Willie Johnson, Jr., member of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.
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Content referencing Willie Johnson, Jr.
Reckless Drivers Could Lose Cars Under New County Proposal
Measure backed by seven supervisors would let sheriff tow, impound and dispose of vehicles countywide.
Mar 6th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Tentatively Approve Suspicious Health Contract
Crowley administration pushes approval though not sure of financial details and employee who oversaw contract was fired.
Feb 2nd, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
County Board Wants To Freeze ICE Out of Parks
Supervisors draft vague "law enforcement ordinance."
Jan 22nd, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Nearly All County Supervisors Running Unopposed
15 of 17 incumbents have no opponent in spring election.
Jan 11th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Will County Hike Wheel Tax to Fund Buses?
Facing deep transit cuts, some supervisors consider raising 'extremely unpopular tax.'
Oct 28th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Detox Center, Eviction Lawyers, Student Aid Would Be Cut In 2026
Proposed county budget would slash funding for several human services programs.
Oct 16th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Future Unclear for Senior Centers
Crowley and board at odds; he wants to pause all repairs until long-term plan decided.
Aug 20th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Rejects McGovern Senior Center Project
Controversial project would have involved private housing on public land, but was viewed as only option to save center.
Jun 27th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Approves Expedited Video Release, But Sheriff Must Act
Resolution urges Sheriff to adopt policy similar to city's for Milwaukee Police.
Feb 8th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Back Expedited Video Release Policy for Sheriff
Policy would require this when officers kill or injure anyone but Sheriff opposes it.
Jan 29th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Quickly Adopts 2025 Budget
Board makes few changes to county executive's recommended budget. Adds Domes plan and funding for eviction representation.
Nov 7th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Tight Budget Forces Difficult Vote on Housing, Juvenile Justice
Sup. Shawn Rolland wants $500,000 for a housing program. But his chosen source raises concerns for administration, colleagues.
Nov 1st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Spikes Chair’s Plan For Reduced Bus Fares For Voting
Wide-ranging concerns raised about Marcelia Nicholson's proposal.
Oct 3rd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisor Questions Jail Audit Contract
County Board will consider whether or not to release funding for audit of county jail this month.
Jun 16th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
After Veto, Reporting, Board Reverses Course On 36% Raises For Electeds
Special meeting used to support county executive's original proposal of 11.5%.
Apr 12th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Meet The New Milwaukee County Board
When the next legislative cycle begins, there will be four new supervisors.
Apr 7th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Villa Terrace Will Host 100 Events For 100th Anniversary, Charts Vision For Future
And check out that renovated kitchen.
Apr 6th, 2024 by Michael Horne
County Board Wants Ceasefire In Gaza, But Only By A Narrow Margin
Fight over underlying language divides board.
Mar 22nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Committee Backs Housing Voucher Incentives
Program would incentivize landlords to accept tenants receiving rental assistance.
Mar 16th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
County Funds Black-Owned Bank’s Capital Campaign
Columbia Savings & Loan seeking to raise $10 million in deposits to fund 100 home loans.
Mar 15th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Seek Even Bigger Raises For County Officers
Committee unanimously supports a $33,000 raise for all three constitutional officers.
Mar 7th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
A Battle Over Sheriff’s Bodycam Policy
Two supervisors push for faster public release of video evidence, but committee says no.
Jan 31st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Extends Racine Jail Transfer Contract
Sheriff's office says it needs this option in case of overcrowding.
Dec 26th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Board Approves New Correctional Food Contract
Florida company will serve jail and CRC, replacing much criticized Aramark Corporation.
Dec 23rd, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Board Adopts 2024 Budget, Setting Up Battle With Crowley
The county executive's administration has already pushed back against some of the amendments.
Nov 9th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Recommend Funding for On-Demand Paratransit, Despite Objections
Though the funding is likely not enough, and would be realized by issuing debt.
Nov 6th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Board and County Exec At Odds Over Debt, Spending
Board wants to surpass debt limit given new sales tax, surplus.
Nov 5th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Budget Committee Recommends Correction Officer Raises
Budget amendment would raise starting pay to $30 an hour.
Oct 27th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Groundbreaking For Coggs Center a History Lesson
Trailblazing legislator's legacy continues at new human services building.
Oct 2nd, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Committee Backs Transgender Sanctuary Resolution
In light of recent LGTBQ+ attacks and opposition, Milwaukee County would become transgender safe-haven.
Sep 14th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Policy to Buy Union Cars Advances
Committee approves buying only union-made cars for county operations; policy now goes to full board.
Sep 6th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Engage in the Great Sales Tax Debate
See how and why each supervisor voted the way they did for new tax.
Jul 28th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Debate Sales Tax Hike
Does the board have the 12 votes needed to approve this critical measure?
Jul 19th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
County Sales Tax Hike Gets First Approval
County officials detail future cuts without sales tax plan, as Parks Department is halved and senior centers eliminated.
Jul 17th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Resolution Would Declare Milwaukee a Transgender, Non-Binary Sanctuary
Also proposed is a county policy to oppose bans on gender affirming health care.
Jul 5th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Resolution Supports Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
Resolution instructs county lobbyists to push for such state legislation.
Jun 20th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
County Will Fly Intersex Progress Pride Flag in June
Sup. Peter Burgelis successfully passes resolution for recognition of updated pride flag.
May 26th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Board Approves Jail Probe, Opposes Brewers Subsidy
Plus: Board sends abortion proposal to attorney's for additional review
May 25th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Committee Rejects Abortion Travel Fund
With Republican legislators watching Milwaukee's every move, supervisors reject proposal.
May 9th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Board Almost Blocks Juvenile Justice Funding
A majority of supervisors voted to hold on a $42 million contract without appearing to know what the impact would be.
Feb 2nd, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Committee Approves Funding for Suburban Affordable Housing Projects
But Sup. Peter Burgelis tries to stop subsidy for Wauwatosa development, citing cost.
Jan 27th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Youth Commission Appointments Confirmed
18 high school students appointed to new youth commission.
Dec 20th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
County Board Rejects The ‘Fix at Six’
Board still maintains a policy of opposition to I-94 expansion, but won't support this alternative.
Dec 19th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Abortion Referendum Will Be On Spring Ballots
Advisory referendum on Wisconsin's abortion ban will be on Milwaukee County ballots during April election.
Dec 15th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Approve Affordable Housing Plans
Progress on two major affordable housing projects pushed by Crowley.
Dec 10th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Board Considering Abortion Referendum, Again
Board would place question on April ballot after failing to approve November election proposal.
Dec 8th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Vetoes Lake Park Bluff Proposal
Should neighbors have rights to maintain bluff forever? Crowley says no.
Nov 22nd, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Board Adopts 2023 County Budget
Board spent nearly 12 hours debating amendments, what passed?
Nov 11th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Board Approves Ungendered Bathrooms
And LGBTQ inclusion initiative. 'Access to safe restrooms should be a basic right for every person.'
Sep 27th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Vote Could Send More Youth to Lincoln Hills
Board votes down deal with Racine County to hold youth in its detention center.
Sep 22nd, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Johnsons Park To Be Renamed
Or actually expanded, to include first names of the park's current namesakes.
Sep 19th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Denita Ball Wins Sheriff’s Race
Ball wins with 55% of the vote, defeating Brian Barkow and Thomas Beal.
Aug 9th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene and Graham Kilmer
Crowley Vetoes Downtown Roller Rink
Roller rink in Red Arrow Park won't happen this summer, but idea may not be dead.
Aug 2nd, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Nicholson Shuffles Board’s Leadership
Chairwoman resets board's balance of power, and punishes a rival, with new committee assignments.
May 3rd, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Election Shakes Up County Board
Five of 18 supervisors will be new. Longtime Sup. John Weishan, Jr. upset by Peter Burgelis. A sixth new face could be coming.
Apr 5th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
2022 Milwaukee Spring Election Results
Election results for mayor and county board.
Apr 5th, 2022 by Urban Milwaukee
County Board Candidates
Seven districts out of 18 have competitive races. See who is on your ballot.
Apr 1st, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Committee Opposes Minimum Bail Bills
Rejects Sup. Longdon’s push to support state legislative bills that increase bail.
Mar 20th, 2022 by Gretchen Schuldt
9 Supervisors Unopposed For 2022
Deadline is one week away and nearly 70% of districts have just one candidate running.
Dec 27th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Pension Costs Decimated County Services
New generation of leaders has inherited government unable to pay for parks, buses, buildings and basic services.
Dec 14th, 2021 by Bruce Murphy
Board Adopts New Supervisory Map
After jettisoning their independent process, the board adopted a new map during a marathon meeting Friday night.
Oct 29th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Sheriff Projects $3.9 Million Overtime Deficit
Sheriff blames understaffing. Finance Committee does not accept his report.
Jun 30th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Board Approves Mental Health Crisis Team
Partnering sheriff's deputies and mental health professionals. But some supervisors opposed creating new Sheriff's Deputy positions.
Jun 25th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisor Proposes Renaming Lindbergh Park for Lucille Berrien
Berrien is a long-time activist that was involved in the fair housing marches of the 1960's.
Jun 4th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Board’s Bike Trails Resolution Fails
A proposed ordinance change would have given the board final authority over major trail alterations.
Apr 22nd, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Board Rejoins WI Counties Association
Board had withheld membership dues in January but decides to rejoin group after WCA leaders offer assurances.
Feb 25th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Resolution Cuts Pot Possession Fine to $1
Sup. Ortiz-Velez's county resolution will be mirrored by Glendale proposal, says Mayor Kennedy.
Feb 9th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
County Supervisors Back $1 Pot Penalty
8 board members push plan slashing $500 penalty for possession.
Feb 6th, 2021 by Gretchen Schuldt
Does the Wisconsin Counties Association Help Milwaukee?
Some county officials say no, and are pushing to withdraw from the group.
Jan 25th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Committee Rejects Sheriff Cuts
But it also passed a widely supported increase in spending for services like housing and youth justice.
Nov 5th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Weishan Running for Register of Deeds
After 20 years on the county board Sup. John Weishan, Jr. seeks a better paying position.
May 12th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Nicholson Picks New Board’s Leaders
While new board chair rewarded some allies, some who opposed her retained positions.
May 6th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Nicholson Elected County Board Chairwoman
Marcelia Nicholson beats Willie Johnson, Jr. out for leadership of the county board.
Apr 24th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
New Board Sworn In at a Parking Lot
Nicholson and Johnson, Jr. vying for leadership position of County Board Chairperson.
Apr 20th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Ballots Won’t Have Duplicate Gerrymandering Questions
City rescinds its referendum question after Milwaukee County passed a similar measure.
Feb 27th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Supervisors Push Ex-Offender Voting Rights
Resolution calls for restoring the voting rights of people on parole or probation.
Sep 17th, 2019 by Isiah Holmes
The County’s Queen of Hemp
Why Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez is pushing so hard for county to grow hemp.
Jul 1st, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Last Minute Amendment Saves Job Line
County board will pay to extend bus line to jobs in Waukesha, Washington counties.
Oct 31st, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Labor Battle Looms at Airport
Service and hospitality workers for SSP America demand union vote, may call for picketing or a strike.
Jul 30th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Riverwest Octagon House Cuts Corners
Who built it, when and where? Many mysteries surrounding rare home built in 1850s.
May 2nd, 2018 by Michael Horne
Nessun Dorma The 13th Owner of Bar
Bar's history goes back to 1909. Was first to serve Lakefront Brewery beer, in 1987.
Nov 29th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Circle A Is Classic Riverwest Tavern
Built next to RR track, building a tavern for 120 years, now intimate music venue.
Oct 11th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Historic Sanger House and Gardens
Labor of love brought this 1872 mansion back to life. Tour the property and its beautiful gardens during Doors Open.
Sep 22nd, 2017 by Michael Horne
Quarters Is Very Old School
It's the old Riverwest, not the new, for cheap beer and hard rock.
Sep 12th, 2017 by Michael Horne
The Foundation Goes Back to 1893
Structure has carried neighborhood taps and now Milwaukee's go-to Tiki bar, Foundation.
Aug 4th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Jabari Parker’s New Bachelor Pad
Bucks star still owns $570,000 Grafton home; now has a cool Brewers Hill warehouse.
Jul 7th, 2017 by Michael Horne
High Dive’s Equitable Atmosphere
For decades a mom-and-pop tavern; now a hip hangout.
Jun 16th, 2017 by Michael Horne
A Tiny Odd Beauty in Riverwest
Mediterranean Revival home was long an office for landscape firm.
Apr 3rd, 2017 by Michael Horne
Will County Give Pension to State?
Board approves work group to study state takeover of pension system.
Mar 23rd, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Tiny Squirrel Cage Hard to Find
Peculiar old Riverwest tavern has 500 square feet, no tap beers, squirrelly atmosphere.
Nov 25th, 2016 by Michael Horne
The Whitnall House
One of handful of Pre-Civil War homes in City, was birthplace of the "Father of Milwaukee Parks System."
Sep 21st, 2016 by Michael Horne
The Riverwest 24 Countdown House
109-year old Pierce St. duplex is unremarkable, save for its RW24 spirit.
Jul 28th, 2016 by Michael Horne
TWO Is For Couples, Get It?
Yep, the former Riverwest tailor shop is a tavern with intimate booths for TWOsomes.
Jul 14th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Riverwest Tavern Is Very Dog-Friendly
There's been a neighborhood bar here for 100 years. The dogs are more recent.
Jun 1st, 2016 by Michael Horne
County Pension Scandal Poster Boys
Six veterans seeking re-election voted for infamous pension plan that ripped off taxpayers.
Mar 3rd, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Ald. Kovac’s “Adult” Home Is Very Modest
The 1893 Riverwest home has just 1.5 stories and one bathroom with 10% ventilation.
Jan 22nd, 2016 by Michael Horne
County Will Allow Politics in Parks
“Bizarre” ban on political activity had restricted free speech for more than a decade.
Jan 19th, 2016 by Virginia Small
Community Works to Reclaim Park
Harambee neighborhood organizers looking for ideas to improve park at Burleigh and MLK Dr.
Mar 9th, 2015 by Wyatt Massey
The County Board’s Anti-Environmental Boondoggle
Its Estabrook Dam decision will cost taxpayers millions and harm environment.
Feb 17th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Will County Pass Another Pension Giveaway?
Board members favor a “grandfather clause” protecting retirees with illegal payments that could cost taxpayers $10 million.
Feb 3rd, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
