Devin Blake, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service Journalist Profile

Articles

New dashboard helps keep track of Milwaukee youths in the justice system

1 week ago | milwaukeenns.org | Devin Blake

A new dashboard provides real-time data on Milwaukee County youths in secure care, which includes county-run detention centers and state-run juvenile correctional facilities. Loved ones, the general public and policymakers can use it to better keep track of where exactly the youths are within the juvenile justice system.
Here is where you can find affordable summer programs and camps around Milwaukee

1 week ago | onmilwaukee.com | Princess Byers |Devin Blake

Now that spring is here, it’s already time to start planning your child’s summer. From sports to nature, there are free and affordable summer camps and programs available throughout the city to help keep your kids busy. Here’s a roundup. (Did we miss anything? Please let us know in the comments or email us.) Urban Ecology Center The Urban Ecology Center is now taking registrations for more than 100 summer programs at the organization’s locations in Menomonee Valley; 3700 W.
Utility disconnections resume April 15. Here's what you need to know

1 week ago | onmilwaukee.com | Princess Byers |Devin Blake

If you or anyone you know has an outstanding utility bill, it’s time to make payment arrangements or apply for financial assistance. The annual winter moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment expires on Tuesday, April 15. The moratorium runs Nov.1 to April. 15 and prohibits utility providers from disconnecting residential heating services because of nonpayment. Customers who are behind on their bills may be at risk of disconnection if payment arrangements are not established by April 15.
Milwaukee leaders say ICE is scaring people away from essential services at the courthouse

2 weeks ago | milwaukeenns.org | Devin Blake

Standing in the rotunda at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, Darryl Morin, national president of Forward Latino, pointed toward 10th Street and asked if anybody noticed the U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicle outside. He argued that it is exactly this sort of presence of federal immigration agents that will deter the immigrant community from coming to the courthouse.
Milwaukee jazz icon Manty Ellis gets national recognition

2 weeks ago | onmilwaukee.com | Princess Byers |Devin Blake |Meredith Melland

Manty Ellis is known as the godfather of Milwaukee jazz. Ellis, 92, has been playing jazz music and has paved the way for others to play jazz since the 1960s. On Feb.18, the Jazz Foundation of America announced Ellis was one of 20 inaugural fellows for the Jazz Legacies Fellowship, an initiative launched by the JFA in partnership with the Mellon Foundation. The fellowship honors each recipient with a lifetime achievement award and an unrestricted grant of $100,000.
How Jim Gaillard works to ensure Milwaukee has safe electrical wiring

2 weeks ago | onmilwaukee.com | Princess Byers |Devin Blake |Meredith Melland |Julius Shieh

Jim Gaillard took the long, hard road to become a master electrician. Now he works to make sure others have an easier path. After more than 20 years as a master electrician, Gaillard’s mission is to ensure Milwaukee has safe electrical wiring and well-trained, high-quality electricians in the heart of the community.
What to know before voting on April 1

3 weeks ago | onmilwaukee.com | Devin Blake |Meredith Melland |Julius Shieh

On Tuesday, Milwaukee residents have the opportunity to vote on both local and statewide matters. Here’s what to know about how to vote and what’s being voted on. What to know about registering A person cannot vote unless they are registered to do so and cannot register unless they are 18 years of age on Election Day, provided they are a U.S. citizen and a resident of Wisconsin.
What to know before voting on April 1

3 weeks ago | milwaukeenns.org | Devin Blake

On Tuesday, Milwaukee residents have the opportunity to vote on both local and statewide matters. Here’s what to know about how to vote and what’s being voted on. A person cannot vote unless they are registered to do so and cannot register unless they are 18 years of age on Election Day, provided they are a U.S. citizen and a resident of Wisconsin.
Have you or your child met your new school resource officer yet?

3 weeks ago | onmilwaukee.com | Devin Blake |Princess Byers |Meredith Melland |Julius Shieh

Police returned to Milwaukee Public Schools last week, something that has provoked strong opinions both from those for and against. While school administrators and police officials obviously have an important role in how it plays out, we want to know what the people directly affected by this change think.
The state is holding a public hearing on the Social Development Commission

3 weeks ago | onmilwaukee.com | Meredith Melland |Julius Shieh |Devin Blake |Princess Byers

The Social Development Commission, or SDC, is encouraging members of the public to attend a hearing on the agency’s future as a community action agency on Friday, April 4. Here is what we know. How to attend the hearing The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, or DCF, is hosting the hearing from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Milwaukee State Office Building, 819 N. 6th St., in Conference Rooms 40 and 45 on the first floor.