Brookfield's Most-Read Stories: 2021 Year In Review

BROOKFIELD, WI — With another year coming to a close, it's time to look back on the things that happened in 2021.

Here are some of the most-read stories from the Brookfield Patch for the past year:

Jose's Blue Sombrero In Brookfield Permanently Closed

The Jose's Blue Sombrero, 20371 W. Bluemound Road, closed temporarily on January 5 due to a fire. According to owner Joseph DeRosa, the fire, which started inside a kitchen wall, caused extensive damage and the cost of necessary repairs do not make economical business sense.

Hotel Development Announced For Brookfield

IM Properties purchased 4.25 acres of land which includes the now-closed La Quinta hotel, KFC and Jose's Blue Sombrero. IM has entered into an agreement with Marriott International in which IM will develop, own and operate a premium, full-service Tribute Portfolio hotel. The expected 140-room hotel will be located on the west side of Lord Street and will form part of the next phase of the mixed-use development, which IM is calling the West End. The hotel is scheduled to open by summer 2024.

Man Arrested In Brookfield Hit-And-Run Death: Police

A 57-year-old Brookfield man was arrested in connection with a hit-and-run death in October.

A 66-year-old Brookfield man was killed while walking westbound on Capitol Drive and west of Calhoun Road, according to the City of Brookfield Police Department. The man was hit by at least two cars, police said.

Brookfield Couple Who Landed 'Shark Tank' Deal Returns To Show

A Brookfield couple, who won an investment in their sleeping product after pitching to investors on ABC TV's "Shark Tank", returned to the show for a rare same season follow-up. Matt Mundt, who founded and started Hug Sleep in 2019 with only $2,500 landed a $300,000 investment deal in exchange for a 20% stake in Hug Sleep.

Brookfield Couple With Over 20 Kids Officially Adopts New Son

O'Brien family welcomed a new son into their large Brookfield family. A virtual adoption day ceremony was held for Timothy James O'Brien, 12. Lori O'Brien and her husband, Dan O'Brien opened up their home and hearts to 14 adopted and three biological children. They have also raised a nephew and four foster children and now have 22 grandchildren. The couple welcomed their first great-grandchild born on Thursday. Nine children 6 to 15 now live in their Brookfield home.

Brookfield Passes 'Whitewashed' Black History Month Resolution

The Common Council approved a Black History Month resolution revised by Mayor Steve Ponto. The mayor said the original version was "negative" in tone, but students and an alderman who drafted the original expressed disappointment in the revised resolution. Aldermen Mike Hallquist, who helped draft the original, and Rick Owen voted against Ponto's revised version. Hallquist accused the mayor of trying to "whitewash" history.

Sex Survey Not Approved By Elmbrook School Board Or District

The School District of Elmbrook apologized after it was made aware that a Brookfield Central High School teacher distributed an anonymous digital survey about sexual activity to students.

Brett Gruetzmacher, Brookfield Central principal, said in a statement that the survey was intended to initiate a conversation about abstinence and behaviors that can lead to sexually transmitted infections. "This survey was not approved through the District's Human Growth and Development Curriculum, and should not have been delivered," Gruetzmacher said.

New Garbage Contract Approved By Brookfield Council

The City of Brookfield Common Council approved a deal with a new garbage contractor, GFL (Green for Life), which will begin in 2022. There had been an uptick in missed garbage and recycling pickups. Sometimes a single house was impacted, but sometimes whole blocks missed their collection.

Elmbrook Parent Sues District Over Face Mask Policy

An Elmbrook School District parent who once called face masks "satanic" filed a lawsuit against the district over its face mask policy, arguing that requiring her to wear a mask at a meeting violated her religious rights and that there is no county emergency order to enforce a mask mandate. Heidi Anderson filed a suit in Waukesha County Circuit Court on April 14.

Dispute Over Sports Cards Leads To Fight In Brookfield: Police

The City of Brookfield Police responded to a fight at Target, 12725 W. Bluemound Rd., according to a police news release.

Callers reported witnessing several people involved and that they were actively fighting outside the store entrance. It was also reported that one person was armed with a handgun, police said.
Through investigation, it was determined that a 35-year-old male victim was physically assaulted by four males ranging in age from 23-35 years of age as he exited the store.

Investigation revealed the altercation appeared to have stemmed from a disagreement involving the purchase/possession of sports trading cards obtained from Target, police said.