WI County, ‘Free Of Government Restrictions,’ Ends Virus Measures

METRO MILWAUKEE, WI — Washington County is entering a phase that is “free of government restrictions and recommendations,” according to its county executive — one where coronavirus mitigation measures will no longer be enforced and residents are encouraged to let “common sense” guide their decisions.

In a release posted to the county’s website, County Executive Josh Schoemann said the county is “renewed in our commitment to fully embracing personal responsibility and individual liberty with love for our neighbor.”

In short, the county is fully reopening and will no longer enforce coronavirus mitigation measures such as mask-wearing and capacity restrictions.

"No restrictions," Schoemann said in an interview with a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter. It is up to people and businesses to decide for themselves, he said.

Schoemann, elected in April 2020, has spent the last year speaking out against COVID-19 restrictions. In October, Schoemann said "complainers" should stop "wasting" the time of the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department with reports about people violating the state's mask mandate. In April, he reopened county golf courses despite most being closed under the state’s safer-at-home order.

Read more by Cathy Kozlowicz, reporting for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Milwaukee Singer Makes ‘The Voice’

Anna Grace, a 20-year-old Milwaukee native, earned a four-chair turn on Monday’s episode of the NBC’s singing competition, “The Voice.” Grace, who performed the song “my future” by Billie Eilish, earned bountiful praise from the judges including Kelly Clarkson, who called Grace’s performance “intimate and believable.”

Read more by Allison Garcia, reporting for Milwaukee Magazine

Metro Milwaukee Headlines

• Jury Deliberates Fate Of Martice Fuller: The fate of Martice Fuller is now in the hands of a jury, which will determine whether Fuller is guilty of killing Kenosha cheerleader Kaylie Juga in 2019. Via WISN
• COVID-19 Field Hospital To Close: A coronavirus field hospital at the State Fair Park Expo Center in West Allis will be decommissioned by the end of next month as COVID-19 rates in Wisconsin continue to decline. Via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• Wisconsin Tax Deadline Still April 15: While Wisconsinites will have an extra two months this year to file federal tax returns, the deadline to file state returns remains April 15. Via Waukesha Patch
• Can You Visit All 66? To attract more visitors to Wisconsin’s 66 state parks, Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is launching more than 20 challenges for visitors to complete this summer. Via Channel 3000

SPORTS TALK: Steve Wojciechowski, head coach of the Marquette men’s basketball team, has been “relieved of his duties” as coach, according to a statement made by the university on Friday. Wojciechowski spent seven seasons as head coach of the Golden Eagles. Read more by Fox6 News

WEEKEND WEATHER IN A WORD: Springlike

LET’S MAKE PLANS: Getting married? This weekend marks the 53rd annual Wonderful World of Weddings event. With in-person and virtual show options, more than 100 experts will be on hand to help out brides- and grooms-to-be with planning their dream weddings.

• Paint away your stress during a step-by-step painting class Sunday at The Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall. The class is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Amano Pan is bringing artisanal bread to Vennture Brew Co. for a pop-up from 1-4 p.m. Preordering is encouraged.
• Have an event to share? Post it on Patch’s event calendar.

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