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

WAUKESHA, 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 Waukesha Patch for the past year:

Teen Hurt In Waukesha Parade Gets Surprise From J.J. Watt

Tyler Pudleiner, 17, was recovering after being seriously hurt in the Nov. 21 Christmas parade. Pudleiner was marching with the Waukesha South High School concert band and was injured when a man drove through marchers and spectators, killing six people and injuring more than 60. On Thanksgiving, he was shocked to find a video message from none other than J.J. Watt, a Waukesha County native and defensive end for the NFL Arizona Cardinals. He was also sent a jersey, a hat and a flag all personalized.

Waukesha Christmas Parade: 5 Killed Sunday Identified

This story was published before a sixth person, Jackson Sparks died from the Nov. 21 Christmas parade incident.

The other people killed were:

• Virginia Sorenson, 79.
• LeAnna Owen, 71.
• Tamara Durand, 52.
• Jane Kulich, 52.
• Wilhelm Hospel, 81.

Condo Residents In Waukesha Got 15 Minute Evacuation Notice

Alicia Halvensleben discussed her experience after being told to pack up her belongings and leave her condo of almost six years within 15 minutes.

Halvensleben and other residents of Horizon West Condominium Homes, 315 N. West Ave., were evacuated Thursday night because officials feared the 48-unit building was in danger of collapsing. Neighboring properties at 323 N. West Ave. and 307 N. West Ave. were also evacuated.

Waukesha County Boy, 12, Raises Money For Dog's Cancer Treatments

Aiden Vorachack,12, of Pewaukee raised money for his dog Ryder to have chemo treatments.

Vorachack held lemonade stands to pay for the dog's treatments. The Pewaukee Fire and Police Departments showed up, along with many Pewaukee residents to show support.

Milwaukee Man Takes Driver's License Photo With Half A Beard

Peter Woods, 34, sported a half-beard and half-mustache when he went into the Department of Motor Vehicles to renew his license in late February.

Parents Protest Over Decision To Opt Out Of School Lunch Program

Community members protested against the Waukesha Board of Education's June decision to opt out of a federal program that gives all students free lunch.

The district had the options of using federal waivers for the Seamless Summer Option, a federal initiative that would give free or reduced-cost lunches — without income requirements — to all students. Waukesha was the only district in the state to opt-out of the federal program. Previously, the school district had been using the waivers for the Summer Food Service Program.

Lou Malnati's Pizza Plans Waukesha Location

Lou Malnati announced a location opening in the retail building at 2720 N. Grandview Boulevard. The building also houses a Verizon Store, Great Clips and Starbucks drive-thru.
The space leased by the Chicago-based pizza place used to hold a Firehouse Subs shop.

Pat's Rib Place To Temporarily Close In Waukesha

Pat's Rib Place, located at 151 E. Sunset Drive, announced on it was temporarily closing due to staffing issues. The restaurant first opened in 2009, with a focus on Southern-style barbecue as a tribute to the owner, Alisha Hayes' mother, Pat, and her Southern cooking style. Hayes owns the restaurant along with her husband Ty Hayes.

Pat's meats are smoked daily and often served with homemade sauces, which the restaurant also sells by the jar. Oprah's 2020 Favorite Things List included items from the Waukesha restaurant. Hayes is Oprah's niece.

Waukesha Pizzeria Owner Amazed At Support After Dumpster Issue

A Waukesha pizzeria owner got an unpleasant surprise after someone dumped a large amount of wood and packaging into his dumpster.

Erik Burgos owns EB's MKE Pizza Co. at 821 Meadowbrook Road in Waukesha. Burgos said all tenants are responsible for taking care of their own dumpsters, and he faced higher costs as a result of the illegal dumping. Chris Tennessen, owner of CT Services offered to take care of the items.

Milwaukee Radio Host And Mother-In-Law Find Kidney Matches

Elizabeth Kay, a radio host for 99.1 The Mix, has told listeners about trying to be a kidney donor for her mother-in-law, Camille.

"Due to a shortage of operating room space, Camille gets her kidney (from a donor in California) on March 25 and I go in for my surgery on March 30 and my kidney is going to Kentucky! All things considered, this went relatively quickly which we are so thankful for," Kay told Patch.

Waukesha Mayor 'Ashamed' Of Being Member Of Republican Party

City of Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly's comment was in response to Wednesday's breach on the U.S. Capitol Building. Reilly said on social media he was "so upset" after a mob fought with police, pushed through clouds of tear gas and posed for selfies inside the U.S. Capitol in January.