Monthly Archives: May 2024

From the city ….

We want to hear from residents, businesses, and stakeholders about what you envision for the future and growth of South Milwaukee. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SMKESurvey

I love to see this terrific local event back for another season. Details here.

My favorite part of the South Milwaukee Downtown Market is the weekly live music and special events. Tonight it’s American Graffiti.

See you at the market!

From the city …

At Tuesday’s (May 21) Common Council meeting, Police Chief Jessup had the opportunity to recognize the recipients of the South Milwaukee Police Department annual merit awards. These awards recognize the outstanding dedication, bravery, and service of our officers who go above and beyond to keep our community safe. Congratulations to all the recipients!

This was my favorite council meeting of the year when I was mayor, hearing the stories of the officers, staff and everyday citizens making a real difference.

Following are the stories told last week. Thanks, Chief Jessup, for sharing …

Pizza Hut Homicide

On February 7, 2024, officers were dispatched to the Pizza Hut Restaurant at 112 N. Chicago Avenue for a report of a dead body in a garbage cart.  This incident was determined to be a homicide and over the course of the next day, the victim was identified as 55-year-old employee of the restaurant.  As with all homicide investigations, the first 48 hours is critical to solving the case and it requires many investigators, working as a team, to collect evidence and follow leads.  Every officer with our department worked on this case and contributed to the end result but this group of officers stood out in terms of the hours they put in and the crucial evidence they found.  The area was canvassed for video footage and officers quickly found evidence that showed the lone suspect coming to the scene, and then leaving on foot.  While the video was grainy, it did give us some important information on the suspect’s description and direction of travel.

Over the next several days, this group spent many hours writing search warrant applications and poring through phone records, cell tower information, social media accounts and surveillance video to positively identify the suspect.  Search warrants were executed in South Milwaukee and in the City of Milwaukee.  This group of officers conducted surveillance and ultimately arrested the 31-year-old suspect within just a few days of the crime.

This is a very brief summary of the work done by these officers and it would take quite some time to detail all of the steps that were taken by this dedicated team.  Suffice to say, this group of investigators went to great lengths and followed every lead to bring closure and justice for the family of the victim.   Additionally, there is no doubt that the suspect posed a great threat to our community, and his quick apprehension prevented additional risk of violence in our city.  The investigators and officers are to be commended for their commitment to the community and their perseverance during difficult circumstances.  Lieutenants Jason Walker and David Hoeppner, Investigators Nathan Siefert and Matthew Kramer, and Officers Logan Staege, Craig Perkowski, and Steven Hesse are hereby presented with a Meritorious Service Award for their accomplishments during this very tragic case.          

Saving a Life and Making an Arrest

On November 3, 2023, officers were dispatched to an address on Marion Avenue for a report of an overdose.  When they arrived, they found a 16-year-old boy was unconscious and they revived him through the use of NARCAN.  Shortly thereafter, the boy started to have a seizure and was transported to SLSS for additional treatment.  These officers conducted a thorough investigation, gained the cooperation of the 16-year-old boy and were able to identify the drug dealer that was providing the boy with heroin.  A search warrant was executed and additional drugs were recovered.  The adult suspect was arrested and charged with PWITD.  Further investigation by these officers revealed that the boy’s parents were aware of his drug use and even assisted him in obtaining drugs.  Both parents were arrested and charged with multiple felonies.  The 16-year-old boy and his younger brother were removed from the house and placed with a responsible caregiver.  The younger brother was also found to have cocaine in his system.

If not for the diligence and persistence of Investigator Matthew Kramer and Officer Brandon Meyer, these children would have continued to be in a very dangerous environment.  By holding three adults responsible for their criminal actions, the officers protected these children and made our city safer.  Investigator Kramer and Officer Meyer are hereby presented with merit awards for their actions.

Helping a Fellow Officer

On February 4, 2024, Officer Draven Feustel was working the third shift and was assigned to convey a prisoner to the Milwaukee County Jail and after completing that assignment, he began driving back to the City of South Milwaukee.  While driving southbound on I-43, he observed a sheriffs deputy on the side of the freeway.  The deputy appeared to be struggling to make an arrest and the deputy was lying on his back with the man standing over him.  Officer Feustel immediately jumped into action, exited his squad and rushed to the aid of the deputy, using his taser to disable the man and take him into custody.  Luckily, the deputy only sustained minor injuries but this incident could have turned tragic, if not for the quick action of Draven.  Officer Feustel is hereby presented with a merit award for his actions on that night.

Honoring Tony Girard

A Citizen Recognition Award is presented to Tony Girard, owner of Tony G’s Grant Park Garage.  This award traditionally goes to a citizen or group that takes action that has a significant impact on crime prevention and community safety, and Tony definitely fills that role.  In addition to being a great local business owner, Tony Girard has also been one of our most reliable supporters.  Each year he donates to our Shop with a Cop program, Community Night Out and our DARE golf outing, allowing us to support the children in our community.   Last year he also donated at least four times to our new K-9 program.   Tony Girard has shown a strong commitment to the City of South Milwaukee and the South Milwaukee Police Department through his work and his generosity, and he sets an example for others to follow.  I am pleased to present him with our Citizen Recognition Award, and want to thank him for his generous support.

What a summer! Yet again, there are some truly special events across the city this summer. Here is a list … truly something for everyone.

It starts really strong this week with the South Milwaukee PAC Preview Party, opening of the Downtown Market, the Art Works mural fundraiser and music at the beach. And it only picks up from there. Check out July 18-28 as an example. Wow.

Did I miss an event? (I’m sure I did.) Email me at erikbrooks32@gmail.com, so I can shine a light on your event. And be sure to check the Events page on the blog for updates.

MAY 2024

• Wednesday, May 29: South Milwaukee PAC Season Preview Party, 6:30 p.m., SMPAC. Details
• Thursday, May 30: South Milwaukee Downtown Market season opener, 3-7 p.m. 1100 Milwaukee Ave. Music by American Graffiti (’50s and ’60s). Details
• Thursday, May 30: Art Works | Paint the Town Tasting mural fundraiser, 6 p.m., DBHW Wealth Partners. Details
• Friday, May 31: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-The Wingmen Trio, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details

JUNE 2024

• Saturday, June 2: Suburban Soles — “Urban Wildlife,” 10 a.m., Grant Park Area 5. Details
• Thursday, June 6: Downtown Market Music, Tango En Fuego (country, pop & reggae). Details
• Friday, June 7: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-Ryan McIntyre, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details
• Thursday, June 13: Downtown Market Music, Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys. Details
• Friday, June 14: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-Blaine & Jake, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details
• Friday, June 14: ABBAFAB, 8 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details
• Saturday, June 15: Suburban Soles — “Invasive Species,” 10 a.m., Grant Park 7 Bridges entrance. Details
• Thursday, June 20: Downtown Market Music, Sonic Boomers (classic rock). Details
• Friday, June 21: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-Jake Warne Duo, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details
• Saturday, June 22: South Milwaukee Garden Tour, presented by the South Milwaukee Garden Club, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Details
• Sunday, June 23: Late Night Catechism, 3 p.m. South Milwaukee PAC. Details
• Wednesday, June 26: Milwaukee County Traveling Beer Garden opener, 5 p.m., Grant Park Area 5 (Brown Pavilion). Beer garden runs through July 7 and is open daily. Details
• Thursday, June 27: Super Heroes Night at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market and Market Music-Radiation. Details
• Friday, June 28: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-Do Wa-Wa, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details
• Sunday, June 30: Suburban Soles — “Walk Through Wil-o-Way,” 10 a.m., Wil-o-Way Grant. Details

JULY 2024

• Thursday, July 4: South Milwaukee Independence Day Celebration, starting at 10 a.m., ending with evening fireworks. Grant Park Areas 5-6. Details
• Friday, July 5: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-Blaine & Jake, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details
• Sunday, July 7: Final Milwaukee County Traveling Beer Garden, Grant Park.
• Thursday, July 11: Downtown Market Music, Ivy Ford (soul) and South Milwaukee Youth Theatre performance. Details
• Sunday, July 14: Suburban Soles — “Watersheds and Water Quality,” 10 a.m., Grant Park Area 7 playground. Details
• Thursday, July 18: Downtown Market Music, Larry Lynn & the Decade Band and South Milwaukee Youth Theatre performance. Details
• Friday, July 19: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-Zakk Daniel, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details
• Sunday, July 21: Friends of Grant Park Art Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Grant Park Picnic Area 5 (Brown Pavilion). Details
• Tuesday, July 23: South Milwaukee Municipal Band Concert, 7 p.m., Bucyrus Commons. Details
• Wednesday, July 24: South Milwaukee Fire Department Brat & Tot Fry, 4-7 p.m., South Milwaukee Fire Department. Details
• Thursday, July 25: Two big downtown events … Moran’s Award Winning First Annual Mid-Summer Block Party Extravaganza, 4-10 p.m., 900 block of Milwaukee Avenue (details) AND South Milwaukee Downtown Market Evening at the Commons and Market Music-Dog House Charlie (’70s and ’80s). Details
• Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28: South Milwaukee Lionsfest. Details
• Friday, July 26: Lionsfest Car Cruise. Details
• Friday, July 26: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-Ryan McIntyre, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details
• Saturday, July 27: South Milwaukee Heritage Days Parade. Details
• Sunday, July 28: Suburban Soles — “Dragonflies and Damselflies,” 1 p.m., Mill Pond. Details

AUGUST 2024

• Thursday, August 1: Downtown Market Music-Blue Grass Allstars. Details
• Friday, August 2: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-Floor It, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details
• Thursday, August 8: Downtown Market Music-Jim Namio (Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra). Details
• Friday, August 9: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-Todd Bryant Band, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details
• Sunday, August 11: Suburban Soles — “Tree-Mendous Love for Trees,” 10 a.m., Grant Park Area 5. Details
• Thursday, August 15: Downtown Market Music-Val Sigal (polka). Details
• Friday, August 16: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-Ben Harold Duo, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details
• Saturday, August 17: South Milwaukee Celebrations Committee Movie Night, 7:30 p.m., Bucyrus Commons. Additional details to come.
• Thursday, August 22: South Milwaukee Downtown Market Car Show and Market Music-Reverend Jerry K (country). Details
• Friday, August 23: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-Ryan McIntyre, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details
• Saturday, August 24: Cheaterama 26th Car Show, Bucyrus Commons, noon-8 p.m., Bucyrus Commons. Details
• Sunday, August 25: Suburban Soles — “Astronomy,” 8 p.m., Wil-o-Way Grant. Details
• Thursday, August 29: Downtown Market Music-Kal Bergendahl (jazz funk). Details
• Friday, August 30: Ferch’s Beachside Summer Music-Party Marty, 5:30-8 p.m., Grant Park Beach. Details

Here are plans for the 2024 South Milwaukee Memorial Day event on Monday, May 27, presented by American Legion Post #27, at the South Milwaukee War Memorial …

• 10:30 A.M.- Tom Ludka (Emcee), Honor Guard and participants in place.
• 10:45 A.M.-10:59 A.M.- General Public in place
• 11:00A.M.-11:45A.M.- Welcome, Honor Guard- 3 rifle volleys, Taps, reading of the ‘War Dead names’, wreath laying ceremony and announcement of ‘South Milwaukee’s Veteran of the Year’ and closing remarks.
• 11:45A.M.-11:59A.M.- Depart for luncheon @ Bella Rose Events (formerly A.L. Post 27) at 920 Monroe Ave. (Park in the parking lot that the Bella Rose Events shares with the S.M. Library).
• 12:00P.M.-3:00P.M.-Catered luncheon.

And thank you to the South Milwaukee Garden Club volunteers and city and county workers who helped prep the site for the event. It looks great!

From the city … pretty cool!

On behalf of Mayor Shelenske, you’re invited to attend a watch party for South Milwaukee’s episode of Top Chef on May 22, 2024 at 7:00pm, with the episode airing at 8:00 pm at Moran’s Pub, 912 Milwaukee Avenue.

More about the show here.

Rounding up some recent news from the South Milwaukee School District …

From the District: Traffic Study This Week

Traffic safety on 15th Avenue is one of the items the School District identified as one of the safety upgrades needed in our schools.

To get clear data on the problem, the District has hired an engineering firm that specializes in traffic to study our problem and suggest changes. Starting tomorrow, residents may see workers in yellow vests during pickup and drop off taking pictures and video and collecting data. 

Thank you for your patience as we take this first step to making our streets safer!

Also, a couple positive local stories in the media …

• “They need to care about the space they’re living in”: South MKE teachers win grant to study microplastics (TMJ4)
• Students, teachers at Lakeview Elementary have big dreams for former Everbrite site in South Milwaukee (TMJ4)