Good morning, Waukesha.

United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County received a $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund to support families facing homelessness across Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties; the funding will boost its Safe and Stable Homes initiative over the next five years.

Trio Pawn Shop opened in early August at 2001 S.

West Ave to offer short-term loans and a safer selling option by tracking items with law enforcement. The business now holds monthly $500 giveaways for $5 tickets before Christmas & plans to expand.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, a Carroll University student earned a scholarship to support her family restaurant — a key step toward learning management skills before taking the reins.

Three school board seats are up for re-election; incumbent Diane Voit filed for a third term while newcomers Melissa Toledo and Mitch Gallagher launched campaigns and will host a meet-and-greet (10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sunday) before the April 7 election.

In the 2024-25 school year, Waukesha County schools enrolled 2,858 multiracial students (4.9% of 58,602), up 2.3% from last year, with Waukesha School District leading with 625 students, according to the Department of Public Instruction.

Hamilton High School Principal Dominic Bauer addressed questions about club applications and vandalism policies after an Oct.

22 Student Council meeting. He said a co-written message with the council will soon announce that the council will no longer vote on club applications and that students removing posters received one-day suspensions.

Steve Emt of Madison and Laura Dwyer of Oconomowoc will be the first Team USA Paralympic curlers in the new mixed doubles wheelchair curling event at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy.

They will start an intense training camp in Wausau next week before further competitions.

Former high school athletes from the county will compete on Saturday, Dec.

6 in local sports events that offer neighbors a chance to see hometown talent in action.

Special Saturday: Hands On Holidays

10 AM – 12 PM — Oconomowoc Public Library — Free entry — Create holiday gifts at various crafting stations for all ages.

Waukesha Christmas Parade

4-9:45 p.m. — Lee Sherman Dreyfus State Office Building — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with colorful floats, festive music, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Country Christmas Spectacular

5-9 p.m. — The Ingleside Hotel — $30-$35 per carload — Experience a mesmerizing display of over a million holiday lights from the comfort of your car.

Wisconsin Rummage-O-Rama Flea Market

9 AM – 5 PM — Waukesha County Expo Center — Entry fee varies — Explore a treasure trove of unique finds and local crafts at this bustling market.

New Years Eve at Noon

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Betty Brinn Children's Museum — $10 – $20 — Celebrate the New Year early with a family-friendly dance party and fun activities including a noon beach ball drop.