Madness! Check out the blog events listing for a current list of events. Here are some from this weekend … including a corned beef and roasted pork loin dinner on Thursday.
Thursday, March 16: Free Community Dinner, First Congregational Church. Details
Friday, March 17-Sunday, March 19: South Milwaukee High School Theatre presents “The Sound of Music.” Shows on Friday and Saturday evening, as well as Sunday afternoon. Details
Saturday, March 18: South Milwaukee Historical Society Open House, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Details
Sunday, March 19: South Milwaukee American Legion Post 27 103rd Birthday Dinner. Cocktails at 4, dinner at 5 p.m. RSVP by March 5. Details
And check out what’s up with St. Patrick’s Day at Moran’s Pub!
A message from interim South Milwaukee School Superintendent Jim Shaw … also delivered via video.
Dear South Milwaukee Community,
This week the school administration will suggest a plan to reduce our budget to match the funding we expect to receive from the state. I’m writing to share my angst and concern for our students and teachers and to warn of the pain our community will soon feel.
I am proud to say that I am a Wisconsin public school educator, and have been for more than fifty years. I have worked in six different school districts, visited countless schools across the state, and taught at three different Wisconsin universities.
I am proud of Wisconsin public education. I am proud that public schools are the schools for “all the children of all the people.” I am proud to know hundreds of teachers who taught me by their example, that the purpose of public education is to make a difference in the lives of children. Teachers are core to what we do in public schools.
I am proud of our local School Board, the concept of local control, and the school board’s advocacy for public education.
I am sad to say that the schools I love are in crisis. Since 2008 Wisconsin public schools have been systematically defunded. Per-student funding is now more than $3,000 behind inflation. Most school districts must pass referendums just to survive. Across the state school boards are facing financial deficits and some are even considering dissolution.
Because teachers are underpaid and undervalued, Wisconsin is facing an unprecedented teacher shortage. The crisis is made worse by declining student enrollment and the need to downsize schools, cut programs and decrease opportunities for students.
While the Wisconsin Constitution defines public education as a State responsibility, the State is failing in its responsibility by freezing funding for public education, while at the same time, amassing a State surplus valued at more than $7 billion.
The School District of South Milwaukee is in crisis, facing a more than $1.6 million deficit. That means our elected school board must make reductions to match our costs to our income – something we all can relate to.
We don’t have a lot of power to change this situation – but you might. Your opinions matter to elected officials. We’ve compiled some materials to help you engage your elected officials in a discussion about public school funding and information on how to reach them.
On April 19, please join us for our Speak Up for Public Schools advocacy event from 5-7 p.m. in the high school. At that event, there will be many ways for whole families to celebrate and stand up for public education that can, if enough of us do something, possibly move the government to act. You can RSVP here.
Wisconsin public education is in a funding crisis. In a crisis, the South Milwaukee Way is to come together. The School Board has asked for a plan to minimize the impact of budget reductions on students and teachers.
I am hopeful that we can work with our teachers and our community to keep our schools great and protect opportunities for all students.
Please come together to advocate for our South Milwaukee Public Schools.
A winter storm overnight left thousands without power in South Milwaukee.
Here is the We Energies outage map. Most power outages locally seemed centered near Rawson and Nicholson as of 7:30 a.m. on March 10.
The South Milwaukee School District also announced a “non-traditional snow day.” From its message to families …
Due to the ongoing winter storm and power outages in many of our buildings, school buildings will be closed today, Friday, March 10, and students will have a non-traditional snow day.
Elementary and middle school students should complete the work sent home or assigned to them before school resumes on Monday. High school students should be prepared for virtual check-ins today with each of their classes.
Here is the morning update from the National Weather Service …
A press release from the South Milwaukee School District …
SOUTH MILWAUKEE – On Wednesday, March 8, the School District of South Milwaukee announced the appointment of Deidre Roemer as superintendent effective July 1.
“We’re extremely excited and proud to welcome Mrs. Roemer to South Milwaukee,” Board President Sophia Williams said. “Her track record as the Assistant Superintendent in West Allis-West Milwaukee is impressive. We can’t wait to see what she will do here.”
Roemer has worked in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District since 2005first as a teacher, then the Coordinator of Special Education, the Director of Leadership and Learning and for the last year as the Assistant Superintendent.
Prior to her time in West Allis-West Milwaukee, she taught in Minnesota, Iowa, Milwaukee, Hawaii and Illinois. She also serves as an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a contributing author of Because of a Teacher by George Couros.
Roemer has been married to her husband, Rick, for fifteen years and is the proud parent of Emily, 20, and twins Nick and Henry, 14.
“I am thrilled to be joining the team at the School District of South Milwaukee. It is a great community centered by excellent schools. The dedication to creating a sense of belonging so that every student can thrive drew me to apply for the position,” Roemer said. “I look forward to continuing and growing the work to embed Social Emotional Learning in every school and the amazing Career and Technical education work together. I have been impressed by the sense of family shared by the staff and students who I have met so far and am excited to meet more of the staff and spend time getting to know the community in the coming months.”
The School Board began the search for a new superintendent in October following the departure of Dr. Jeffery Weiss who left to lead the Kenosha Unified School District.
Retired superintendent Dr. James Shaw was appointed in October as interim superintendent while the School Board conducted its search for Weiss’s replacement. Shaw will remain in his position with the District until June 30.
Separate and distinct from Milwaukee Public Schools, South Milwaukee is a suburban School District that serves approximately 2,700 students in six buildings. There are four elementary schools and a middle and high school.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley signed contracts Tuesday providing $9.5 million for four affordable housing projects in suburban communities.
The funds will go towards projects in Brown Deer, Wauwatosa and South Milwaukee. The county executive and the county’s Housing Division made it a goal in 2022 to diversify the affordable housing available in metro Milwaukee by backing developments in communities that have historically been resistant to such projects.
“This is another huge step forward for the county, particularly in our work as we continue to increase the amount of safe and affordable housing in all neighborhoods throughout the county,” Crowley said.
Funding for the projects comes out of the county’s $185 million allocation of Affordable Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. In 2022, the county set aside $15 million in ARPA funding to support affordable suburban housing projects. The county worked with the Community Development Alliance to find projects to back and in January awarded funding to the first four projects Crowley signed off on Tuesday.
The projects include: $2 million for a project with 56 affordable units being developed by Jewish Family Services at 4114 W. Woodale Ave. in Brown Deer; $2.48 million for 56 units being developed by MSP Real Estate Inc. at 11500 W. Burleigh St. in the Mayfair Collection in Wauwatosa; $2.5 million for 82 affordable units to be incorporated into Scott Crawford Inc. and J. Jeffers & Co’s redevelopment of the former Bucyrus Plant, 1100 Milwaukee Ave., in South Milwaukee; and $2.5 million for 17 units at 7501 W. North Ave. in Wauwatosa being developed by Luther Group.
“Currently, in Milwaukee County, we have about 70,000 families who earn $15 an hour or less, but there’s only about 30,000 rentals that are available for them,” Crowley said, dramatizing the need for CDA’s affordable housing plan.
Mayor Jim Shelenske’s comment via the city Facebook page: “Much like the Bucyrus campus through the Scott Crawford and J. Jeffers & Co. proposal, South Milwaukee is seeing new energy and momentum.”
More on the proposed Bucyrus development here, here and in Alderman Backes’ recent update.
Don’t forget I pin a local events post at the top of my blog, so check back often for updates.
Here is a summary of what’s coming up this month …
Saturday, March 4: Leo Kottke, with special guest Sarah Lee Guthrie, 8 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details
Sunday, March 5: “The World on Your Front Porch,” featuring Paddygrass and the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company, 2 p.m., South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Details
Wednesday, March 8: Sam Bush, 7:30 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details
Thursday, March 16: Free Community Dinner, First Congregational Church. Details
Friday, March 17-Sunday, March 19: South Milwaukee High School Theatre presents “The Sound of Music.” Shows on Friday and Saturday evening, as well as Sunday afternoon. Details
Sunday, March 19: South Milwaukee American Legion Post 27 103rd Birthday Dinner. Cocktails at 4, dinner at 5 p.m. RSVP by March 5. Details
Did I miss something? Email me at erikbrooks32@gmail.com.
I also encourage you to follow the Shop Local South Milwaukee Facebook page for updates from local businesses. March is a busy month, with St. Patrick’s Day kicking off this weekend at Moran’s Pub!
I love to see small businesses open and expand in South Milwaukee!
First, welcome to Bakehouse 23 mke, which opened at 1309 Milwaukee Ave. earlier this month. Learn more here and here, check them out on Facebook. From the OnMilwaukee.com story …
If it’s been a while since you ventured to South Milwaukee, you might want to make it a point to pay a visit.
Recent years have brought numerous new businesses to Milwaukee Street, a growing Downtown strip which currently houses businesses including South Milwaukee Sausage and Meats, Immortal Toys & Collectables and Omen Subculture clothing stores along with longer term businesses like Avenue Coffeehouse.
Soon, there will also be a new spot where you can satiate your sweet tooth.
Bakehouse 23 – a retail bakery specializing in whimsical, creative sweet and savory treats – will be opening its doors at 1309 Milwaukee Ave., with a soft opening debut planned for Saturday, Feb. 11.
Behind the bakery is longtime pastry chef Sarah Mironczuk who launched the Bakehouse 23 concept in early 2022 alongside her husband, Kirk Skorlinski (also a chef). Initially, they operated out of a commercial kitchen space at the Branch at 1501 in Racine. There, she began making baked goods to sell to the public as well as wholesale accounts like Wonderland (Riverwest), Esperanza Coffee Collective (Racine) and X-Ray Arcade (Cudahy).
Mironczuk says she hopes to build on that business with her new venture, which she says will start off as a little boutique bakery where she can showcase some of the things that she loves best.
And some breaking news for one of my favorite local restaurants (and the best BBQ in the region) … Atwood Hwy BBQ Company is adding a second location on the East Side of Milwaukee. Its South Milwaukee home is at 925 Madison Ave.
Learn more here, here and here. From the Milwaukee Record …
“Atwood Hwy BBQ is all about family,” explains owners Donteah and April Morehouse. “We both learned to cook watching family members in the kitchen, and food has always been something that brings our families together. We put a lot of love into each dish we make, and it’s because when we serve food we’re really welcoming you into our family.”
That concept of Southern hospitality is referenced in the restaurant’s name. Atwood Hwy refers to a highway in Tennessee where Donteah spent time growing up. April worked at her father’s restaurant in Nashville, and both she and Donteah emphasize that guests will feel like they’re in the South when they take the first bite.
“Good food helps people connect and feel at home with one another,” remarks Donteah. “It’s not fussy or overcomplicated. We’re just creating a place where our customers get to know us, where they know that our staff is excited to see them, and they feel the love that goes into every bite.”
“Atwood Hwy BBQ is an exciting addition to our food hall,” comments Paige Hammond, General Manager of Crossroads Collective Food Hall. “Our customers have been asking for it, and there’s no better duo than April and Donteah to bring good Southern barbecue to Milwaukee’s East Side.”
Update: Janet Protasiewicz garnered more than 48% of the vote in South Milwaukee, followed by Jennifer Dorow and Daniel Kelly. Full local results here.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Here is where you vote …
District 1 (Wards 1 through 4): South Milwaukee Public Library, 1907 10th Avenue
District 2 (Wards 5 through 8): Divine Mercy Gathering Room, 800 Marquette Avenue
District 3 (Wards 9 through 12): City Administration Building, 2424 15th Avenue
District 4 (Wards 13 through 16): Grobschmidt Senior Center, 2424 15th Avenue
Beginning Monday, February 27, open hours for the South Milwaukee Public Library will be reduced by 10 hours per week. The city’s Library Board approved a new schedule of open hours at a February 9 special board meeting.
The loss of hours coincides with a reduction of two part-time staff positions through attrition. Budget constraints built up over the last few years, including 2023 are necessitating the actions.
“These are moves that the Library Board undertakes very reluctantly,” said Board President Lynn Meidam. “While there will be some inconvenience, we are committed to ensuring our library continues to provide our thousands of patrons with excellent services and programs.”
The current popular children’s programs will remain unchanged, the library will have open hours six days a week and there will be access to evening hours two days per week. New hours will be:
Monday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
One option available for community members to assist the library as it continues to navigate through budget/funding challenges is to become involved in the Friends of the South Milwaukee Library, an integral organization that supports the library through fundraising and advocacy. More information at: smlibrary.org/friends/
The South Milwaukee Public Library is the city’s most used non-school public facility. In 2022 there were 48,049 library visits; total circulation of 102,389 items, including 34,973 children’s materials; 21,345 uses of e-materials; 306 programs attended by 9,654, including 8,490 children; and 6,969 uses of 15 public-access computers.
A quick personal note on this, having lived through some of these discussions as mayor …
While it makes me sad, I respect and fully understand the decision to reduce hours. At the same time I am happy the library remains a 24-7 resource for the community. I say “24-7” because I continue to be impressed with its online offerings.
Look no further than the “Resources” tab on its website.
The library has literally made the world a few mouse clicks away from its users.
Balancing these opportunities with in-person services is the future. It is how libraries will continue to add value for generations, as I suspect budgeting won’t get any easier for the library — or any government institution — going forward.
In the end, libraries will rise or fall because of their people. Ours is rising.
From its innovative director to its passionate and caring Board members to its committed and growing Friends group, these are people dedicated to doing more with less, to ensuring the South Milwaukee Library is sustained for generations, whether that’s in-person, online or in the community. Thank you to all of those people who are making a difference.
In late 2022, the South Milwaukee Police Department announced our intent to fundraise for and implement a K9 unit. An internal committee has been created with representatives from the SMPD and the City’s Administration Department. In January, paperwork was filed with the IRS to establish a 501(c)(3) organization.
Through donations already received, sales for our K9 t-shirts and plush dogs, and a penny war being organized by the School District of South Milwaukee, our fundraising is off to a great start. With the public’s help, we expect to have a K9 join the force by the end of 2023.
Sales of our t-shirts and plush dogs will continue at the SMPD counter at South Milwaukee City Hall. Donations can also be dropped off or mailed to the SMPD at 2424 15th Avenue in South Milwaukee. Checks can be made out to the SMPD K9 Program.
A fundraising campaign with our business community will be starting soon as well. Commitments to support the K9 have already been made by Oak Creek Veterinary Care Clinic, Walmart, Farm & Fleet, and the South Milwaukee Lions Club.
Letters of interest and applications are now being accepted for grants of up to $25,000 for local nonprofits.
Learn more about the city’s various Bucyrus Foundation grant programs, and get an application, here. Letters of interest are due by March 1, with completed applications due April 31. From the Program Guide …
BACKGROUND
The Bucyrus Steam Shovel & Dredge Co called South Milwaukee home for 118 years until 2011 when the company was acquired by Caterpillar Global mining. In September 2021 the Bucyrus Foundation (established in the 1970s) announced a $10 million contribution to institutions and infrastructure for the City of South Milwaukee (City), stretched over a 10-year period. These funds are allocated between the City and South Milwaukee School District and a portion of these funds are designated for local nonprofits.
CIVIC GRANT PROGRAM PURPOSE
The purpose of the Bucyrus Civic Grant Program is to benefit the community, allocating funds to South Milwaukee’s nonprofit organizations. Projects must demonstrate how they benefit the community. Grants may address a community need, improving community support, solving a problem, or enriching the people of South Milwaukee educational, health, or cultural experience. Grants may be for programs that address the workforce skills gap, support economic empowerment initiatives, foster effective public private partnerships, or boost neighborhood revitalization programs.
Funding priorities
Civic development
Arts and Culture
Health and Human Services
Education
Public benefit/community improvement
Environment
GRANT FUNDING
The Bucyrus Foundation will fund eligible projects that are not less than $1,000 and up to $25,000. All grant awards are subject to annual funding. Each grant awarded will be evaluated and a post-grant report is required for each grant received.
South Milwaukee Alderman Tim Backes has graciously volunteered to write regular updates for the blog coming out of the South Milwaukee Common Council.
You can see his latest installment here. It has information and discussion on the recent council meeting and a Q&A — including a tribute to Tim’s dad, David, who passed away in December.
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.
Please note: All content is written by Alderman Backes, and shared verbatim through the blog. Any opinion offered is Tim’s and Tim’s alone.
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.
South Milwaukee Blog 