Author: Staff

A COVID-19 Summer: Pools and aquatic facilities at Milwaukee County Parks to remain closed

Milwaukee County Parks is bracing for a season that looks drastically different from a typical Milwaukee summer, which will be a season without swimming pools or water parks. With many Milwaukee County Parks venues currently closed as a result of the pandemic, physical distancing recommendations still place, and group sizes still limited, safe pool operations are compromised. “Every decision we’re making right now is focused on the safety of our park visitors and our staff,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “It’s essential that our services support public health. Unfortunately, the challenges of both COVID-19 and the county’s fiscal...

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Milwaukee’s park system drops four spots in national ranking amid pandemic

As state and municipal leaders continue reopening parks and open spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Trust for Public Land announced its annual ParkScore Index of the nation’s best park systems. Milwaukee ranked 28th on the list, earning strong marks for park access. According to ParkScore analysts, 90 percent of Milwaukee residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. In all ParkScore cities, only 72% of residents have 10-minute walk access. However, Milwaukee’s overall ranking was hurt by below-average scores for park acreage and dog park access. Milwaukee trails and parks are currently open, although most amenities, such...

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Joe Biden holds virtual rally for Milwaukee voters and blames Trump for dreadful pandemic response

The political restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic has left presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden unable to attend an in-person campaign rally in Wisconsin, and instead a virtual event for voters was held on May 20. During his online speech aimed at Milwaukee residents, the former vice president slammed Trump’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden denounced the lack of effort, saying Trump had “irresponsibly downplayed and delayed action on the virus” which could have prevented the needless loss of one hundred thousand American lives in two months. “COVID-19 is not his fault, the failure to respond quickly...

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Governor Tony Evers directs $1 billion in CARES Act funding to fight COVID-19 in Wisconsin

Governor Tony Evers released information on May 19 about a robust $1 billion statewide effort to support COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, acquisition of needed supplies, emergency operations, and resources for local communities throughout Wisconsin. The effort is funded by $1.17 billion in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars. Recognizing that testing and contact tracing are essential to Wisconsin’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus, the state has allocated approximately $260 million for testing efforts and $75 million for contact tracing. “As I’ve said before, regardless of the political overtones of the past week,...

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Identifying symptoms of trauma: First-responders and front-line healthcare workers at risk of PTSD

The recent suicide of Lorna Breen, a New York City emergency room doctor who had suffered from COVID-19 and had been traumatized by treating other patients who had contracted the virus, needs to serve as a wakeup call for all first-responders and front-line healthcare professionals. “These heroes are saving lives, but that can come with a cost to their own well-being,” said Chad Wetterneck, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical director of trauma recovery services at Rogers Behavioral Health. “This pandemic is unprecedented in our lifetime, and the entire medical community needs to be cognizant of the symptoms...

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Jewish Museum Milwaukee expands public reach during pandemic shutdown with virtual exhibits

Even though the physical museum building is closed due to the statewide shutdown, Jewish Museum Milwaukee (JMM) has been more active and reaching more people than ever before. While nonprofits across the country have had to make the difficult decision to furlough staff and attractions remain closed, JMM has ramped up its efforts to engage the public around topics of cultural and social importance, with programming that is more important and relevant than ever. “Our cultural institutions have the power to inspire, comfort and connect people in a way few others can,” said Patti Sherman-Cisler, Jewish Museum Milwaukee executive...

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