Monthly Archives: August 2011

by | August 19, 2011 · 10:56 am

South Milwaukee Blog Hits Milestone: Thank You!

Fifty thousand. That’s how many page views my blog has registered since I launched it more than 21 months ago. It hit that milestone today.

The only thing I can say is, thank you!

Thank you for reading and supporting me in my efforts to keep 4th District residents and others informed on local news and information. Thank you for sharing your comments — more than 830 so far — and creating a dialog on key issues. And thank you for keeping that dialog civil and constructive – something that hasn’t been the easiest to do in our political climate these days.

Readership has steadily increased since I began doing this in October of 2009. Please keep reading, and tell your friends.

On to 100,000!

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by | August 18, 2011 · 9:34 am

South Milwaukee Football Preview, 27th Street Update And Other Headlines

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has published its Woodland Conference football preview.

Check it out here … and let’s hope the Rockets can duplicate their historic success from 2010.

And check out these headlines from around the South Shore:

Also, NOW has published its most recent South Shore crime report.

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by | August 17, 2011 · 10:12 pm

Get Informed: SMPD To Host Sex Offender Registration Information Meeting

Want to learn more about sex offender registration laws? The South Milwaukee Police Department is helping provide some answers.

The SMPD is hosting an informational presentation on the topic starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at City Hall.

The state Department of Correction’s Sex Offender Unit will make the 30- to 60-minute presentation, which will include information on safety tips and a question-and-answer session. Learn more in this flyer.

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by | August 17, 2011 · 9:58 am

Postal Facility Decision Delayed, Fatal Oak Creek Accident And Other Headlines

The Oak Creek City Council on Tuesday delayed acting on a bid by the U.S. Postal Service to extend until late 2013 the deadline for construction of its mail processing facility.

Check out the Oak Creek Patch story here. From it:

Some issues still need to be worked out between the USPS, city and developer Colbalt Partners LLC, Oak Creek City Attorney Larry Haskin said. The MOU could come back to the council as early as Sept. 6.

As I wrote about earlier, I will keep you posted on this when I learn more.

And check out these headlines from around the South Shore:

Also, check out this piece on former Oak Creek High School pitching standout Tony Butler, as he continues to work his way through the minor leagues.

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by | August 16, 2011 · 10:01 pm

See You Thursday: Groovy Movie Nites Wrap With Kung Fu Panda

The first two Groovy Movie Nites following the South Milwaukee Downtown Market have been a big success.

My estimates put crowds at more than 300 for each show, with a number of families taking advantage of this great downtown offering.

This week is the third and final movie night, and it’s Kung Fu Panda. Showtime is 8:15 p.m., but the festivities start at 7:30 with games and music, followed around 7:45 with a demonstration by students of Sorce Martial Arts.

And the big screen from week one is back!

So stop by the market first, do some shopping, grab dinner and enjoy a movie. The weather is looking great.

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by | August 16, 2011 · 5:09 pm

Hoan Bridge Neighborhood Meeting Set For Tuesday, Aug. 23

A variety of local and state lawmakers are hosting a “neighborhood meeting” about the upcoming Hoan Bridge reconstruction project on Tuesday, Aug. 23, on Milwaukee’s South Side.

The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Beulah Brinton center cafeteria, 2555 South Bay St. in Bay View.

The focus of the meeting, according to a notice from State Sen. Chris Larson, one of the organizers, is “talking about a possible Hoan Bridge bicycle and pedestrian lane.” From Larson’s email notice:

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently studying the feasibility of creating a bicycle and pedestrian lane on the Hoan Bridge. DOT expects to complete its study sometime this fall, so now is the time to learn more about DOT’s study and make your voice heard about adding a bike and pedestrian lane to the Hoan Bridge.

Learn more about the project on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation project web page here. And this copy of the meeting notice provides a nice and easy-to-read summary of the project’s need and scope.

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by | August 15, 2011 · 9:12 pm

Honadel on Redistricting, Cooper Power Investment Details And Other Headlines

Check out these headlines from around the South Shore:

I also just received this email update on the Hoan Bridge redecking project from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. From it: An in-depth inspection was initiated in 2010 to determine future needs of the Hoan Bridge.  The findings indicate that the structural integrity remains intact and safe. Although continued maintenance projects have kept the bridge functional, a long-term solution is needed to keep this key route open for business.

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by | August 15, 2011 · 8:51 am

Report: Postal Service Seeks Extension On Oak Creek Development

Update: Here is the Oak Creek meeting agenda. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday (like ours).

Oak Creek Patch is reporting that the United States Postal Service is seeking an extension — until December of 2013 — to begin construction of a new mail sorting facility on Pennsylvania and College Avenues.

Check out the story here. From it:

The Oak Creek Common Council on Tuesday will discuss a proposal to move the start date to Dec. 8, 2013. Tuesday’s meeting is only one step in the process for an extension, however. Final approval won’t come until after a public hearing, to held at a later date.

“Under the current economic climate, USPS is unwilling to commence construction, but is requesting that it retain the right to build the distribution center,” according to the report.

In addition to extending the deadline for construction to begin, the MOU would dictate construction end by Dec. 8, 2015. 

Of course, this is a big issue for South Milwaukee, as this long-discussed facility would be built across the street from the 4th District. It also could impact the expansion plans we have for Pennsylvania/Nicholson Avenue currently scheuled to happen in 2012. 

I will find out more details on this, and keep you posted. I will also work to ensure that the postal service does not hold up the road project — especially for a development that I strongly believe has little, if any, chance of getting built.

At some point, you’re either all in, or you’re not. And I would have a hard time supporting a two-year wait to see if the USPS is truly committed or not.

Then there is the issue involving the roundabout at Hickory Street — not part of the Pennsylvania/Nicholson expansion plans submitted to the state and not something that I support the city having to pay for (even 10 percent).

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by | August 12, 2011 · 11:38 am

Goat Update, Bucyrus Assets And Other Local Headlines

Check out these headlines from around the South Shore.

Also, State Sen. Chris Larson has published his most recent Larson Report. Check it out here.

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by | August 11, 2011 · 12:09 pm

Honadel Seeks To Curb Mob Violence

South Milwaukee Rep. Mark Honadel is “exploring new legislation that would bring stiffer penalties for those who take part in mob violence,” according to a press release I received.

Check out the full release here. From it:

Other states are enhancing their laws pertaining to mob action, including Illinois where legislation was introduced in June. The need to update the laws is due in part to changing technology that enables the ease and speed to organize through social networking groups.

Honadel is in the process of drafting a bill and looks forward to working with his colleagues on bringnig forward this important legislation.

I applaud Mark for this. Anything to help deter what happened at State Fair or on July 3 should be pursued.

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by | August 10, 2011 · 9:35 am

Farewell, Creative Catering … And Welcome To Our City, Emerald City And “Oz”

The 4th District lost one of the city’s longest standing businesses recently … and quickly welcomed another.

In case you missed it, Frank and Pat Dembowski have sold Creative Catering on 17th and Rawson Avenues to Emerald City Catering and owner Steve “Oz” Ozbolt, who is already putting his stamp on the business.

For starters, he added a new coat of yellow paint to the building and replaced the sign. And he has plans for the business itself, including some menu changes (think: more barbecue and individual meal options) and new hours that will have the store open for takeout lunches and dinners. Steve is also selling his own line of barbecue sauces from Emerald City.

I stopped by and met Steve Tuesday night, and I was impressed.

He told me his interesting story — just your everyday story of a fire protection services worker who decided to follow his heart, and stomach, and open a catering business out of the basement of Blessed Sacrament parish on Milwaukee’s South Side two years ago. He didn’t have immediate plans to move but heard about the Creative Catering opportunity from a friend of a friend … and the rest is history.

Among his clients? The Milwaukee Brewers. Emerald City caters the team’s home locker room spread on occasion.

Be sure to stop by and say hi. I’m already looking forward the BBQ.

At the same time, let’s also not forget the contributions of Dembowskis to South Milwaukee. I wish them the best in retirement and thank them for calling South Milwaukee, and the 4th District, home for more than 30 years.

It’s small businesses like this that are the backbone of our local retail landscape — and it’s small businesses like this that will be the foundation of its future.

Learn more about Emerald City at its website.

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by | August 10, 2011 · 9:32 am

A Bit of South Milwaukee History, Distinguished Young Women in Town and Other Headlines

Check out these headlines from around the South Shore:

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by | August 9, 2011 · 10:20 am

Fire Damages South Milwaukee Home

Update: I thought, and feared, this was the case, but I do indeed know the Swansons. They go to my church. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

A bedroom fire caused significant damage Monday night to a home at 519 Elm St.

The homeowner was evaluated for smoke inhalation but was not taken to the hospital.

Here is a copy of the email I received from the South Milwaukee Fire Department:

Last night at approximately 9 PM we had a reported bedroom fire in the First District at 519 Elm in the First District.  On the Fire Departments arrival we found fire coming out of the windows in a second floor bedroom.  SM Police on the scene reported to us that all occupants were out of the house.  Thanks to working smoke detectors which alerted the occupants, the fire was contained to the bedroom which breeched the ceiling into the attic space; the entire bedroom was gutted.    The remainder of the house experienced significant smoke and water damage.  Mr. Harold Swanson the male owner of the home was evaluated on the scene by Med 10 for smoke inhalation but did not get transported. 

Cudahy, St. Francis, Oak Creek, and Greendale Fire Departments responded to assist us in our operations. 

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by our Fire Inspectors.

I’ll keep you posted if and when I learn more.

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by | August 8, 2011 · 9:58 pm

Reminder: Community Night Out Is Wednesday, Market And Outdoor Movies On Thursday

It’s a great week for some family-friendly fun in South Milwaukee.

For starters, don’t forget about Community Night Out on Wednesday, Aug. 10. The celebration presented by the South Milwaukee Police Department runs from 5 to 9 p.m. behind City Hall.

The family fun doesn’t end there, however. Be sure to stop by the South Milwaukee Downtown Market from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday for some shopping, dinner and music. And stick around following the market for the second of three family-friendly Groovy Movie Nites.

Gnomeo & Juliet will be shown starting at 8:15. Games and music start at 7:30.

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by | August 6, 2011 · 10:24 pm

Interview With Pat Jursik, Missing Tortoise, State Fair Mob Violence and Other Headlines

Check out these headlines from around the South Shore:

Also, an Oak Creek man tells a harrowing story about the mob violence at State Park on Thursday. Check out the Journal Sentinel story here. From it:

“You could just tell they were after white people. That was the main thing. If you were white, they were coming after you,” said Jon Stikl of Oak Creek.

He said he was stuck in traffic as a group of young people blocked cars near the fair gate on S. 84th St. near I-94 after he picked up family members attending the fair.

“We noticed a group of five to 10 young black males run up and jump a young white male for no other reason then him being white,” Stikl said.

They knocked him to the ground, and then a group of 15 black men kicked and stomped on him, Stikl said.

“My wife’s brother jumped out of the car – his natural reaction was to try to break it up. Before you knew it, five or 10 guys were on him and started punching at him. My wife was able to pull him back in the car. So now they surrounded my car and just started punching through the windows, kicking and shaking the car, screaming racial things.”

He said there should have been more police presence, given that disturbances were reported inside the fairgrounds shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday.

“I was disgusted by the lack of security. It’s a black eye on the State Fair” and police, he said.

I’ve also posted a new poll question about the violence. Cast your votes!

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