However, Plaza Theater 4 is where you go if you want to catch the latest Hollywood productions and enjoy a modern movie experience.
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Mineral Point
Storefronts along the main street in Mineral Point, Wisconsin.
Mineral Point is a town steeped in immigrant history and mining heritage. It experienced a boom in the 19th century, which drew a barrage of Cornish immigrants to speculate for lead and zinc in the area. This storied past comes alive in the Mineral Point Historic District, where over 500 old-world structures dating all the way back to the 1800s provide a window into the heydays. Pendarvis, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is an excellent example of a permanent settlement built by Cornish immigrants. Meanwhile, the Mineral Point Railroad Museum focuses on the railroad’s role in transporting the mineral ore.
Besides discovering fascinating history, downtown Mineral Point introduces newcomers to the town’s endearing arts scene at the Mineral Point Opera House. Moreover, you can continue the artsy adventure by admiring different forms of art exhibits inside the Wantoot Gallery. On the same street lies the Midway Bar & Grill, the perfect place for a meal to end the day.
New Glarus
The Swiss United Church of Christ in New Glarus, Wisconsin. Editorial credit: Aaron of L.A. Photography / Shutterstock.com
America’s Little Switzerland is admired for many things, from its beautiful Swiss heritage and unique chalet-style architecture to its ethnic dining scene and satisfying cultural experiences. New Glarus is one of the best towns in Wisconsin, with a vibrant downtown area and many points of interest clustered around the town center. Strolling through the quiet streets allows you to experience local heritage at the Swiss Historical Village Museum, which documents the town’s European background. The Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum also focuses on the cultural aspect by exhibiting antique exhibits and other numerous artifacts.
A trip to New Glarus compels visitors to sample the community’s ethnic cuisine for a complete cultural experience. If you have never tasted Swiss fare, you can get your palate acclimated with tasty traditional dishes at Glarner Stube. Those willing to venture outside downtown New Glarus can down their meal with a refreshing glass of craft beer at the New Glarus Brewing Company.
Sheboygan
The Freedom Fest Parade in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Editorial credit: Aaron of L.A. Photography / Shutterstock.com
Dubbed the “Malibu of the Midwest,” Sheboygan enjoys some of the best waves in the Great Lakes region for freshwater surfing. But away from its scenic lakeshore, the community hosts a vibrant downtown that cements its stature as a regional commercial and cultural hub. Several respected art venues, led by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center on New York Avenue, draw enthusiasts with their intricate creativity and artwork. A short walk away, one can visit the shipwreck of Lottie Cooper, a wreckage dating back to the 19th century.
Downtown Sheboygan promises fun experiences for all its visitors, including young souls. It has the Above and Beyond Children’s Museum, whose interactive exhibits never fail to intrigue kids as they gain valuable knowledge on diverse subjects. Finally, nature lovers seeking to relax in a green space will feel at home walking around Bookworm Gardens, not too far from downtown Sheboygan.
The Takeaway
The above towns in Wisconsin with vibrant downtown areas deliver a wholesome visitor experience thanks to a cluster of diverse attractions within walking distance. From locally-owned stores and restaurants to cultural venues, urban parks, and outdoor activities, these compact cores offer a full-fledged itinerary without cars. Wandering their quaint streets to explore historical architecture awakens a rich sense of each community’s unique heritage. However, there are more towns with well-preserved main streets throughout the Badger State of the United States that will surely yield new experiences celebrating Wisconsin’s varied character.
U.S. Marshals are looking for a woman who is a person of interest in a homicide case.
KENOSHA, Wis. – U.S. Marshals are looking for a woman who is a person of interest in a homicide case. Investigators say she fled to California with her boyfriend. He was arrested for the fatal shooting, but the 19-year-old has not been seen in the Badger State since last summer.
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“She’s very young. Does not have much of a criminal history,” the U.S. Marshal on the case said. “However, the matters that she’s involved with now are very serious.”
The 19-year-old’s legal name is Macailyn Rockweiler, but to many she is known by a different name.
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“Primarily, we know that she goes by the name of ‘Star,’” the marshal said.
U.S. Marshals said Rockweiler is a person of interest in a shooting that happened in June 2023. It ended with one man dead and two others wounded.
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“The homicide itself was a drug deal gone bad,” the marshal said.
Two men were arrested following the shooting that took place in a Kenosha church parking lot.
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“Ms. Rockweiler was in a relationship with one of the other parties that is suspected of engaging in this homicide,” the marshal said.
Investigators say Rockweiler and her boyfriend, Anthony Santana, fled to California. Shortly after, Santana was featured on “Wisconsin’s Most Wanted.” He was arrested after bragging about it to some people in the Golden State. Rockweiler was never found.
“She does have significant ties to Wisconsin,” the marshal said. “However, she does have ties out west as well.”
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U.S. Marshals said Rockweiler does not have much of a criminal background and has shined on a different sort of stage.
“She’s had a history of employment around the State of Wisconsin in the adult industry,” the marshal said. “So, it is quite possible that she’s returned to that being that she’s comfortable in that area.”
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Rockweiler is 5’4″ tall and weighs 115 pounds. If you know where she is, you are urged to call the U.S. Marshals Tipline at 414-297-3707. You will remain anonymous.
Celso Neto led from green to checkered at Road America in TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School’s TCX class, earning his third victory of the year. It was a very strong weekend for MINI JCW Team, with Cristian Perocarpi picking up his second win of the weekend with a last lap pass, while PJ Groenke pulled away in TCA and never looked back.
TCX
With the exception of a big lock up from Neto on the opening lap, the driver of the No. 22 Skip Barber Racing Acura Integra Type S was calm and collected throughout the remainder of the race. He managed to pull a significant gap over the rest of the field, aided by the fact that championship leader Chris Walsh was entangled in an early battle with Cooper Broll.
The drivers of the No. 104 Carrus Callas Raceteam BMW M2 CS (Cup) and No. 19 Skip Barber Racing Acura Integra Type S swapped positions briefly before Walsh reclaimed second place.
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It was smooth sailing for Neto from there, going unchallenged as he focused on the clear track ahead all the way to the finish line. As he reached the checkered flag, he swept the weekend in the process, standing on the top step of the podium for the third time this season.
Walsh wrapped up his time at Road America with another second-place finish, accompanied by Christopher DeFreitas on the podium, who drove his No. 39 Racers Edge Motorsports Acura Integra Type S to his first podium result of the year.
“The plan was the same as yesterday—to get a strong start,” explained Neto. “Chris (Walsh) had really good pace at the beginning, so I focused on putting my head down and building a gap. My teammate Cooper Broll also had a great start and got between us, which really helped create that early gap. The draft is really important here, and Chris didn’t have it today, which worked to our advantage. The car was fantastic, and I have to thank the entire team at Skip Barber, SimCraft Racing Simulators, and all the people who support me, including my sponsors. It was definitely a great weekend—we swept it. I couldn’t ask for anything better than pole position, and P1 in both races.”
TC
Perocarpi was on the charge early on in his No. 37 MINI JCW Team MINI JCW TC Pro, moving up to first in class and fourth overall right at the start of the race. However, Jeff Ricca was eager to challenge in the No. 78 Ricca Autosport Hyundai Elantra N1 TC.
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Ricca muscled his way past Perocarpi on the second lap, and the two remained neck and neck, swapping positions a couple of times before Ricca began to pull ahead slightly.
The TC class championship leader was looking poised to take the win in race two, but ran into trouble on the final lap, allowing Perocarpi to sweep past at the last minute to claim back-to-back victories. Ricca concluded the event in second place, with the podium completed by teammate Sally McNulty in the No. 780 Ricca Autosport Hyundai Elantra N1 TC.
“Honestly, I feel bad for him,” Perocarpi said about Ricca. “He had a great race, and we really battled hard. We had an issue midway through that set us back, but we managed to recover, got our boost back, and put in some great laps toward the end. That definitely put us in a better position.”
TCA
Groenke was back in the winner’s circle at Road America, claiming an uncontested victory in the TCA class aboard his No. 62 MINI JCW. The Canadian driver stayed out of trouble for the 40-minute race and was able to offer MINI JCW Team the win and valuable championship points.
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Behind Groenke, it was looking like a strong podium finish for Alex Garcia in the No. 14 Skip Barber Racing Honda Civic Si FE1, however, he suffered a suspension failure at the halfway mark and was unable to complete the race.
Bruce Myrehn finished in second place, bringing home more hardware for the MINI JCW Team.
“To sweep at Road America, my favorite track in North America, is just incredible” said Groenke. “Achieving this in front of so many fans at such an iconic venue is truly out of this world. I can’t thank MINI USA, the MINI JCW team, my sponsors, and everyone else enough for all their support. This win is for all of you. We are number one!”
The TC America powered by Skip Barber Racing School field will return on track at Barber Motorsports Park from September 6th to 8th.