South Milwaukee Blog

From the South Milwaukee Police Department …

One building, one successful small business at a time. That is how we’re going to turn around Milwaukee Avenue, and downtown South Milwaukee.

And it’s happening.

The latest example is Mari’s Flowers, which is moving from Brady Street to 905 Milwaukee Ave. and opening in the next couple of months.

You may know owner Mari Cucunato. She started CZ Flowers in downtown South Milwaukee almost two decades ago, adjacent to Cafe Zarletti, the restaurant she and her former husband co-owned. Both the flower shop and restaurant moved away in the early 2000s — and now Mari is coming back home.

“I am very excited about returning and investing in such a honest, charming, quaint Main Street,” Mari tells me.

Mari is investing significantly in her return. She bought the building at 905 and vacant property to its east — it is one parcel — and has already begun extensive remodeling work the city is supporting with a $30,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant.

The city council approved the grant earlier this month.

Among the upgrades she’ll be making are an entirely new facade, new windows and roof, and extensive interior renovations, including installation of an ADA-compliant bathroom, new flooring  and updated plumbing and electrical.

Mari tells me she will have “the same fun, artistic atmosphere she has on Brady,” selling flowers, gifts, wine and champagne, with occasional wine tastings. She’ll also offer floral design classes.

Look for more details soon, and please join me in welcoming Mari back to town!

From the South Shore regional office of Interfaith Older Adult Programs Inc., serving South Milwaukee, Cudahy, St. Francis, Milwaukee’s southeast side and Bay View (and based at Trinity Lutheran Church in town) …

Can you spare two hours each month and drive an older adult to a medical appointment? Yes – you read that right – just two hours each month. That is one drive. Interfaith Older Adult Programs has an immediate need for volunteers to join our Once a Monthers group. Interfaith provides services at no charge to older adults – thanks to help from volunteers. We have more than 900 clients and more than 250 volunteers. Services we provide include transportation to medical appointments, the grocery store and small errands. We also pick up groceries for home bound older adults, do small home chores for older adults like fixing leaky faucets and lawn mowing. We also visit and telephone older adults to alleviate loneliness and isolation. Last year, our volunteers provided 5,246 rides to medical appointments, the grocery store and for errands. You could be one of those volunteers! We would give you about one week notice and ask if you can take a certain transportation request. You can always say yes or no but we just ask that you say yes once each calendar month. Helping older adults remain living in their own homes, in your neighborhood, not only helps the individual in need but also strengthens the entire community. If this interests you (and I hope it does), please email or telephone Vicki Jensen at vjensen@interfaithmilw.org or 414.762.1998. 

The announcement came earlier this month by Character.org. Well done!

From the press release … 

Character.org, the nonprofit organization that validates character initiatives in schools and communities around the world, today designated 83 schools and 4 districts from 21 states as 2017 National Schools and Districts of Character. 

The School District of South Milwaukee is the only Wisconsin district currently designated as a National District of Character. South Milwaukee School Superintendent Rita Olson announced the news at a recent staff meeting. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and relentless focus on character that our schools and community support. We are committed to educating the whole child and this is one way that we prepare our students for a successful future,” remarked Olson.

The South Milwaukee Downtown Market opens June 1, and with it a series of outdoor concerts that offers something for everyone.

Twenty weeks of live music downtown? How many communities can claim that?

Here is a schedule. Check them out!

Update: More pictures from the event on my Facebook page.

Tonight, we will honor a true American hero, Gary Wetzel, at the 128th Air Refueling Wing Civic Dinner Dance.

With that in mind, I am proud to declare May 18, 2017, as Gary Wetzel Day in the City of South Milwaukee.

Please join me in thanking this incredible man for his service, and wishing him well in his continued recovery from his motorcycle accident last summer.

The same courage, grit and determination he displayed in Vietnam in support of his country is on display now. We celebrate that tonight, and every day.

Tuesday night was one of my favorite council meetings of the year — our chance to honor our police officers, emergency medical workers and citizens for going above and beyond in keeping our community safe, solve crimes and save lives.

People like this …

Mr. Devlin Mcelwee & Mr. Oscar Knapp – nominated by Officer Daniel Fournier

On November 19, 2016 in the early morning hours Mr. Mcelwee & Mr. Knapp were traveling on Lake Drive in South Milwaukee when they observed a vehicle crash into a tree.  The gentlemen immediately stopped their vehicle and went to assist the driver of the crashed vehicle.  While they were attempting to free the driver from the vehicle it started on fire.  By the time the two men freed the driver and moved him to a safe location the engine compartment of the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.  The officers who arrived on scene stated their actions saved the driver’s life.

And this …

Lt. Rotter, Investigator Olson, Investigator Rivamonte, Officer Fournier, Officer Schwehr and Mr. Brian Tommet – nominated by Captain Jaske & Lt. Rotter

On February 22, 2017 in the early morning hours Mr. Tommet observed what he believed to be suspicious activity at the You Pump Gas Station located at 1715 10^th Avenue.  Mr. Tommet observed two males walking around the closed gas station and alerted the South Milwaukee Police Department.  Unknown to Mr. Tommet these two subjects had just burglarized the business.  Because of Mr. Tommet’s swift action in calling the Police Department immediately officers responded to the scene quickly and after an in-depth investigation were able to identify one suspect.  This suspect’s arrest and subsequent confession assisted in the closure of several gas station and pharmacy burglaries throughout the Milwaukee and Waukesha County area. 

Without Mr. Tommet and the solid work of Officers Fournier and Schwehr, Lt. Rotter & Investigators Olson and Rivamonte in this case, the department would not have had anything other than another burglary with little to no leads.    The result of their team work concluded with a dangerous felon being removed from the streets. 

And this …

Mr. Christopher Rodriguez – nominated by Officer David Hoeppner

On June 13, 2016 at approximately 3:03 am Mr. Rodriguez observed a residence on fire in the 2400 block of Nicholson Avenue.  Mr. Rodriguez immediately went to the residence and began pounding on the doors to awaken the residents.  Through Mr. Rodriguez’s actions all the occupants of the residence were able to safely evacuate the residence.  Mr. Rodriguez then called 911 to alert emergency personnel and then began trying to extinguish the fire by using a garden hose to apply water.  Both the Police & Fire Departments responded to the residence and took over fire suppression efforts.  Because of Mr. Rodriguez’s quick actions all six occupants of the residence were saved. 

And this …

Mr. Jacob Klingforth – nominated by Officer Steve Streicher

On March 13, 2017 as Mr. Klingforth was traveling in South Milwaukee he observed a subject laying on a sidewalk who appeared to be in need of help.  Mr. Klingforth immediately took action and went to assist this subject.  The subject was pulseless and not breathing.  Mr. Klingforth activated 911 emergency services and began CPR until assistance arrived.  Even after medical personnel arrived on the scene and assumed patient care Mr. Klingforth remained at the scene and assisted the officers who responded.  Mr. Klingforth’s care and compassion for this subject is commendable.       

Check out the full list of police award winners here.

Congratulations to everyone who was honored, and thanks for stepping up. It takes all of us to make and keep our communities safe.

The South Milwaukee Health Department is first-class, but don’t take my word for it. Ask the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

The state agency just awarded our department Level III status, making us the first community in the state to jump from a Level I department to a Level III.

The South Milwaukee Common Council recognized the status at its meeting on Tuesday.

Of the 86 local departments in the state, 30 are considered Level III departments. I’m proud to say we are one of them, thanks first and foremost to our great staff.

How did we get there? If you want more detail, there is plenty of it here.

Put simply, all Level III departments must provide or arrange for all six basic public health services to the community:

• Communicable disease surveillance, prevention and control
• Generalized public health nursing program
• Health promotion
• Disease prevention
• Human health hazard prevention and control
• Occupational and environmental disease and exposure prevention

Also, a Level III local health department shall provide or arrange for at least 14 programs and services that address at least seven health priorities in the current state health plan (Healthiest Wisconsin 2020), and show evidence of their effectiveness.

In other words, achieving this status isn’t easy. Keeping it won’t be either.

That is why I look forward to finding new ways to invest in this service going forward. We will do all we can to maintain this high standard.

There are more reasons than ever to head to Grant Park Beach this summer, and that’s a good thing for the entire city.

It starts with the opening of Ferch’s Beachside this Friday, May 19, with weekend hours through Memorial Day weekend, daily hours after that. Details here.

The burgers, custard and beer are just the start. Beach volleyball leagues are also back, with leagues starting June 4. Details and sign up here.

And some breaking news: Guardian Credit Union is bringing its outdoor movies to the beach this summer! Here is the Movies on the Beach schedule …

• June 14: “Sing”
• July 12: “Moana”
• August 24: “Zootopia”

And how does weekly live music sound? Check out the schedule below …

From the South Milwaukee Fire Department …

At approximately 2:30AM this morning (May 12), SMFD responded to the area of 14th & Menomonee Avenue’s for a 9-1-1 report of a garage fire. Upon their arrival, crews encountered a well-involved, detached garage located to the rear of 1334 Menomonee Avenue. The fire was extinguished, no injuries were reported and the fire is currently under investigation. The garage and most of it’s contents, including a pickup truck and motorcycle, are a total loss.        

By now, you may have seen coverage of the alleged embezzlement of more than $17,000 from the South Milwaukee Heritage Days Parade, by its former treasurer.

Here is my statement …

The Heritage Days Parade is not a city government event. Still, I am aware of the charges against the former parade committee treasurer.

I want to thank the South Milwaukee Police Department for their thorough and professional handling of this case.

The Heritage Days Parade remains a terrific local event, and I wish them well on a great parade this summer, and beyond. I have spoken to the parade organizers and am convinced they are enacting the proper safeguards to ensure this type of activity does not happen again. The parade committee remains strong.

The city will continue to support the parade in any way we can, and we thank the volunteers who are committed to bringing this event to life this and every summer. I encourage the community to do the same. 

Even if you didn’t get a blue bag this year, please take part by leaving food near your mailbox.

This is a big event for South Milwaukee Human Concerns, which typically receives 16,000 pounds or more of food each year through Stamp Out Hunger.

From Hunger Task Force …

Stamp Out Hunger is the largest, single-day food drive in the nation. On Saturday, May 13, Hunger Task Force teams up with the National Association of Letter Carriers to feed local families in communities across Wisconsin.

On May 13, letter carriers all over the state will perform double-duty by collecting bags of donated food along their mail routes. Look for your blue donation bag early that week, fill the bag up with food on Saturday, May 13, and set it by your mailbox. Your letter carrier will pick up the food and deliver it to Hunger Task Force or your local community food pantry.

All food collected through Stamp Out Hunger is provided absolutely free of charge to families in need. Fill those bags generously on May 13!

Big thanks to title sponsors Kohl’s and Rexnord, and our local sponsor UFCW!

I say this a lot, but I believe it completely: There are 19 communities in Milwaukee County, often delivering services 19 different ways. That is not sustainable.

So we must explore partnerships where we can, and where they make sense.

The City of South Milwaukee and Oak Creek are considering one that seems to make sense: a collaboration around public health services.

The Public Policy Forum has released its study of what a potential partnership could look like. Its summary …

Our latest research on intergovernmental service sharing suggests that the cities of Oak Creek and South Milwaukee could improve public health services in both communities at no extra cost should they decide to pursue health department consolidation.

Key findings:

• Despite their differences in geographical size and population, South Milwaukee and Oak Creek provide similar types and levels of public and environmental health services and devote remarkably similar amounts of resources and staffing to deliver those services.
• Sharing or consolidation of staff resources could help resolve existing recruitment challenges, enhance programming capacity and quality, improve billing and reimbursement, and eliminate redundant administrative functions.
• While significant savings are unlikely to materialize from full consolidation, existing appropriations could be combined to produce higher-quality services and/or to prevent service reductions in the face of fiscal constraints.
• The report suggests a three-phased approach, which would allow for immediate implementation of service sharing opportunities, but allows the two cities to stop short of full consolidation if deemed appropriate.

Public health services are critical to me and this city, and I want to find ways to invest in these services for the long term, even as we face increasingly difficult budget times. The vision laid out in the report offers us a strong option to do this — to potentially enhance our health services and increase our capacity, as we collaborate with our neighbors.

Of course, the details matter, and there is a lot of debate to be had on this potential partnership, and details to be worked out.

In addition, the phased approach the report suggests allows us to evaluate any relationship with Oak Creek as we go, allowing us to ensure the quality of the service is at worst being maintained, at best significantly improved.

I welcome your thoughts on this, and will keep you posted as we further explore a collaboration with our neighbor.

Given financial realities, we need new and innovative approaches to how we deliver our services. I’m proud to say the city is actively working to deliver on this promise.

Today, I’m proud to unveil South Milwaukee Business Spotlight, a collaboration with the South Milwaukee Community & Business Association where we’ll spotlight local small business each month. Businesses will be chosen by the SMCBA.

This month, we profile Parkway Floral.

The Basics

• Business name: Parkway Floral
• Address: 1001 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8-6, Saturday 8-5, closed Sunday
• Phone number: 762-0246
• Website: parkwayfloralinc.com
• Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest … @ParkwayFloral #ParkwayFloral
• Founded: 1951
• Owners: Leah Manthey and Carly Johnson
• Number of employees: In addition to Carly & Leah serving as owners, managers, and lead floral designers, Parkway Floral employs 2 full time floral designers, 3 part time shop assistants, and 4 part time delivery drivers.

Learning More

How did you get involved in the business?
Leah started working at Parkway Floral as an after school shop assistant in August of 2000. After graduating from South Milwaukee High School in 2004, she started training full time as a floral designer and bridal consultant. As she progressed towards purchasing her shares of the company, she apprenticed under Brian Lynch until she made partner in June of 2010.

Carly is 3rd generation at Parkway Floral and spent most of her childhood helping with various shop tasks to pass the time. She officially started working part time at Parkway Floral in August of 2003. Carly became a full time floral designer after graduating from South Milwaukee High School in 2005. After her apprenticeship with Bryan Lorentzen, she made her move to partner in October 2013

In addition to our natural talents as floral designers and indoor plant specialists, we both work on day to day business operations including human resources, payroll, account management, marketing, merchandising, customer service, sales, delivery management and quality control.

What sets your business apart?
Without a doubt, dating back to 1951, Parkway Floral has always taken great pride in giving back to the South Milwaukee community through various donations of fresh flowers and gift certificates for events throughout the year.

Leah also spends a majority of her personal time leading several volunteer projects in South Milwaukee. She serves as President of the South Milwaukee Community & Business Association (Chamber of Commerce), chairperson for Project ReStore (a downtown revitalization workgroup), and President of Growing South Milwaukee (a movement to build a community garden). She is a member of the Beautification Committee, organizes Evening on the Avenue, and volunteers for the Tree Lighting Celebration.

What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Running an independant floral shop in the age of online shopping is a great challenge. We find that technological advancements in the industry have diluted the value of our labor and expertise as professional florists. During some of life’s most emotional and monumental moments, online flower shoppers are being lured into sending bargain bouquets instead of consulting with a florist to preserve customary floral traditions that hold significant meanings to individual recipients.

Since the early 2000’s, we have seen and will continue to see a decrease in sales lost to large online commercial flower selling companies. These highly competitive, web based companies outsource employment, offer only imported goods, and undercut local shops on retail pricing while charging additional service fees to subsidize the loss.

On the bright side, we are not afraid of downsizing. We plan to focus our energy on sourcing high quality, local products and tending to our clients on a more personalized level. Running any small business is a delicate balancing act that becomes more natural over time and after extensive trial and error. We will continue to tailor our business plan to ensure that we hold strong throughout continued changes in both the floral industry and the downtown district.

What is your business’ biggest opportunity?
Our business’ biggest opportunity lies within an unstoppable strength that can only come from joining the people of Milwaukee Avenue together. There are still quite a few successful businesses downtown and occupants are slowly becoming aware of the huge volunteer responsibilities falling onto the shoulders of downtown stakeholders. As more large manufacturing firms leave the area, we are realizing that it is time for us to work together to advance the comprehensive downtown revitalization plan that the City of South Milwaukee had created for us as a guide to achieve a brighter future through ongoing teamwork. Long term collective efforts towards downtown revitalization will be needed to lift the entire community and generate reliable walk up revenue for all of us.

What are your growth plans?
We plan to spend the next few years investing as much as we can into our building on the corner of 10th and Milwaukee Avenue. This year, we will be working on exterior maintenance projects including cornice and trim work. We also have some very exciting large scale renovations in mind for the future but, for now, we plan to keep things modest and look forward to saving up for the more luxurious items on our wishlist.

Why should others consider doing business in South Milwaukee?
A vast amount of South Milwaukee businesses take great pride in giving back to as many community events as we can throughout the year. We can only hope that these gestures are being seen as both an asset to the events, and as a symbol of each business owner’s ongoing commitment to community betterment.

If you could change one thing about South Milwaukee, what would it be?
We are optimistic that our downtown will once again become a thriving economic hub. However, several rundown buildings owned by disengaged property owners are setting extremely low standards for the neighborhood. We would love to see all of the dilapidated buildings on Milwaukee Avenue cleaned out, fixed up, and on the market to be rented to legitimate commercial tenants.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you or your business?
If you call before 11:00am we will hand make a fresh floral gift and deliver it anywhere in Milwaukee county, parts of Racine, Waukesha, Pewaukee, or Mequon before 4:00pm.