Category Archives: South Milwaukee

From Milwaukee County, through the city …

Construction is anticipated to be completed and Mill Road open to traffic by mid-summer 2023.

Here is the full update.

From the city’s press release …

At the South Milwaukee Common Council meeting on May 16, 2023, Katie Crosby will be sworn-in as the City Clerk. Crosby has held various roles with the City since 2005, including positions in the Clerk’s office, Treasurer’s office, and the Police Department. She is currently serving as the Deputy City Clerk.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and forensic psychology and graduated from the Wisconsin Municipal Clerks and Treasurer’s Institute in 2019. In 2021, she was honored by the Milwaukee BizTimes as a Rising Star in Finance and Accounting.

Crosby will be the 16th person to hold the title of South Milwaukee City Clerk. D.J. Sweeney was first elected to the position in 1897. Starting in 2017, the Common Council converted the City Clerk role from elected to appointed by the City Administrator.

The City Clerk’s office is responsible for a variety of functions including, administering elections, assisting with the annual budget process, record keeping, clerical support for the elected officials and various boards and commissions, monitoring compliance with the Wisconsin open meetings and open records laws, alcohol beverage and miscellaneous business licensing, and implementing state statute and municipal code requirements.

I am a big fan of Katie’s, and a big fan of this hire. She really stepped up during my time as mayor, including leading the city’s social media efforts and in coordinating other initiatives beyond the normal scope of her previous job. This was especially crucial during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She has been a rising star for years. I’m happy to see others see that, too. Go, Katie!

Support the local performing and visual arts at a couple of upcoming events!

Here information on what’s coming up this month, with a fuller list on the Events page.

• Saturday, May 13: South Milwaukee PAC SMArt Walk/Run, 9 a.m., Grant Park. Register now
• Saturday, May 13: South Milwaukee Historical Society Canopy Class — Loretta’s Field, History and Future Plans, 10:30 a.m. Details
• Thursday, May 18: Free Community Dinner, First Congregational Church. Details
• Thursday, May 18: 41st Annual 128th Air Refueling Wing Civic Dinner Dance, 5 p.m. Purchase tickets by May 4. Details
• Friday, May 19: Art Works | Wine Tasting Fundraiser, to raise money for downtown murals, 6 p.m., DBHW Wealth Partners, 1125 Milwaukee Ave. Details
• Saturday, May 20-Sunday, May 21: “The Adventures of the Cipollino,” presented by Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy. Details
• Saturday, May 20: South Milwaukee Library Annual Plant Swap, 10 a.m.-noon. Details
• Sunday, May 21: Afternoon at the Commons, Bucyrus Commons dedication. Details
• Wednesday, May 31: South Milwaukee PAC 2023-24 Season Preview, 6:30 p.m. Details

The South Milwaukee Common Council has voted to move the official trick-or-treating time to the Saturday before Halloween, from 5 to 7 p.m. In 2023, that puts trick-or-treating on Saturday, October 28.

Previously — since 2012 — the city had held trick-or-treating on Halloween night, the only community in the county to do this annually. It was previously held on Sundays before Halloween.

I’m disappointed in the decision. You can read my rationale for, as an alderman, leading the charge to move to trick-or-treating to Halloween in this post. Simply put, trick-or-treating should be on Halloween — not on October 25, for example, on which it will fall in 2025. Moving it to Halloween, and keeping it there, added authenticity to the fun family holiday. We lose that now.

I heard some complaints over the years — the biggest being the timing on a weeknight — but believe most received the change well. I was hoping this would be a long-term positive point of difference for our city.

Instead, I’ll mark my calendar for October 28, and get the firepit ready for the driveway. Happy Halloween!

Replacing Burger King, near Walmart. From the city’s press release …

Bridgeman Foods has signed a lease to open a Wendy’s at 240 N. Chicago Avenue in South Milwaukee. The restaurant space, neighboring South Milwaukee’s Walmart, was vacated by a Burger King in September 2022.

After multiple parties expressed interest in the space, Wendy’s emerged as the likely new tenant late last year. They are expected to have access to a strong customer base. Through South Milwaukee’s 2023 – 2027 Downtown Strategic Planning, data collected showed that the area receives over 425,000+ annual visits from 155,000+ annual visitors.

“I am grateful to the property owner for quickly securing an attractive tenant for this space. South Milwaukee is open for business to both small businesses and national brands. One of our biggest economic development priorities is assisting property owners in finding tenants for their vacancies,” stated South Milwaukee Mayor Jim Shelenske. “Wendy’s will be a great addition to the dining options available in South Milwaukee and I look forward to ordering my first frosty.”

Learn more in the JS Online story. And welcome to South Milwaukee, Bridgeman Foods!

The public is invited to all three events!

The Little League Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday at 9th and Madison and ends at the ballpark, with opening ceremonies at 11 and the first pitch of the new season at noon.

Then, Saturday night it’s a fun event for Launching a Legacy, the fundraising effort to deliver significant upgrades to Spaltholz Field, Galewski Field and the softball field.

And on Sunday, it’s the first Suburban Soles Nature Walk of the season.

• Saturday, May 6: South Milwaukee Little League Opening Day. Details
• Saturday, May 6: Launching a Legacy “Mission: Possible” fundraising event, 6-10 p.m., Pat’s Oak Manor. Details
• Sunday, May 7: Suburban Soles Nature Walk: “Friends With Feathers,” 8:30 a.m., Grant Park Picnic Area 5A Shelter. Details

Sad news from Sunday. From WISN …

An 88-year-old woman died in a house fire in South Milwaukee on Sunday, according to the South Milwaukee fire department.

Firefighters responded to 1716 Manistique Ave. at 4:32 p.m. “The fire was quickly extinguished, but unfortunately, one individual lost their life,” Chief John Litchford said.

The victim’s identity has not yet been released. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time, and our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Litchford said.

South Milwaukee Fire Department and Police Department, in addition to the State Fire Marshal, are looking into the cause of the fire.

Also coverage from CBS 58 and Fox 6.

Please keep this woman’s family and friends in your prayers.

From the South Milwaukee Police Department’s Facebook page …

Today, Officer Matt Edwards was able to meet his new partner, Rocket, the K9!

Rocket is a one year old Dutch shepherd from Holland.

Officer Edwards and Rocket begin formal training together this fall. Rocket is expected to be on patrol with us late this October.

A HUGE Thank You to everyone who donated to our K9 program!

I’m told Rocket will begin officially training with his SMPD officer and get sworn in later this summer.

Welcome aboard, Rocket!

Here is the full list of offerings. And why not organize your own cleanup this weekend?

From the City of South Milwaukee …

At 4:46pm on April 27, 2023, the South Milwaukee Water/Wastewater Department became aware of a 20-inch broken water main located near 10th and Michigan Avenues. This caused a portion of City of South Milwaukee households to have low water pressure. By 5:05pm, messages were posted on the City’s website and our social media accounts regarding this matter.

At this time, no boil advisory is in effect.

Water tower levels and water pressure have returned to normal. Residents experiencing low water pressure are encouraged to contact the Water/Wastewater Department. Those experiencing discolored water should flush the water line at the lowest point in their home.

Businesses and restaurants may use the water as they typically would. Any food prepared with tap water yesterday is safe for consumption.

Service crews are working to repair the damage on Michigan Avenue. To keep yourself safe and avoid impeding this work, please avoid the 10th and Michigan Avenue area until further notice.

The Water/Wastewater Department has remained in close contact with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The City of South Milwaukee’s Emergency Management team has also been monitoring the situation.

We appreciate the aid of the Wisconsin DNR and the Oak Creek Water Utility.

For further updates, monitor the City Website at http://www.smwi.org, the City’s Facebook page, or contact the Water/Wastewater Department at 414-768-8070.

Milwaukee County Supervisor Steven Shea tells me South Milwaukee’s Grobschmidt Pool isn’t reopening this summer, as repairs needed since a 2019 water line break have not been made — and, even if they were to be made, the county’s lifeguard shortage is real.

That is why your viewpoint is so critical, as the county seeks feedback on its aquatic facilities at one of three open houses May 2-4. All open house are 4-7 p.m.

• May 2: Kosciuszko Community Center
• May 3: Lincoln Park Blatz Pavilion
• May 4: Hales Corners

Details on all of the open houses and study here. From the county …

Milwaukee County Parks is pleased to be kicking off an a systemwide Aquatics Study and wants to hear user opinions about existing facilities, as well as what the community would like to see into the future.

INTRODUCTION

Milwaukee County Parks currently owns and operates two (2) indoor deep-well pools, three (3) outdoor aquatic parks, eight (8) outdoor pools, one (1) privately operated outdoor pool, seven (7) splashpads, twenty-five (25) wading pools, and several beaches that have been historically used for swimming.

The last Aquatic Facilities Study was adopted in 2002 and was intended to be a guide for Park’s aquatics facilities to become operationally self-sustaining, and to progressively reduce the reliance on the tax levy by containing costs and increasing usage. Twenty years have passed since the last in-depth study and Parks have experienced a steady decline in funding and staffing, and an updated inventory and study are necessary for the department to plan for aquatic investments in the future.

There have been advancements in recreational trends that need to be examined, and the County’s continually reduced financial capacity, poses hard choices for Parks to consider. As part of the Analysis phase, this public outreach component will evaluate community opinion on aquatic facilities and services as well as necessary tax levy support.

The county is also doing an online survey on the topic. Take it here.

More exciting news for the next generation of the former Bucyrus campus …

From the city’s press release:

Steele Solutions, a manufacturer of platform solutions throughout the United States, has moved their corporate headquarters to 1117 Rawson Avenue in South Milwaukee. The company, a several time honoree of Milwaukee Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” award, first opened their South Milwaukee facility in 2021.

Steele Solutions has experienced rapid growth since its start in a small trailer in Waukesha in 1996.

The South Milwaukee headquarters occupy 285,000 square feet at the former Bucyrus campus in the heart of the city’s downtown. The company also has a Milwaukee facility.

“Moving our corporate headquarters and structural fabrication to South Milwaukee and the Rawson campus has helped us increase our ability to automate the manufacturing process and align our entire business with our core values,” stated Steele Solutions CEO Kevin O’Neill. “We are proud to call South Milwaukee home.”

Said South Milwaukee Mayor Jim Shelenske: “Steele Solutions was the first major tenant to lease space at the former Bucyrus campus after Reich Brothers, LLC acquired the property. They were the spark that brought life back to this area of our downtown. Now, over 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space is occupied and we are evaluating a potential residential/commercial project in the former office buildings. We are thrilled to be the home of Steele Solutions’ new headquarters and we look forward to partnering with them further. This is great news for South Milwaukee and further builds on the momentum we are experiencing downtown.”

Steele Solutions is a great addition to South Milwaukee because it’s a growth company serving a long-term growth industry. Remembering a tour I took with the company president a couple years ago, it’s clear that as online retail goes so does Steele Solutions — a maker of mezzanine racking for companies like UPS, FedEx and Amazon. And online retail is obviously booming, with a runway for growth. This analyst agrees.

Also, Steele merged with Tiffin Metal Products in 2022.

It’s less than 45 days away!

Coming this year to one of the country’s most unique festivals are “Cowboy” Bob Orton Jr., Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Al Snow, Marty Jannetty, and Ted DiBiase. All five will be available for autographs Saturday and Sunday, June 3-4, from 1-4 p.m.

Details on the wrestling legends here. More details on Crusherfest here.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel …

A body was found near a creek in South Milwaukee Sunday, according to the South Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. The body was discovered near 15th Avenue and Oak Creek Parkway.

The deceased individual was likely a homeless person who was living in that area, South Milwaukee Police Chief William Jessup said. The sheriff’s office is investigating the death.

Video from the scene from WISN here.