There are several opportunities for you to honor our veterans on Friday, Nov. 11.
First, the public is welcome as the South Milwaukee Veterans Council is holding a Veterans Day event at 11 a.m. inside the American Legion Post #27 hall, with a short ceremony followed by a luncheon served by AMVETS Post 4 AUX.
Residents are then encouraged to line 15th Avenue across from the middle and high schools for the annual Veterans Day parade starting at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Veterans in the parade will return to the high school for an inside ceremony and reception that is not open to the public.
Then it’sViva Vegas Night to benefit Stars & Stripes Honor Flight, 7-10 p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall. Details
Residents are encouraged to line 15th Avenue across from the middle and high schools for the annual Veterans Day parade starting at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 11. Veterans in the parade will return to the high school for an inside ceremony and reception that is not open to the public.
_____
Radium Girls
Radium Girls, a performance by 12 student actors and a 30+member student crew will be on stage this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Radium Girls is based on a true story of factory workers who painted luminous watches with glowing radium paint and their efforts to expose their illnesses and get their day in court. “Called a ‘powerful’ and ‘engrossing’ drama by critics, Radium Girls offers a wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science.” Visit https://www.southmilwaukeepac.org/ for tickets.
_____
Concert Choir to Perform at SMPAC’s Performing Arts Series Show, GOOD NEWS on Nov. 18
Vedula is a Milwaukee-based Indian-American musician, producer, and educator who combines hip-hop and experimental electronic music with traditional folk influences from around the world.
His newest work, GOOD NEWS, is a multicultural celebration of joy and togetherness featuring singers, dancers and musicians performing original music and traditional rhythms from India, Panama, Puerto Rico and the Ivory Coast.
“Kiran spent just one period with my students in an improv session, and it was amazing! It really had students vulnerable and able to make amazing connections,” Music Teacher Aimee Swanson said.
Vedula is founder of Flutes at Dawn, a non-profit organization that provides high-quality education and mentorship through communication, cultural relevance, and shared positive experiences. “His life message and reflection time after our ‘jam/improv’ learning session was great,” Swanson said. “I could NEVER have provided this experience for students.”
_____
#SMWay in the Classroom
Check out the #SMWay in the Classroom Playlist on YouTube a new effort to peek inside classrooms in the school District. The two videos created so far give residents and idea what Drama students are working on, and a bit about the ProStart cooking class that’s hoping to compete at Walt Disney World in the spring.
I’m so excited to see progress accelerating on the rebirth of downtown South Milwaukee … and that the Bucyrus Foundation funds are being reinvested to accelerate and sustain growth.
In September 2021, the Bucyrus Foundation announced they would be making a generational, legacy-ensuring investment in the city it called home for nearly 120 years. A $10 million commitment was made to the City of South Milwaukee and the South Milwaukee School District over a 10-year period.
In May 2022, the City announced a partnership with Downtown Strategies for the creation of a fiveyear strategic plan for Downtown South Milwaukee to be funded by the Bucyrus Foundation.
At their meeting on November 1, 2022, the South Milwaukee Common Council approved the final plan and committed to implementing some of its policy recommendations. With Bucyrus Foundation funds, three grant programs intended to encourage commercial redevelopment, attract/retain businesses, and assist our nonprofit community will be created.
The Bucyrus Façade Improvement Grant encourages property and business owners to apply for matching grants up to $15,000 to make exterior building improvements to existing commercial storefronts.
The Bucyrus New Business Grant provides one-time assistance in the amount of $5,000 for new and existing businesses opening a new location or expanding operations in a vacant commercial space on Milwaukee Avenue between the 800 and 1300 blocks. Eligible grant expenses include commercial lease/mortgage payments, business operating expenses, and commercial building repair and tenant improvements.
The third program being established is called the Bucyrus Foundation Civic Grant. This program allows for nonprofit organizations to apply for up to $25,000 to address a community need, improve community support, solve a problem, or enrich the people of South Milwaukee.
Grant program information can now be found on the City of South Milwaukee’s website with funding available in 2023. The City’s Economic Development Office will start accepting applications in January.
Said Tim Sullivan, Bucyrus Foundation Chairman & former CEO of Bucyrus International, Inc.: “The Bucyrus Foundation is supportive of the City’s planning efforts and the findings identified by Downtown Strategies and City officials. We are pleased to know the Foundation’s investment will assist growing small businesses, worthy nonprofits, and be used to make physical improvements downtown.”
Said South Milwaukee Mayor Jim Shelenske: “With the Bucyrus Foundation’s support, a renaissance has truly begun in Downtown South Milwaukee. Thank you to the over 400 residents, visitors, and business owners who participated in our public survey process this summer. The future of the area is bright if we can all continue to work together.”
Per the plan’s recommendations, the Council also authorized adjustments to the City’s vacant property ordinance to incentivize property rehabilitation and occupancy. Additional approvals were granted for commercial façade design guidelines, a mural to be painted on the west wall of the South Milwaukee Human Concerns building at 1029 Milwaukee Avenue, and for the purchase of benches, trash and recycling bins, bike racks, and planters to be placed along Milwaukee Avenue and at the Bucyrus Commons.
Check your mailbox for the Autumn edition of “Bridges Magazine,” the newsletter partnership between the City of South Milwaukee and South Milwaukee School District.
Stories include items on the city’s 125th anniversary, profiles of new city staff, updates on Bucyrus Commons construction, honoring Medal of Honor recipient Gary Wetzel, and a business spotlight on American Legion Post #27.
School information includes more on the “Launching a Legacy” capital campaign, profiles of the new principal at Blakewood Elementary and new school resource officers, and an informative look at referendum debt.
In the morning hours of October 6, 2009, an intruder broke into the Milwaukee-area home of 19-year old Ashleigh Love, walked to her bedroom, and shot her to death while she was sleeping. More than 13 years have passed since she was killed, and the case is still cold. No suspects have been arrested. No justice has been served.
Love & Justice is an investigative documentary-style podcast that explores the cold case murder mystery of Wisconsin native Ashleigh Love.
In the aftermath of her death, Ashleigh’s parents, siblings, best friends, colleagues, and classmates come together in an attempt to share the full story and set the record straight. No stone is left unturned while dozens of theories are presented in an attempt to answer one simple question: Who Killed Ashleigh Love? Emmy Award Winner Kyle Olson hosts.
And here is more on Kyle, a true local success story who I was honored to work with on telling the South Milwaukee story, via film, prior to the pandemic. Congratulations, Kyle, and thanks for undertaking this important project.
Regarding: Inappropriate Electronic Use at South Milwaukee Middle School
On October 31, 2022, the South Milwaukee Police Department was called to investigate improper photographs taken at the South Milwaukee Middle School.
The South Milwaukee Police Department did investigate, and a SMMS student did admit to taking and distributing improper photographs.
The student has been referred to the Milwaukee Children’s Court Center on a number of possible charges, including Capturing Intimate Representations Without Consent and Possess/Distribute Intimate Representation Without Consent.
The South Milwaukee Middle School Administration has also taken disciplinary action.
Here is a list of what’s up this weekend. Check out the Events page on the blog for regular updates!
Friday, October 28: “Tales & Tombstones” tour of the First Congregational Cemetery, led by historian Nels Monson. 6 pm. Details
Friday, October 28: Lights on Edgewood Halloween lights show, 1322 Edgewood Ave. 7 p.m. Details
Saturday, October 29: Fall Craft and Vendor Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church. Details
Saturday, October 29: Trunk or Treat, presented St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2 to 4 p.m. A free and safe trick-or-treat zone offering games, candy, fun and food, including historic cemetery tours. Details
Saturday, October 29: Lights on Edgewood Halloween lights show, 1322 Edgewood Ave. 6 p.m. (two-hour show). Details
Sunday, October 30: Knightwind Ensemble, South Milwaukee PAC. Details
Monday, October 31: Official South Milwaukee trick-or-treating, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Monday, October 31: Lights on Edgewood Halloween lights show, 1322 Edgewood Ave. 7 p.m. Details
Local pubs also have Halloween-themed events going on, including parties at The Tap Room on Friday and Moran’s Pub on Saturday. And if you haven’t had time to check out the Moran’s Wizard World pop-up, do yourself a favor and stop in.
And this from the South Milwaukee Police Department …
The official Trick or Treat for South Milwaukee this year falls on Monday, Oct. 31st from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Sex offenders who are under active supervision have restrictions placed on them during Halloween, which are as follows:
No Halloween decorations can be displayed inside or outside of their residence
No handing out candy or participating in trick or treat activities
No wearing a Halloween costume
No turning on their porch light during trick or treating hours
You may view sex offenders in your neighborhood by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (WI DOC) Website at- http://offender.doc.state.wi.us/public/. Please take the time to read through the conditions of use. Please also keep in mind that only those on active supervision must follow the above restrictions. Just because an offender’s name appears on the website does not mean they are on active supervision. You will not know their status unless you select their name and look for the bolded section titled “Incarceration/Supervision Status”. Random checks may be performed by the South Milwaukee Police Department and DOC Probation and Parole agents to ensure they are complying with these restrictions.
If you have further questions, please look through the WI DOC FAQ section at the above address, or call the South Milwaukee Police Department at 414-768-8060. If you believe a registered sex offender under Active Community Supervision is participating in Halloween activities you can report the information to the SAFE tip phone hotline at 1-877-234-0085 which is answered Monday through Friday between 7:45 AM and 4:30 PM.
In-person absentee voting is now open, through November 4, ahead of the November 8 election.
Find more details on the city website. From the city …
Please note that Wisconsin law requires you to submit a copy of your photo ID to us before we can mail you an absentee ballot.
Anyone planning on being out of town or unable to make it to the polling place on election day can cast an absentee ballot in the Clerk’s office, or request a ballot in writing up until the Thursday before an election. Absentee voting will be conducted in the clerk’s office the two weeks prior to an election.
2022 General Election Important Dates
November 3rd – 5:00 PM – Last day for regular and overseas electors to request absentee ballots by mail.
November 4th – 5:00 PM – Last day to register to vote in the Clerk’s Office.
November 4th – 5:00 PM – Last day for In-Person Absentee voting in the Clerk’s Office.
November 4th – 5:00 PM – Last day for indefinitely confined electors and military electors to request an absentee ballot by mail and hospitalized voter.
In-Person Absentee Voting
Tuesday, October 25th – Friday, October 28th – 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Monday, October 31st – Thursday, November 3rd – 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday, November 4th – 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Note: There is no absentee voting or voter registration on the Monday prior to election day.
Unless you’ve been hiding under the rock at the high school, you know we’ll be choosing the next Wisconsin governor and a United States senator, among several statewide races.
We are also choosing our next representative in the state Assembly and Senate. (I’m all in for Nathan Jurowski and Chris Larson in those races, as you might have guessed.)
Also on the ballot: non-binding referendum questions on “semi-automatic military-style firearms” and marijuana. And you will note South Milwaukee is now a part of the First Congressional District, due to gerrymandering; Republican incumbent Bryan Steil and Democrat Ann Roe are on the ballot.
Sarah and I are proud to support Nathan Jurowski for Assembly.
The South Milwaukee Choir will hold its first concert of the 2022-23 season tonight at 7 p.m. tonight (Tuesday, October 25) at the Performing Arts Center.
The concert is titled “Unity, Embracing New Beginnings.” It features many solo voices, full choirs, strings, guitars, drums, gumboot dancing, and flute, and even has a guest appearance of School Resource Officer Adam Harnen who will join the choir for the final number.
Last week South Milwaukee schools celebrated Unity Day, an event that is meant to reinforce an anti-bullying message in schools, and across the nation. This performance carries that theme into music and dance.
And listen to the Concert Choir performing over the PA on Unity Day last week …
South Milwaukee was from from alone in these anonymous hoaxes this morning. Check out coverage from TMJ4 and WISN.
Parents in South Milwaukee received this message …
Dear Parents and Guardians,
At 9:40 a.m. all Standard Response Protocol measures were lifted at the High School, Middle School and Rawson Elementary School. Students were not deemed to be in any danger, and the report of a threat to the campus was found to be a hoax. Police will continue a heightened presence at all District schools throughout the day.
The safety of students and staff is our main priority. Staff and students acted responsibly and quickly when the Lockdown was called.
During a lockdown
Students should remain in the classroom or go into a room as soon as possible
Students should move out of sight from any doors or windows.
Silence should be maintained and lights should be off
Doors should be locked and not opened. When the event is over, staff with keys will unlock doors or an announcement will be made.
Staff members may direct students to not text or use other communication methods during this time. This will be done as needed during emergency situations.
The District performs regular drills to prepare students for when a threat might be identified in one of our buildings, however, it is a stressful event when one is actually initiated. Counselors are available to speak to students about today’s Lockdown and you are encouraged to talk about the incident with your child.
Please contact your individual school if you have any questions or would like to discuss resources available to your child.
Thank you to our local police and educators for the work in keeping our kids safe — and taking the utmost precaution in situations like this. It’s scary stuff when your kids text you during the school day talking about a lockdown, as mine did today. I pray for them most of all. Kids shouldn’t have to worry about stuff like this. But they do. And they need to. That makes me sad — and angry.
South Milwaukee’s Launching a Legacy athletics fundraising campaign is officially underway — and the end result will be incredibly striking.
The Football Boosters joined with local businesses and other donors to announce the effort at Friday’s Rocket football game. The goal: Raise funds in support a $4 million project to transform Spaltholz Field and Bucyrus Stadium while also lifting up the baseball and softball programs.
The Launching a Legacy Campaign is an energized effort to enhance the South Milwaukee School District’s sports complex and the City of South Milwaukee by preserving and strengthening one of the great assets in the community. When finished, our playing fields will honor the area’s past while establishing a continuing legacy for the future. Students, community members, and visitors to the city will realize a greater appreciation for events, the legends that have unfolded in these special places. Supporting the Launching a Legacy Campaign will give South Milwaukee students and the community modernized turf fields for decades to come.
The coolest piece is the black and red turf at the venues, making Spaltholz Field perhaps the most unique-looking stadium in the state for high school athletics.
With striking colors the new Spaltholz Field will stand out among the competition, while underneath an environmentally safe pad and infill will ensure the safety of our soil and waterways. Improved drainage will help our teams get back on the field sooner and mitigate damage from flooding.
The track around the field will be resurfaced and brought up to modern standards and allow the pole vault to return to the stadium.
The stadium facilities around the field are pleasant and modern but are underutilized due to the condition of the field. The installation of the artificial turf in the stadium and other fields (softball/baseball) will completely alleviate the current problem. Once completed, the new field will be available for a variety of community events, educational endeavors, and other school activities.
Additionally, an artificial turf field will also be installed for the upper Softball Diamond, and Galewski Field will be leveled and have artificial infield turf.
The campaign is off to a great start, with more than $200,000 in donations announced on Friday: $100,000 from the Football Boosters; $50,000 from Dr. Bill Pennington; $25,000 from TASC Services; $25,000 from Educators Credit Union; $10,000 from Procter Insurance; and $5,000 from the South Milwaukee Little League.
Now, they need your help! Join the $1,000+ Club and “receive a Club Gold Card etched with your name made by students in the Fab Lab. A Gold Card grants you lifetime entrance to any South Milwaukee regular season home sporting event. Your name will also be prominently displayed at our athletics facility complex, or make your gift a memorial or honorarium.”
There are a number of naming rights opportunities, too.
Leaves only. Please no yard waste, plants, grass, branches, or garden waste. This material will need to be disposed of at our Self-Deposit Station.
Leaf collection crews will pick up piles of leaves one street at a time, in an orderly fashion.
Residents who dispose of their leaves directly at the Self-Deposit Station will have the user fee of $3.00 waived from October 1st through November 15th.
Fee is waived for leaves only.
Do not add to any leaf piles after November 15th. The city may not be able to collect after that date.
Leaf collection is weather dependent. Should snow fall before leaf season is over, city trucks will need be to be outfitted with snow removal equipment.
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 