Please Click here to view the 2020 Whitefish Bay Police Annual Report. The year 2020 was like no other that our community has been through. Early on, we were faced with the start of a global pandemic that radically altered the day to day lives of all people. Our agency worked hard to continue to provide high quality services to the residents and guests of Whitefish Bay in a manner that was safe to both citizens and employees. Like all other professions, law enforcement did not have large quantities of personal protective equipment to last through a global pandemic. We put out a request to our residents for assistance. The residents of this community responded and came to our assistance. We were overwhelmed with donations of N95 masks, nitrile gloves, and sanitizing supplies. This is truly a community that looks out for one another.

In May, the world witnessed the death of George Floyd and the resulting outcry for police reform. Citizens of the world took to the streets to demand justice and reform. The greater Milwaukee area saw protests and demonstrations. Several made their way through Whitefish Bay and were non-violent. Our officers did a tremendous job in balancing the need for safety while ensuring people were allowed to express their feelings and emotions. Our agency took the time to review our policies and practices to ensure we comply with the current best practices in law enforcement. We continue to look for ways to improve our agency and our profession.

Whitefish Bay saw a total increase in crime by three percent from 2019. Crimes against persons and society decreased while crimes against property increased. This may be due to more people being home during the pandemic and an increase in online shopping and packages being delivered. Whitefish Bay remains a very low crime community.

Having great employees is what makes our department shine. Three officers decided 2020 was the time to leave and try other professions. We wish them the best of luck in their new careers and were sad to see them leave. We conducted a thorough hiring process and were lucky to hire two officers with previous law enforcement experience. We are excited have Jordan Murphy and Melissa Stuczynski on our team.

While 2020 was a tough year for everyone, it reinforced what a great community Whitefish Bay is. Our officers missed being a part of the many community events and celebrations. We hope that 2021 allows us to return to the community interactions we all enjoy. Our staff is honored to serve and protect this amazing community - Interim Chief Patrick Whitaker

Join us on Silver Spring Drive on the first Thursday of each month, June through September, for a few extra hours of shopping (and sipping!). Participating businesses will stay open from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and will offer wine (June and August) and beer (July and September) for you to enjoy. Plus, you can expect special promotions and great live music each evening.

Check-in under the clock to get your wristband and a map of participating Merchants. A fun night out with friends, while supporting local businesses? It doesn’t get much better than that!

Participating Merchants include: Winkies Hallmark & Gifts, Fitness Together, Gallery 505/The Great Frame Up, Hounds around Town, Burn Boot Camp, Indulge Salon + Skin, Yellow Wood, Breadsmith, Pure Barre, Ananda Citta, Endless Smiles, Gerhard’s Kitchen & Bath, The Bay, Aster and Ivy, Elements Massage, and The Navy Knot.

At the May 17 Village Board meeting, following the guidance of the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) regarding the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, the Whitefish Bay Village Board unanimously rescinded Village Ordinance 1869 regarding facemasks for indoor public spaces in Whitefish Bay effective immediately.

Per the North Shore Health Department, approximately 90.79% of Whitefish Bay residents over 16 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (as of 5/18/21).

Individuals can receive a COVID-19 vaccine via the North Shore Health Department, a number of local pharmacies, or their personal health care provider. Visit https://www.nshealthdept.org/ for more information regarding COVID-19 vaccines or to schedule an appointment. It is at the discretion of individual businesses, government/school facilities, and local organizations to individually implement their own facemask requirements.

Property Tax Reminder: 3rd and final Tax Installment Payment is due May 31, 2021. May 31 is a holiday, please plan accordingly.

What happens if I missed a payment due date? For any property tax bill where payment is not made timely, the bill is considered delinquent and the remaining balance is subject to interest and penalty. If a payment is missed, the installment plan is no longer available and the balance is due in full. Pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes and Village of Whitefish Bay Municipal Code, delinquent property tax bills are charged 1.5% interest and penalty per month (in the calculation of interest and penalty, a partial month is considered a full month). Interest and penalty are charged retroactive to February 1, 2021.

Want to be more involved in your community? The Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation is looking for new board members and has multiple positions to fill.

Members of this working, all-volunteer board must enjoy volunteering, care about the Whitefish Bay community, and feel as comfortable communicating with an important sponsor as they do rolling up their sleeves to clean up after an event. The board is specifically looking for members with experience in event planning, marketing or accounting.

Board members support the Foundation’s events — like Bay Day, 4th of July, Sounds of Summer, the Great Pumpkin Festival and more — that make our community a great place to live, work and play. Members will also have a hand in evaluating grant and scholarship recipients, while working with others on the board to support the organization’s infrastructure.

If you want to make a difference as a Civic Foundation board member, please contact us at board@wfbcivicfoundation.org, and tell us why you would be great for the foundation.

Locale: Silver Spring Drive & Klode Park

Details: What’s the Best Day in the Bay? You know it’s the 4th of July! We are thrilled to be keeping the tradition going in 2021. We are making some modifications from years past, but we fully anticipate a great day of celebration for all.

The Parade: The Fourth of July parade route is going to look a little different this year. To allow for people to spread out and gather safely, the Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation has elongated the parade route. Whitefish Bay’s Fourth of July parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. and travels from Kent Ave. & Silver Spring Dr., east to Silver Spring Dr. & Marlborough Dr., south to Marlborough Dr. & Chateau Pl., ending at the northeast corner of Cahill Park. We anticipate the parade ending at 1:00 p.m.

The Park: We are currently finalizing details for kids games, live music and food vendors for the festival at Klode Park after the parade. Social distancing and community health practices are encouraged.

The Fireworks: Klode Park will again host the annual fireworks display. Fireworks begin at dusk; remember your chairs and blankets to watch the fireworks. Social distancing and community health practices are encouraged. More info to come on the Klode Park Festival and Fireworks!

Whitefish Bay Public Library Summer Hours: Starting June 1, the library’s new hours will be:

Masks still required for patrons and staff per the Library Board of Trustees approval of the Library Renewing Services Plan established in May 2020. The Board will revisit this plan at the next meeting on Tuesday, June 1 (please note the date change for the meeting). Click here for Library Board Meeting Information.

Summer Programming: Check out our events calendar for our upcoming summer programming including outdoor all ages storytime, take and makes, zoom crafting sessions and more. And don’t forget about our summer reading program for all ages. Registration begins on June 14.

After choosing a sunny spot to grow vegetables, consider natural companion plants in your garden plan. Companion planting serves many purposes — boosting nutrients in the soil, pest control, pollination, maximizing space, and even boosting flavor.

One perfect example is a three sisters garden. Native American tribes have practiced three sisters gardening for generations. They plant corn, beans, and pumpkins or squash. You can substitute another tall stalk for the corn, like sunflowers. The beans climb the stalks, leaving the ground for the sprawling squash vines. The beans stabilize the corn in the wind, and they provide nitrogen for the soil. The large squash leaves shade the ground, trapping moisture and blocking weeds.

If you are starting a vegetable garden plot, search the web for each plant and its companions (i.e. Google search: tomato companion plants), and keep in mind the ancient practice of companion planting to boost your garden’s chance for success. By Darcie Warren, Whitefish Bay Garden Club

Update From Bay Bridge - Community Message Garden:

Solar In Whitefish Bay: Thinking about going solar? Grow Solar Greater Milwaukee is a great way to reduce your energy bills, support the local economy, and help create a healthier environment!

If you are a Milwaukee County home or business owner, attend a free, virtual Power Hour webinar on Zoom to learn more about the Grow Solar Greater Milwaukee, a program that makes solar more accessible and affordable in our community. Come learn about the basics of solar, its financial benefits, and how the solar group-buy program works. After the session, you can schedule a free, no-obligation site assessment/cost estimate with our competitively-selected solar installer.

Visit GreaterMilwaukee.GrowSolar.org for more information. Come join us and see if solar is right for you! Contact Peter Murphy, Solar Program Director at MREA with any questions.

2021 Grad Grams Are Due by May 31!

Send a thoughtful message to the graduating seniors of Whitefish Bay High School! Purchase a half-sheet Grad Gram ($1.00), and then write a message, decorate, or add photos. Each will be added to personalized books that seniors will receive at graduation rehearsal. Use the this flyer to order.

North Shore Health Department Highlights - Correct Posture:

There is no one size fits all perfect posture, but we can take steps to improve our posture.

Healthy posture helps the spine be strong and stable and the body walk, stand and lie in positions that put it in the least amount of strain. Slouching and stooping can lead to back pain, headaches, and other problems, as the body strains to keep balance.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) advises posture can be improved through posture awareness, healthy movement strategies and proper ergonomics. Improving and maintaining good posture can help prevent injury.

The Mayo Clinic recommends