Staff, Author at Milwaukee Independent

More than $300K awarded during Milwaukee Film Fest 2016

Posted by Staff | Oct 16, 2016 |

The 8th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival attracted 76,899 attendees over its two week run, for an 8% increase over 2015. This year’s festival included 283 films from 51 countries at five venues and saw continued growth, with 87 sold-out screenings. Winning the 2016 Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Awards were feature film Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise and short film Joe’s Violin. Executive Producer Raymond C. Lambert of Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, which played in the Black Lens Program, attended the festival. In the documentary focusing on her prolific accomplishments, Maya Angelou received the...

Dr. Lester Carter recognized by Common Council for lifetime of community service

Posted by Staff | Oct 13, 2016 |

The Milwaukee Common Council honored a pillar of the North Side community, pharmacist and entrepreneur Dr. Lester Carter, during its regular meeting on October 11. Dr. Carter first opened Carter Drug Store at 2400 W. Burleigh St. in 1968, and served members of his community for nearly 50 years. Lines of people would form to seek his medical advice and expertise. Alderman Khalif J. Rainey said Dr. Carter was well known for his gentle nature, and treated each of his patients with respect and courtesy during their private consultations. When Lester Carter opened his drug store at 2400 W....

Comedian Gaffigan to donate ticket sales to Riverwest food pantry

Posted by Staff | Oct 12, 2016 |

Jim Gaffigan, one of the biggest comedians in America, announced he is adding a fourth show at the Pabst Theater in December and 100% of ticket sales will be donated to Milwaukee’s Riverwest Food Pantry. Tickets begin on sale Wednesday, October 12th at noon. Fans can only purchase tickets for the extra performance on December 30 at 9:30 pm through Riverwest Food Panty’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/riverwestfoodpantry “I’ll be doing a show at the Pabst Theater where all the proceeds will go to benefit the Riverwest Food Pantry. Which is a very unique place that not only with obtaining food...

Photo Essay: Everything is Awesome!

Posted by Staff | Oct 11, 2016 |

The images are from the award-winning LEGO KidsFest, which returned to Milwaukee from October 7 through October 9, and attracted thousands of visitors of all ages who enjoyed the toy’s brick-tastic fun.

Cheryl Orgas: Not defined by an impairment

Posted by Staff | Sep 30, 2016 |

The most difficult experience of growing up blind was not the inability to see, for Cheryl Orgas it was dealing with the stereotypes other people had about blindness and what she could accomplish. As a wife, mother, and director of a nonprofit that provides alternative ways for people with print disabilities to read, she has dedicated her life to helping others overcome physical challenges and celebrate their uniqueness.

Mayor Barrett’s 2017 Executive Budget Address

Posted by Staff | Sep 27, 2016 |

| Mayor Tom Barrett We must ensure that jobs created by City work benefit people who live in the city. | Full text of Mayor Tom Barrett’s budget speech: Thank you Mr. President, members of the Council, City Attorney Langley, Comptroller Matson, Treasurer Coggs, members of the cabinet and members of the public. It is a pleasure to be here this morning as I present my 2017 Executive Budget. We all know Milwaukee aces big challenges and at the same time, is asked to tackle these challenges with significant limitations. We have neighborhoods where private sector development is booming....