66-year-old Attorney José A. Olivieri, A Senior Partner At Michael Best & Friedrich LLC And A Catalyst In The Milwaukee Puerto Rican Community Passed Away

Olivieri was well known in the Milwaukee Latino community for his years of dedication to make Milwaukee a better place to live for Latinos including the local Puerto Rican community.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 12, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Monday, the firm of Michael Best & Friedrich LLC announced the passing of Attorney José A. Olivieri, 66, on Sunday, June 9, 2024 in Milwaukee. He lost the battle against cancer. The Michael Best & Friedrich LLC released the following statement in his honor and memory, "With great sorrow, we bid farewell to José A. Olivieri, a beacon of wisdom, guidance, and perseverance in the legal community. José, a Partner at Michael Best, was not only a distinguished lawyer but also a cherished mentor, colleague, and friend."

"In the span of his 43 years with the firm, José forged his voice and impact. The firm's longest serving chair, he led the firm's Higher Education Industry Group with unmatched expertise, counseling colleges and universities through challenges decade after decade, with grace and acumen. His contributions to employment and immigration law were also immense, founding Michael Best's immigration law practice and shaping it with his deep knowledge and experience. His leadership roles also extended to the Milwaukee Office Managing Partner and Labor & Employment Relations Chair roles.

"Beyond legal, José was a man of the community. His held leadership positions in numerous organizations, including United Community Center— serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for over 20 years, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Milwaukee Public Library Foundation, Milwaukee Art Museum, United Way of Greater Milwaukee, Lutheran Social Services, and Froedtert Health System boards.

"A pillar in the Hispanic community, José was a founding member and past president of the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association and had served on several additional boards over the years, including the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, the Mount Mary University Board of Trustees, past Chair of Carroll University's Board of Trustees, and National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).

"His accolades were many, reflecting his commitment to excellence and service. José was a recipient of the Notable Alumni Award by BizTimes Media, honored with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's President's Leadership in Racial Equity and Social Justice Award, and named a Top Latino Lawyer by Latino Leaders magazine. He was consistently included on the prestigious Best Lawyers, including Lawyer of the Year twice, and Chambers lists—evidence of his impact by peers and clients.

"José's legacy is not just in the cases he won or the policies he shaped; it is in the lives he touched, the young professionals he inspired, and the community he helped build. But more than his career, José was a husband, father, grandfather, and son. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit—and infectious laugh—will continue to guide us.

"A once-in-a-generation man, José had the ability to effect change within our organization, industry, and community. We extend our deepest condolences to José's family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. May his memory be a reminder of strength, inspiration, and happiness to us all."

Milwaukee Alderpersons, José G. Pérez,  President of the Milwaukee Common Council and JoCasta Zamarripa in a joint statement also announced the passing of Attorney Olivieri.

"It is with heavy hearts that we remember José Olivieri, an amazing leader and mentor to many who made a significant positive impact on Milwaukee, and on us.  José, a gifted lawyer who was a senior partner at Michael Best, passed on Sunday (June 9) from cancer at the age of 66." 

"José was a tough, effective, and selfless leader in Milwaukee in many realms, including in Hispanic affairs and specifically the Puerto Rican community. He was a pillar of the community who embraced his role as a civic leader and as a champion for education and creating pathways to success for students. 

"José played a key role in the founding of the United Community Center on Milwaukee's near south side, and served on the UCC's board for four decades, including time as board president. It is hard to quantify just how transformational and uplifting the UCC has been for the near south side community – and especially for kids. Much of that can be attributed to José's work. 

"Our prayers of comfort and condolences go out to the family and friends of José Olivieri."

Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA)

Donations accepted/ se aceptan donaciones: https://tinyurl.com/38ewbn8x

68-year-old Ramón Torres, Local Salsa Vibeplayer For Septeto Charambó Puerto Rican Venue Band Passed Away

Torres, a local Milwaukee popular and long time vibeplayer musician for various Salsa groups including Septeto Charambó has passed away.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 11, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Monday, Ramón Torres, 68, passed away in Milwaukee. Torres was a local popular and long time vibeplayer (vibraphonist, which the vibraphone resembles the steel marimba) musician for various Salsa groups including Septeto Charambó.

Torres had been a musician for over 40 years in the Milwaukee area specializing in Latin and Salsa music venue. He also played with Orquesta Isla Adentro in Milwaukee.

His was the vibeplayer for the popular Septeto Charambó band in Milwaukee.

Ramón Torres was the beloved husband for 20 years of the late Olga Mateo Torres, 59, who passed away on February 17, 2011. Ramón was also the proud father of Melissa E. Mateo Torres, crowned Miss Hispanic-American Queen of the Flowers Pageant in 1986, at the Eagles Club, event sponsored by Tocas Flowers from the Southside of Milwaukee.

Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA)

Donations accepted/ se aceptan donaciones: https://tinyurl.com/38ewbn8x

17-year-old Javier Rodriguez Charged With The Homicide Of Isdennyeliz Nicole Ortiz Merced, 10, In The Southside Of Milwaukee

Rodriguez told police that the handgun he was handling in the upper lever room of the three level home the night his younger cousin was fatally shot in the lower room where she slept in bed had been fired accidentally.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 5, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Wednesday, a $100,000 cash bond was set of Javier Rodriguez, 17, after being charged with one felony count for 2nd-degree reckless homicide and use of a dangerous weapon for the May 31 homicide of Isdennyeliz Nicole Ortiz Merced, 10, at the 2100 block of W. Orchard Street in the Southside of Milwaukee.

If convicted, Rodriguez is facing up to 25 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines, or both for the reckless homicide and an additional 5 years in prison for using a dangerous weapon.

A preliminary court hearing is set for June 13.

According to the criminal complaint, Rodriguez was handling a handgun at his third level room when he fired his weapon striking a sofa cushion, then the bullet going through the floor on the second level and then striking Ortiz Merced in the chest as she slept in her bed downstairs.

Rodriguez fled the scene before police arrived, but was later taken into custody by homicide investigators. Rodriguez and Ortiz Merced are cousins, according to police.

Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA)

Donations accepted/ se aceptan donaciones: https://tinyurl.com/38ewbn8x

17-year-old Jose Federico-Flores Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Armed Robbery Conviction Of U.S. Postal Service Carriers

Federico-Flores gets 10 years in prison, but will only serve 4 years in prison and 4 years supervision in U.S. postal service carriers armed robbery.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 4, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Monday, Jose Federico-Flores, 17, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted for armed robberies of U.S. Postal carriers in November 2023. Federico-Flores was convicted in March 2024 after pleading guilty to one felony count for armed robbery including party to a crime, and one felony count for operating a vehicle while fleeing an officer.

Federico-Flores, on Monday was sentenced to 4 years in prison and 4 years extended supervision for the armed robbery, and in addition was sentenced to 2 years in prison for eluding an officer, and will serve 1 year in prison and 1 year extended supervision, the sentence will be served concurrently (same time) with the first felony count for armed robbery. In total, Federico-Flores will only serve 4 years in prison and 4 years extended supervision under a plea agreement with the Milwaukee County prosecutor.

Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA)

Donations accepted/ se aceptan donaciones: https://tinyurl.com/38ewbn8x

Homeless Individual Sleeps In Sidewalk Near The Wicket Hop Restaurant Outdoor Seating Section In The Affluent Third Ward Business Corridor In Milwaukee's Southside

Hundreds of well off individuals walked by the homeless individual sleeping in the sidewalk near a popular restaurant in the Third Ward neighborhood and business corridor in the Southside of Milwaukee. It seems like the homeless have become mere ghosts, and are invisible to the well off (and wealthy) population that has learned to ignore the homeless plight in their backyards. A sad state of affairs in today's society!

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 3, 2024

Milwaukee,  Wisconsin- On Sunday, June 2, 2024, a homeless individual slept at the 300 block of N. Broadway just steps from a corner popular restaurant, The Wicket Hop across from the Milwaukee Public Market at the historic Third Ward neighborhood and business corridor in the City of Milwaukee.

Hundreds of homeless individuals and drug addicted users have been noticed in all the neighborhoods in the City and busy business corridors, including downtown Milwaukee in the last 5 years.

The City of Milwaukee Common Council including Mayor Cavalier Johnson have yet to implement a strategic development plan that would provide affordable homes for the needy, low income and the homeless in the City.

Hundreds of City owned vacant homes have not been a priority to be remodeled by Common Council, which the properties have become useless for homeless individuals to occupy in order to keep them from the harsh winter and heat elements that can cause health hazards for these homeless population.

Also, along the stretch from S. 21 to S. 27 Streets along W. National Ave., on any given day or night, about 20 homeless individuals that include White, Black, Latino and other people of color can be seen roaming the streets.

Another area, just last Saturday afternoon, at the 2300 block of S. 27 Street, at least 6 White homeless individuals 4 men and 2 women including an elderly woman could seen taking refuge from the rain and sleeping by two entrances of a building North of the Volovanes Delicias restaurant and near a Milwaukee County Transit bus stop shelter at W. Lincoln Ave. and S. 27. One elderly man was stretched out and sleeping on the bus shelter bench.

Unfortunate scenes of the homeless plight that have been described are becoming very common throughout the City with no credible action taken by the Milwaukee Common Council and Mayor Johnson to provide any humane relief for the Milwaukee homeless population. Homeless individuals are not exempt from paying sale taxes when purchasing items, clothing, beverages and food to consume.

The Wisconsin GOP controlled legislature and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) have yet to commit any humane relief to handle the homeless plight in the State of Wisconsin.

Also, neither U.S. President Joe Biden (D) who is running for reelection,  and convicted felon Donald J. Trump (R/MAGA) who is running for President have not made it a priority campaign issue to provide any relief for the homeless population in the country.

Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA)

Donations accepted/ se aceptan donaciones: https://tinyurl.com/38ewbn8x

21-year-old Man In A Scooter Arrested By West Allis Police For Speeding In Sidewalk And Going Through Stop Sign Intersections Without Stopping

21-year-old man in a scooter was pursued by multiple units from the West Allis Police Department after failing to stop for a traffic violation.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

May 11, 2022

West Allis, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, Adrian Jean-Alain Duviols, 21, who was driving a scooter was taken into custody by West Allis police after failing to stop for a traffic moving violation. According to the West Allis Police Department, a police sergeant observed Duviols in scooter at the 8700 block of W. National Ave. around 10:00 a.m. on the street passing vehicles on the right with an excess speed of 40 mph. The sergeant attempted to stop Duviols, but the scooter driver ignored police. 

Multiple West Allis police units pursued the suspect in West Allis as he drove the scooter on the sidewalk with a speed excess of 25 to 35 mph.

Duviols was was eventually arrested at the 7700 block of W. Greenfield Ave. He is facing criminal charges for eluding and resisting an officer, according to the West Allis Police Department.

Duviols bail was set at $300 and was booked on Tuesday in the Milwaukee County jail pending charges.

The West Allis police and Duviols pursued was captured by Christine Brocklehurst in a 16 sec. video and posted on her Facebook account.

Update: Duviols was not criminally charged, the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office placed him in an early prevention program.

10-year-old Isdennyeliz Nicole Ortiz Merced Fatally Shot As She Slept In Her Bed In The Southside Of Milwaukee, Known Shooter Sought By Police

Ortiz Merced was sleeping in her bed on the second level when she was fatally injured by a gunshot that went through the ceiling of her room from the third floor.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 1, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Friday, the Milwaukee Medical Examiner's Office identified Isdennyeliz Nicole Ortiz Merced, 10, as the victim of a fatal gunshot wound while she slept. Milwaukee police responded around 12:41 a.m. to the 2100 block of W. Orchard Street to a shooting.

Upon arrival, police located a 10-year-old girl on the second level of the home that was shot as she slept in her bed. Life-saving measures were applied but, the girl succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The Milwaukee Medical Examiner's Office declared Ortiz Merced deceased at 1:10 a.m., and declared it a homicide.

According to police, while Ortiz Merced was sleeping in her bed in the second level, a known suspect (family member) who was in the upper room (third level) while handling a handgun, accidentally fired a gunshot (bullet) that went through the floor striking Ortiz Merced in the chest as she slept in the lower level.

Police say, family members including Ortiz Merced and extended family shared the three-level home.

The known suspect (Ortiz Merced's 17-year-old cousin) fled the apartment and is being sought by police. Two vehicles were reported towed by police as well from the immediate property.

Ortiz Merced was a student at Albert E. Kagel School in the Southside of Milwaukee.

Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA)

Donations accepted/ se aceptan donaciones: https://tinyurl.com/38ewbn8x