Good morning, Waukesha.

Waukesha residents can join the Kwik Trip 50K run on Saturday, June 28 which will begin at 7 a.m. at Fox River Sanctuary—this event raises funds for Band of Runners trail camp that supports veterans and their families with stops at seven Kwik Trip locations.

Andrew Pouchnik, owner of Ironwood Builders, received the Forward28 Award from state Sen. Julian Bradley and the Waukesha Police Citizen Service Award for his brave intervention during a January 23 incident when he restrained a suspect who threatened employees on Commerce Street — his actions prevented further harm. Waukesha Police Chief Daniel Thompson and Mayor Shawn Reilly both praised his quick, courageous response.

Three Pillars has named Natalie Miko as its new executive director of health care services with over 15 years of senior living leadership and nursing home administration experience.

Rachel Wiesner has joined as executive director of hospitality and will lead work at The Fields at Three Pillars — preparing to welcome its first residents in July.

Power Test announced a major capital investment at its Sussex facility — consolidating operations from Sussex, Milwaukee, and Colorado Springs — to upgrade its manufacturing capabilities.

The project will increase capacity by 40% and add new CNC machinery — boosting safety, quality, and delivery performance — as it begins its upgrade in June.

Hamilton High School junior Emily Zgonc won first place in the 2025 Menomonee Falls Optimist Club Essay Contest—earning a $2,500 scholarship after her local contest win in February.

She is the first Hamilton student to advance to the district competition.

The School District of Waukesha is holding several information gathering sessions with staff and community to shape a long-range budget plan that will reduce K-8 building capacity by 10%-15% to match current enrollment trends.

The sessions, including an online survey, are scheduled for later this month and in July — and a recommendation will be presented to the full board between October and December.

Hamilton School District did not renew teacher Cate O'Connell's contract after citing unprofessional behavior—such as using company time for TikTok—and her final day ended her 11-year tenure.

Parents rallied with over 30 letters of support, stressing that she made a positive impact on her students.

The Waukesha Ordinance and License Committee recommended an ordinance to create two Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas — one covering downtown from Riverfront Street to Wisconsin Avenue and the other along William Street — so that special events can allow outdoor drinking with clear signage and permit-holder enforcement of open container rules. City Attorney Brian Running said the plan will not add extra city work while letting businesses use options like tamper evident seals for customers.

A virtual eight-week program called Fire Watch is offering mental health support to veterans and first responders in Waukesha to help manage trauma and moral injury—launched in September.

The course accepts insurance and Medicaid and features peer specialists such as veteran Chris Swift, who turned his life around after challenging setbacks.

Jazz @ Cutler Park

7-9 p.m. — Cutler Park — Enjoy concessions — Jazz enthusiasts gather for a lineup of live music under the stars.

Waukesha July 4th Fireworks

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Lowell Park — Free entry — Enjoy a festive evening with food trucks, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Independence Day Parade

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Downtown Transit Center — Free entry — Celebrate the Fourth of July with a festive parade that journeys through Downtown Waukesha with the theme 'Through the Decades!'.

Waukesha Farmers' Market

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Waukesha Farmers Market — Free entry — Explore over 70 local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, and handmade goods in a vibrant downtown setting.