Join us today for South Milwaukee Open Doors, a celebration of South Milwaukee’s art, architecture, culture, history, and people with behind the scenes tours of buildings throughout the city.
This is a free-for-all-ages event — and it starts at 10 a.m.!
Check out the updated list of participating locations here … and visit more than one.
Those who visit 12 or more stops can claim a free 125th anniversary commemorative coin. To get one, turn in a completed map – available here and at each stop – and return it to the South Milwaukee Fire Department by 3:15 p.m. on Sept. 17.
I hope you can join us for this first-ever event, in celebration of South Milwaukee’s 125th birthday. Spread the word, and bring your family and friends.
South Milwaukee School Superintendent Jeff Weiss has accepted a position to lead the Kenosha Unified School District, the state’s third-largest district.
Here is the message the district shared with families on Thursday …
Dear South Milwaukee Families,
We are saddened to inform you that Superintendent Jeff Weiss has accepted the position of superintendent of schools with the Kenosha Unified School District, and will start in his new role on October 3rd.
Dr. Weiss has been superintendent in South Milwaukee since 2019. He and the School Board guided the District through an unprecedented time in education and society, while also sustaining focus on the priorities of the District. We wish Dr. Weiss success in the next chapter of his career.
The School District of South Milwaukee School Board is working on a transition plan for the 2022-23 school year. They will begin a search later this fall/early winter for the next superintendent to begin with the 2023-24 school year.
The School Board is dedicated to being as open and transparent as possible throughout the selection process while respecting the privacy of applicants. A superintendent is a leader who sets the tone and direction of a school system. The Board shares the community’s expectation that the next superintendent should understand South Milwaukee’s proud past and the opportunities this vibrant community provides for its students.
Thank you Dr. Weiss for your leadership and best wishes in your new role!
I echo those thanks and well wishes. Jeff will be missed, as a partner, leader, and friend.
He very much understands the value of a strong community, and the school district’s important role in it — and he continually delivered on that promise despite some incredibly challenging times for everyone in public education, made worse by a pandemic.
Most importantly, Jeff is a good man, someone with integrity, compassion, accountability, and dedication to improving the lives of all students.
He is in it for the right reasons, and Kenosha is lucky to have him.
See you at Tenuta’s, Jeff.
Here is Kenosha News coverage of the hiring of Dr. Weiss.
I love that this has continued after a break due to COVID — and thank you to First Congregational for hosting and all of the groups who serve. Stop by this Thursday!
This Saturday, Sept. 17, is Open Doors South Milwaukee, a public celebration of the city’s art, architecture, culture, history, businesses, organizations, and people that make it special.
The free family event, which offers behind-the-scenes tours of buildings throughout the city, is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Times for some stops vary.) More than 20 locations are open, including historical points of interest, churches, schools, businesses, city facilities, and other organizations. The Bucyrus Museum will also be offering half-priced ($5) admission.
More details on the Open Doors event here, including a list of participating locations. Check back frequently, as and hours may change slightly this week.
Also, look for more information on a special incentive, as those who visit 12 or more stops can claim a free 125th anniversary commemorative coin. To get one, turn in a completed map – available online prior to the event or at each stop – and return it to the South Milwaukee Fire Department by 3:15 p.m. on Sept. 17.
Find more details on the October 27 Gala here. Tickets are now available online.
Almost 24 hours of rain led to flooding in South Milwaukee.
Flood warnings were issued for Oak Creek until 6 p.m. on September 12, with “minor flooding occurring,” with flooding “confined mainly to lowland and wooded areas,” according to the National Weather Service. The creek stood at 9.4 feet as of 5 a.m. Flood stage is 8 feet.
“There is a 1 percent chance of the river reaching this level in any given year,” according to the NWS.
Oak Creek Parkway was closed near South Milwaukee High School as of 6 a.m., the South Milwaukee Police Department reported on its Facebook page.
Local TV stations were reporting about five inches of rain as of 6:25 a.m. on September 12. The National Weather Service, through the Journal Sentinel, reported more than 7.5 inches fell!
What are you seeing in your neighborhood? Post your comments!
“The WISN helicopter captured our SMFD crew in the midst of a water rescue on Lake Michigan. SMFD responded along with the US Coast Guard to report of a boat taking on water about 6 miles off the shore of Bender Park. The occupants of the boat were safely returned to shore. SMFD cautions you to be aware of ever-changing water conditions while safely enjoying Lake Michigan.”
It’s South Milwaukee vs. Cudahy tonight! 7 p.m. at Cudahy High School.
Both the Rockets and Packers have started the season 0-2, with South Milwaukee losing at Brookfield Central and at home against New Berlin Eisenhower.
Blake Maldonado (8 rushes, 155 yards and a TD) and Everett Lentz (6 receptions, 100 yards, 1 TD) lead the way on offense for South Milwaukee. Quarterback Adam Finn is 17-for-38 passing for 217 yards and two touchdowns.
Go Rockets!
A scene from last year’s rivalry game, which South Milwaukee won 51-8. Photo by J&J DoubleTake.
Join us on Saturday, September 17, for South Milwaukee Open Doors, a public celebration of South Milwaukee’s art, architecture, culture, history, and people with behind the scenes tours of buildings throughout the city.
This is a free-for-all ages event planned as part of the city’s ongoing 125th anniversary celebration.
The lineup is terrific, and I guarantee you will see and learn new things about the places (and people) that make South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee.
Also, look for an opportunity to win a prize if you check out a majority of the stops.
The City of South Milwaukee has issued an RFP to sell the city-owned vacant lot located at 2318 10th Ave. Among other guidelines, we are asking for a 2-5 story commercial or mixed-use building. Proposals are due by 4 pm on November 8th.
Site: 2318 10th Avenue, city-owned property, 30,600 SF (0.70 acres)
Preferred Land Use: Commercial or Mixed-Use
Zoning Setbacks: 15-foot front yard build-to line , Min 20 ft street side yard setback
Building and Site
Minimum 2-story building. Building areas above 60 feet in height should be setback at least 5 feet from the primary façade
The primary entrance to the development should be oriented towards 10th Avenue
Parking should be located at the rear of the building site
Design Guidelines
Building should ensure “four-sided”, quality design and materials by applying consistent building details and scale on all sides
Regardless of architectural style, buildings should have a distinct base, middle, and top
Building should meet the ground with a solid base treatment to create a visual transition from the sidewalk to the building wall. Glass treatments that extend to the ground are not recommended
For first floor commercial, at least 60% of the ground floor façade must have windows at least 5 feet high
Create architectural interest through the use of cornices, friezes, pilasters, arcades, piers, brick patterns, lintels, sills, special roof features, special door and window features, or mullions.
Additional architectural features should be added to exterior building corners at street intersections
Ample fenestration on all sides of building, maximizing light, air and privacy
Encourage incorporation of crime prevention design features according to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Screen trash and utility areas
Screen parking lots with ornamental fencing, hedges and other plantings
I think CBS 58 did a great job of telling the South Milwaukee story when it was in town this week, as part of its “Hometowns” series.
Check out full coverage here, where you can find a segment with Mayor Jim Shelenske and features on the Bucyrus Club & Event Center, Bucyrus Museum, South Milwaukee Sausage & Meats, the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center and the city’s 125th anniversary activities.
Check out coverage from JS Online here. From the story …
Firefighters were dispatched to 1902 17th Ave. at 7:11 p.m. for a fire at the bar, according to South Milwaukee Fire Chief John Litchford.
There was nobody inside, and the establishment appeared to be closed when firefighters arrived, he said. No injuries were reported from occupants or first responders.
The fire did not extend past the first floor, Litchford said. No fire was found in the basement or apartments, only smoke. The fire was under control at 7:29 p.m. and the scene was cleared at 8:49 p.m.
We are extremely sorry to inform everyone that Brewtown caught on fire Monday night. We are grateful to report that no one was hurt, however, the damage is significant, and therefore we will be temporarily closed. Our dedicated team will be working hard over the next several weeks to rebuild, renovate, and bring Brewtown back better than ever.
Keep checking back on our Facebook page for updates about our progress. We appreciate your continued love and support throughout this unfortunate ordeal. See you soon!
Last week, Gary Wetzel was honored as a part of the War Memorial Center‘s new Wisconsin Medal of Honor Exhibit. Wetzel, a South Milwaukee resident, is one of 64 Wisconsinites who have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Wetzel served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Johnson on November 19, 1968.
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Wetzel on this honor and in thanking him for his service.
Also, check out more about Gary and his service from my blog post in 2018, when we declared it Gary Wetzel Day in South Milwaukee. And here is coverage from 2017, when we welcomed home Gary from the hospital after a serious motorcycle crash.
Can’t attend Friday’s game? Check out the YouTube live stream here.
And don’t forget the Football Booster Club hosts socials after every home game, at Pat’s Oak Manor. Stop by for food, beverages, raffles and a good time! Socials also include a short talk by the coaches and socializing with other parents and supporters. No cost to attend.
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.
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