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

WAUWATOSA, 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 Wauwatosa Patch for the past year:

Wauwatosa School District Pauses AVID Program Amid Allegations

The Wauwatosa School District's Board of Education paused a college and career readiness program and announced an investigation into its contracting practices in response to allegations of a conflict of interest involving a a school administrator and her spouse.

Earlier this year, the school board approved a three-year, $170,539 contract with AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, a nonprofit that described itself as a group that "changes lives by helping schools shift to a more equitable, student-centered approach."
The apparent conflict of interest involved Kristin Bowers, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for the district, and her husband, Brett Bowers, who is a regional associate senior director with AVID

Teen Charged In Tosa Fatal Hit-And-Run Makes Court Appearance

Jayden Adams, 13, of Milwaukee, was charged Oct. 20 with six felonies, including first-degree reckless homicide and hit-and-run causing death. If convicted, Adams faces over 80 years in prison. Police said the victim, Sunita Suratu Balogun-Olayiwola, 47, tried to intervene in an auto theft at the Holiday Inn located at 11111 W. North Ave., according to the criminal complaint.

68-Year-Old Garden And Pet Supply Biz To Close In Wauwatosa

Wisconsin Garden & Pet Supplies, 8520 W. North Ave., closed in July. The store first opened in 1953 under Chuck Gerlach and was later inherited by his children, Bob, Dan, Sue and Tom Gerlach.

Dan Gerlach told Patch. "We're old enough that we can retire and enjoy life at this point," he said. "This business has been very successful and busier than ever."

Wauwatosa Common Council Rejects Proposed Mexican Restaurant

Gabbi and Betsi Zierath, the sisters behind Elm Grove's popular restaurant Zisters, proposed a modern and trendy Mexican restaurant called Hermanas to replace Thirsty Duck, 11320 W. Bluemound Rd. which closed in 2020. The Wauwatosa Common Council denied the proposal in a 13-3 vote during the March 16 meeting.

'Don't Want Her Story Forgotten': Grieving Mom Speaks Of Loss

Autumn Gentry discussed life without her 3-year-old daughter, Isla. The little girl, who was affectionally nicknamed "Isla Bear," died in August from acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive form of cancer.

Former Tosa Officer Mensah Sworn In As Waukesha County Deputy

Joseph Mensah, the former Wauwautosa police officer involved in three fatal police shootings, is now a deputy with the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office.

Wauwatosa Restaurant Continues To Face Challenges After Storms

Bad storms in August caused businesses along North Avenue to close for several days. But Tosa Bowl and Bun, 7212 W North Ave. in Wauwatosa, continued to face challenges.

Dog Gives Wauwatosa Family Bliss During Pandemic

A dog wasn't in the plans for the Storey family in Wauwatosa until the coronavirus and pandemic caused them to reconsider. A 4-month-old mutt —Jet — grabbed Kim Storey's attention. He is a mixed-breed dog, part blue heeler, Labrador retriever, boxer and Staffordshire terrier. "I saw Jet's face and I completely fell in love with him," Kim said.

Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber Announces Retirement

Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber announced his retirement from his position after serving for over three decades. His retirement was effective June 1. Weber has been in law enforcement for over forty-eight years, serving as Police Chief for the City of Wauwatosa for the last thirty-one years.

Wauwatosa Luxury Tower Proposal Pulled Before Council Meeting

Developers of a 20-story, 340-unit apartment tower proposal pulled their application shortly before a February Common Council meeting.

The proposal faced final approval or denial during the meeting.

The development, proposed by Mo's Irish Pub owner John "Johnny V" Vassallo, was at 10845 W. Bluemound on the former Edwardo's Natural Pizza site on the southwest corner of the intersection of U.S. Highway 18 and state Highway 100. The building would sit across the street from Mo's.