Friday, November 28, 2025
Friday, November 29, 2024
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Racine shows it now has the capacity to play bigger role as host city
Caroline Neal
RACINE — Downtown Racine residents may have noticed more statewide conferences and other large gatherings in the city.
Some business owners and leaders attribute this uptick to recent developments in the area, such as Hotel Verdant, as well as the new management at Festival Park.
The addition of these facilities, they say, give the city the capacity to host large events.
Since September, Downtown Racine has hosted statewide conferences including Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Downtown Development Placemaking Workshop and the Wisconsin Public Transportation Annual Fall Conference.
“I think for people who have not been to Downtown Racine from across the state, (they) don’t realize what a gem it is — the proximity, the walkability,” said Kelly Kruse, executive director of Downtown Racine Corporation. “The architecture is probably some of the best in the state when it comes to our historic buildings.”
Kruse said the WEDC’s training conference brought together more than 40 downtown directors and board members from across the state in September.
Kruse said that in 2021, Racine hosted a regional one-day workshop but had not hosted a statewide training.
Christopher Adams, developer for Hotel Verdant, said the boutique hotel has 80 rooms, adding about 40% more rooms to the downtown area when combined with the DoubleTree.
When these conferences come to town, Adams said he sees an increase in business.
“When we had the transit event in October, both hotels, I believe, were (at) 100% occupancy,” he said.
Although he said there’s not really a “standard day” because the day of week and time of year can affect occupancy, Downtown Racine hosting an event is “definitely helpful,” Adams said.
Trevor Jung, transit and mobility director for RYDE Racine, said the group volunteered to host the Wisconsin Public Transportation Annual Fall Conference last month.
The conference brought more than 200 transit professionals to Downtown Racine and Memorial Hall.
“But the only reason that we were able to put our hand in the air and bring this event to Racine … was because of the ecosystem that now allows for it in downtown,” he said.
Patrick Flynn is the founder of 5k Events, which is general manager of Festival Park.
Since Flynn took over management, Festival Park has hosted political events for both Republican and Democratic figures.
In June, President-elect Donald Trump spoke at Festival Park.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz rallied supporters in October at Memorial Hall; a week later, Vice President-elect JD Vance also addressed a crowd in Memorial Hall.
“Everybody benefits from those events, not just us,” said Kevin MacDougall, Festival Park’s director of sales. “The spider web extends out into the community. We all work together because it’s in everybody’s best interest to make the downtown vibrant. Whether we’re hosting an event, we help the DRC promote their event and vice versa. It’s not competitive at all. It’s collaborative.”
Adams said Hotel Verdant coordinates with other businesses on “an ongoing basis” to accommodate their needs.
“I’ve been reaching out to businesses in downtown and trying to see how we can work together with different folks,” he said.
Tamara LoPiparo, owner of The Maple Table, believes the economic effect is a “rising tide raises all ships” situation.
“Hopefully, the economic impact of these events will encourage people to spend not only in the bars and restaurants, but also all the wonderful little shops we have,” she said.
For Kruse, these conferences might help increase foot traffic during the week, when small businesses have fewer people walking through their doors. Often, she said, these conferences occur during non-summer months, which can also be challenging periods for small businesses.
“Having the influx of people from out of town that have money to spend on going out to eat, maybe doing some shopping that they weren’t expecting on their lunch break while they’re here for a conference — all of these things can play a major impact,” she said.
Red Onion Cafe’s owner Corey Oakland said that although his business is “fortunate” to be busy on the weekends and weekdays, he believes these conferences can have an impact beyond the event itself.
“One of the things that I always say I really miss, as an example, would be when the triathlon was in the area,” Oakland said. “We literally got to know people from around the world that would be here. You’d see them once or twice a year. They’d come in, and you’d, in a way, get to know these people.”
Having large events in town that fill up the hotels can have a positive impact for the cafe as it would encourage people to grab a coffee or stop in for lunch, he said.
“You can’t deny that if you bring several hundred people into a downtown area, it’s going to have a positive impact,” Oakland said. “Not every store may feel that impact, but it’s definitely sort of a trickle down situation.”
Still, he said Racine’s location in between Chicago and Milwaukee can make it challenging for the city to compete as a host.
Oakland also said that Racine’s distance from the interstate isolates it, which could be a drawback for companies trying to make transportation to a convention easier.
“As somebody who’s lived here for many, many years, it’s not a huge issue,” he said. “But for somebody who’s considering a convention, that might be something of a barrier.”
This, he said, is why Racine’s location on Lake Michigan is important.
“It’s worth the 20 minute drive from the freeway to see where we’re situated on the lake,” Oakland said.
Adams, like Oakland, said Racine’s spot on Lake Michigan — as well as the Root River, the marina and the historic downtown — makes the city a good location for conferences.
“It’s a quaint, mid-sized city that a lot of people haven’t seen before. It’s got a lot going for it,” he said.
Kruse said the historic element of Downtown Racine’s architecture still remains because of the city’s strict codes.
And while these requirements can be frustrating for new property and business owners, Kruse said the codes have been a “blessing.”
“It certainly makes a big difference on the overall aesthetic,” she said.
Kruse said the walkability of downtown also is a draw for Racine — a belief shared by LoPiparo.
Whereas bigger cities like Milwaukee can be tough to navigate, in Racine “everything’s just a couple of footsteps away,” LoPiparo said.
“Some of these people coming in, if they’re staying at (Hotel) Verdant or DoubleTree, they might not even necessarily need a rental car because they can walk to all the restaurants, they can walk to Festival Hall,” she said. “Everything is there for them.”
The variety of Racine’s restaurants is another benefit for the city.
“We have so many restaurants, which when you are traveling, restaurants and being a foodie is a big deal. Having the array of restaurants and hospitality that we have is great,” Kruse said. “It’s really exciting that we finally have everything that we need to be a host city.”
For the WEDC conference, Kruse said DRC made sure visitors had the necessary information in their welcome bags, including a downtown visitors guide as well as a list of open restaurants and the self-guided walking tours and day trips.
“Not only were we able to have that foot traffic those days that they were in town, but giving them a reason to come back is really important,” Kruse said. “So that we’re really making that connection. Not just, ‘Hey, thanks for coming by,’ but we’re working directly with all of these and saying, ‘Here’s a reason to come back.’”
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Minimal road restrictions expected for Trump's Tuesday visit, according to police
RACINE — There will be no full road closures Tuesday as former President Donald Trump visits Downtown Racine and businesses can expect to operate as usual, according to police.
Doors for the campaign event open at 11 a.m. at Festival Park, 5 Fifth St. Trump is scheduled to speak at 3 p.m., according to event organizers.
A protest also is planned to take place at Monument Square, according to Racine Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Kristi Wilcox.
Wilcox said while no streets will be fully closed, drivers should anticipate some traffic delays at intersections and parking restrictions throughout downtown.
Rotary Park Drive will be shut down between Fifth and Sixth streets, and Fifth Street from Lake Avenue to Festival Hall will be shut down, according to Wilcox
Access to the Lake Avenue ramp will be open from Lake Avenue but not from Fifth Street, Wilcox said.
Local law enforcement will be present to manage traffic flow, according to Wilcox.
 |
Trump |
Saturday, March 5, 2022
Racine Firefighter Christopher Lalor funeral, service remembered
RACINE, Wis. - Longtime Racine Firefighter Christopher Lalor was laid to rest Friday, March 4 after he was found killed in his home last month.
People who worked alongside Lalor remember him as helpful, hardworking and caring toward his community. His community cared for him, too, and came out for a service in his memory at Racine's Festival Hall.
There, a procession began – paying tribute to the firefighter who had more than 20 years of service with the Racine Fire Department. While firetrucks lit up the streets, a reception awaited outside his old station.
Lalor was like a brother not just to Racine firefighters, but to those from surrounding departments as well.
"When a tragedy like this happens, it reminds us that we lost a brother today," said South Shore Firefighter Nathan Elderbrook. "Tragedy like this reaches deep enough – they felt the need to come out here and pay their respects."
Christopher Lalor
Friday's funeral procession was an example of solidarity.
"We might not have known him, (but) we can imagine if we did how hard that would be," Elderbrook said. "I can only imagine what the guys that worked with him every day are feeling."
Elderbrook and other South Shore firefighters were not part of the procession. After the loss of Lalor, they had another role to fill. The department took over services at Lalor's old station, so the firefighters he worked with could attend Friday's services.
"If that would happen with one of our crew members, we’d love to be able to do the same thing," said South Shore Firefighter Corey Pipp.
It was a helping hand they were glad to extend.
"It was sad but very rewarding at the same time, knowing we’re giving the members that served with him their time to grieve undistracted," South Shore Fire Lt. John Omelina said.
Procession for Racine Firefighter Christopher Lalor
That time to grieve was all made possible by those in service – keeping the lights on at Lalor's old station.
"Though we might not all work together under the same roof, or even know each other personally, when a tragedy like this happens it reminds us all we all serve the community in the same purpose," said Elderbrooks.
As to what led up to Lalor's death, his family told police that the suspect was a long-time friend and former roommate. That suspect, identified as Peter Lui, is also dead – found in Florida with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
From: https://www.fox6now.com/news/racine-funeral-firefighter-christopher-lalor-honored
Saturday, January 8, 2022
Racine extends COVID testing at Festival Hall through January
 |
Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Photo by: Ariel Schalit/AP |
RACINE — Racine has said that the National Guard COVID testing facility at Festival Hall will remain open through January.
The testing facility is located at 5 5th St. Room 4 in Racine. It will only be open on Monday's and Thursday's from noon to 6 p.m. The testing site will be closed on the 17th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
“As anticipated with the end of the holiday season, COVID-19 cases are at the highest case rate that has been seen throughout the entirety of the pandemic at over 1,600 confirmed cases per 100,000 people," Dottie-Kay Bowersox, the Public Health Administrator for the City of Racine, said.
Walk-ins are welcome, but it's encouraged that you register before hand. You can do so by clicking this link.
From: https://www.tmj4.com/news/coronavirus/racine-extends-covid-testing-at-festival-hall-through-januaryFriday, November 26, 2021
Thousands fed at annual free Thanksgiving meal in Racine
 |
RACINE — Thousands had a free hot meal at Racine's Festival Hall on Thursday for the annual Dan & Ray's Rendering Thanks Thanksgiving dinner.
"I chose a little bit of everything because it's looking nice and juicy and plentiful," said Traneda Malott, who attended with colleagues from a local assisted living center. Residents of the center came along, too.
"It gives an opportunity for the community to get together as well as individuals that have come to the community," said Malott.
All walks of life from Racine and around southeast Wisconsin came for the dinner from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This was Dan Johnson and Ray Stibeck's 12th year organizing the meal, but last year, because of Covid-19, they offered only carry-out dinners.
According to Johnson, volunteers served hundreds of meals within the first 35 minutes of opening. For many, the chance to be together is just as important as the food.
"We'll have someone that’s a retired businessman, very well to do, or businesswoman, and they’ll sit together next to someone who’s no so well to do," said Johnson.
"And they develop a friendship. And they meet up around the same time every year and share stories. And sometimes they even get together outside of the event."
Other folks, like Tim and Jean Myers, came to be among others because their kids are out of town for the holiday.
"I think it's wonderful," said Jean. "Dan and Ray have done a fantastic job. We've come just about every year since they started. And of course it's delicious."
For $50, anyone can sponsor a table. Hundreds do just that, and all the money raised, more than $20,000, according to Johnson, pays for the meals.
And sometimes, there are other donors.
"Some guy who came in to pull apart turkeys gave us $1,000. And people like that are so happy to see something happening like this," said Johnson.
Especially during a very challenging year right here in southeast Wisconsin.
"I'm really grateful to be here. I want to say how sorry I am for people in Waukesha. And i hope everyone is doing well out there," said Will Shirley, a dinner guest.
And the meal wouldn't be possible without volunteers like Sally Madden, who waited to try the pumpkin pie until after everyone else had been served.
"To be able to reach out to people who may be alone; who may be sad; who knows what their stories are," said Madden. It’s so nice to be able to help.”
From: https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/thousands-fed-at-annual-free-thanksgiving-meal-in-racine
Thursday, September 16, 2021
COVID-19 testing resumes at Festival Hall in Racine
National Guard COVID-19 testing will resume Thursday, Sept. 16, from Noon to 6 p.m. The National Guard will resume regular weekly testing through Dec. 13 on Mondays and Thursdays from Noon until 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
COVID testing today and Wednesday at Festival Hall
Adam Rogan
New hotline
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Appeal filed against Piontek's decision on RUSD referendum recount
Christina Lieffring
RACINE — The parties who petitioned for the Racine Unified School District referendum recount and the appeal of the recount ruling have filed with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, hoping to overturn a local judge’s decision on the matter.
On July 10, Racine County Circuit Court Judge Michael Piontek upheld the recount and the Board of Canvassers’ final tally, which reported 16,715 votes in favor of the April referendum and 16,710 votes in opposition.
“The Court finds that a full, fair transparent and accurate recount occurred,” Piontek’s decision stated.
When the decision was released, one of the plaintiffs in the case, Dennis Montey, said he planned to appeal Piontek’s decision.
“Not only should Piontek have recused himself in this matter, due to his previously serving on the School Board as well as an official position at Horlick High School, but he also refused to consider solid evidence, as corroborated by videos supplied by RUSD,” Montey stated in an email. “He has failed to serve justice in the case and showed obvious bias from the beginning. You can expect an appeal to be made in hopes this appeal will fall into the hands of a more thorough and fair judge.”
Piontek volunteered with parent organizations at Horlick in the past.
The appeal was filed on Friday by attorneys Vincent Bobot and Michael Maistelman on behalf of Montey, James Sewell and George Meyers.
As stated in Wisconsin Statute 809.19, the appellant has 40 days to file a brief outlining the argument and what outcome they are hoping for with the appeal. After both sides have had the opportunity to submit briefs, the court can decide to either take up the case or dismiss it, upholding the circuit court’s decision.
Read more: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/appeal-filed-against-pionteks-decision-on-rusd-referendum-recount/article_02ce0069-afde-5d97-bc75-c556b83e7cb5.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1
Like most of the judges in Racine, Piontek is a pig. Oink, oink.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
CAR 25
 |
| Click to enlarge |
who can really shake it up.
 |
| Click to enlarge |
Posts
