by | October 19, 2015 · 3:34 pm

Man Hurt As Car Backs Into Home And Other Headlines

Car in house

Check out these South Shore headlines …

NOW has published a new police blotter.

And here is the official report from Fire Chief Joe Knitter on the incident pictured above …

Earlier today, the SMFD Green Shift, under the command of Capt. Glen McCoy, responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting that a truck backed into the porch of a house and someone was possibly trapped underneath it. En route, the dispatcher updated responding units that the person was indeed under the vehicle, but awake and breathing. SMFD arrived on scene and stabilized the vehicle while simultaneously extricating the person from underneath the truck. Once he was removed from his position and evaluated, he was transported to Froedtert Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

As always, like my Facebook page for more regular and up-to-the-minute updates on stories like these.

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by | October 17, 2015 · 8:46 pm

Milwaukee Avenue Fire One Of Three In The South Shore Since Thursday

Downtown fire 1 Downtown fire 2

Downtown fire 3

It was a busy Saturday for area fire departments, including a blaze in downtown South Milwaukee tonight.

More on the South Milwaukee fire from Fire Chief Joe Knitter …

At approximately 5:23 this evening, SMFD units responded to a report of flames coming from the roof of a building at 10th & Milwaukee near Parkway Floral.  As units exited the station, they could see a column of smoke rising into the sky from the area.  A Working Still response was requested by Capt. Sibley, bringing in our mutual aid neighbors.  Upon arrival of SMFD units, flames and heavy smoke could be seen coming from the roof area.  An interior size up showed fire involving the siding materials and wood framing of an light/air shaft located between the west wall of the building at 1003 Milwaukee Avenue and the east wall of the building that houses the Board Game Barrister. Hoselines were stretched into the apartment that the shaft served and the fire was extinguished.  A hoseline was also taken to the roof via our aerial ladder to extinguish some areas where the fire had extended.  Once again, our crews did an excellent job deploying the hoselines and controlling/extinguishing the fire in a very short time.  The light/air shaft was heavily damaged with moderate damage to the adjoining apartment and the attic area directly about the involved apartment.  Two families were displaced and the Red Cross was notified for their services.  The fire is currently under investigation. No injuries were reported.

And more on an Oak Creek fire early Saturday morning …

Oak Creek fire 1 Oak Creek fire 2

At 4:13 this morning, SMFD Truck 1671 and Chief 16 responded to the City of Oak Creek for a report of a fire in a residential building. OCFD units encountered significant fire involvement of the attic of the building upon their arrival and, after assuring that all occupants were accounted for, assumed a defensive fire attack. Truck 1671 was positioned on the C/D corner and provided their aerial stream and eventually went to the interior to conduct a thorough search and extinguish hot spots. The fire was escalated to a MABAS Box Alarm bringing in units from throughout Milwaukee County. No injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation.

There was also an apartment fire in Cudahy on Friday.

Thank you to our firefighters for their 24/7 commitment to keeping us safe … and please keep the families displaced by these fires in your thoughts and prayers.

For more photos — and for more regular and timely updates on news from around the area — be sure to like my mayoral Facebook page. I often update Facebook first. 

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by | October 16, 2015 · 4:46 pm

Innovating Around Crash Reporting

“South Milwaukee is the first department in the state to transition to an electronic crash reporting platform and can serve as a template for other agencies state-wide.”

I love reading quotes like this … and innovating in how we deliver our services.

That statement describes a new online service being offered by the South Milwaukee Police Department allowing commercial entities (like insurance companies and law firms) to obtain accident reports electronically through an automated, online platform, 24/7.

I’ll let Police Chief Ann Wells explain the Lexis Nexis Police Reports service better …

“The ability to offer accident reports in an electronic format will save our officers and clerical staff countless hours in processing time. This new system will also provide a benefit to our citizens who are looking to expedite the insurance and/or legal process associated with an automobile accident. Instead of sending physical copies of our reports to the state and then mailing requested copies to insurance companies and law firms, those organizations can now request and access them online. This has the potential to cut delivery time from 10-20 days down to one or two.”

Read the whole press release here.

Keep in mind that only citizens with insurance can use the service, which also provides these benefits …

  • Elimination of the agency’s need to input crash data;
  • Improved agency investigative strength by providing easy access to their crash reports and those of other participating agencies; and
  • Simplified crash data storage, access and distribution.

Also, a portion of the proceeds of each crash report purchased through the system will be provided to the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association.

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by | October 15, 2015 · 10:31 pm

Happy 50th, E.W. Luther!

Luther 50th Luther 50th 2 Luther 50th 3

Luther 50th 5 Luther 50th 4

Celebrating E.W. Luther Elementary’s 50th anniversary with an open house and a proclamation …

South Milwaukee is blessed with terrific local schools that have stood the test of time — and Luther is clearly one of them. It’s an impressive school that we should all be proud of.

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by | October 15, 2015 · 4:15 pm

South Milwaukee Firefighters Respond To Cudahy Blaze And Other Headlines

Cudahy fire

Check out these South Shore headlines …

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by | October 13, 2015 · 10:01 pm

Driving Economic Development In The South Shore

Update: Here is what I presented. I think it’s a compelling story.

Option flyer

I’m excited to talk about how far we’ve come and — more importantly — where we’re headed at this forum. Please stop by and hear for yourself!

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by | October 11, 2015 · 5:50 pm

Headlines

Check out these South Shore headlines …

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by | October 10, 2015 · 6:20 pm

Leaf Collection Season Is Here

Leaf pile

While the warm weather and still greenish trees may not show it, it’s leaf collection season again.

The city picks up leaves from street gutters from October 1 through November 15 each year.

It’s a service we’re proud to offer, even as many do not (at least not free of charge).

A few notes for South Milwaukee residents … No yard waste and plants will be collected. They must be taken to the Self-Deposit Station. And please do not push leaves into the gutter after November 15 — they may not be picked up.

You may recall my open letter last year on this subject, as we were faced with significantly higher costs in picking up and disposing of leaves. Well, we’ve solved that problem and have a disposal site more reasonably priced and closer by.

Still, I continue to ask: If possible, consider mulching instead of raking. Or compost them. Or save a few bags of leaves in your garage to use for mulch next spring.

Why do I ask for moderation?

  • First, this service is extremely costly for taxpayers. From the labor costs of picking up the leaves and trucking them to our collection site in Caledonia to what the facility bills us for accepting the leaves to the fuel costs associated with that work, we’ll spend more than $100,000 on leaf collection and disposal this fall, if nothing changes.
  • It is also bad for the environment. While the landfill does compost the leaves we give them, the fuel it takes to make the trip alone makes this bad for our planet. Plus, leaves being left in the street can be washed into area waterways, causing water quality issues. And piles of leaves can, and do, clog sewer drains during rainstorms. Mulching is better.

Of course, I realize mulching is not an option for some homeowners, especially those with a number of trees in their yard that can bury a lawn in leaves each fall.

But for those who can, please consider putting the rake away.

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by | October 9, 2015 · 3:09 pm

Water Main Break Update

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Crews are continuing to work on this morning’s major water main break at 9th and Michigan.

Residents can resume normal water usage. The water is safe for drinking and cooking. However, as with any water main break, sediment gets stirred around and can cause households to experience brown or rusty type water.

If your residence is experiencing brown/rusty water, please turn on all faucets at the lowest point of your home until the water runs clear and work your way upwards until all faucets are running clear.

Residents near the area of the break may experience this later this evening as the repairs conclude.

Thank you again for your patience.

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by | October 9, 2015 · 7:18 am

Major Water Main Break Reported; Pressure Low Across The City

Update: As of 8 a.m. the main break had been isolated and it is OK to resume normal water usage.

There was a major water main break in the area of 9th and Michigan Avenues earlier this morning, and water pressure remains low across the city.

Crews are working now to shut off the main. Once that is done, pressure should be restored, the water superintendent tells me. Until then, residents are asked to avoid using water, if possible, to help maintain pressure for those who need it.

A separate main break in the area of Mill Road and Hawthorne overnight has also left several residents without water; that may not be fixed until later today.

I will keep you posted.

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by | October 8, 2015 · 8:00 am

Oak Creek Cleanup Set For Saturday

Blue heron

Join the Friends of the Mill Pond and Oak Creek Watercourse for their fall cleanup this Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Here are details from the group …

Meet in South Milwaukee High School parking lot, North end. 

We will provide safety vests, water, bags and vinyl gloves.

Lunch will be provided after the cleanup at the Warming House.

Targeted area is from North Chicago west to Nicholson Avenue

Please bring boots [if you have them] and your enthusiasm!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

For more information, please visit our website: www.smfomp.org

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by | October 8, 2015 · 7:00 am

More Headlines

Check out these South Shore headlines …

And NOW has published a new police blotter.

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by | October 7, 2015 · 8:00 am

Coming To Downtown South Milwaukee: Moran’s, As A Soccer Bar

USA Mexico party flyer

One of downtown South Milwaukee’s longstanding businesses is being rebranded and rethought — and it promises to be a winner.

Moran’s Pub, 912 Milwaukee Ave., is becoming a soccer pub, one of only a handful in the area.

The transition is underway, as the Moran family have their son, James Moran, handling the weekend soccer responsibilities.

Look for the new logo (you can see it above) and signage soon. Other changes to come include six new 60-inch HD TVs, various soccer memorabilia, an increased craft beer selection from local and national breweries, and small food options. They will also have their back room open for private viewing parties, and overflow during large games.

  • They’ll be kicking off their re-branding party this Saturday, starting at 8 p.m. with a formal ribbon cutting followed by the start of the United States-Mexico match at 8:30. Moran’s will have Cecilio Negrón Jr. and Julio Pabon of De La Buena and Samba da Vida bringing their Brazilian flair to the pub for the party, which will include Mexican chips and salsa from Azteca Restaurant down the block.
  • The transition becomes official with a big event planned for Saturday, October 17. That’s when former U.S. Men’s National Team, Premier League and Major League Soccer player and Green Bay native Jay DeMerit comes to town for the grand opening as part of a series of events the Milwaukee Soccer Development Group (run by James Moran) is hosting that day.

DeMerit’s appearance at Moran’s is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a viewing party of a big game in the Premier League: Watford vs. Arsenal. Cost is $25 per person, which includes a pint and a sandwich, and the opportunity to watch the match with the former Watford player and only Wisconsinite to ever play in the English Premier League. There will also be a live auction of DeMerit memorabilia. Half of the proceeds go to the Jay DeMerit: Rise & Shine Foundation, and the other half go to the Milwaukee Soccer Development Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting soccer and providing opportunities for youth to play soccer in under-served communities in the greater Milwaukee area. Tickets are available from http://www.msdgsoccer.com.

From James …

Jay DeMerit’s story is one of a young American’s impossible journey from Green Bay, WI – a journey never experienced or heard of in the soccer world. After not making the professional leagues in the U.S., Jay left for Europe at the age of 21 without any professional experience – only a passport, $1500 and a backpack full of dreams. After scraping by for almost two years, Jay finally got his chance. Based on one tryout in the final preseason game, Jay signed a professional contract with Watford F.C. He then helped his team earn promotion to the English Premier League by scoring the “40 million pound goal” and became an instant hero in England. Jay went from playing in front of 50 people to 50,000 almost overnight.

I’m really excited about downtown’s latest new business. This will be the only soccer pub in the area, and it’s certain to attract new people to our city center and provide new life to the 900 block of Milwaukee Avenue.

I am already thinking of the 2018 World Cup — I know James wants to go big, and I’m excited to see what that will mean for his business and our city.

My hope: Moran’s joins Highbury, Three Lions and Nomad as one of THE go-to soccer bars in the region. With James’ passion, I think it will get there. Soccer fan or not, be sure to check out the new Moran’s!

Learn more …

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by | October 7, 2015 · 7:00 am

Investing In Our Schools: School District Plans Presentation Tonight On State Budget Impacts

From the South Milwaukee School District …

On October 7th, at 5:30 p.m., in the SMPAC, there will be a special 15-minute presentation regarding the State Budget that was passed and the impact on public schools.  The presentation will also cover a critical flaw in school funding that we need to communicate to our legislators about so that they can provide a solution to ensure that all students can receive an equitable education throughout Wisconsin. We highly encourage all families to stop in to this brief presentation.

I thank the schools for continuing to tell this story. It needs to be told — and we need the help of fellow South Milwaukeeans to tell it, be it to state lawmakers or anyone else with influence in Madison.

In short, we need a commitment from the state to work toward adequately fund our public schools.

I stand with the district in that fight.

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by | October 7, 2015 · 6:00 am

A Colorful Addition To Rocketober

Color Run flyer

Saturday, October 24 is shaping up to be a Rocketober day to remember in South Milwaukee.

Already, you have costumed kickball, food and more at noon at South Milwaukee Little League. At 2 p.m., it’s St. Mark’s Trick-or-Treat Zone. At 3, it’s downtown trick-or-treating, at 5 it’s the Mill Pond/South Milwaukee Lions Zombie House, and 6:30 it’s the South Milwaukee Football Boosters Rocktoberfest beer tasting.

But why not start the day with a nice (and colorful) run outside the high school? Learn more in the flyer above.

And check out the Rocketober list of events here.

This will be fun!

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