Culture of Ham Radio Story Tops Patch's Most Read in July

It's been a busy month in Shorewood. In case you missed them, here's some of the top July headlines.

Some folks may remember being able to talk to astronauts in the space station from school. Others maybe knew someone with an international ham radio setup in the basement.

Ham radio is alive and well, and despite cell phones and the Internet, is still the best way to run a parade, marathon, or send information during a catastrophe.

The North Shore Fire Department battled an attic fire at 3602 N. Murray Ave. on July 18 for more than two hours Wednesday night.

All of the duplex occupants were able to escape without injury, and no firefighters were harmed, Whitaker said.

And it turned out, a fire broke out at the same building in the winter of 2001.

The village's Fourth of July festivities fizzled out when officials decided to cancel the show due to a threat of fireworks sparking a fire.

Officials are eyeing the .

"This is a very high-profile hire," said Superintendent Marty Lexmond.

He was speaking of the School Board's action to hire Joe King as the district's new drama department teacher July 10.

King has 17 years as a skilled theater teacher and director and has taught theater courses that range from introductory-level to advanced performance-based acting.

King will take over Shorewood's renowned theater department in the wake of .

A Shorewood family lost everything but their lives July 11, when what officials believe was lightning struck their home on North Murray Avenue and set it ablaze.

A family friend Clai Green, owner of Luci Boutique, 532 N. Water St., has placed a large box outside of the store where those interested in helping the Shorewood family can donate items, Green told Milwaukee Magazine.