by | June 6, 2015 · 8:15 pm

Bicyclist Tragedy In Muskego And Other Headlines

Check out these South Shore headlines, including reports from police that a South Milwaukee man struck and killed two bicyclists in Muskego this morning …

NOW has published a new police blotter, and here is coverage of a fire at an Oak Creek landscaping company on Wednesday. South Milwaukee firefighters were among the early responders, and here is the narrative from South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joe Knitter …

At approximately 3:42 this morning, the SMFD ladder truck and Chief responded to the city of Oak Creek for the report of a fully involved building at 1720 West Elm Road.  Upon the arrival of the OCFD units, they encountered an approximately 4,000 square foot building belonging to Hickory Landscaping that was, in fact, fully involved in fire.  Complicating matters was the physical location of the building which was located over 2,000’ from the closest fire hydrant.  5” large diameter hose was layed out the entire distance from 13th Street to the fire.  In addition, extra precautions were taken due to the unknown contents of the building which, considering the type of business, could have contained fertilizers, pesticides and other hazardous substances. No injuries were reported and the cause is still under investigation.

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by | June 5, 2015 · 10:34 pm

Showing Off REAL Success

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I had the pleasure of meeting many of the students of South Milwaukee’s REAL Academy on Friday during their open house. What an impressive group of kids — and what an impressive example of innovation in public education.

This is a South Milwaukee success story.

In its third year, the REAL (Rocket Education for Alternative Learning) Academy offers an option for kids who may have been left behind in many districts.

Kids meet for three hours a day and get a lot out of that time. As described by teacher Joanna Rizzotto …

The REAL Academy is an alternative learning environment that provides high need, at-risk and special education students equal access to education by addressing their barriers to success through a personalized educational program. The REAL Academy is a separate school within SMHS, resulting in a small classroom setting which allows for individual student attention and a strong community atmosphere. Everything we do is created around being a Productive Worker: Attendance & Punctuality, Organization, Task Completion, Taking Initiative, Enthusiasm, Self Esteem, and Self Management.

All of that was on display Friday, with the students serving as the storytellers. They spoke about the academy’s innovative learning model, its focus on teaching life skills, its community commitment, its successes.

More importantly, the students spoke about the impact the academy has had on their lives — and how it has put them on a path for a promising future that probably wouldn’t have existed but for this unique school within a school.

In a time when school districts across the state face funding crises and state lamwakers ponder taking even more money out of the broken education funding system, we should all keep efforts like the REAL Academy in mind.

I can’t think of a better investment in the future of South Milwaukee.

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by | June 3, 2015 · 4:10 pm

Be On The Lookout: Strangers And Kids

A message from the South Milwaukee Police Department … please be vigilant.

Please be advised that the police department has received several complaints this week involving a man in his 50’s to 60’s, with long gray hair, dressed in “Cowboy” garb, walking around in the area of Lakeview School and speaking to young boys. A parent recalled seeing a subject matching the description a few days earlier at a local gas station and driving a red pickup truck. It is unknown if this is the same person. The SMPD has located and spoken with two individuals matching the general physical description and have determined neither one to be involved. Based upon the information that we have received no crime has been committed, but please take the time to educate your children. Please reinforce with them not engage in conversations with strangers, to tell an adult ASAP if approached, and to call the police. Should a person matching that description be seen again, please do not make contact with the subject, but instead contact the SMPD at 768-8060. If driving a vehicle, a detailed description along with a license plate would be helpful.

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by | June 2, 2015 · 11:10 pm

Another Big Season For The South Milwaukee PAC

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The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center has announced its 2015-16 season series, and it includes something for everyone.

Check out the full season schedule for more information on the outstanding collection of acts coming to South Milwaukee, with everything from brass to acrobats to gypsy swing to handbells to comedy to puppetry …

Congratulations to the PAC for their work in booking another terrific season!

And don’t forget about some of the other acts coming to the PAC stage — and to the community. Here is a full list of those, including three summer concerts at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market.

Order tickets here … and spread the word about this community treasure.

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by | May 30, 2015 · 12:09 am

More Headlines

Check out these South Shore headlines …

NOW has published a new police blotter.

Also, County Supervisor Pat Jursik has published a new news update, with information on the Cudahy Sportsman’s Club, an honor for a Cudahy senior and a warning about feeding birds in area parks.

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by | May 29, 2015 · 11:47 pm

Big Investment In Grobschmidt Pool

Update: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has more on the Oak Leaf Trail improvements.

The investments continue in South Milwaukee’s county park assets.

The latest: several significant upgrades to Grobschmidt Pool, improvements that give this longtime local attraction — on and off the Milwaukee County budget chopping block over the years — a bright future.

Among them:

  • Installation of a new pool liner membrane;
  • Conversion of the pool water supply channel system to one using floor inlets; and
  • The addition of new stainless steel hand railings for the pool steps.

The pool, like all county pools, opens June 20. Details here.

I want to again thank Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, the Parks Department and County Supervisor Patricia Jursik for their support of this and all the investments coming to South Milwaukee’s parks this year and beyond.

All in, more than a million dollars is headed to parks in South Milwaukee in 2015.

And those investments are coming to life right now. Among them:

We also continue to make progress on a much-needed Oak Creek Watershed restoration plan.

More than 20% of South Milwaukee’s land mass is parkland, and what’s good for our parks is good for our city. That’s why it’s hard not to be excited about this.

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by | May 29, 2015 · 8:50 am

Go Rockets! Softball Regional Final, Track Sectional Today

Softball, track and more … our Rockets are really taking off.

From the South Milwaukee School District …

SOFTBALL

The Rockets take on Oak Creek today at 4:30pm at Oak Creek East Middle School in the WIAA Regional Final. The Rockets advanced to the game by virtue of their 6-0 WIAA Regional Semifinal win on Wednesday v. Racine Park. A special note is included down below about Senior Abby Mahsem who was not only named the Journal Sentinel Softball Player of the Week, she was also selected as a Senior All-Star and will be playing in the Dells on June 16th in the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association Senior All-Star Game! Congratulations Abby and GO ROCKETS!

http://www.wfsca.org/page/show/1198016-rosters 

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Abby Mahsem, South Milwaukee. The Rockets senior pitcher/shortstop played a large role in the team’s strong finish to the regular season.

She tossed a complete game with five strikeouts and scored two runs as South Milwaukee (15-7) beat Greenfield, 3-1, May 18 to hand the Hawks their first loss of the season. The next day she pitched two innings of relief and went 2 for 3 with three runs in an 8-6 victory over Cudahy. On Wednesday she struck out 10 in a 4-3 victory over Greendale.

Entering the Rockets’ game with Oak Creek on Friday, Mahsem led South Milwaukee with a .533 batting average and 34 RBI and shared the team lead with six home runs.

Here’s the link – http://www.jsonline.com/sports/preps/softrail26-b99506773z1-304958481.html 

BOYS’ & GIRLS’ TRACK

At Tuesday’s WIAA Regionals at Spaltholz Field, the Rockets qualified 15 girls and 19 boys for the WIAA Sectionals which are being held today. The top 3 placewinners in each event and the top 8 performances out of all 8 sectionals in the state will qualify for WIAA State next weekend. 

WIAA SECTIONALS

Wisconsin Lutheran HS

4:00pm – Field Events

4:45pm – Running Events

Admission – $5 adults & $3 for seniors and kids age 1-12 

GIRLS’ SECTIONAL QUALIFIERS

  • Chenoa Stuhr (12) – (200m)
  • Bristine Fowler (12) – (800m)
  • Maddie Wood (10) – (3200m)
  • Kelsey Tehan (9) – (300m hurdles)
  • Chenoa Stuhr (12)/Chidimma Ozodi (12)/Natalie Swanson (12)/Maddie Kendall (10) – (4x100m)
  • Clarice Michalski (10)/Maddie Kendall (10)/Haley Slusar (10)/Abby Kettinger (11) – (4x200m)
  • Sam Meszaros (12)/Capri Fowler (12)/Becca Heller (11)/Clarice Michalski (10) – (4x400m)
  • Sam Meszaros (12)/Becca Heller (11)/Maddie Wood (10)/Capri Fowler (12) – (4x800m)
  • Marissa Stanley (12) – (Pole Vault)
  • Natalie Swanson (12) – (Pole Vault)
  • Clarice Michalski (10) – (Triple Jump)
  • Olivia Osunkwo (11) – (Shot Put)
  • Olivia Osunkwo (11) – (Discus) 

BOYS’ SECTIONAL QUALIFIERS

  • Justin Weber (11) – (1600m)
  • Jordan Janusiak (9) – (1600m)
  • Josh Janusiak (12) – (3200m)
  • Jacob Hochschild (10) – (300m Hurdles)
  • Mua Vang (9)/Clayton Westrum (10)/Jalen Haack (12)/Evan Koronkowski (12) – (4x100m)
  • Mua Vang (9)/Calvin Shilling (12)/McCoy Swanson (12)/Colin Wilson (12) – (4x200m)
  • Colin Wilson (12)/Victor DeLao (10)/McCoy Swanson (12)/Calvin Shilling (12) – (4x400m)
  • Damon Dettman (12)/Chris Sobczak (10)/Wyatt Schlager (9)/Andrew Wimmer (12) – (4x800m)
  • Ian Pribyl (12) – (High Jump)
  • Nick Honerlaw (10) – (Shot Put)
  • Ian Pribyl (12) – (Shot Put)
  • Joey Nelson (11) – (Discus) 

http://67.23.19.61/system/files/14232/original/REGIONAL.htm?1432689480

BOYS’ TENNIS

Joel Rodriguez (11) qualified for WIAA Sectional play this week and fell in straight sets to the #1 singles player from Marquette HS but finished with a solid season by getting to Sectionals.

GOLF

On Tuesday at WIAA Regionals at Oakwood, Matthew Boyle (11) & Ryan Graber (11) qualified for WIAA Sectional play next Tuesday at Ives Grove. Good luck gentlemen!

GIRLS SOCCER

The Rockets won last night 10-3 over Brown Deer as Megan Hilbelink (12) scored 4 goals, Hannah Fryer (12) scored 3 goals, Emily Grunert (10) scored 2 goals and Sofia Ladewig scored 1 goal. IN the tough Woodland Conference, the Rockets improved their conference record to 5-6. The JV plays today at 4:30pm at home against Franklin. Then the Rockets take on Oak Creek on Tuesday at Oak Creek High School (5:00pm JV & 7:00pm Varsity).

The Rockets earned the #6 seed in the WIAA Regionals that begin on Thursday, June 4th. They will travel to Greendale to take on the Panthers at 6:30pm on Thursday night.

BASEBALL

The Rockets won last night at Whitnall 4-0. Junior Matt McCarty led the way by pitching a complete game shutout and throwing 10 strikeouts. The Rockets host Whitnall tonight at 5:00pm and SWCHA tomorrow at 3:30pm (the freshman are at home at 9:30am and the JV play at home at 12:30pm as well).

 GOOD LUCK ROCKETS!

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by | May 27, 2015 · 9:30 pm

Police: Walgreens Employee Injured During Robbery

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Update: Added an image of the suspect.

Scary stuff from the South Milwaukee Walgreens today.

From the South Milwaukee Police Department press release …

On May 27, 2015, at 12:48pm, the South Milwaukee Police Department received a call of an armed robbery at Walgreens, located at 2985 South Chicago Avenue, in South Milwaukee.

Preliminary investigation shows that a black male, displaying a handgun, did obtain prescription medication from the pharmacy.  He also assaulted an employee of Walgreens during the robbery.  He was then seen exiting the store, running in a northwest direction.

An employee was struck in the head by the suspect, with the gun, suffering a non-life threatening injury. 

The South Milwaukee Police Department is currently investigating this incident.

I’ll keep you posted.

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by | May 27, 2015 · 6:14 pm

Market Season Is Here!

It’s year seven for the South Milwaukee Downtown Market, and this weekly community celebration just gets bigger and better every summer. Anyd in 2015, you’ll see more vendors, music and special events than ever before.

Your South Milwaukee summer officially starts Thursday. See you there!

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by | May 26, 2015 · 5:25 pm

Meet The Mayor (And Rep. Rodriguez) This Saturday

The next Meet the Mayor session is this Saturday, May 30, at Nomi, the new coffee house on North Chicago Avenue.

Join me from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and State Rep. Jessie Rodriguez will be stopping by from 11 a.m. to noon.

Bring your questions, comments or concerns, or just drop in, enjoy a great cup of coffee and say hi.

Nomi is at 513 N. Chicago Ave., the site of the former A&W. Stop by and see what Aldo has done with the place. It looks great.

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by | May 22, 2015 · 12:14 am

Taking A Few Days Off From Blogging

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend … while also keeping in mind why we have this long weekend in the first place.

You can honor those who paid the ultimate price with ceremonies in South Milwaukee on Monday.

I’ll be back to blogging next week. In the meantime, if you don’t already follow me on social media, I have mayoral accounts on Facebook and Twitter. Like and follow them for the latest in local news, in addition to this blog.

Thanks for reading — I am happy to do what I can to keep citizens informed about all that is happening in South Milwaukee (which is a lot). Please spread the word about this website with your friends!

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by | May 22, 2015 · 12:04 am

More Local Headlines

Check out these South Shore headlines …

Also, NOW has published new police blotters here and here.

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by | May 20, 2015 · 10:12 pm

Endorsing Our Watershed Planning Efforts

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Progress continues in the efforts to deliver a long-overdue study of the Oak Creek watershed.

The latest example of momentum: The South Milwaukee City Council, at its meeting Tuesday night, unanimously (7-0) endorsed the work underway to jointly study the watershed.

Here is a draft of the resolution they passed.

Our council is the first governmental body to pass such a resolution, and I thank our alderpersons for it. I hope it shows how serious we are (and have to be) as a city about partnering with our neighbors and others to bring this critical environmental, ecological and recreational resource back to life. This study is a critical first step.

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by | May 19, 2015 · 10:31 pm

Their Job: Saving Lives

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It was an honor honoring our local firefighters and emergency medical services personnel on Tuesday night, as part of National Emergency Medical Services Week.

Making the city council meeting extra special: We welcomed back two of the people saved by our personnel as we honored them with letters of commendation. Really, really cool.

See their stories and the proclamation here … and congratulations to all of the award winners. Well done.

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by | May 18, 2015 · 10:20 pm

South Milwaukee: A Great Place For Runners

But don’t take my word for it.

Instead, listen to Olympic hopeful Lauren Kleppin, who was profiled recently in this Milwaukee Running Festival blog post …

Although Kleppin has run in some of the world’s most scenic locations, Milwaukee’s run trails will always hold a special spot in her heart. “Milwaukee is an amazing setting for a race,” Kleppin said. “I personally love running along the Oak Leaf Trail, or down by the art museum while taking in the views of Lake Michigan, enjoying the nice breeze, and the unique architecture. I think my favorite Milwaukee running memories are just a cluster of amazing training days in high school with fun teammates through Grant Park. More specifically, my favorite days were in the fall when the leaves were colorful and crunchy and it was cross-country season.”

South Milwaukee = runner friendly. Why not?

Add this to the list of things we should be promoting about our fair city. Spread the word!

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