Recovering TV reporter. Current Communications Specialist @acuityinsurance
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Articles by Rikki Mitchell
Veteran's suicide note leads to new outreach program in Wisconsin
A new outreach program at the Medical College of Wisconsin was created and named after a veteran lost his own battle with depression and PTSD. The Captain John D. Mason Peer Outreach Program will help veterans connect with health care and mental health resources at the Veterans Affairs hospital. Mason served in Vietnam and struggled silently with depression and PTSD. He never sought any treatment and in 2013, he committed suicide.
Public demands action from Baraboo School Board for Nazi salute photo
The Baraboo School District is discussing next steps after a photo went viral showing junior students, with many appearing to be giving the Nazi salute. The photo appeared online Sunday evening but was later removed. The caption associated with the photo read "#Barabooproud." The photo was taken during Junior prom in the Spring, in front of the Sauk County Courthouse.
Petition growing to change official Halloween date
Tens of thousands have signed an online petition asking for the official date of Halloween to move to the last Saturday in October. Some of the reasons cited on the Change.org petition include safety and a longer and more stress-free celebration. The majority of Southeast Wisconsin communities already schedule trick-or-treating during the weekend. But a handful of places still have official trick-or-treat hours on Halloween. Brookfield is one of those communities.
Pickup truck hits 8-year-old girl near 35th and North, driver doesn't stop
The mother of an 8-year-old girl hit by a truck badly injured is making a public plea for the driver responsible. According to Milwaukee Police, the accident happened Wednesday, Oct. 24, near 35th Street and North Avenue. The driver of a white pickup truck hit an 8-year-old girl, and the continued heading south on 35th Street. "You just changed my daughter's whole life," said Amber Robinson, the mother of the girl hit. Robinson says she had just gotten home from work when she got the call.
Dog DNA tests find owners who don't pick up poop
No one likes to step in the "you-know-what" that dogs leave behind. Thanks to science, some Wisconsin apartment complexes are finding out exactly what dog, and what owner is responsible for those unattended piles. "It resolved issues immediately," said Ed Muisenga, the property manager at Prairie Grass Living in Pewaukee. He says they implemented the dog DNA policy from the beginning.
Dog DNA tests find owners who don't pick up poop
No one likes to step in the "you-know-what" that dogs leave behind. Thanks to science, some Wisconsin apartment complexes are finding out exactly what dog, and what owner is responsible for those unattended piles. "It resolved issues immediately," said Ed Muisenga, the property manager at Prairie Grass Living in Pewaukee. He says they implemented the dog DNA policy from the beginning.
Dog DNA tests find owners who don't pick up poop
No one likes to step in the "you-know-what" that dogs leave behind. Thanks to science, some Wisconsin apartment complexes are finding out exactly what dog, and what owner is responsible for those unattended piles. "It resolved issues immediately," said Ed Muisenga, the property manager at Prairie Grass Living in Pewaukee. He says they implemented the dog DNA policy from the beginning.
Dog DNA tests find owners who don't pick up poop
No one likes to step in the "you-know-what" that dogs leave behind. Thanks to science, some Wisconsin apartment complexes are finding out exactly what dog, and what owner is responsible for those unattended piles. "It resolved issues immediately," said Ed Muisenga, the property manager at Prairie Grass Living in Pewaukee. He says they implemented the dog DNA policy from the beginning.
Dog DNA tests find owners who don't pick up poop
Areal Flood Watch issued October 30 at 3:02PM CDT expiring November 1 at 7:00PM CDT in effect for: Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Gibson, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Madison, Obion, Weakley Areal Flood Watch issued October 30 at 2:45PM CDT expiring November 2 at 7:00AM CDT in effect for: Bath, Fleming, Montgomery Areal Flood Watch issued October 30 at 2:40PM CDT expiring November 2 at 1:00AM CDT in effect for: Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Perry,...
Dog DNA tests find owners who don't pick up poop
No one likes to step in the "you-know-what" that dogs leave behind. Thanks to science, some Wisconsin apartment complexes are finding out exactly what dog, and what owner is responsible for those unattended piles. "It resolved issues immediately," said Ed Muisenga, the property manager at Prairie Grass Living in Pewaukee. He says they implemented the dog DNA policy from the beginning.
Dog DNA tests find owners who don't pick up poop
No one likes to step in the "you-know-what" that dogs leave behind. Thanks to science, some Wisconsin apartment complexes are finding out exactly what dog, and what owner is responsible for those unattended piles. "It resolved issues immediately," said Ed Muisenga, the property manager at Prairie Grass Living in Pewaukee. He says they implemented the dog DNA policy from the beginning.
Dog DNA tests find owners who don't pick up poop
No one likes to step in the "you-know-what" that dogs leave behind. Thanks to science, some Wisconsin apartment complexes are finding out exactly what dog, and what owner is responsible for those unattended piles. "It resolved issues immediately," said Ed Muisenga, the property manager at Prairie Grass Living in Pewaukee. He says they implemented the dog DNA policy from the beginning.
Dog DNA tests find owners who don't pick up poop
No one likes to step in the "you-know-what" that dogs leave behind. Thanks to science, some Wisconsin apartment complexes are finding out exactly what dog, and what owner is responsible for those unattended piles. "It resolved issues immediately," said Ed Muisenga, the property manager at Prairie Grass Living in Pewaukee. He says they implemented the dog DNA policy from the beginning.
Tough choice: Wisconsinites choose between Packers game, trick-or-treating
MILWAUKEE -- Many Wisconsin communities scheduled trick-or-treating on Sunday evening during the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams game, presenting a tough choice for parents who wanted to do both. While candy was the priority for many of the kids out trick-or-treating in Glendale, their parents were counting down the clock. "Walk as fast as you can so we can get back to the house, cause I gotta watch," said Priscilla Wells-Malone who took her 7-year-old son out trick-or-treating.
George Webb readies for hungry fans, free burger giveaway
Playoff games have been keeping Milwaukee Brewers fans on the edge of their seats. But on Thursday, fans will be standing in line for their free George Webb burger. "I'm pumped about it for sure," said Dan Bush, from Wauwatosa. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, fans can claim their free burger at any of the 30 George Webb locations. "I know it's just a hamburger, but it's a part of history," said Selene Kostopoulous, who works at the George Webb in Wauwatosa.
George Webb readies for hungry fans, free burger giveaway
Playoff games have been keeping Milwaukee Brewers fans on the edge of their seats. But on Thursday, fans will be standing in line for their free George Webb burger. "I'm pumped about it for sure," said Dan Bush, from Wauwatosa.From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, fans can claim their free burger at any of the 30 George Webb locations. "I know it's just a hamburger, but it's a part of history," said Selene Kostopoulous, who works at the George Webb in Wauwatosa.
Shorewood holds community conversation on race after play canceled
The controversial high school play 'To Kill a Mockingbird' at Shorewood High School will move forward, now that the district has held a community conversation on race. The meeting was held at the high school Tuesday night, one night ahead of the play's new opening night.The district canceled the original opening night three hours before it was scheduled to begin last week, citing safety concerns over potential protests. Some parents were upset over the play's use of the N-word.
Hospital marks 50 years since first heart transplant in Midwest
Click here for updates on this story MILWAUKEE (WTMJ) — It’s been nearly 50 years since the first heart transplant in the Midwest took place at Aurora St. Luke’s hospital. Five decades later, the hospital now performs twice as many heart transplants as the majority of transplant programs worldwide. With advancements in the medical field, patients undergoing heart transplants are now expected to survive, which was not the case in 1968.
Hospital marks 50 years since first heart transplant in Midwest
Click here for updates on this story MILWAUKEE (WTMJ) — It’s been nearly 50 years since the first heart transplant in the Midwest took place at Aurora St. Luke’s hospital. Five decades later, the hospital now performs twice as many heart transplants as the majority of transplant programs worldwide. With advancements in the medical field, patients undergoing heart transplants are now expected to survive, which was not the case in 1968.
Hospital marks 50 years since first heart transplant in Midwest
Click here for updates on this story MILWAUKEE (WTMJ) — It’s been nearly 50 years since the first heart transplant in the Midwest took place at Aurora St. Luke’s hospital. Five decades later, the hospital now performs twice as many heart transplants as the majority of transplant programs worldwide. With advancements in the medical field, patients undergoing heart transplants are now expected to survive, which was not the case in 1968.
Hospital marks 50 years since first heart transplant in Midwest
Click here for updates on this story MILWAUKEE (WTMJ) — It’s been nearly 50 years since the first heart transplant in the Midwest took place at Aurora St. Luke’s hospital. Five decades later, the hospital now performs twice as many heart transplants as the majority of transplant programs worldwide. With advancements in the medical field, patients undergoing heart transplants are now expected to survive, which was not the case in 1968.
Hospital marks 50 years since first heart transplant in Midwest
Click here for updates on this story MILWAUKEE (WTMJ) — It’s been nearly 50 years since the first heart transplant in the Midwest took place at Aurora St. Luke’s hospital. Five decades later, the hospital now performs twice as many heart transplants as the majority of transplant programs worldwide. With advancements in the medical field, patients undergoing heart transplants are now expected to survive, which was not the case in 1968.
Wisconsin college students helping with Hurricane Michael relief
Three Wisconsin college students are driving to Florida on Friday to bring supplies they've collected for hurricane victims. Joshua Murphy, Michelle Boldt and Emalie Hahn are all juniors at Wisconsin Lutheran College. They've been collecting supplies for the last month, originally hoping to help in North Carolina. A church they had been in contact with there recommended going to Florida instead as they knew Hurricane Michael would be devastating.
Police calls to Miller Park increase when Cubs are in town
Milwaukee Police keep a close eye on fans at Miller Park, ensuring everyone has a safe time during baseball games. But problems do come up and are more likely to happen when the Milwaukee Brewers face certain teams. Relive The Brewer's NLDS Game 2 Victory [PHOTOS] "Rockies fans are good fans," said Brewers fan Andrew Wadsworth, from Milwaukee. And the numbers back up his feelings. Milwaukee Police records show in the 2017 season, officers were called to the park for trouble 161 times.
Study suggests cities with baseball teams have lower divorce rates
The Milwaukee Brewers have made a lot of people happy this week, but does the team also make for happier marriages?That's what a study from the University of Denver suggests when it found that cities with Major League Baseball teams have lower divorce rates.Dr. Howard Markman is considered a national expert on successful marriages as a distinguished professor in the psychology department at the University of Denver"Going to baseball games is one of the best things couples can do," he said.
Exhausted, excited fans return home to Milwaukee on Amtrak trains
It was a long day for Milwaukee Brewers fans who traveled to Chicago for the game on Monday. Many of them took the Amtrak train early in the morning to watch the Brewers win. "It was loud, there were a lot of Brewers fans there, it was awesome," said Craig Gerrits, who got up at 4 a.m. with his daughter to head down to the Amtrak station. They traveled with friends Kevin Schmidt and his daughter Emily. "It was a very long day, but totally worth it," said Emily.
Time to check the furnace: first cold weekend means homes are heating up
The cold weekend ahead means business is heating up for furnace repair companies. Jason Fox, owner at Capital Heating and Cooling, says the phones were ringing more than usual this week as residents prepare to turn on their furnaces for the first time this season. "As soon as we get that first cold, everyone is nervous," said Fox. "Is it gonna work, is it not gonna work?"His technicians have been busy doing routine maintenance checks on furnaces, checking for 35 different potential problems.
Yelich signs autographs day after Brewers clinch spot in playoffs
Three hundred lucky fans got to meet Milwaukee Brewers superstar Christian Yelich when he took time to sign autographs Thursday at Waukesha Sportscards. Fans immediately started chanting "MVP" when he walked in the door. "He's my favorite player in baseball by far," said 11-year-old Max Wheeler from Madison. "He's just so awesome hitting 30 bombs and 100 plus RBI." Wheeler has been a fan of Yelich even before he was traded to the Brewers.
Yelich signs autographs day after Brewers clinch spot in playoffs
Three hundred lucky fans got to meet Milwaukee Brewers superstar Christian Yelich when he took time to sign autographs Thursday at Waukesha Sportscards. Fans immediately started chanting "MVP" when he walked in the door. "He's my favorite player in baseball by far," said 11-year-old Max Wheeler from Madison. "He's just so awesome hitting 30 bombs and 100 plus RBI." Wheeler has been a fan of Yelich even before he was traded to the Brewers.
Stopping sewer overflows: what's being done to keep our fresh water clean
The rainy summer in Southeast Wisconsin overwhelmed the regional sewer system, leading to five sewer overflows in a four month span. That means nearly a billion gallons of untreated wastewater went into Lake Michigan and nearby rivers. But there is work being done to eventually get that number down to zero. It's something the executive director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Kevin Shafer, thinks about often.
Physics professor on Matthews roughing call: "I don't see anything he could have done"
It's the controversial call everyone is talking about: Green Bay Packers Linebacker Clay Matthews flagged for roughing the passer during Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins. The season has barely started and already fans are in an uproar over this new emphasis of a longtime rule. But is it possible to take the quarterback down without landing on him, from a physics perspective? Sunday's penalty was the third for Matthews, but he's not alone.
Family heirloom mistakenly given to Goodwill after woman dies
A family heirloom was mistakenly given to a Goodwill donation center after a Hales Corners woman died at the end of August. To many people, the ring might just look like costume jewelry. But Tammie Figlinski says it's priceless to her and her sisters. "It's so sentimental, it was passed down from my grandma to my mom," said Figlinski. A few days after her mother's unexpected death, Figlinski says she found the ring in her mom's belongings.
Family heirloom mistakenly given to Goodwill after woman dies
A family heirloom was mistakenly given to a Goodwill donation center after a Hales Corners woman died at the end of August. To many people, the ring might just look like costume jewelry. But Tammie Figlinski says it's priceless to her and her sisters. "It's so sentimental, it was passed down from my grandma to my mom," said Figlinski. A few days after her mother's unexpected death, Figlinski says she found the ring in her mom's belongings.
Wisconsin woman missing in Denver after sending concerning text to friend
A Wisconsin woman has gone missing in Denver, after sending eerie text messages to a friend that implied her boyfriend may try to harm her. Erin Vandewiele's family says they haven't heard from her in months after she moved to Colorado with that man in early July. Vandewiele is from Menomonie, Wis., about 30 minutes outside of Eau Claire. Most of her family still lives in that area, including her sister, Mandi Schmidt. Schmidt says Thursday is Vandewiele's 41st birthday.
Wisconsin woman missing in Denver after sending concerning text to friend
A Wisconsin woman has gone missing in Denver, after sending eerie text messages to a friend that implied her boyfriend may try to harm her. Erin Vandewiele's family says they haven't heard from her in months after she moved to Colorado with that man in early July. Vandewiele is from Menomonie, Wis., about 30 minutes outside of Eau Claire. Most of her family still lives in that area, including her sister, Mandi Schmidt. Schmidt says Thursday is Vandewiele's 41st birthday.
Wisconsin woman missing in Denver after sending concerning text to friend
A Wisconsin woman has gone missing in Denver, after sending eerie text messages to a friend that implied her boyfriend may try to harm her. Erin Vandewiele's family says they haven't heard from her in months after she moved to Colorado with that man in early July. Vandewiele is from Menomonie, Wis., about 30 minutes outside of Eau Claire. Most of her family still lives in that area, including her sister, Mandi Schmidt. Schmidt says Thursday is Vandewiele's 41st birthday.
Retail expert weighs in on Boston Store comeback
A retail industry expert says he was surprised to learn that Boston Store's new company is planning to reopen brick and mortar stores. This comes after news Monday that at least two to three Boston Store locations will reopen before the holidays in the Milwaukee metro area. Overall, the company will reopen stores in six states. "The concept will be a little different," said Fred Hulls, VP of Communication for Bon Ton Stores.
Veteran in hospice care returns from successful Honor Flight
Flood Warning issued September 17 at 10:08AM CDT expiring September 20 at 7:00PM CDT in effect for: Jefferson Flood Warning issued September 17 at 10:08AM CDT expiring September 22 at 1:00AM CDT in effect for: Jefferson, Rock Flood Warning issued September 17 at 10:08AM CDT expiring September 17 at 7:15PM CDT in effect for: Jefferson Flood Warning issued September 17 at 10:08AM CDT expiring September 22 at 1:00AM CDT in effect for: Jefferson, Rock Flood Warning issued September 17 at 10:08AM...
Mosquitoes ramp back up after late summer rain
The rain may have stopped, but the mosquitoes have not. In fact, they have actually ramped back up thanks to standing water still in many areas of southeast Wisconsin. According to an infection specialist with Bellin Health, the mosquito population is much larger than normal for this time of year. "They've been biting me a lot," said 8-year-old Josiah Gonzales, who wanted to play basketball with his dad in Grafton before the mosquitoes got too bad.
More area departments launching special needs registries
One father's mission to keep his kids safe is now spreading across Milwaukee County. Joseph Morgano has identical twin boys who both have autism. "A lot of them don't have a sense of danger, they're attracted to water," he said. "The number one cause of death in autistic individuals is drowning." Morgano says when his sons were diagnosed about a year and a half ago, he started researching everything about autism and came across special needs registries.
Rock River Rising: Jefferson residents prepare for possible flooding
Unseasonal flooding has residents in the City of Jefferson watching river levels closely this weekend.Officials say the Rock River is expected to crest on Saturday at more than 12 feet.
The Killers, Violent Femmes rock Fiserv Forum in inaugural concert
The first concert at Fiserv Forum took place Tuesday with The Killers and Violent Femmes selling out the new arena.Fans waited for hours in line to be among the first to enter, but no one waited as long as Stephanie Daigle, who got in line at 2 a.m. Tuesday with her daughter."For us, it’s all about we want to be at the barrier like right at the front of the stage," said Daigle.They traveled from Anaheim, Cali., to see The Killers in Milwaukee, but in all, they've been to more than 35 of the...
The Killers, Violent Femmes rock Fiserv Forum in inaugural concert
The first concert at Fiserv Forum took place Tuesday with The Killers and Violent Femmes selling out the new arena.Fans waited for hours in line to be among the first to enter, but no one waited as long as Stephanie Daigle, who got in line at 2 a.m. Tuesday with her daughter.
Roar of romance: Harley couple celebrates 26 years riding together
Harley-Davidson motorcycles took over Brady Street Friday night and two riders in the crowd say they've found a lasting love on the back of their hog. Cheryl and Frank Grothe got married 26 years ago, on a Harley-Davidson drag race track. "They did the whole red light thing, everything when we got married," said Cheryl. Twenty-six years later and they now ride cross country on their Harley together. "Every single vacation we take, we ride our Harley," said Cheryl.
Harley-Davidson rider says he crashed on streetcar tracks
Three motorcycle riders have crashed on the same section of tracks for the Milwaukee Streetcar, according to a Milwaukee law firm representing the injured riders. Attorneys with Hupy and Abraham say they are now concerned about the safety of the thousands of riders in town for Harley Davidson's 115th Anniversary.The area of concern is on St. Paul Avenue just west of Water Street. One victim said he tried to cross the tracks to get into the left turn lane when his tire got stuck.
TSA finds two loaded guns in separate carry on bags at Mitchell Airport
Two loaded guns were found in two days inside separate carry on bags at Mitchell International Airport. The guns never made it past security but one of the passengers could still face criminal charges. According to the TSA, one passenger brought a .40 caliber Glock, loaded with 13 rounds on August 21. The second passenger had a 9mm Kimber Micro in his bag on August 22. Both cases were referred to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.
'Your suburbs are not safe': Billboard campaign targets sex-trafficking in WI
An edgy public service campaign is coming to a billboard near you. The woman behind the campaign is a daughter, friend, athlete and a sex-trafficking survivor. Emmy Myers says she led a pretty typical childhood. She played soccer, did gymnastics and even earned student of the month at her school. But in her early 20s, she became involved with a man who eventually she says became her trafficker. "He told me that he would keep me safe and I would have a house, food in my stomach," said Myers.
'Your suburbs are not safe': Billboard campaign targets sex-trafficking in WI
An edgy public service campaign is coming to a billboard near you. The woman behind the campaign is a daughter, friend, athlete and a sex-trafficking survivor. Emmy Myers says she led a pretty typical childhood. She played soccer, did gymnastics and even earned student of the month at her school. But in her early 20s, she became involved with a man who eventually she says became her trafficker. "He told me that he would keep me safe and I would have a house, food in my stomach," said Myers.
Woman stranded in flood water thanks Good Samaritan who helped her
A Milwaukee woman is thanking a man who stopped to help her when she was stranded on top of her car in flood waters on Friday. It happened Friday morning on I-43 near Good Hope Road. Several drivers had to abandon their cars after heavy rain moved through, flooding the freeway and shutting it down. Danielle Crawford says she was driving to work when traffic came to a standstill. Before she knew it, her front tires were in the water.
Package payback: Milwaukee woman leaves smelly surprise for package thieves
MILWAUKEE — Surveillance video captured two porch pirates on a casual morning stroll. But what they don't know is that the owner of the package they're about to steal actually wants it to get taken. "Usually I get very mad when I see the package get stolen, but now this one I was like proud to show the video," said Jamie, who left a package of sweet revenge on her Milwaukee porch.Out of fear of retaliation, Jamie asked that her identity be concealed and to only use her first name.
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