Latest news with #DavidCrowley
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tell us what you think about Milwaukee dropping fourth fireworks for drone show
Is a Fourth of July celebration the same without fireworks? Milwaukeeans will find out next month as the county announced it is bringing back its Independence Day event on July 3 at McKinley Beach as a drone show complete with a synchronized soundtrack. The annual fireworks show was cancelled last year due to the lack of sponsor funding to cover the costs. 'Milwaukee County is at its best when we come together to create memorable, inclusive experiences for everyone," Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said in a news release. "We're proud to bring the community together for this first-of-its-kind drone show, highlighting not just our beautiful lakefront but the creativity and collaboration that make Milwaukee County so special." Milwaukee joins other communities (including Wauwatosa) in switching to a high-tech spectacle without the noise, debris and risk that can come with conventional fireworks. What do you think of that decision? We want to hear from you: Jim Fitzhenry is the Ideas Lab Editor/Director of Community Engagement for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach him at jfitzhen@ or 920-993-7154. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee fireworks replaced with drone show. Is this good? | Opinion
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Milwaukee County trades fireworks for drones for its July 3 celebration
Milwaukee, get ready to celebrate Independence Day with a slight tech-savvy twist this year. Milwaukee County, in collaboration with the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, plans to use drones instead of fireworks for its long-standing McKinley Beach July 3 celebration. The drone show will blend "cutting-edge drone technology with an original synchronized soundtrack for a dazzling 45-minute performance," featuring images of Milwaukee's iconic landmarks as well as patriotic and local themes, according to the county. 'Milwaukee County is at its best when we come together to create memorable, inclusive experiences for everyone," Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said in a news release. "We're proud to bring the community together for this first-of-its-kind drone show, highlighting not just our beautiful lakefront but the creativity and collaboration that make Milwaukee County so special." The switch marks a national shift in other cities across the country, including Napa, Tahoe City, and Salt Lake City, that have chosen drone shows over fireworks for July 4 celebrations. For many cities, the use of drones offers a safer, eco-friendly and noise-free spectacle. The City of Wauwatosa has also decided to ditch traditional fireworks, replacing them with a drone show July 2. 'This drone show is an exciting and environmentally conscious way to celebrate our community," Guy Smith, executive director of Milwaukee County Parks, said in the release. "Unlike traditional fireworks, drone shows reduce noise and air pollution while still delivering an unforgettable experience ... It's about making memories and ensuring everyone feels welcome in these shared spaces.' The display is expected to start around 9:15 p.m., with public viewing areas available at McKinley Beach and McKinley Park. In 2024, Milwaukee County canceled its annual July 3 lakefront fireworks show due to a lack of sponsorship funding. The county's parks department previously shared that the fireworks display usually cost roughly $350,000 for pyrotechnics and $20,000 for additional staffing and service costs related to the event. The event typically draws in over 100,000 people from across Wisconsin. Bridget Fogarty of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee County trades fireworks for drones for its July 3 celebration
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Milwaukee County Exec David Crowley pitches $10K grants to boost small businesses
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has announced a potential new funding avenue for small businesses. Crowley introduced the county's Department of Administrative Services' "Building Bridges" program, which aims to expand businesses or help establish brick-and-mortar businesses and fuel commercial corridors across the county. In 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau reported roughly 20,000 small and micro businesses in Milwaukee County — an increase of 4.7% since 2012. "We all know small businesses are the backbone of Milwaukee County's local economy," Crowley told supervisors at a May 12 hearing. "They create significant portions of local jobs. They add value to our tax base and help to create our identity right here throughout our community." The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation had previously awarded $200,000 to the county through its Small Business Development grant. As a part of his pitch to supervisors, Crowley and his administration requested authorization to pull from the county's economic development reserve to fund the "Building Bridges" program, which would allow the county to support small businesses through grants of $10,000. The grants would be available and eligible in all 18 supervisory districts across Milwaukee County. At the county's finance committee on May 15, supervisors voted 4-1 to approve adoption of the proposal, with Supervisor Steve Taylor voting no and Supervisor Shawn Rolland excused from the meeting. The County Board of Supervisors will take a vote on May 22. The program would collaborate with the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Wisconsin, the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, the African American Chamber of Commerce, the Legacy Redevelopment Corporation, and UW Extension. The Building Bridges program would also create a four-year, limited-term small business liaison position focused on fostering communication, collaboration and partnerships between Milwaukee municipalities and the local business community. Additional funds will be put toward marketing and branding. Among previous efforts to leverage support for Milwaukee's small businesses, the county has infused $1 million in small business grants for entrepreneurs over the last five years, and eight loans valued at $1.3 million for small businesses. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Daviid Crowley pitches $10K grants to boost small businesses
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Forensic Science Facility, Milwaukee County says work halfway done
The Brief The Forensic Science and Protective Medicine Facility is more than halfway complete. It is Milwaukee County's future hub for public safety and will house a state crime lab. Construction is slated to be completed next spring. MILWAUKEE - A new state-of-the-art crime lab is coming to Milwaukee County, and FOX6 News got a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility's progress on Friday. What they're saying After two years of construction, Milwaukee County said the Forensic Science and Protective Medicine Facility is more than halfway complete. It is the county's future hub for public safety. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android "This idea of the facility is finally becoming a reality," Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said. "This project not just reflects the physical construction of a building, but the construction of a stronger, healthier community," said Dr. Ben Weston, the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management's chief medical director. The facility will soon house the county's office of emergency management, the medical examiner's office and a state crime lab. "If you've ever been to the medical examiner's office downtown, there's no elbow room to do anything," said Milwaukee County Supervisor Shawn Rolland. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Although the amount of space in the office has remained the same, the medical examiner said the number of autopsies her office performs each year has more than doubled – jumping from roughly 700 in 2006 to 2,000 in 2024. "They are not for the prosecution, they are not for the defense, they are for justice and truth," Rolland said. The county said the facility will have a major impact on solving crimes and enhancing public safety. "Shared understanding of advancing public safety and public health and how these two things can go hand-in-hand," said Weston. What's next Construction is slated to be completed next spring. The Source Information in this report is from FOX6 News interviews, Milwaukee County offices and Versiti.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
From eyesore to icon, Milwaukee says farewell to abandoned boat, ‘Deep Thought'
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV) – After spending nearly seven months abandoned along Milwaukee's lakefront, the boat known as 'Deep Thought' was finally removed. On Tuesday, May 6th, the long-awaited operation led to a full day of street closures, announced by Milwaukee County. Hundreds of people gathered at Bradford Beach yesterday to witness the long-awaited removal of the 75,000-pound boat. 'Get ready to clown around:' Insane Clown Posse coming to Green Bay 'Deep Thought' had been stranded between McKinley and Broadford beaches since October 13th, 2024, after its owners ran out of fuel, causing the boat so wash ashore. Over the months, the boat became a quirky local attraction, drawing curious visitors, serving as a backdrop to countless photos, featured in an animated music video, and even a song have been written about the local landmark. The National Bobble Head Hall of Fame even made a bobble boat. Earlier attempts to remove the boat didn't work, at one point, even a barge brought in to help got stuck. But on Tuesday, Milwaukee-based All City Towing finally got the job done using three cranes set up on the beach. District 3 County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman emphasized the importance of finally resolving the issue. He said it was a serious safety and environmental concern as the public starting climbing the boat, risking injury. 'Huge relief': Drivers and businesses thrilled Oneida St. is back open following NFL Draft The removal cost is estimated at $50,000, with Milwaukee County covering the initial expense. Crews faced major challenges during the extraction, calling it a difficult and complex operation. But saying goodbye wasn't easy for some, as many residents felt the boat had become a quirky piece of Milwaukee's shoreline history. According to County Executive David Crowley, there's even talk of possibly salvaging parts of the vessel and selling them, giving the boat one final chapter before it fades into memory. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
