Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How much did MPS test scores really improve last year?

And check out BOO's & Brews at Petrifying Springs Biergarten FREE TO ATTEND! on the Milwaukee Patch calendar

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Friday October 9th Patch AM
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Hi there, Milwaukee! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How much did MPS test scores really improve last year?
  • Could your big creative idea land up to $10,000?
  • How did Milwaukee spend $5.3 million fighting violence in 2025?

Also on today's calendar: BOO's & Brews at Petrifying Springs Biergarten FREE TO ATTEND! and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A p.m. shower in places, with a high of 67 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Saturday: Breezy in the morning; sunny, temps: high: 77, low: 57.
  • Sunday: Nice with periods of sun, with a high of 70 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Milwaukee students see modest uptick in state test scores; inequities persist (wuwm.com) — Milwaukee Public Schools students saw small but meaningful gains on statewide tests last year, with proficiency in reading and math inching up from the prior year. District leaders credit a revamped literacy curriculum and intensive staff training, while acknowledging that scores still trail state averages and that large racial achievement gaps, though slightly narrowed, remain a serious concern.
   

2. Joy Engine Offering $50,000 in Grants for Public Art Projects (urbanmilwaukee.com) — Milwaukee artists, students, and community groups can now apply for Joy Engine's 2027 JOY Grants, which will award up to $50,000 for free, public art and community projects in city neighborhoods. Individual grants up to $10,000 support imaginative installations, performances, and programs that spark joy and engagement. Applications are due Nov. 2, and projects must occur within Milwaukee.
   

3. Deep dive into the $5.2M spent by Milwaukee's Dept. of Community Wellness and Safety in 2025 (cbs58.com) — Milwaukee's Department of Community Wellness and Safety spent about $5.3 million in 2025, combining city funds and grants to support violence prevention, healing programs, and new equipment. With crime and shootings down compared with last year, new director Karin Tyler defends investments like sound baths, martial arts, and yoga while acknowledging challenges, underused vehicles, and the need to better explain prevention work to neighborhoods.
   

4. Milwaukee police declare evacuated Avenues West apartment building a nuisance property (wisn.com) — Milwaukee police have officially labeled an evacuated Avenues West apartment building near 23rd and Michigan a nuisance property after six police calls, including a shooting. The owner now has 10 days to outline steps to curb problems, even though residents were forced out last month over life-safety issues. City officials suggest measures like landlord training and stricter tenant screening to prevent future trouble.
   

5. New Trail Opens in Kohl Park (urbanmilwaukee.com) — North Side residents now have a new 2.26-mile stretch of the Oak Leaf Trail running through Kohl Park along W. County Line Road, improving access between Milwaukee and Mequon. The extension links to the Zip Line near Brown Deer Road, closing a key gap between the Milwaukee River Line and the Ozaukee Interurban Trail. Officials say it strengthens neighborhood connectivity and outdoor options.
   

📸 Around Milwaukee

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Know your risk for breast cancer —Hannah Koerner Read on Patch
  • Help Bring Sugar Home!
    As many already know, Sugar hasn't been home or at Vennture for the past week, nor has she been taken to MADACC, and we are hoping you can help! We… (Nextdoor Washington Heights)
  • Is anyone missing a cat?
    Little thing is scared of people and hanging by Bluemound Townhomes. Won't let anyone near it and it does not have a collar. *Update* was able to get… (Nextdoor Underwood Parkway)
  • BRADY CORPORATION posted a job opening for Machine Operator 2nd Shift - $5000 Sign on Bonus in Milwaukee. Apply here.
  • Dave & Buster's Restaurant posted a job opening for Line Cook in Milwaukee. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Milwaukee here.

Ok Milwaukee! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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