McKenna and Celia Olson always knew they wanted to have a family after getting married. Through Wellpoint Care Network, the couple adopted four children, bringing their bittersweet journey as foster parents to 10 kids to an end and starting their next life chapter.
Chesnie Wardell
Chesnie Wardell serves as the intergenerational reporter for NNS. In addition, she writes features on notable North Side and South Side residents. She reported for other newsrooms like the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, covered teacher vacancies through an O'Brien fellowship and was selected as an inaugural member of the New York Times Corps. She is a 2025 graduate of Marquette University, where she studied journalism and theology.
Posted inHealth and Wellness
Dr. Lyle Ignace steps down as leader of the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center
Dr. Lyle Ignace leaves his mark as he departs from his role as chief executive officer of the health center he led since 2013.
Posted inCommunity
‘We would like to see it get better’: How three of Sherman Park’s elders view their neighborhood
Seniors in Sherman Park talked about what it’s like to live in the neighborhood and their hope for change.
Posted inArts and Recreation, NNS Spotlight
A new 53206 garden tended by Milwaukee youths becomes a safe haven for self-reflection
We Got This Milwaukee has been keeping children busy in the 53206 ZIP code, especially with the blooming of its new garden called Coaches Corner. Most importantly, its helped children reflect on how much they’ve changed as individuals.
Posted inEconomic Development, Resources
Educator and business expert gives tips to young and emerging entrepreneurs in Milwaukee
In honor of National Black Business Month and World Entrepreneurs’ Day on Aug. 21, Angelique Sharpe shares how emerging entrepreneurs in Milwaukee can develop a successful business.
Posted inArts and Recreation
Milwaukee teens use AI tools to create apps to help solve community problems
From skin care to entrepreneurship, Milwaukee Vibe Coding Summer Camp gave teens a free opportunity to learn AI and coding skills and use them to resolve everyday challenges.
Posted inArts and Recreation
‘You can see God’s hand in it’: How Milwaukee women are building a double Dutch community through sisterhood and fitness
Milwaukee’s 40+ Double Dutch Club is still in its infancy, but members are already seeing life changes.
Posted inCommunity
Milwaukee County Office of Equity announces a new award for teens
The Milwaukee County Office of Equity and Milwaukee Youth Commission are introducing a new award category for teens who are improving their neighborhoods.
Posted inEconomic Development, Housing
Neu-Life Community Development breaks ground on $16M center in Milwaukee
Community members and elected officials gathered on the corner of West Cherry and North 12th streets for the groundbreaking of NeuVue, a new center for Milwaukee’s youths and young adults.
Posted inCommunity
South Side senior fathers model in their first fashion show with help from a senior sewing group
Senior women at the United Community Center used their sewing skills to create custom shirts for fathers to model at the center’s first fashion show for men.