Good morning, Waukesha.

The Wisconsin chapter of Gift of Adoption raised $60K at its 10th annual fundraiser on Sunday, April 19 in Pewaukee—Rachel Cartwright shared her adoption story to help families manage high costs.

Marc Messinger, a Waukesha adviser who has faced major personal challenges, has turned his experiences into the Life Transitions Guide — an online resource that helps families navigate grief and rebuild step by step.

Dan Schneiderman, owner of Vinyl Vault Records, is remembered for his passion for music and his commitment to community connections.

A celebration of life will be held May 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sporties in Waukesha, where friends and family will gather to honor his legacy.

In North Prairie, veteran Jose Ortiz, a single father, received a new roof today through the national Roof Deployment Project after applying for help with Habitat for Humanity Waukesha.

Local contractor Hucke Exteriors Inc. discovered significant damage during repairs, and Ortiz expressed thanks for the needed support.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City began overnight railroad maintenance along the corridor from Pewaukee through Watertown.

Residents in surrounding areas should expect extra noise and temporary removal of rail crossings until mid-June as crews replace rail ties with mechanized equipment (working 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Thursday).

Old World Wisconsin opens its 50th season on May 2 with a redesigned entrance and a new 10,000 sqft welcome center (final phase of a $6 million project) that improves access across 600 acres; themed events, including Decoration Day and a July celebration, mark its anniversary.

The Mukwonago Area School District Board of Education postponed its vote on proposed music program changes until May.

The plan for updating music lessons in grades K-12 for 2027-28 was debated by parents, teachers and students who raised concerns over pull-out lessons.

A 6-year-old boy with Hunter syndrome from New Berlin received his first dose of a new FDA-approved treatment on April 17, giving his family renewed hope as they look ahead to his care.

Mike Crowley, a local living donor, has been active after his kidney donation and now rides his bike as part of Donate Life Month.

He shares his healthy recovery to encourage more donations while 1,400 locals await transplants (Children’s Wisconsin).

Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k

7-10 a.m. — Fox River Park — Pricing varies — Participate in a family-friendly race featuring unique swag and virtual options.

Jurassic Journey

9 AM - 7 PM — Waukesha County Expo Center — Admission starts at $20 — Explore the largest animatronic dinosaur exhibit in the Midwest with a giant T-Rex and hands-on activities.

Wisconsin Geological Society - Rock & Gem Show 2026

10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Waukesha County Expo Center — Admission details pending — Explore an extensive collection of gems, minerals, and fossils at this vibrant show.

Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

May 23-24 — Waukesha County Expo Center — Tickets required — Indulge in delicious food truck offerings paired with a variety of craft beers at this lively festival.