Author Archives: Erik Brooks

Exciting news: South Shore Family Chiropractic is planning a new building on College Avenue — a more than $1 million investment in the redevelopment of South Milwaukee.

Owner Dr. Steven Scheuing brought his plans before the Plan Commission on Monday night, where we scheduled hearings on both rezoning necessary for the development (June 20 before City Council), and the potential sale of city land for $75,000 (June 26 before the Plan Commission). We also discussed potential tax incremental financing assistance for the development, recommending up to $225,000 in support.

BizTimes posted a story on the development earlier today. Said Dr. Steven …

“My lease is up at the end of the year, and it has been my lifelong dream of owning my own property and location. This is just all of the right combination of factors. … We’re still in the planning phase, but we’re very excited to get all of the i’s dotted and t’s crossed. I’m hoping to be in the new building by the first of 2018.”

The proposed 6,368-square-foot building would be built on a combination of city-owned land near 11th and College Avenues and an adjoining privately owned parcel that once housed Sahagian Auto Body. It’s an exciting reuse of this property — a development that should be a terrific gateway for people as they enter the city.

But here’s what has me more excited: This is the latest great example of a successful local business choosing to grow in South Milwaukee. We should all be proud of that.

Dr. Steven is investing in South Milwaukee’s future. I’m hopeful the city can invest in his.

I’ll share more updates on the project as it continues through the approval process.  Learn more about South Shore Family Chiropractic here.

Check out some photos from our Arbor Day festivities over the past month — a partnership between the city and South Milwaukee School District to educate elementary students about the benefits of trees and plant a tree on each school property.

Thanks to Street Superintendent Dan Ratajski for driving the program, and I look forward to continuing it for years to come.

Planting four trees per year is a nice win for the city and the environment. But it’s the fact we’re touching hundreds of young lives that has me most excited about this effort.

Happy Arbor Day!

From the South Milwaukee Police Department …

One building, one successful small business at a time. That is how we’re going to turn around Milwaukee Avenue, and downtown South Milwaukee.

And it’s happening.

The latest example is Mari’s Flowers, which is moving from Brady Street to 905 Milwaukee Ave. and opening in the next couple of months.

You may know owner Mari Cucunato. She started CZ Flowers in downtown South Milwaukee almost two decades ago, adjacent to Cafe Zarletti, the restaurant she and her former husband co-owned. Both the flower shop and restaurant moved away in the early 2000s — and now Mari is coming back home.

“I am very excited about returning and investing in such a honest, charming, quaint Main Street,” Mari tells me.

Mari is investing significantly in her return. She bought the building at 905 and vacant property to its east — it is one parcel — and has already begun extensive remodeling work the city is supporting with a $30,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant.

The city council approved the grant earlier this month.

Among the upgrades she’ll be making are an entirely new facade, new windows and roof, and extensive interior renovations, including installation of an ADA-compliant bathroom, new flooring  and updated plumbing and electrical.

Mari tells me she will have “the same fun, artistic atmosphere she has on Brady,” selling flowers, gifts, wine and champagne, with occasional wine tastings. She’ll also offer floral design classes.

Look for more details soon, and please join me in welcoming Mari back to town!

From the South Shore regional office of Interfaith Older Adult Programs Inc., serving South Milwaukee, Cudahy, St. Francis, Milwaukee’s southeast side and Bay View (and based at Trinity Lutheran Church in town) …

Can you spare two hours each month and drive an older adult to a medical appointment? Yes – you read that right – just two hours each month. That is one drive. Interfaith Older Adult Programs has an immediate need for volunteers to join our Once a Monthers group. Interfaith provides services at no charge to older adults – thanks to help from volunteers. We have more than 900 clients and more than 250 volunteers. Services we provide include transportation to medical appointments, the grocery store and small errands. We also pick up groceries for home bound older adults, do small home chores for older adults like fixing leaky faucets and lawn mowing. We also visit and telephone older adults to alleviate loneliness and isolation. Last year, our volunteers provided 5,246 rides to medical appointments, the grocery store and for errands. You could be one of those volunteers! We would give you about one week notice and ask if you can take a certain transportation request. You can always say yes or no but we just ask that you say yes once each calendar month. Helping older adults remain living in their own homes, in your neighborhood, not only helps the individual in need but also strengthens the entire community. If this interests you (and I hope it does), please email or telephone Vicki Jensen at vjensen@interfaithmilw.org or 414.762.1998. 

The announcement came earlier this month by Character.org. Well done!

From the press release … 

Character.org, the nonprofit organization that validates character initiatives in schools and communities around the world, today designated 83 schools and 4 districts from 21 states as 2017 National Schools and Districts of Character. 

The School District of South Milwaukee is the only Wisconsin district currently designated as a National District of Character. South Milwaukee School Superintendent Rita Olson announced the news at a recent staff meeting. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and relentless focus on character that our schools and community support. We are committed to educating the whole child and this is one way that we prepare our students for a successful future,” remarked Olson.

The South Milwaukee Downtown Market opens June 1, and with it a series of outdoor concerts that offers something for everyone.

Twenty weeks of live music downtown? How many communities can claim that?

Here is a schedule. Check them out!

Update: More pictures from the event on my Facebook page.

Tonight, we will honor a true American hero, Gary Wetzel, at the 128th Air Refueling Wing Civic Dinner Dance.

With that in mind, I am proud to declare May 18, 2017, as Gary Wetzel Day in the City of South Milwaukee.

Please join me in thanking this incredible man for his service, and wishing him well in his continued recovery from his motorcycle accident last summer.

The same courage, grit and determination he displayed in Vietnam in support of his country is on display now. We celebrate that tonight, and every day.

Tuesday night was one of my favorite council meetings of the year — our chance to honor our police officers, emergency medical workers and citizens for going above and beyond in keeping our community safe, solve crimes and save lives.

People like this …

Mr. Devlin Mcelwee & Mr. Oscar Knapp – nominated by Officer Daniel Fournier

On November 19, 2016 in the early morning hours Mr. Mcelwee & Mr. Knapp were traveling on Lake Drive in South Milwaukee when they observed a vehicle crash into a tree.  The gentlemen immediately stopped their vehicle and went to assist the driver of the crashed vehicle.  While they were attempting to free the driver from the vehicle it started on fire.  By the time the two men freed the driver and moved him to a safe location the engine compartment of the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.  The officers who arrived on scene stated their actions saved the driver’s life.

And this …

Lt. Rotter, Investigator Olson, Investigator Rivamonte, Officer Fournier, Officer Schwehr and Mr. Brian Tommet – nominated by Captain Jaske & Lt. Rotter

On February 22, 2017 in the early morning hours Mr. Tommet observed what he believed to be suspicious activity at the You Pump Gas Station located at 1715 10^th Avenue.  Mr. Tommet observed two males walking around the closed gas station and alerted the South Milwaukee Police Department.  Unknown to Mr. Tommet these two subjects had just burglarized the business.  Because of Mr. Tommet’s swift action in calling the Police Department immediately officers responded to the scene quickly and after an in-depth investigation were able to identify one suspect.  This suspect’s arrest and subsequent confession assisted in the closure of several gas station and pharmacy burglaries throughout the Milwaukee and Waukesha County area. 

Without Mr. Tommet and the solid work of Officers Fournier and Schwehr, Lt. Rotter & Investigators Olson and Rivamonte in this case, the department would not have had anything other than another burglary with little to no leads.    The result of their team work concluded with a dangerous felon being removed from the streets. 

And this …

Mr. Christopher Rodriguez – nominated by Officer David Hoeppner

On June 13, 2016 at approximately 3:03 am Mr. Rodriguez observed a residence on fire in the 2400 block of Nicholson Avenue.  Mr. Rodriguez immediately went to the residence and began pounding on the doors to awaken the residents.  Through Mr. Rodriguez’s actions all the occupants of the residence were able to safely evacuate the residence.  Mr. Rodriguez then called 911 to alert emergency personnel and then began trying to extinguish the fire by using a garden hose to apply water.  Both the Police & Fire Departments responded to the residence and took over fire suppression efforts.  Because of Mr. Rodriguez’s quick actions all six occupants of the residence were saved. 

And this …

Mr. Jacob Klingforth – nominated by Officer Steve Streicher

On March 13, 2017 as Mr. Klingforth was traveling in South Milwaukee he observed a subject laying on a sidewalk who appeared to be in need of help.  Mr. Klingforth immediately took action and went to assist this subject.  The subject was pulseless and not breathing.  Mr. Klingforth activated 911 emergency services and began CPR until assistance arrived.  Even after medical personnel arrived on the scene and assumed patient care Mr. Klingforth remained at the scene and assisted the officers who responded.  Mr. Klingforth’s care and compassion for this subject is commendable.       

Check out the full list of police award winners here.

Congratulations to everyone who was honored, and thanks for stepping up. It takes all of us to make and keep our communities safe.

The South Milwaukee Health Department is first-class, but don’t take my word for it. Ask the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

The state agency just awarded our department Level III status, making us the first community in the state to jump from a Level I department to a Level III.

The South Milwaukee Common Council recognized the status at its meeting on Tuesday.

Of the 86 local departments in the state, 30 are considered Level III departments. I’m proud to say we are one of them, thanks first and foremost to our great staff.

How did we get there? If you want more detail, there is plenty of it here.

Put simply, all Level III departments must provide or arrange for all six basic public health services to the community:

• Communicable disease surveillance, prevention and control
• Generalized public health nursing program
• Health promotion
• Disease prevention
• Human health hazard prevention and control
• Occupational and environmental disease and exposure prevention

Also, a Level III local health department shall provide or arrange for at least 14 programs and services that address at least seven health priorities in the current state health plan (Healthiest Wisconsin 2020), and show evidence of their effectiveness.

In other words, achieving this status isn’t easy. Keeping it won’t be either.

That is why I look forward to finding new ways to invest in this service going forward. We will do all we can to maintain this high standard.

There are more reasons than ever to head to Grant Park Beach this summer, and that’s a good thing for the entire city.

It starts with the opening of Ferch’s Beachside this Friday, May 19, with weekend hours through Memorial Day weekend, daily hours after that. Details here.

The burgers, custard and beer are just the start. Beach volleyball leagues are also back, with leagues starting June 4. Details and sign up here.

And some breaking news: Guardian Credit Union is bringing its outdoor movies to the beach this summer! Here is the Movies on the Beach schedule …

• June 14: “Sing”
• July 12: “Moana”
• August 24: “Zootopia”

And how does weekly live music sound? Check out the schedule below …

From the South Milwaukee Fire Department …

At approximately 2:30AM this morning (May 12), SMFD responded to the area of 14th & Menomonee Avenue’s for a 9-1-1 report of a garage fire. Upon their arrival, crews encountered a well-involved, detached garage located to the rear of 1334 Menomonee Avenue. The fire was extinguished, no injuries were reported and the fire is currently under investigation. The garage and most of it’s contents, including a pickup truck and motorcycle, are a total loss.        

By now, you may have seen coverage of the alleged embezzlement of more than $17,000 from the South Milwaukee Heritage Days Parade, by its former treasurer.

Here is my statement …

The Heritage Days Parade is not a city government event. Still, I am aware of the charges against the former parade committee treasurer.

I want to thank the South Milwaukee Police Department for their thorough and professional handling of this case.

The Heritage Days Parade remains a terrific local event, and I wish them well on a great parade this summer, and beyond. I have spoken to the parade organizers and am convinced they are enacting the proper safeguards to ensure this type of activity does not happen again. The parade committee remains strong.

The city will continue to support the parade in any way we can, and we thank the volunteers who are committed to bringing this event to life this and every summer. I encourage the community to do the same. 

Even if you didn’t get a blue bag this year, please take part by leaving food near your mailbox.

This is a big event for South Milwaukee Human Concerns, which typically receives 16,000 pounds or more of food each year through Stamp Out Hunger.

From Hunger Task Force …

Stamp Out Hunger is the largest, single-day food drive in the nation. On Saturday, May 13, Hunger Task Force teams up with the National Association of Letter Carriers to feed local families in communities across Wisconsin.

On May 13, letter carriers all over the state will perform double-duty by collecting bags of donated food along their mail routes. Look for your blue donation bag early that week, fill the bag up with food on Saturday, May 13, and set it by your mailbox. Your letter carrier will pick up the food and deliver it to Hunger Task Force or your local community food pantry.

All food collected through Stamp Out Hunger is provided absolutely free of charge to families in need. Fill those bags generously on May 13!

Big thanks to title sponsors Kohl’s and Rexnord, and our local sponsor UFCW!