Category Archives: South Milwaukee

Get the full listing on my Events page. See you around town!

• Thursday, September 26: Family Fall Festival at the Downtown Market+Northliners (country). 3-7 p.m., Bucyrus Commons. Details
• Thursday, September 26: South Milwaukee Homecoming Parade, 6 p.m. Route: Starts at 15th and Maple Avenues, north on 15th Avenue to Oak Creek Parkway. Pep rally and bonfire follow near 15th and Oak Creek Parkway. Details
• Friday, September 27: South Milwakee Homecoming football game. 7 p.m. Details
• Saturday, September 28: The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, 7 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details

The Mary statute is back home at Divine Mercy Parish.

From the South Milwaukee Police Department …

After thirteen months, the Virgin Mary statue stolen from Divine Mercy in August of 2023 was recovered by Officers Wentz, Harnen, and Horsley. It was returned to Divine Mercy staff. We’re glad to have returned it to where it belongs. Two suspects have been identified and are cooperating with our investigation.

Confirmed on Divine Mercy’s Facebook page …

Many Thanks to the South Milwaukee Police Department and to the community for all of your prayers! The statue of our Blessed Mother has been recovered and returned today!

Get the most updated information on my Events page!

More details here.

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More details here.

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From the Strong Towns South Milwaukee event page … Park(ing) Day is an international event that temporarily reimagines our streets as places that prioritize people! Join us as we bring the northwoods to Milwaukee Avenue.

The event is the latest effort from the local chapter of the Strong Towns movement. I’m a believer.

This and every third Thursday. So happy to see this tradition continue, and thankful for the folks at First Congregational and all of the organizations that provide the meals.

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What a lineup! And it starts tonight with the Downtown Market and the one-year anniversary of a really cool local business. See you around town.

Check out my Events page for the most updated information. And let me know if I missed something!

• Thursday, September 12: Downtown Market-Music by Sinsations (Classic Rock). 3-7 p.m., Bucyrus Commons. Details
• Thursday, September 12: Rosenquist Fine Art One-Year Anniversary, 6-8:30 p.m. Details
• Saturday, September 14: Fire & Police Department Safety Display, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., South Milwaukee McDonald’s. Details
• Thursday, September 19: Downtown Market-Music by Saw Dust Symphony (American New Grass). 3-7 p.m., Bucyrus Commons. Details
• Friday, September 20: Chip for the Arts, South Milwaukee PAC golf outing, Grant Park. Details
• Saturday, September 21: Divine Mercy Fall Festival 1-7 p.m., Divine Mercy. Details.
• Sunday, September 22: Flip Side | Festival of the Arts, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Bucyrus Commons. Details
• Thursday, September 26: Family Fall Fest at the Downtown Market+Northliners (country). 3-7 p.m., Bucyrus Commons. Details
• Thursday, September 26: South Milwaukee Homecoming Parade, 6 p.m. Route: Starts at 15th and Maple Avenues, north on 15th Avenue to Oak Creek Parkway. Pep rally and bonfire follow. Details
• Friday, September 27: South Milwakee Homecoming football game. 7 p.m. Details
• Saturday, September 28: The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, 7 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details

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Please help the Braatz family! My daughter is friends with one of the kids, and they need us now.

From the GoFundMe page …

Scott and Korie Braatz and their 5 children lost a large portion of their belongings to a house fire last night on Marion Ave in South Milwaukee. Two cats and a dog lost their lives as well. What wasn’t damaged by fire, was damaged by water, or torn up to access the fire.

Trying to raise funds to help them as they wait for insurance and trying to cover any gaps.

From the South Milwaukee Fire Department …

Please keep this family in your prayers … and I will share information on how to help as soon as I know it.

Here is your list of locations (also found on the city website).

All stops are open from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm unless otherwise noted. See you around town!

Caterpillar – 1118 Rawson Avenue

Caterpillar will open its doors for tours from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm.  Each tour will be about 30 minutes in length, and each tour will be conducted on the hour and on the half-hour.  If crowded, the company will conduct tours every 15-20 minutes.  Tours will be limited to about 20-25 people. 

• All guest entering the facility will have to sign a waiver.
• All guests must wear closed-toe shoes and must wear PPE that is given to them as they arrive – earplugs and safety glasses.
• Photography will be limited.  It is only allowed in certain areas of the factory, and guest will be notified when they can take a photo.
• Safety briefs will be conducted prior to the tour, and any guest who cannot comply with the safety rules till be excused from the tour.
• Parking available on site.
• Guests are asked to look for entrances and exits when arriving.

Also, help a family in need by bringing your packages of new diapers and wipes!  Caterpillar is having a community Diaper and Baby Wipe Drive for United Way as part of Open Doors. 

First Congregational United Church of Christ – 1111 N. Chicago Avenue

Come see the sanctuary and cemetery of the oldest church in South Milwaukee! While inside, explore our historic timeline along the sanctuary walls and meet Pastor Beth. Outdoors, take a self-guided cemetery tour with marked headstones of South Milwaukee’s founding members. Church will be open until 1 p.m.

Holy Resurrection Armenian Church – 909 Michigan Avenue

Holy Resurrection, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, represents one of the three oldest Armenian settlements east of California (Union City, NJ, and Worcester, MA, are Nos. 1 and 2). We are celebrating our 100th anniversary starting in 2024, making us one of the oldest congregations in South Milwaukee. The original wooden structure burned down, and the current church was built on the same spot in 1962. We will have grilled shish kebab and Armenian pastries for sale on September 7. The bake sale offers a touch of nostalgia, as it is reminiscent of our annual Autumn Bake Sale at the Marine Bank (where Tri-City Bank is today).

Masjid Al-Huda South Milwaukee – 1800 16th Avenue

Guests can expect to tour our beautiful campus, bring back some of our South Milwaukee residents’ great memories, meet volunteers from our community, and sample some delicious foods from various parts of the Muslim world.

Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral Home – 1314 Manitoba Avenue

Max A. Sass & Sons is a family-owned funeral home with five locations. We are celebrating our 87th anniversary this year, making us one of the oldest family-owned funeral homes in the Milwaukee area. We began serving the South Shore area when we purchased the former St. Mary Catholic School and, after extensive remodeling, opened the location in 2012. At Open Doors, we will be offering tours of the entire facility — including the basement lunch room and second floor classrooms, which are still original — as well as sweet treats, a chance to win gift certificates to local businesses, and a chance to ask those funeral questions you were always afraid to ask. 

Mill Pond Warming House – Mill Road & Oak Creek Parkway

The Warming house was built in mid 1930’s, on the Oak Creek Parkway by the lagoon (Mill Pond) for boating and skating purposes.  Every winter the County Parks would prepare the pond for ice skating.  Come and check out the building and have some cookies and maybe some “hot chocolate” or refreshing water.

Schlaraffia Milwaukia – 500 Marquette Avenue

Schlaraffia is a German-speaking male organization, which was founded in 1859 in Prague to forget everyday life by playing knights and caring about friendship, humor, and art. It is therefore not allowed to speak about politics, religion, and business. In addition to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland the chapters and castles of Schlaraffia grew wherever Germans came together in greater numbers.

 In 1884, the Milwaukia was founded as the second chapter in the USA. That means we celebrate this November the 140^th anniversary. From 1921 to 1986 the first Castles were located in downtown Milwaukee. In 1987 we moved into the Badger Castle in South Milwaukee following the Sisters of Pythias, who overtook the building from the Freemasons. The furniture is dating for the most part from the first years, now well over a hundred years old. Most castles in Europe had to begin from scratch after 1945 or later, as Hitler and Stalin were persecuting Schlaraffia.

 On September 7th, you will be guided around by our members, see the ceremonial hall with the throne, the altar and the “rostra” (as we call our lectern), the busts of some founders, and a huge painting of the Charles Bridge in Prague painted by F.W. Heine, who was a famous panorama painter and art teacher in Milwaukee around 1900. You will also see some interesting paintings downstairs, where the members meet after the ceremony.

 We will also show again a documentary by filmmaker Atesh Atici, that you may imagine how our meetings run. And if you liked it in our castle, you can make a little donation for a hand-painted paper shingle. Last year you helped us to repair our roof, what we are very thankful for, but there is always something to repair.

South Milwaukee Fire Department – 929 Marshall Court

Join us for an exciting Open Doors visit at the South Milwaukee Fire Department! Attendees can expect guided tours of the station, demonstrations of firefighting equipment, and interactive sessions with our dedicated firefighters. Learn about our life-saving Cardiac Conscious Community program, including hands-on AED training. This is a great opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at how we keep our community safe. All ages are welcome, and we encourage everyone to ask questions and get involved!

South Milwaukee High School –  801 15th Avenue

Enter from Door 29 (East Side/Athletic Entrance) The school’s Heritage Hallway will be open for people to walk in, see and read the history of the city. Bucyrus Stadium will be open, and if it is not in use, visitors will be able to walk the track on the field. South Milwaukee Student Senate will also be having a car wash in the student parking lot.

South Milwaukee Historical Society – 717 Milwaukee Avenue

For over 50 years, the South Milwaukee Historical Society has been working to preserve our city’s Proud Past. Visitors to the museum will see displays highlighting early industry, the Spectacle of Music, local baseball, South Milwaukee’s many sweet shops from the past, and much more. We will also be holding a raffle to raise money for a new sign for the Historical Society Museum. Raffle items include wine baskets, a relaxation basket, a cat basket, a coffee basket, and a history basket.  Stop in, explore, and discover our city’s rich history! 

South Milwaukee Human Concerns – 1029 Milwaukee Avenue

An essential part of South Milwaukee for 51 years, South Milwaukee Human Concerns (SMHC) provides help and hope to thousands of city residents. Our primary mission is a food pantry, and SMHC also offers men’s, women’s and children’s clothing; household items; a modest Christmas gift program for children of clients; school supplies to children of clients; and social service referrals. SMHC receives no taxpayer funding and exists to serve those in need at no cost because of monetary donations and volunteers. Our facility at 1029 Milwaukee Avenue is more than 80 years old and originally opened as a Woolworths department store. We look forward to telling you more of our important and inspiring story!

South Milwaukee Police Department – 2424 15th Avenue

The Police Department will offer tours at the top of each hour, with the last tour starting at 2 p.m. You will learn about our history and mission to keep our community safe through guided tours led by a member of our force. 

South Milwaukee Street Department – 910 Marshall Avenue

See the equipment that powers the Street Department! Garbage trucks, dump trucks, front end loaders, salters, chippers, bucket truck, street sweepers will be out in the yard and on display for all to see. A quick walk through the shop will allow visitors to see the garage and the mechanics repair facility. 

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church – 1314 Rawson Avenue

All are welcome at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.  We are a small church with a big heart and open arms. Many people are familiar with St. Mark’s for our family-friendly events such as Barks at St. Mark’s the 2nd Sunday of June, and Trunk n Treat in October!  

We are honored to be part of Open Doors and the wonderful South Milwaukee Community.  Visit us this Saturday and you will be greeted by the Friendly Folks of St. Mark’s. Everyone is able to take a guided or self-guided tour of the historic cemetery (locate the resting places of several historic figures including soldiers from the Civil War) and check out the history of our bell. Then walk through the Open Doors of St. Mark’s to see the sanctuary and enjoy coffee, a tasty treat and visit with St. Mark’s parishioners in the Fellowship Hall. We look forward to seeing you!  We are located in front of the South Milwaukee water tower, and next to Rawson School. 

Sts. Peter and Paul Polish National Catholic Church – 1308 15th Avenue

Trinity Lutheran Church  – 2507 5th Avenue

When people stop in at Trinity, they will be welcomed by congregation members.  We will have historical information available as well as refreshments — a taste of our Scandinavian heritage.  Our beautiful stained-glass windows will be featured in a booklet explaining the symbols in our windows. 

Wulff Lodge – 215 Lake Drive

Wulff Lodge was the home of Frederick Wulff, who was hired as the first horticulturalist for the county park system.  It was built in 1916. There will be a tour of the lodge and surrounding gardens and interesting facts about Grant Park’s history.  Visitors are welcomed by members of Friends of Grant Park.  Photo cards, chips, and water will be for sale. Enter at the Wil-O-Way/Grant entrance off of Lake Drive (just north of the main entrance) and park in the Wil-O-Way lot. Walk down the gravel road from the parking lot to the lodge.

This was quite an update on the Divine Mercy Parish Facebook page on Thursday …

Praise be to God – Miracles DO happen! Almost a year ago, the statue of our Blessed Mother at our Marquette Avenue church site was stolen. Today, we heard the good news that someone has admitted to taking her and South Milwaukee Police are in the process of trying to locate her. We hope she will be back with us in the near future. Continue to pray for her safe return and thank you for your prayers that aided in this turn of events and the change of heart in the person responsible. As Luke 15:7 states, “I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”

From the city press release …

At their meeting on August 26, 2024, the South Milwaukee Library Board unanimously selected Bethany Meyer to serve as the new Library Director. She first started with South Milwaukee as a Library Clerk in 2017 and she has worked as a Library Assistant, Reference Librarian, and Assistant Library Director in her time at the South Milwaukee Public Library.

“We are thrilled to promote Bethany to the Director role,” said Library Board President David Maass. “Throughout her time in South Milwaukee and in her tenure as Assistant Director, she has consistently shown her dedication to advancing our library’s mission and implementing our strategic plans. She is the right person to lead the South Milwaukee Public Library as we explore the possibilities to be studied by the Wisconsin Policy Forum.”

I wish Bethany nothing but the best, as she stewards this invaluable community resource during an important time in its history.

As I wrote in June: “Libraries define communities. Think of what nearly every city, village or town, from the smallest to the largest, has: A library. Why? They are public places in an inceasingly connected yet disconnected world, providing essential services that have the ability to touch residents of every age. It was that way in 1917, when the South Milwaukee Library was founded. It’s even more so today.”

Good luck, Bethany, as you lead this institution into its next 107 years.

Open Doors South Milwaukee is this Saturday, September 7.

We have 17 locations available this year, from one of our city’s largest manufacturers to places of worship to government buildings to iconic parks assets and much more. Where are you headed?

Find all the locations (and details) here.

Any last-minute updates can also be found at that link, so be sure to check back often.

Invite your family and friends, and we’ll see you around town!

Lot’s happening the next few days — and throughout September — in (and around) South Milwaukee!

Let’s start with some football …

And some other terrific local events …

• Thursday, September 5: South Milwaukee Downtown Market, 3-7 p.m., Bucyrus Commons. Music by Bourbon Jockeys (alternative rock). Details
• Saturday, September 7: Doors Open South Milwaukee, presented by the South Milwaukee Celebrations Committee. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Details
• Sunday, September 8: Suburban Soles — “Seven Bridges History, with Nels Monson,” 10 a.m., Grant Park 7 Bridges Main Bridge. Details

See you around town!

Summer may be winding down, but there are still plenty of special events around South Milwaukee. Check out the list below — and please let me know if I missed something!

• Thursday, September 5: Downtown Market Music-Bourbon Jockeys (alternative rock). Details
• Saturday, September 7: Doors Open South Milwaukee, presented by the South Milwaukee Celebrations Committee. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Details
• Sunday, September 8: Suburban Soles — “Seven Bridges History, with Nels Monson,” 10 a.m., Grant Park 7 Bridges Main Bridge. Details
• Thursday, September 12: Downtown Market Music-Sinsations (Classic Rock). Details
• Saturday, September 14: Fire & Police Department Safety Display, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., South Milwaukee McDonald’s. Details
• Thursday, September 19: Downtown Market Music-Saw Dust Symphony (American New Grass). Details
• Friday, September 20: Chip for the Arts, South Milwaukee PAC golf outing, Grant Park. Details
• Sunday, September 22: Flip Side | Festival of the Arts, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Bucyrus Commons. Details
• Thursday, September 26: Family Fall Fest at the Downtown Market+Northliners (country). Details
• Thursday, September 26: South Milwaukee Homecoming Parade, 6 p.m. Route: Starts at 15th and Maple Avenues, north on 15th Avenue to Oak Creek Parkway. Pep rally and bonfire follow. Details
• Friday, September 27: South Milwakee Homecoming football game. 7 p.m. Details
• Saturday, September 28: The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, 7 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details