Good morning, Waukesha.

Jori Hartwig, the new director of Delafield Promotion & Tourism, aims to attract visitors from over an hour away to enjoy the city's four hotels, lakes, trails and shopping.

She said that hotel taxes will help support local businesses and that new itineraries with the Chamber of Commerce will sustain community jobs and growth—ensuring that tourism benefits everyone.

Today, the 81st Stars and Stripes Honor Flight departed from Milwaukee International Airport at 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. carrying 115 Vietnam-era veterans, four Korean War veterans, and one Desert Storm veteran who will tour memorials at Dulles before returning for a homecoming parade at Mitchell Airport featuring local high school groups — marking the final spring season trip.

Four passenger vehicles and a semitrailer truck crashed just before noon Friday at the Highway 164 and Racine Avenue intersection, where Lt. Kyle Bergner said injuries were reported but none life-threatening and traffic backed up until the highway reopened an hour later—police are investigating the cause.

Jason Zehe, a 19-year-old West Allis man charged with homicide by intoxicated driving for killing 17-year-old Waukesha West student Megan Voss on Dec.

30, entered a not guilty plea on Friday in Waukesha County Circuit Court + a sentencing date is set for Aug. 21.

A 17-year-old teen from Waukesha was charged with felony murder in connection with his uncle’s death—he allegedly caused fatal injuries during a violent February assault.

The final night of preliminary events at the 2025 Miss Wisconsin Competition finished Thursday in New Berlin, where winners Christel Rivera, Willow Newell and Paige Eide earned scholarships in the Fitness, Evening Wear and Talent categories.

The top 11 finalists will compete today — each vying for the crown and a chance to move on to Miss America.

The Waukesha Plan Commission will conduct a final site and architectural review on GE HealthCare’s proposed expansion of its Experience Center at the campus, which adds 20,000 square feet and renovates 10,000 square feet to modernize the lobby and site features—part of its broader Project Renaissance initiative. The commission will also consider a Conditional Use Permit for Lucidity Arts’ tattoo studio at The Strand, which may expand operations after relocating from Hartland, in a meeting set for 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The Waukesha Water Commission approved submitting an application for a water rate increase on Thursday and sent it to the Public Service Commission, which will review the case over the next 18 to 24 months.

Mayor Shawn Reilly and former general manager Dan Duchniak said the change, planned since 2016 to reflect actual costs, may result in an approximate 6% rise on water and sewer bills—meeting a mandated requirement following the Great Lakes Water Supply Project.

Rogers Behavioral Health received preliminary approval to build a new 24-bed residential facility for treating adults with eating disorders on its Summit campus; the center will combine services in one spot (replacing two older Delafield buildings) to meet growing demand for care.

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.

Waukesha County Fair

12-10 PM — Waukesha County Expo Center — Admission Fee — Celebrate 183 years of fun with competitive exhibits, live entertainment, and delicious food.

Waukesha County Fair 2025

6:00 p.m. — Waukesha County Expo Center — Entrance fee varies — Celebrate Wisconsin's oldest fair with live entertainment, food, and farm fun.

Falls Lavender Fest

1-7 p.m. — Village of Menomonee Falls — Free entry — Immerse in the vibrant scents and flavors at our annual lavender festival complete with music and family fun.

Waukesha County Fair Musical Performance

Live music night — Evening — Waukesha County Fair Office — Ticket price TBD — Experience high-energy acoustic favorites from Phil Norby, Myles Wangerin, and JJ Eckl.