South Milwaukee Alderman Tim Backes has graciously volunteered to write regular updates for the blog.
You can see his latest installmenthere, sharing information on a broad array of topics, including updates on two new restaurants, an aldermanic pay raise, dangerous intersections, trick-or-treating, the ongoing budget process, and getting on the spring 2024 aldermanic election ballot.
Thanks, Tim, for bringing this idea to the blog! I am always looking for content to further our mission of keeping South Milwaukeeans informed on key issues, while also providing important context and depth where possible. It is why I started this blog as an alderman in 2009, and why I continue it today.
Our city’s outstanding events schedule continues! A peek at some of what’s coming up …
Wednesday, October 18: South Milwaukee Fire Department Spaghetti Dinner, 4 p.m., presented by Local 1633, South Milwaukee firehouse. Details
Wednesday, October 18: “Sincerely, Sondheim,” 7:30 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details
Thursday, October 19: Community Dinner, 5-6:30 p.m., First Congregational United Church Christ. Details
Saturday, October 21: South Milwaukee Historical Society Open House, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Details
Saturday, October 21: Family Spooktacular at the Commons. This new family-friend Halloween-themed event will feature a carved pumpkin illumination and end with a spooky outdoor movie. Event starts at 4 p.m., movie at 7. Details
Sunday, October 22: South Milwaukee Library Family Bowling Fundraiser. 1 p.m., Classic Lanes (Oak Creek). Details
Tuesday, October 24: “It Takes a Whole Village,” free fall concert from the South Milwaukee High School choirs. 7 p.m., South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.
Saturday, October 28: Fall Craft & Vendor Fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, South Milwaukee. Details
Saturday, October 28: Official City of South Milwaukee trick-or-treating.
You can help make two upcoming holiday events events even more special!
October 21: Family Spooktacular at the Commons
First, consider registering your car/truck for the “trunk or treat” being planned for the Family Spooktacular at the Commons event on Saturday, October 21. Register your vehicle here. As of October 11, there are still spots available! Also planned is a Grand Pumpkin Illumination, and food/drinks will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Don’t forget to bring your dressed-up dog too! Stay for an outdoor movie — “Hocus Pocus,” airing at 6:30 p.m.
December 2: Christmas at the Commons
Mark your calendars now, as a holiday tradition is born at South Milwaukee’s downtown public square featuring a new take on the traditional Christmas parade, food, music, holiday activities, and family fun, culminating with the lighting of the city’s downtown Christmas tree.
As for that unique parade … it’s a standstill parade! Think traditional parade, but instead of units lining up and moving down the street, units line up … and stand still. Attendees walk around the parade units as they remain in place, meeting and greeting participants, watching them perform, etc. (Here is a fun example from Vermillion, S.D.)
The event itself begins at 3 p.m. at the adjacent Commons outdoor space and includes music, food, holiday activities and Santa. The “parade” runs from 4 to 5, and the event concludes with the lighting of the official city Christmas tree at the Commons starting at 6 p.m.
Learn more and sign up you entrant here. Organizations, businesses, team and more are welcome!
We acquired this parcel in 2014, knowing it would be a strategic redevelopment opportunity for the downtown area, and city. I’m excited to see what’s next!
South Milwaukee, WI – At the October 3, 2023 Common Council meeting, the City of South Milwaukee approved a development agreement to sell 2001 7th Avenue to Janssen-Bruckner, LLC for $250,000. The 2.3-acre site was first acquired by the City in 2014 for $120,000.
Janssen-Brucker, a Milwaukee area residential developer, has completed projects throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Their plan for the South Milwaukee site is eight single family homes.
The site, two blocks from South Milwaukee’s downtown, adjacent to the Mill Pond and along the Oak Creek Parkway environmental corridor, is within walking distance of Grant Park with its 380 acres and home of Seven Bridges Trail, an 18-hole golf course, a thriving beach, South Milwaukee Yacht Club, and the Oak Leaf Trail.
The sale comes after a request for proposals (RFP) process that started in 2022. According to forecasting by the City’s assessor, the Janssen-Bruckner project is expected to create up to $2,500,000 in new value for the City of South Milwaukee.
The South Milwaukee School Board approved a preliminary budget in September that deficit spends – which means projected costs are anticipated to be more than revenues . The district can run a deficit by using a source of money called fund balance – a type of savings account the District uses to bridge times between when money comes into the District from the state and local taxes and when bills are due. Although using fund balance can be used for short term financial problems, it does not address the recurring deficit problem which is projected for future years.
Wednesday, October 4th @ 4:30 p.m.
The School District of South Milwaukee is asking for the community’s input on a possible operational referendum in the spring.
Please join us on October 4 from 4:30-6 p.m. in the High School Commons (Enter Door 9).
Residents will have an opportunity to:
Speak to the Superintendent and School Board
Learn about past referendums and school finance
Learn about District facility and safety upgrades
Share your thoughts about what SM needs (if any) in a new referendum
Your voice Is needed! Join us in imagining a healthy and thriving South Shore!
Cudahy Family Library (3500 Library Drive, Cudahy): Tuesday, October 3rd from 4pm to 6:30pm
Oak Creek Civic Center (8040 S. 6th Street, Oak Creek): Thursday, October 12th from 4pm to 6:30pm
South Milwaukee Administration Building (2424 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee): Monday, October 16th 4pm to 6:30pm
St. Francis Civic Center (3400 E. Howard Ave. St. Francis): Thursday, November 2nd from 4pm to 6:30pm
The Cudahy, Oak Creek, and South Milwaukee-St. Francis Health Departments have surveyed, interviewed, and held focus groups with community members and partner organizations to better understand how COVID-19 impacted our communities and to determine how we can support our communities using a collaborative and equitable approach. Join us to see the information we have gathered as well as give your feedback on the topic!
Who: Anyone who lives, works, plays, or learns in the South Shore communities of Cudahy, Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, or St. Francis is invited to join us.
What: During these events, you will have an opportunity to view results from recent surveys, focus groups, and interviews. You will also have an opportunity to share your experiences and will be invited to participate in the creation of a community map that will explore what we need, in our communities, to be healthy and thrive.
When/Where: If you are unable to attend this event, check out the other dates we are offering here.
Why: These events will help your local health departments, as well as other South Shore agencies, learn about the biggest needs that exist in the South Shore. These discussions will also direct future programming and services provided in our communities. Attendees will receive a gift for participating (while supplies last) and can enter for a chance to win a raffle prize!
And mural #2 is coming. Details on the October 8 Art Works on the Avenue Mural Painting Party here.
From the city, on our first new downtown mural.
Late last week, the new mural at 1029 Milwaukee Ave was completed. The project’s mission was to unite the community and attract visitors as the City continues to invest in, revitalize, and reimagine its downtown. The mural embodies the spirit of “new beginnings” while celebrating the City’s prominent lakefront and its connection and proud partnership with the prospering region.
Muralist Mika Revell was selected by a stakeholder committee from over 100 submissions. Thank you to the Bucyrus Foundation, South Milwaukee Human Concerns, and Sunbelt Rentals for partnering with the City on this project!
If you’re bored this Thursday or Friday in South Milwaukee, you’re not trying.
On Thursday evening alone, it’s the Downtown Market, Community Dinner, and the opening of the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center Season Series.
Oh, and the annual South Milwaukee Homecoming Parade and Bonfire.
Check out some of what’s going on below — and on the blog’s Events page.
Thursday, September 21: South Milwaukee Downtown Market. Music by Andy Braun. 3-7 p.m., Bucyrus Commons. Details
Thursday, September 21: Community Dinner, 5-6:30 p.m., First Congregational United Church Christ. Details
Thursday, September 21: South Milwaukee Homecoming Parade and Bonfire. Parade begins at 6 p.m. at 15th and Maple Avenues and ends at Galewski Field, followed by the bonfire.
Thursday, September 21: “Free Fallin’: A Tom Petty Experience,” 7:30 p.m., South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Details
Friday, September 22: South Milwaukee vs. Greenfield Homecoming football game, 7 p.m., Spaltholz Field at Bucyrus Stadium.
Sunday, September 24: Suburban Soles Nature Walk: “A Fungus Among Us,” 10 a.m., Grant Park Picnic Area 5A parking lot. Details
Here is the press release from the city on September 14 …
South Milwaukee Selects Mika Revell for New Mural Project Celebrating Native Plant Life and Waterfront Beauty
South Milwaukee, WI – South Milwaukee is about to embark on a transformative urban renewal project as the City selects acclaimed artist Mika Revell for an exciting mural endeavor. The mural will adorn the west wall of the Human Concerns building at 1029 Milwaukee Avenue, strategically situated near the South Milwaukee Downtown Market, the iconic “Da Crusher” statue, and the newly established Bucyrus Commons gathering space, thanks to support from the Bucyrus Foundation.
Work on the mural is scheduled to begin on September 14, 2023.
Mika Revell, an accomplished Asian-American artist boasting a rich portfolio, having collaborated with esteemed clients like the SoFi Stadium for Superbowl LVI, Angels Stadium, and the Architecture and Design Museum of Downtown LA is assisted by Leila Youssefi, a Los Angeles-based PersianAmerican artist and environmentalist, with expertise honed with mural giant, Branded Arts.
The mural’s vibrant design will showcase native plant life, including Purple Coneflowers, New England Aster, Native Milkweed, Wild Bergamot, and Marsh Marigolds. Against the backdrop of South Milwaukee’s waterfront, this mural represents the city’s natural beauty and its commitment to diversity and growth. The project’s mission is to unite the community and attract visitors as the City continues to invest in, revitalize, and reimagine its historic downtown. The mural embodies the spirit of “new beginnings” while celebrating the City’s prominent lakefront and its connection and proud partnership with the prospering region.
Earlier this year, the City of South Milwaukee put out a call for mural artists. In total, 116 mural designs were received, including international submittals. A seven-person mural design committee selected Revell’s proposal.
“The City is dedicated to creating a vibrant and interesting downtown and a community where people want to live, work, visit, and invest in,” said Mayor Jim Shelenske. “A mural is another enhancement complementing our new streetscaping, business attraction programs, and the Bucyrus Commons.”
The project is completely funded through a generous grant from the Bucyrus Foundation and other donations.
This artistic effort promises to redefine the current landscape, fostering pride and inspiration for all.
Stay tuned for the mural’s unveiling, marking a brighter, more vibrant South Milwaukee.
The South Milwaukee Van Eimeren-Kolonka American Legion Post 27 building has been sold.
But the new owners want the Legion members to still call it home.
Mario and Nada Stillo of Oak Creek purchased the building to operate a banquet and event space to be called Bella Rose.
The building was listed for $390,000 but closed on Sept. 6 for $340,000, Duerr said. As part of that price drop, the Stillos agreed to allow the Legion to meet inside free of charge for the next five years with the option to renegotiate another five years.
Additionally, Bella Rose has Memorial Day and Veterans Day “blocked off indefinitely for the Legion,” Duerr said, adding members will get discounts for hosting other events.
“We didn’t want to uproot them,” Stillo said, adding she and her husband want the Legion members to “still call this space their home.”
Stillo said she and her husband have plans to do some “mostly cosmetic” remodeling with fresh paint, new lighting and new flooring. The larger renovation work will be completed between Legion events.
The couple plan to leave the front of the building as-is with no plans to remove any bricks or flags, Stillo said.
When the new sign is put outside naming the building Bella Rose, it will also include “home of American Legion Post 27,” according to Duerr.
Over the summer, the large American flag mural on the side of the building was defaced with black spray paint. Recently, someone named Shawn dropped a letter in the Legion’s mailbox offering to help.
“He is going to fix that for them for free,” Duerr said. “All they need to do is provide the materials. He just said he loves vets, and he wants to fix that for free because he’s really sad that happened.”
Nada Stillo confirmed she and her husband plan to work with Shawn to fix the mural. Depending on the work he does, they’re also considering contracting him to create a second mural on the other side of the building.
The Post was filled with historical documents, photos and items, many of which will go into a storage facility for now, Duerr said. However, much of the historical memorabilia will still be on display. Stillo said they may create a showcase in the bar area along with offering storage space in the building to the Legion.
The Stillos have history in the area as well. Mario Stillo’s childhood home is only a couple blocks from the Legion building. The couple had been looking for an event space in the area and Nada Stillo said this was “the perfect location, it’s where we’re from and what we know.”
She also remembers their nephew and niece going to the Post for field trips, speaking with Legion members and participating in parades.
“It really comes down to their trust in us with their history and legacy, they’re such a focal point in our community,” Stillo said. “It wasn’t really a matter of us agreeing to concessions, it was more of we just couldn’t show them enough of how much we appreciate all the work that they put into the community, but then also trust in us with their space, their home.”
It’s Da Crusher, of course! Shot the night of Crusherfest, as we unveiled this statue to the world. Do you have a photo you’d like to share on the blog? Send it along.
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