South Milwaukee lost a couple of dedicated community servants recently.
Please keep both families in your thoughts and prayers.
Did you know either man? Please post your comments.
Filed under Community, South Milwaukee
Lucky 7-0 … and a third straight Woodland East Conference championship.
Not a bad Homecoming for the South Milwaukee football team, which rolled to a 42-0 victory over Cudahy on Friday at Spaltholz Field.
The offense continued to dominate, racking up 273 yards on the ground. Ian Pribyl ran 16 times for 152 yards and two touchdowns, and quarterback Justin Oliden had 11 carries for 124 yards and two scores, including a 72-yard second-quarter TD run. The Rocket defense held the Packers to 188 yards of total offense.
Now come two huge challenges for the Rockets — two Woodland West “crossover” games against powers Pewaukee and Greendale. First, it’s at Pewaukee this Friday at 7 p.m., and then South Milwaukee hosts Greendale on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.
Then it’s WIAA playoff time. Bring it on!
Let’s keep the perfect season going.
Filed under Schools, South Milwaukee, Sports
There is still plenty of time to sign up for the South Suburban Mayors’ Fitness Challenge, which is picking up steam with a bunch of local events this month.
Sign up here. And stop by one of the following free events in the next week …
More details on all of these events — and many more — can be found on the Challenge Facebook page.
Filed under Community, Mayors' Fitness Challenge, South Milwaukee
Dear Neighbors,
Autumn is here, and I have a humble request: Put the rakes away, and mow.
In other words, please consider not having the city pick up and dispose of your leaves this fall, be it through our street collection program or at our self-deposit station.
I ask this because starting this fall we are no longer able to dispose of the leaves we collect at the two nearby locations we had been using. Instead, we are now faced with having to truck most, if not all, the leaves we collect to a landfill in Muskego, almost an hour away.
This is a problem for a number of reasons.
My hope: We can reduce the amount of leaves we pick up this fall and every fall going forward. Even a 10% reduction would make a difference.
So, what I am asking taxpayers? Instead of raking your leaves into the street, please consider mulching them with your lawnmower, like I do. Or composting them. Or saving a few bags of leaves in your garage to use for mulch next spring. Anything that keeps us from taking your leaves on an hour-long truck ride. That’s not good for anyone.
As we do this, I also pledge the city will take a hard look at longer term solutions here – ways we can better offer this service in the years ahead. I expect we will continue to pick up and dispose of homeowners’ leaves. But something has to change.
Thank you for working with us on this issue.
Sincerely,
Erik Brooks
Mayor, City of South Milwaukee
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has some good tips for homeowners in dealing with fall yard waste. Check it out here, and click on the “Fall Yard Care” tab. And please note that there are certain requirements around composting in the City of South Milwaukee. You can learn more in Section 8.09(9)(d)a of the Municipal Code online at our city website.
Filed under City Services, South Milwaukee
It will be an October to remember in South Milwaukee.
The month-long series of special events leading up to Halloween trick-or-treating begins on Thursday — weather permitting — with the South Milwaukee Homecoming parade, pep rally and bonfire.
See you Thursday … and throughout the month!
Be sure to like the Rocketober Facebook page for the latest updates.
Filed under Community, South Milwaukee
A public information meeting has been scheduled around the 37-unit affordable apartment complex proposed for the former St. Adalbert’s school, gymnasium and rectory.
The meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13, at City Hall.
It will include a presentation from Gorman & Co., which is asking the city to rezone more than two acres of land near 16th and Manitoba for the project. Representatives from the company will also take questions.
You can see the letter we’re sending to residents in the neighborhood near St. Adalbert’s here. Here is Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coverage of the proposal. And here is Gorman’s website, with information on the other workforce housing developments they’ve done across the country, including several in the Milwaukee area.
My ask: Please become familiar with the details of the proposed development and developer before making up minds. Get the facts, and questions answered, at the Oct. 13 meeting. Then let’s have an open debate.
I look forward to it.
My promise: No matter your position on this issue, you will have a chance to be heard, be it through this public information meeting, a potential formal public hearing and at future meetings of the Plan Commission and City Council. I’ll keep you posted on all of these opportunities.
Filed under Development, South Milwaukee
From the South Milwaukee Marching Band … congratulations!
The Rocket Marching Band Entertains This Season
The Rocket Marching Band has been continuing its tradition of entertaining and surprising the crowds they perform for. They have been busy traveling to a variety of venues and competitions to share their music and their story. This seasons show titled, “Tales from Emerald City” features selections from, “The Wiz,” “Wicked,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” The band is directed by Pete Thompson, Dave Miles, Music Instructor, Gail Kablau, Drill Design/Instruction & Color Guard Instructor, Scott Vargas, Percussion Instructor & Kim Forsythe, Woodwind Instructor. Student leaders include: Cece Geshrick, Drum Major, Sheila Franklin, Color Guard Captain, Chidimma Ozodi, Rifle Leader, and Rachel Henry, Jesse Herzog, Aaron Larson, Emily Senn and Lorraine Woiak, Field Leaders.
The band and color guard have competed in two high school level competitions – one in Grayslake, IL, receiving a caption award and the other in Waukesha, receiving third place honors. Recently the drum line performed at the South Milwaukee Farmers Market on Thursday, September 25, 2014 and entertained as local residents shopped.
This Wednesday, October 1, the drum line will be appearing on the Bob and Brian show, 102.9 at 8:30 a.m. Please make sure you tune in and listen the students play a variety of cadences and help to kick off some Homecoming Spirit Rocket style.
In addition to all of the Rocket home games, the band competes against other area high schools at Wisconsin School Music Association competitions. Please come out and cheer on the marching arts at these local competitions: Cudahy – October 11 Fort Atkinson – October 12 University of Wisconsin Whitewater – October 18 For up to date information regarding the competitions, please check the band’s website at the following address: http://www.sdsm.k12.wi.us/schools/high/marching-band.cfm
Filed under Schools, South Milwaukee
The Homecoming Parade returns on Thursday, and there will be plenty to celebrate.
The South Milwaukee football team moved to 6-0 with a 50-7 victory over Shorewood Messmer on Friday. And the stats for the high-powered Rockets continue to impress, with South Milwaukee racking up 544 yards of offense in the Woodland Conference East victory.
Quarterback Justin Oliden led the way, completing 9 of 13 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns and running for 133 yards and two more scores. Ian Pribyl rushed 21 times for 187 yards and three touchdowns.
Check out video highlights from WISN here.
And be sure to check out the festivities Thursday, with the parade starting at 6, followed by a pep rally and bonfire. The parade starts near 15th and Rawson and heads north on 15th to the school.
The Homecoming game against Cudahy kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday.
Filed under South Milwaukee, Sports
When you’re 5-0, people take notice.
Three South Milwaukee football seniors have been named semifinalists for three Wisconsin Sports Network awards. They are:
Check out the full list here. Finalists chosen after the Level 1 playoffs. Winners are announced the week of the state finals. A panel of WSN staff along with several veteran prep sports journalists throughout the state will review the finalists and select a winner for each award, with an announcement made the week of the state football finals.
South Milwaukee — now rated No. 4 in Division 2 — play at 7 p.m. at Shorewood/Messmer tonight. Then it’s Homecoming week!
Other sports updates from the school district … h/t Ante Udovicic.
ROCKET GIRLS TENNIS
The Rockets beat Racine Horlick 4-3 last Saturday in their only completed match of the Racine Case tournament. Yesterday, the Rockets lost to Pius 6-1 in the final Woodland Conference match of the regular season. Mackenzie Meyers (11) won a hard fought straight set victory for the lone Rocket win.
On Tuesday and Wednesday of next week the Rockets will take on the rest of the Woodland Conference in the conference tournament being held in the Greendale and Greenfield area. The JV Tennis team will compete in the Woodland JV Tournament on Saturday in Greendale and Greenfield…good luck!
ROCKET BOYS VOLLEYBALL
The boys defeated West Allis Central 25-23 & 25-19 in their first match of the varsity tournament hosted by Central last Saturday. The Rockets lost earlier this week to a very tough Greendale team. On Monday the boys travel to Kenosha Tremper for a triangular and on Wednesday they travel to Wauwatosa West HS for a Woodland match.
ROCKET GIRLS SWIM
Wednesday September 24th, 2014 CONFERENCE RELAYS at Greenfield HS…
The team took 6th out of 13 schools
Good luck to the team tomorrow at Kenosha Bradford!
ROCKET CROSS COUNTRY
Josh Janusiak (12) continued his superb running with yet another victory at UW-Parkside Chris Sobczak (10) and Jordan Janusiak (9) took 6th & 7th place respectively and the boys overall took 2nd as a team!
On the girls side Maddie Wood (10) was solid once again and took 3rd place. The girls’ team took 8th out of 28 teams overall.
Good luck to all of the Rocket Harriers as they take on the Janesville CC Meet for the first time in decades. This is a huge meet with over 75 teams running.
Filed under Schools, South Milwaukee, Sports
Wednesday’s house fire on Rawson Avenue has greatly impacted two families, with six children attending South Milwaukee schools. Two community institutions are stepping up to help.
Guardian Credit Union has announced they have created a fund to assist the families and will be accepting donations of money, clothing and household goods at their South Milwaukee location, 1025 Milwaukee Ave. Reference the “South Milwaukee Rawson House Fire” fund.
In addition, Guardian accepted nearly $140 in donations from attendees of Thursday’s showing of “Frozen” at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market — donations that the market and Guardian then matched for a total donation of more than $400. Thanks to everyone who pitched in!
Also, Rawson Elementary is collecting clothing for boys size 5 and girls size 7/8.
Filed under South Milwaukee
The city is proud to announce a partnership with a local company that will allow for free disposal of unwanted appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers.
The agreement with Refrigerant Depot means the company will pick up appliances from outside your home or the South Milwaukee self-deposit station free of charge.
Previously, it cost $15 to dispose of them at the self-deposit station.
The service applies to refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, microwave ovens and water heaters. Televisions and other electronic items have to be taken to an e-cycle cycle center such as Goodwill stores.
Here is a flyer explaining more.
Filed under City Services, South Milwaukee
From South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joe Knitter … please keep everyone impacted in your prayers.
At approximately 1140AM this morning, South Milwaukee Dispatch received several 9-1-1 calls reporting a house fire at 1213 Rawson Avenue. The house is a duplex, with a total of 9 occupants residing in it. A “Working Still”, which brings in our first alarm level of mutual aid, was called immediately based on the information of the callers. First arriving South Milwaukee Fire Department units encountered significant fire on the east side of the house extending up the siding and exposing the 2nd floor and attic. In addition, a large pine tree that was very near the house was burning adding to the amount of fire and smoke. Initial reports were that all occupants were out of the house.
Fire suppression efforts were first directed at stopping the spread of the fire on the exterior of the house and then immediately re-directed to the interior where a quick knock down of the fire was accomplished. The fire had gained a considerable headway and was burning in the walls and into the attic, thus requiring an extensive amount of overhaul. A 2nd MABAS Box Alarm was called for additional firefighters and to staff our station in the event of subsequent calls. One additional EMS call was received during the incident and handled by a mutual aid ambulance. No injuries were reported at the fire, however, two pets perished in the fire and another two are unaccounted for.
The American Red Cross was called to the scene and is assisting the family with their needs. Fire Investigators remain on the scene attempting to identify the origin and cause.
Filed under Fire, South Milwaukee
I’m being told no one was injured in the house fire in the 1200 block of Rawson Avenue around noon today.
I will post updates when I get them.
In the meantime, please keep these families and our firefighters in your thoughts and prayers.
Filed under Fire, South Milwaukee
More city employees doing good work for others, this time from South Milwaukee Fire Lt. Craig Boschke (pictured) …
The South Milwaukee Professional Firefighters raised money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at their annual MDA “Fill the Boot” fundraiser on September 5th. Both on and off duty members collected $3895.23 at the intersection of College Ave & Nicholson Ave throughout the morning and afternoon. South Milwaukee Firefighters raised $4123.77 for MDA in 2014 through various fundraisers and generous donations.
The International Association of Firefighters has strongly supported MDA since 1954. South Milwaukee firefighters continue to “Fill the Boot” for MDA and those affected by various neuro-muscular diseases. A special thanks to our Fire Chief and command staff for supporting our local event and endeavors.
Filed under Community, Fire, South Milwaukee
The second (rescheduled) Guardian Credit Union Movie in the Market is this Thursday … and it’s a big one.
The flick: the Disney hit “Frozen.”
Showtime is around 7 p.m., and it follows two other special performances: the South Milwaukee Rocket Band drumline and a South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center concert featuring the Jeannine Rivers Group, a jazz and R&B band. I’m also holding a Meet the Mayor session with school leaders from 4 to 6.
Guardian is offering free popcorn. And bring your lawn chairs.
Hope to see you there!
(And mark your calendars for the final Guardian movie. “Hocus Pocus” plays on Thursday, Oct. 9, as part of the market’s season-ending Fall Family Festival event. Showtime is around 6:30 p.m.)
South Milwaukee Blog 