Weekend Roundup: Lawmakers Unanimously Pass ‘Ethan’s Law’

In a unanimous decision, state lawmakers have approved “Ethan’s Law” in honor of Ethan Hauschultz, of Manitowoc, who was fatally beaten at the age of 7 by his guardian in 2018. The law makes it illegal for human services to place a child with a foster parent who’s been convicted of any criminal offense related to child abuse.

A spokesperson for Gov. Tony Evers said the governor plans to sign the bill into law, though a signing date has not been scheduled yet.

This Weekend: Native Art Marketplace

The third annual Native Art Marketplace takes place this weekend at the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant in North Freedom.

There will be in-person displays as well as a virtual component of the exhibition.

“To make something simple look simply beautiful. It’s a personal love and I love to share it,” Ho-Chunk artist Leah Winneshiek told the Green Bay Press Gazette. “It brings me joy to know others enjoy my work.”

Man Given Nearly 5 Years In Prison For COVID-19 Relief Fraud

A Pewaukee businessman has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $1 million in federal coronavirus relief funding meant for struggling businesses.

Prosecutors say 47-year-old Thomas Smith involved seven other people, including his brother, in a scheme to get federal funding for phantom companies.

U.S. District Judge Brett Ludwig told Smith Wednesday that he hopes a 57-month prison sentence and two years of supervision would let him get back on track as a contributing member of society. Ludwig also ordered Smith to repay the money he obtained through the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which offered businesses forgivable loans if used for payroll, rent and other specific expenses.

Record For Warm June Temperature On Track To Be Broken

Forecasters predict southern Wisconsin may see record temperatures for this time of year this weekend.

In Madison, the records for June 4, 5 and 6 are 88, 92 and 91, respectively, reports the Wisconsin State Journal. Temperatures Friday through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service, should reach 88, 92 and 91.

There also isn’t a chance of rain until Sunday, making way for severe drought conditions.

Wauwatosa Considers Safety Measures For Panhandling

The city of Wauwatosa is in the process of reviewing safety measures for panhandlers and those in traffic around them.

There have been nearly 400 complaints filed with the Wauwatosa Police Department concerning panhandlers since 2018, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. But policies focused on enforcement and discouragement don’t always address the issue.

“I think oftentimes communities jump immediately into the enforcement side, and I’m hopeful this time around there will be some more grace and recognizing that every individual standing on the corner is a community member,” Eric Collins-Dyke, the assistant administrator of supportive housing and homeless services for Milwaukee County, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “They live with us, they deserve to be treated with dignity and offered assistance if they need it.”

Cows Mark End To Police Chase

Early this week in Barron County, a police chase ended with a herd of cows.

The fleeing driver steered into a farm after about 13 miles and was met with a line of cattle. The driver was taken into custody.

‘Museum-As-Monument’: Greendwood Rising

This New York Times feature walks readers through Greenwood Rising, a “museum-as-monument” in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Greenwood Rising is “devoted to three nested narratives: the long story of racial violence in the United States; the story of a Black community that, for a time, managed to avoid that violence; and the story of what happened when that violence finally descended,” the Times’ Holland Cotter writes.

Editor’s note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.