By Steven L. Tietz
June 28, 2010 10:02 p.m. | Menomonee Falls team ace Ben Burns was unavailable due to participation in the WBCA Classic over the weekend and stalwart number two pitcher Adam Rubatt tired in the seventh as Brookfield Central erased a 5-1 deficit to the host Indians baseball team Monday night, forcing extra innings at 5-all
So it was up to the son of a former leaguer to hold down the fort until the offense could ride to the rescue, as Falls junior Logan August gave up a harmless single when he first came in and then put down five in a row in the seventh and the eighth giving the offense a chance to make up for its 12 men left on base.
Which it did when when Rubatt led off the bottom of the eighth with a single, advanced to second on Joe Sanicola's sacrifice and then scored when Cole Myhra singled and the Lancer leftfielder threw the ball past the third baseman.
It all amounted to a long night's work and a 6-5 Greater Metro Conference victory for the Indians.
"When I got in there (in the seventh inning), I just concentrated on throwing first-pitch strikes," August said. "That was the big thing."
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By Steven L. Tietz
June 25, 2010 9:42 p.m. | Catcher Max Poeske has been at his job for four years for the Menomonee Falls baseball team and he's known as one of the finest all-around backstops in the area, as well as being a four-sport star, a WIAA Scholar/Athlete and a nice guy.
But perfect he's not and he will be the first to admit that. His throw to try and pick off Germantown pitcher Brandon Seifert at first base in the bottom of the sixth inning of the game between the Indians and the Warhawks sailed up the line and allowed Seifert to make it all the way to third. Two batters later, Germantown's Jimmy Doedens hit a sacrifice fly to tie the score at 8-8.
So Poeske was anxious to make amends, and he got a chance in the top of the seventh, when the Indians took advantage of a hit batsman and a throwing error on an attempted force play to put runners on first and third. After a stolen base and an intentional walk, Poeske then lifted a deep fly ball to center, allowing A.D. Gonzales to score the lead run.
And then Gonzales made Poeske's redemption complete, when he put down the Warhawks one-two-three in the bottom of the seventh for the save. Two impressive strikeouts helped seal a 9-8 Falls win over its border rivals.
"It just got away from me, I was thinking about it too much," said Poeske in a mildly disgusted tone of his throw, "but my teammates did a great job of bailing me out. Getting on base and giving me a chance to make up for my mistake."
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By
Laurel Walker of the Journal Sentinel
June 24, 2010 1:16 p.m. | Waukesha - Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas delivered an upbeat state-of-the-county speech to County Board members Wednesday night, praising such efforts as the county's alcohol treatment court, its recent swine-flu clinics, its business climate and several county budget-saving measures.
Waukesha County created the state's first alcohol treatment court in 2006 and this year celebrated its 100th graduate. Vrakas noted several other counties had established similar courts since then.
On the H1N1 clinics, Vrakas said that more than 500 county employees and volunteers vaccinated about 16,000 county residents. At the same time, the clinics under-spent the budget by $105,000 because it relied on county staff rather than outside nursing pool staff, clerical support and paramedic services, he said.
Vrakas credited county government's emphasis on its employee wellness program with helping to limit health insurance cost increases last year to less than 2%. More than 500 employees participate in biometric health screening and many others participate in fitness and wellness information programs, he said.
"Investing in employees is one of the most crucial things an employer can do to improve and sustain a successful workplace," he said. "The health of employees, in many ways, dictates the success and longevity of a business."
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By
Laurel Walker of the Journal Sentinel
June 24, 2010 10:36 a.m. | Waukesha - The Waukesha County Board Wednesday unanimously approved an advisory referendum Nov. 2 that seeks to stop legislative transfers from the state transportation fund for other general budget purposes.
The question on the November ballot throughout Waukesha County will read: "Should the Wisconsin Constitution be amended to prohibit any further transfers or lapses from the segregated transportation fund?"
Ultimately, a state constitutional amendment would require passage by the Legislature in two consecutive sessions and then a binding statewide referendum - a process that would take at least through 2013.
Other counties in Wisconsin are taking a similar tack, pushed by a coalition of groups including the Transportation Development Association, the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association and the Wisconsin County Highways Association.
Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas proposed the referendum.
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June 24, 2010 10:20 a.m. | It's the opening day of Summerfest, and it's also your chance to win some free Summerfest tickets.
All you need to do is follow @MyCommunityNOW on Twitter and tweet the following: "Follow @MyCommunityNOW and RT this for a chance to win a pair of #Summerfest tickets."
We will be giving away a total of five pairs of tickets in two random drawings. The first drawing will be held at noon tomorrow. The second drawing will be held at noon on Wednesday. You have to tweet the message only once to be entered in both drawings.
Winners will be contacted on Twitter and will need to pick the tickets up at our office in Waukesha.
By Steven L. Tietz
June 23, 2010 10:29 p.m. | Hustle plays, timely hitting and a pitcher that trusts his defense.
These are things that veteran Menomonee Falls baseball coach Pat Hansen always looks for, and now in the wake of an impressive six-inning 12-2 rout of Greater Metro Conference leader Muskego at Trenary Field Wednesday night, he would like to see them continue.
"I've been a little frustrated in the past when we haven't played up to our potential," he said. "We've been doing it a bit lately, but we have to see if we can do this on a consistent basis."
The win lifted the Indians to 7-4 in league play and 18-8 overall, while Muskego, which had been ranked first earlier this season in a state summer baseball poll, fell to 9-2 and 16-4, respectively. The two teams will meet again Thursday at 5:30 p.m. back at Muskego High School. Falls has won eight of its last nine games.
Hustle plays and timely hitting were key in an eight-run third inning that broke open the game for the Indians.
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By Steven L. Tietz
June 22, 2010 4:46 p.m. | The awards continue to pour in for three-time Homestead state track champion Gabe Genovesi as this afternoon it was announced that he was named Gatorade's Wisconsin Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
Genovesi, who led the Highlanders to their first state team title in 46 years, set a new state record in the 800 (his 1:51.55 was ranked 12th among all preps nationwide at the time of this announcement). Further, he anchored both the 1,600 and 3,200 relay teams to school record state championship efforts.
The 6-2, 180-pound Genovesi, who will attend Akron University in the fall on a soccer scholarship, beat out a heady field of competitors this year, including returning award winner Matt Widule of Menomonee Falls, who repeated as state high hurdles champion, helped set a new state record in the 800 relay and finished a narrow second in the 300 hurdles.
"I am thrilled to have won the Gatorade Award, but even happier that they had plenty of athletes to choose from in our state this past season," Genovesi said. "It was a very good year for Wisconsin track and athletes and I think we will hear from a lot of them in the college ranks in the future."
Genovesi, a 3.33 GPA student who is also a youth soccer coach and did extensive work on behalf of a campaign to collect shoes and socks for disadvantaged children as well as for the MACC Fund, praised his coaches Dan Benson and Todd Brawner and his teammates for their efforts to make this dream season happen for the Homestead team.
"I remember Coach Benson my freshman year saying to me, 'You could be one of the best runners to come out of Homestead'," Genovesi said. "He continually encouraged me to do my best. When Coach Brawner arrived it was as if all the pieces fell into place."
Benson couldn't imagine a better team leader.
"Everytime Gabe stepped on the track this season, we pretty much knew it was over," Benson said. "As a coach, that's a great feeling."
Genovesi is thrilled to have the oppportunity to play for the NCAA division I runner-up Akron soccer team. There's also a strong possibility that he may run for the track team too.
June 14, 2010 10:30 a.m. | The Menomonee Falls Class of 2010 gathered this weekend for one final time to take its bows before family and friends during the school's commencement, and we've just posted a photo gallery from the event.
By Jennifer Matasek Correspondent
June 09, 2010 3:56 p.m. | Two area restaurants will have to wait a little longer to find out if they can open outdoor patios for their patrons who smoke.
The Plan Commission on Tuesday tabled proposals from Brisco County Wood Grill, N96W16865 Cumberland Court, and Trysting Place Pub, W12980 Appleton Ave., until next month's commission meeting. Both restaurants are looking to add outdoor seating in lieu of the smoking ban taking effect July 5.
The next Planning Commission is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. July 13.
By
Amy Hetzner of the Journal Sentinel
June 08, 2010 10:58 a.m. | A preliminary list of public schools that missed academic goals under the federal No Child Left Behind Act for the 2009-'10 school year includes more than 80 public schools in the metro Milwaukee area and is expected to grow as the standards increase next school year.
Milwaukee Public Schools had 78 of the schools that missed the so-called adequate yearly progress, or AYP, requirement of the federal law, according to information released Tuesday by the state Department of Public Instruction.
In addition, one charter school authorized by the City of Milwaukee and another charter school under contract with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee were on the list for missed goals.
Six suburban schools, three of which were in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District, also missed the progress standards.
Schools that fail to meet the federal requirements for two or more years are identified for improvement and, in the case of schools that receive federal funds for low-income students, are subject to an escalating series of sanctions that include allowing students to transfer schools and receive extra tutoring.
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By K. L. Klein
June 08, 2010 10:48 a.m. | The state Public Service Commission's hearing on a water rate increase request by Milwaukee Water Works has been pushed back to sometime after July 4.
Milwaukee is seeking a 36 percent increase for its wholesale customers, which includes Menomonee Falls. The hearing was scheduled for today, but Milwaukee Water amended its filing last week, adding another four to six weeks to the process that started in September, village Utilities Director Jeff Nettesheim said.
The commission has to review the revised paperwork, he said.
The village is part of a wholesale customer group fighting Milwaukee's request. Nettesheim said its efforts have resulted in questions for nearly every line item in Milwaukee's cost-of-service study submitted to the commission.
Village Board members Monday urged residents to attend the upcoming hearing en masse to send a message to state officials that an increase that large is not the answer. They urged those who can't attend the meeting to comment online at psc.wi.gov.
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By K. L. Klein
June 08, 2010 8:44 a.m. | Metz Performance, an auto repair and body shop, will not open at N11618 Fond du Lac Ave.
The Germantown Village Board on Monday denied a permit for Bryan Metzenheim, who was planning to relocate his repair shop for high-end performance race cars.
He plans to look into an appeals process, Metzenheim said after the meeting. His shop is currently located in Menomonee Falls.
His plan was to occupy about 3,600 square feet of the commercial building that houses bar and restaurant Ivee's at Main in Germantown. The shop area is used for storage by the owner Miletti Motorsports and set up for an auto repair operation, Village Planner/Zoning Administrator Jeffrey Retzlaff said.
Metz Performance would not provide typical repair services for regular vehicles. The proposal did not require any outside storage and the volume of work was expected to be low. The plan was to operate the shop from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
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By K. L. Klein
June 07, 2010 12:08 p.m. | The cause of a fire that killed a 25-year-old Menomonee Falls man Friday remains unknown as of today.
Dispatchers received a 911 call at 3:30 p.m. from a neighbor noting smoke was coming out of a house in the N5500 block of Taylors Woods Drive. Firefighters arrived at 3:42 p.m., and began extinguishing the fire and a search-and-rescue effort. The man's father had followed fire personnel to the house and told them his son was still inside. Firefighters found the man's body at 4:19 p.m. in a bedroom in the lower level of the home, where the fire started.
Fire Chief Jeffrey Hevey said investigators cleared the scene near midnight, and Menomonee Falls police and fire investigators along with the State Fire Marshal were at the house Saturday and are continuing to investigate the fire's cause.
There were no other injuries related to the fire.
Total damage to the home and contents is estimated at $250,000. The fire was contained to the lower level, but there was some smoke and heat damage to the upper level.
June 06, 2010 10:52 a.m. | Everyone waited to the second half to score, but Brookfield Cerntral prevailed, beating Greater Metro Conference rival Menomonee Falls, 2-1, to win the regional soccer title at Homestead on Saturday.
Katie Mahkorn scored the winning goal with seven minutes left to play on an assist from Kristin Becker.
Sarah Baker scored at 63:34 to give Central a 1-0 lead and the Indians countered with a goal at 68:05 to tie the game. Katie Heil had five saves as BC outshot Falls, 14-6.
The third-seeded Lancers (14-5-3) now play at second-seeded Homestead on Thursday in the sectional semifinals.
By
Tom Held of the Journal Sentinel
June 06, 2010 10:50 a.m. | A driver and three passengers were injured late Saturday when their car overturned on Highway 41 near County Line Road, Menomonee Falls police reported Sunday.
Lt. Kevin Von Bonk said the driver crossed through traffic lanes in an attempt to reach the exit for Highway Q and the car rolled over. All four victims were taken to area hospitals.
By
Jesse Garza of the Journal Sentinel
June 04, 2010 5:36 p.m. | A 25-year-old man was dead Friday after a fire at a Menomonee Falls home, according to WTMJ-TV (Channel 4).
The fire was reported Friday afternoon at a home on Taylor's Woods Drive just south of Silver Spring Drive and west of Lannon Road, the station reported.
The cause of the fire was under investigation Friday night.
By
Laurel Walker of the Journal Sentinel
June 03, 2010 12:10 p.m. | Waukesha - Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas wants county residents to speak up in an effort to prevent lawmakers' use of the state transportation fund to balance the state budget.
In an ordinance sent to the County Board on Thursday, Vrakas is seeking an advisory referendum in November that would call for an amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution requiring that "all transportation funds collected or received be used solely to fund Wisconsin's transportation system and infrastructure."
Citing the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the ordinance says the state has transferred about $1.2 billion from the segregated transportation fund to the state's general fund in the past decade and replaced $800 million of it with general obligation bonds. As a result, the amount available for transportation purposes was reduced by $400 million while use of bonding to fund ongoing operations puts the state in a "precarious position," the ordinance states.
Debt service on those bonds must come from the general fund, which hurts its ability to fund other aid programs for counties, it continues. The practice also hurts the state's bond rating, the ordinance says.
The state's segregated transportation fund is financed primarily from the state's gas tax and vehicle registration fees.
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June 02, 2010 8:36 a.m. | State-meet berths were on the line yesterday at Blackstone Creek Golf Course in Germantown and we've just posted a photo gallery from the competition.
Marquette (301) and Germantown (316) finished first and second to earn team berths at next week's state meet at University Ridge, just outside of Madison.
Marquette's David Christian fired a 74, the low round of the day. See complete results.
Go to NOW photojournalist C.T. Kruger's photo gallery.
By Steven L. Tietz
June 01, 2010 10:34 p.m. | A seven-run first inning, including a two-run single from Nicole Weggen and a two-RBI double from Jamie Ertl, was all the Menomonee Falls girls softball team needed to ease past Hartford, 12-2, in a five-inning WIAA regional semifinal Tuesday afternoon at the Little League Complex.
"Nothing like an inning like that to give a pitcher confidence," said Indian coach Wendy Wolff, "and we've been a team that's been playing with some confidence for awhile now. In the second half of the conference season, we played every team tougher than we did the first time around."
The win improved the third-seeded Indians to 14-6 overall. They will now host sixth-seeded Oconomowoc, which was an 11-1 winner over Waukesha North, in a 3:45 p.m. regional final on Thursday back at the Little League Complex.
The regional champion advances to a sectional semifinal on Tuesday, June 8, against the winner of second-seeded Kettle Moraine and Whitnall.
Falls earned a state tournament berth last season.
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By Steven L. Tietz
June 01, 2010 9:17 p.m. | The exterior of Blackstone Creek Golf Course with its rumpled and disjointed landscaping west of the playing grounds may not appear pretty from Mequon Road, but the local prep golfers know its cozy interior well and respect its tight confines which require smart shot-making.
As was needed at the WIAA sectional played there on Tuesday.
And as a result of their knowledge and familiarity, the home team Warhawks and Menomonee Falls' Adam Rubatt are both going to make trips to the WIAA State Meet next Monday and Tuesday at University Ridge in Madison.
For Germantown, it is the first team trip since 2003 and for the Indians, its the first representation of any kind also since 2003.
"The course was in excellent shape," said Germantown senior Scott Loftus, who led the Warhawks with an 18-hole total of 75. "The staff there did an excellent job. A lot of strategy goes into playing that course and we feel we're a smart team, so we knew we had to play aggressive swings at conservative targets."
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By
Laurel Walker of the Journal Sentinel
June 01, 2010 12:36 p.m. | Brookfield - A special one-day collection of household hazardous waste, open to any Waukesha County resident, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdayin Brookfield at the public works yard, 19700 Riverview Drive.
Proof of residency is required.
Accepted items include old, unusable chemicals, pesticides, wood preservatives, solvents, oil-based paints and mercury-containing products. Latex paint and non-hazardous materials will not be accepted.
Year-round collection sites are also available in Muskego, Waukesha, Menomonee Falls and Franklin. Information on those sites is available at www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling or by calling (262) 896-8300.
Focus on Education
