Category Archives: South Milwaukee

by | February 7, 2015 · 10:39 pm

Promoting Literacy In South Milwaukee

One reason I love our local schools is nights like this …

From the South Milwaukee School District:

The South Milwaukee Elementary Schools are hosting a Family Literacy Night at Rawson School on Thursday, February 26. Hours are 4:30 to 6 p.m. 

  • Find out how you can help your child with reading at home.
  • Learn literacy games.
  • Listen to great books read aloud.
  • Make a book.
  • Learn more about the Reading Workshop.
  • Meet author Marla McKenna, author of Mom’s Big Catch.
  • Door prizes.
  • Take some pizza home for dinner (if you r.s.v.p. by 2/20)

And … so much more!

For more information, contact your child’s teacher, or Jen Fischer at 766-5343 or jfischer@sdsm.k12.wi.us.

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by | February 6, 2015 · 9:47 pm

South Milwaukee PAC Welcomes Grammy Nominee

From the PAC …

South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is proud to present the Grammy nominated Latin percussionists and vocalists, The Pedrito Martinez Group, on Friday, February 13. Specializing in bata rhythms and vocals, they’ve opened for groups like Dave Matthews Band and collaborated on records with Pacquito D’Rivera, Sting, Elton John and many more. Student tickets are $10-$20, Adults are $25-$35. Call for group discounts.

 Be sure to watch the video link and share the attached flyer with your contacts and social media networks!

And that’s just the start. Check out an updated list of events here, including information on the big South Milwaukee PAC fundraiser on February 28.

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by | February 6, 2015 · 4:49 pm

Headlines!

First, some good news on this story from January ..

South Milwaukee police tell me an arrest has been made in the case of the alleged attempted armed robbery at Walmart. More details to come.

And here are some other South Shore headlines …

Also, NOW has published a new police blotter.

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by | February 5, 2015 · 5:34 pm

College Bound: Pribyl, Dess, Polak Make Their Choices

Wednesday was National Signing Day for college football programs, and at least three Rockets are headed to the next level (and probably more).

Two of them are headed to programs who played in national championship games last season.

From South Milwaukee football coach Derek Hoff …

6’2” 225lb South Milwaukee linebacker/running back Ian Pribyl has signed his letter of intent to play college football at the University of Minnesota State-Mankato. After being highly recruited all over the Midwest by Division I & II schools Ian decided to take the scholarship offer from the Mavericks! He will join fellow Rocket alum Bryan Honerlaw on the Mankato football team. This opportunity for Ian was made possible by his own individual hard work, the success of his team, and effort by his teammates!

Other teammates making commitments on National Signing Day we’re All-State WR Mitchell Dess, who will be playing at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and all-conference performer Jacob Polak to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Still pondering their decision of where to play are all-conference performers Calvin Shilling, Justin Oliden and Dom Parello.

For more news on Rocket Football follow @CoachHoff1 on Twitter or visit www.southmilwaukeefootball.org.

Congratulations to all of these boys. The City of South Milwaukee is behind them!

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by | February 2, 2015 · 12:12 am

Snow Update: School In Session, No Garbage Pickup On Monday

A few updates on the storm …

  • The winter storm warning continues for a few more hours.
  • City crews were out all day Sunday working on snow removal. To aid in clean up on Monday, garbage collection will be suspended. Monday’s route will be rescheduled to Friday.
  • The South Milwaukee School District says on its Twitter account @SoMilwSchools that classes will be held as scheduled on Monday. The tweet from Sunday evening: “School is open tomorrow. Snow is projected to end tonight and it is predicted to be bright and sunny tomorrow.”

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by | January 31, 2015 · 10:45 pm

As The Snow Falls, A Few Reminders

With the first major snow of the season upon us, this is a good opportunity to update blog readers on some key South Milwaukee snow facts.

  • Remember, snow and ice must be removed from your sidewalk (if you have one) “within 24 hours of daylight” after the end of a storm, according to Section 12.20 of the municipal code. That means if the snow stops overnight you have 24 hours from the next sunrise to clear public sidewalks.
  • If you don’t comply, according to our code, “the Street Superintendent shall without notice have the ice and snow removed therefrom” … and have the service charged to the homeowner “as a special tax against said lot or parcel of land, and the same shall be collected in all respects like other taxes upon real estate.” (Section 12.26).
  • And, while you’re at it, be careful where you push or blow that snow. Section 12.23 of the code prohibits blowing or throwing snow or ice onto public streets.
  • As for snow emergencies, they are rare in South Milwaukee, and I’d doubt we declare one this time.
  • Also don’t forget to keep your fire hydrants clear of snow.

Check back to the blog for more information on the storm, and stay safe!

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by | January 31, 2015 · 1:59 pm

Coming Soon To Downtown: JB’s Tee Shirt Factory

T-shirtsI’m really excited about the latest business to call downtown South Milwaukee home — another good example of a destination retail store that I’m hoping we become famous for.

It’s JB’s Tee Shirt Factory, which provides screen-printed, embroidered and other apparel for sports teams — including colleges like UW-Milwaukee, UW-Parkside, and Cardinal Stritch — and other groups. It also has some cool designer t-shirts they will be selling at the South Milwaukee location, 1233 Milwaukee Ave., their first retail store.

They also have an operation in Muskego.

I met Jason and Aaron on Thursday night, and they are making some significant upgrades to the store. They hope to open next week.

Please join me in welcoming them to South Milwaukee … and shop local!

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by | January 31, 2015 · 1:58 pm

More Headlines

More South Shore headlines, including a disturbing story from Grant Park …

Also, County Supervisor Pat Jursik has published her latest e-news newsletter.

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by | January 29, 2015 · 5:54 pm

Meet The Mayor Special Guest: Sen. Chris Larson

I’m happy to announce that State Sen. Chris Larson will be joining me for my next Meet the Mayor session on Saturday, February 21, at MKE City Sippers.

Join Sen. Larson and I to discuss key local and state issues — or just stop by and say hi.

Thanks to Sen. Larson for agreeing to do this!

And mark your calendars for these upcoming Meet the Mayor sessions …

  • Saturday, March 21: Ace Hardware
  • Saturday, April 18: I Can’t Resist Kids’ Resale/B’s Boutique

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by | January 29, 2015 · 5:30 pm

Cudahy Schools Interested In South Shore Y?

Update: The Business Journal has a few more details.

That’s according to Fox 6. From the report …

The plan was discussed at a school board meeting Monday, January 26th.

“While we are very excited about the potential for a new community center, we have to carry out due diligence to develop a plan and timeline and consider all possibilities. There is a lot of work that will need to be done prior to the end of February when the board will make a formal decision to move forward or not. First and foremost, we need to determine if the building is still available. We then need to explore all financial implications — both today and in the foreseeable future,” School District of Cudahy Superintendent Dr. Jim Heiden said.

I hope something comes of this. Either way, Saturday is shaping up to be a sad day for the South Shore.

 

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by | January 27, 2015 · 10:11 pm

Headlines!

Check out these South Shore headlines, including more difficult news about Caterpillar …

There is more news around Drexel Town Square, with Chick-fil-A and an apartment development in the works for this terrific new development in Oak Creek.

And NOW has published new police blotters here and here.

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by | January 27, 2015 · 5:46 pm

June 16-28: Beer Garden Arrives At Grant Park

Milwaukee County Parks unveiled its 2015 Mobile Beer Garden schedule today, and it includes a stop at Grant Park June 16-28.

Mark your calendars!

From the release …

At least 15 parks will be on the tour. Each stop will feature beer and other refreshments from Sprecher Brewing and, new this year, there will also be authentic German Food available from Sprecher’s Restaurant and Pub.

The Traveling Beer Garden concept was unveiled by County Executive Abele in 2014 and was a huge success, raising nearly $250,000 and creating a fun and safe atmosphere at all the parks it visited. Beer gardens at Estabrook, Humboldt and Hoyt Parks raised another $180,000 in 2014.

All the revenue the County receives from the beer gardens goes back into improving parks across Milwaukee County.  In addition to the revenue earned by the Beer Gardens, Sprecher Brewing, through the Park People of Milwaukee County, will be donating $32,000 or approximately $2,000 per tour stop for improvements to parks this summer. …

The Traveling Beer Gardens will feature both Sprecher’s Restaurant and Pub, and Sprecher Brewing products. Sprecher’s Restaurant and Pub, located in Glendale’s Bayshore Town Center, will offer authentic German food on the tour, including brats. Also available at the beer garden will be Sprecher Brewing products such as root beer floats, pizza, popcorn, and pretzels.

Indeed, 2015 will be a great year for Grant Park. The Beer Garden is just the start.

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by | January 27, 2015 · 7:58 am

No One Hurt In Overnight South Milwaukee House Fire

Chestnut fireDamage was extensive, but thankfully no one was hurt in an overnight fire at 1512 Chestnut Ave. Details from South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joe Knitter …

At approximately 20 minutes after midnight this morning, SMPD Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from a passerby reporting fire coming through the roof of a house near the intersection of 15th & Chestnut.  SMPD Officer Hoeppner was first to arrive on scene and confirmed the address of 1512 Chestnut Street and reported a well-involved fire.  This information was relayed to SMFD and the level of alarm was immediately upgraded to a Working Still, which brings in our mutual aid neighbors. 

Not knowing if there was anyone at home, Officer Hoeppner forced entry into the house through the front door and was able to check the first floor and did not locate any occupants.  He did, however, remove a dog from a kennel in the kitchen and take it from the house.  SMFD units arrived on scene and encountered a large volume of fire already venting from the rear area of the roof.  The initial attack on the fire was from the interior on the second floor, however, attack crews were making little progress due to a large portion of the roof already being burned away and many areas that were difficult to access.  The attack line was withdrawn momentarily while ladders were brought into the interior and areas of fire were then darkened down.  Lines were redeployed to the interior and an extensive overhaul operation ensued. A MABAS Box Alarm was requested due to the cold temperatures and extent of the operation, bringing in our next level of mutual aid response. 

No injuries were reported.  Damage to the house is extensive.  The sole occupant of the house was not home at the time of fire, which remains under investigation at this time.

Please keep the occupant of this home in your prayers, and join me in thanking our firefighters and police officers for their work.

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by | January 26, 2015 · 5:29 pm

New Citgo Station Opening By End Of February

CitgoI’m excited to see another new business coming to South Milwaukee, an investment in our downtown area to rehabilitate a dilapidated building …

The latest example: the new Citgo station opening at 10th and Manitoba. I spoke to the owners — who also operate several gas stations in Appleton — and they expect to be open by the end of February.

The new signage went up last week, and it’s already a big improvement. Welcome to South Milwaukee!

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by | January 26, 2015 · 9:27 am

Welcome To Wil-o-Way

20150122_163320WilowayI had a nice visit this week with Mike, Debbie, Nicci and Harrison, who have brought Adult Day Services of Southeast Wisconsin to Wil-o-Way Grant. They just began programming earlier this month.

What do they do? They provide day programming for those with cognitive disabilities, traumatic brain injuries and autism at the Grant Park location. I’ll let Program Director Nicci Nageotte explain more …

We combine activities such as crafts, music, reading, dance and exercise, and cooking with outdoor activities such as walking and exploring  to help individuals learn more about themselves and things they might like to do but have never tried. We then add in the community component with “outings” for movies, lunch, the library- things they may have limited access to in their home lives. The volunteering help them learn skills that help with future employment (some attend work programs part time)  and also give them the satisfaction of doing things to help others.

It’s a terrific mission, and I wish them well at their new location. They just started at Wil-o-Way Grant this month, and they have capacity to serve 40 individuals. For now, they are under 10.

I was also happy to get a tour of the Milwaukee County facility, which is impressive. Recently remodeled and essentially empty during the day the past two years, it includes a large open hall with a stage, a kitchen, accessible outdoor play area and even a solarium.

For me, this has always been a hidden part of Grant Park, even though I’m told it is often rented out on weekends for events. It was nice to get a glimpse inside — and to learn more about the work of its new tenant.

Learn more about Adult Day Services here. Thanks for calling South Milwaukee home.

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