Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a $58 million campaign could reshape housing stability locally

Make time for Fiesta Del Rio on the Waukesha Patch calendar

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Friday August 28th Patch AM
Friday August 28th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Morning Waukesha! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a $58 million campaign could reshape housing stability locally
  • See where Waukesha teacher pay ranks among Wisconsin's top districts
  • What Waukesha parents will pay for school lunch this year

Also on today's calendar: Fiesta Del Rio and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 80 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 79, low: 64.
  • Sunday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 84 and low of 69 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County launches annual campaign with goal of $58 million (gmtoday.com) — United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County has launched its 2026 campaign with a $58 million goal to support programs across the four-county region, including Waukesha. A major focus is the new Safe & Stable Homes initiative, which aims to prevent homelessness for 40,000 people by 2032 through coordinated prevention, financial assistance, and housing support services.
   

2. Which Wisconsin School Districts Pay Teachers The Most? (patch.com) — If you teach or have kids in Waukesha, your district's average teacher salary is listed at $75,431 for 2025-26, placing it 25th among Wisconsin's highest-paying districts. Nearby Arrowhead, also in Waukesha County, tops the statewide list, with Elmbrook and other suburban districts not far behind. The rankings are based on state DPI contract-salary data, not individual pay.
   

3. School lunch costs and healthy options: What Wisconsin parents need to know this year (tmj4.com) — Parents in the School District of Waukesha will pay $2.55 for a student lunch this year, while some nearby districts continue offering free meals. The story compares prices across southeastern Wisconsin and highlights programs, advocates, and community groups helping families find affordable, healthier school food options and understand free or reduced-price meal eligibility.
   

4. Menomonee Falls bike shop refuses to sell e-bikes to kids, citing safety concerns (tmj4.com) — E-bike riders on trails in and around Waukesha County are raising alarms about kids zipping by at high speeds, prompting one Menomonee Falls bike shop to stop selling e-bikes intended for young riders. The owner cites state rules, echoed by the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office, and says some online models can exceed legal speeds. Longtime customers say the policy puts community safety ahead of profits.
   

5. Waukesha County guitarist remembers opening for Dolly Parton in Milwaukee (wisn.com) — A longtime Waukesha County guitarist is sharing his memories of opening for Dolly Parton at Milwaukee's Pabst Theater back in 1977, as fans mourn her recent passing. He recalls her kindness backstage and says that experience still shapes how he performs with his Beatles cover band, which continues to play shows across southeastern Wisconsin.
   

📸 Around Waukesha

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Waukesha

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📣 Waukesha Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • OMG I don't even believe it!!!
    I got a notice that WE Energies is adjusting my budget billing down!!$25 per month that is one for the record books! (Nextdoor Broadway Heights)
  • The wild rice harvesting season is just starting!
    If you're planning to harvest wild rice, make sure the rice is ripe before you begin. Mature seeds are knocked off easily. If significant force or… (Nextdoor )
  • Bimbo Bakeries USA posted a job opening for Shipping Associate in Waukesha. Apply here.
  • The Gund Company posted a job opening for Operator I - Utility Operator (Loader) - 1st Shift in Waukesha. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waukesha here.

Ok Waukesha! 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: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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