Pay tribute to everyone who has paid the ultimate price in defense of our country …
Downtown Update: Nona’s Closing, Residential Facility Planned, New Business And More
Beyond Caterpillar, some disappointing news downtown – Nona’s Café is closing.
Tom and Ida have announced their restaurant’s last day is this Saturday, May 16.
I wish nothing but the best for them, and thank them for being such a special part of our downtown, and our community. I’ll miss them, their hospitality and (of course) their food – all of it terrific.
Please stop by and wish them well in their final days in the restaurant business.
Meanwhile, in other downtown news …
- A 16-unit community based residential facility has been proposed for the former Easter Seals (and Bucyrus engineering) building at 1016 Milwaukee Ave. A public hearing on the zoning change necessary for the development has been set for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, in front of the South Milwaukee City Council. The development, which would be called the Glenneyre, would be considered a Class C non-ambulatory facility, so it can house a person who is either unable to walk or able to walk with the help of a wheelchair or other device. The facility will be an option for seniors and others needing up to an intermediate level of nursing care, “able to accommodate a person who has a long-term illness or disability but who has reached a relatively stable condition,” according to the plan submittal. It will employ about 10 people, with 24-hour staffing for residents and parking for visitors in the adjacent lot and another lot at 1008 Milwaukee (also part of the property).
- Two new businesses have opened in the 1200 block of Milwaukee – This & That, a discount variety store, and across the street, J.C.’s Produce. See my previous post on these businesses here. Also, Grandma’s Attic, an antiques and collectibles store at 916 Milwaukee, opened recently. Be sure to check them all out and welcome them to town!
- You have also probably noticed some improvements to the site of the former city water tower in the 1200 block of Milwaukee. The city repaired the steps, touched up the decorative stone wall, added water service to the site and began preparing the site for new plantings. We’re also putting a new “for sale” sign up. They are small, but necessary improvements to a site that had become an eyesore for the downtown area. We’re also fixing the fascia under the bridge over Oak Creek on Milwaukee Avenue — a cosmetic improvement, but a necessary one. This is an key entry point for our downtown area.
Filed under Downtown, South Milwaukee
Much Smaller, But More Efficient: Big Changes Coming To Cat In South Milwaukee
Cat is significantly reducing its manufacturing footprint in South Milwaukee — but investing significantly in what remains.
In that regard, this afternoon’s announcement about the retooling and redesign of the South Milwaukee plant — including the consolidation of nearly 260,000 square feet of it, or about half of its current manufacturing space — is not all bad news.
And it certainly could have been much worse.
From the Daily Herald in suburban Chicago …
In South Milwaukee, where the company makes electric rope shovels, hydraulic mining shovels and draglines, Caterpillar plans to redesign and retool the facility, removing the need for more than 260,000 square feet of production space in its manufacturing footprint.
“We continue to evaluate our operations for efficiency, to lower cost and to improve competitiveness. This decision allows us to more competitively position the products produced on these campuses, and it provides employees in these facilities clarity around our long-term plans for maintaining production,” said Ed Rapp, Caterpillar group president with responsibility for resource industries.
I am told the buildings Cat will vacate (by not renewing leases) are primarily located in the inner portion of the campus, with those along Rawson Avenue getting the increased (likely multi-million dollar) investment. The technical center and offices are not affected.
The announcement Monday will not affect current employment, which is obviously much less than it used to be. South Milwaukee has more than 700 employees.
I spoke with a local Caterpillar official this afternoon about the decision, and he positioned it as a significant investment in the facility to make it more competitive.
“The ultimate goal in this is to make South Milwaukee a world-class provider,” he said. “As you get more globally competitive, that is good for the employees, our customers, and the city.”
I agree. While it would be great to see the local plant humming along at full capacity in its current footprint, that seemed more and more unlikely with each passing day. Instead, we are getting a smaller, more efficient plant better positioned for the long term, in a changing mining industry that might be headed for an upswing.
Indeed, there are plenty worse alternatives.
Check out coverage from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,
Filed under Caterpillar, Local Business, South Milwaukee
Planning For The City’s, And Downtown’s, Promising Future
With a renewed focus on business retention, recruitment, events, marketing and other efforts, we’re working hard every day to bring new life to our city, and city center.
We’re also building the foundation for long-term economic development success. A key part of that: our comprehensive and downtown plans, which took major steps forward this week.
The South Milwaukee City Council voted unanimously to approve the selection of Graef as the consulting firm for updating our comprehensive plan and building a separate downtown plan.
We interviewed two firms for the work, and, as part of the committee making the recommendation, I can say it was a very tough call. Both Vandewalle and Graef are terrific firms that would do a great job on these plans.
Graef brings strong experience, creativity, vision and a demonstrated commitment to implementing the plans they lead. For this effort, they also bring a partnership with Business Districts Inc., a firm focused on downtown revitalization that will only add to our plan and process.
You can see their joint proposal here.
Now the work begins. The planning effort will pick up quickly, and be substantially wrapped up by the end of the year. Then we get to work on bringing the plan to life – not letting it sit on a shelf and collect dust like so many others in the past.
Have a plan, work the plan. We will work this plan.
My ask: Look for ways to be part of the process, and actually be a part of it. There will be plenty of opportunities to have your voice heard as we build this roadmap for the future of South Milwaukee and our downtown.
Join us!
Filed under Downtown, South Milwaukee
For The Love Of Birds, And South Milwaukee
Consider it another reason to love South Milwaukee …
Bird enthusiasts will tell you our fair city is a bird watcher’s paradise.
To celebrate our feathered friends, a first-ever “Birds of a Feather Day” has been scheduled for Sunday, May 17.
From Rita Wiskowski, local bird enthusiast (and photographer for those images of warblers above) …
Friends of the Mill Pond & Oak Creek Watercourse, along with Friends of Grant Park, Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society, and the U.S. Forest Service with the support of the City of South Milwaukee, are hosting a fun and educational event to promote the understanding and appreciation of birds and their habitat.
The event is free and open to the public. It will take place at the Warming House on the Mill Pond in South Milwaukee (the corner of Mill Road and Oak Creek Parkway). There will be activities for all ages starting with a bird walk at Grant Park at 8 am (beginning at Picnic Area 9) where birders of all levels are welcomed.
Please bring a pair of binoculars and wear comfortable hiking clothes and shoes. Starting at 9 am another bird walk led by an experienced birder and geared towards more novice birders will meet at the Mill Pond. If you don’t have binoculars for the 9 am walk, you may borrow a pair. From 10 am to noon the Warming House will be open with many fun activities and informational displays for all ages and interest levels. Please join us.
For more information visit smfomp.org or call Rita Wiskowski at (414) 766-0760 / Dona_Rita@rocketmail.com.
Birds of a Feather Day Activities
- 8 am. Bird Walk, starting at Wil-O-Way (Picnic Area 9) at 8 am. Participants will need to bring their own binoculars. A slow and easy walk, but may last a couple of hours. Wear comfortable hiking shoes.
- 9 am. Bird Walk, starting at the Mill Pond at 9 am. Will last an hour. A slow and easy walk. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Participants may borrow binoculars.
Warming House Activities (10 am to noon)
- Binocular/Bird Watching Station: Participants will learn how to use binoculars to find and identify birds.
- Bird Fact Station (Jen Ambrose will work the table): Information station on protecting birds and their habitat, birds in Wisconsin, eliminating bird hazards, etc.
- Coloring Book Station: Bird related coloring for youngest participants.
- Bird Olympics Station: Fun kid-friendly activities that also teach lessons about birds.
- Owl Pellet Station: Our volunteer experts will teach participants about owls, dissect pellets, and ID the bones.
- Vendor Table: Fun bird related items, and eco-friendly items will be for sale to help support future Birds of a Feather Days.
Filed under Milwaukee County, Parks, South Milwaukee
Appointing Our City Attorney
Joseph Murphy has been elected South Milwaukee’s city attorney 17 times, and he’s ably served in that role for more than 33 years.
I consider him a trusted advisor, who I lean on for sound, reasonable advice on a variety of issues. He works hard to make sure the city is protected from threats, and he stands up, and behind, the work we do as a city government every day.
I am happy to say he will continue doing that work, just not as an elected official.
Attorney Murphy is moving to Milwaukee, which means he’s resigning his elected seat. However, the city council — recognizing his skill in the job, his desire to keep serving in it, and the will of the voters — appointed Joe to the role of city attorney as their meeting on Tuesday.
This means Joe will be an employee of the city, in a role similar to that of our other department heads.
I support this move because I think we get to keep a great attorney with a deep knowledge and passion for our city in that job.
It’s also something we planned to do soon anyway. You will recall the council voted last year to make the role of city attorney – as well as those of city clerk and city treasurer – non-elected jobs starting in 2017. This moves up that date two years for the attorney.
I thank Joe for his continued service and wish he and his wife Kitty well in their move.
Filed under City Council, South Milwaukee
Recognizing Our Police (And Citizen) Heroes
Tuesday’s South Milwaukee City Council meeting was one of my favorite ones of the year — our chance to recognize police officers and citizens for their life-saving and heroic acts, and all-around good work and partnership.
In all, six officers, one public safety officer, two auxiliary officers, three citizens and one business were honored with awards as part of National Peace Officers Week. Here is a full list of winners, and their stories.
I congratulate and thank all of them. Among the stories …
Investigator Hill – nominated by Officer Rivamonte
On December 20, 2014 at approximately 9:44pm the South Milwaukee Police Department took a report of a suicidal subject who had slashed his wrists and left his mother’s residence on bicycle. Officers were given the general area of Grant Park to search for the subject who was in a mental health crisis. After searching for a significant amount of time Investigator Hill located the subject’s bicycle hidden in some bushes; after searching the area he located the subject. The subject was unconscious and bleeding from cuts to both wrists. Investigator Hill provided immediate medical assistance to the subject. Officers carried the subject to Lake Drive so the South Milwaukee Fire Department could treat his injuries. If Investigator Hill had not continued to search for the subject he would have died in Grant Park that evening (it was cold 15 degrees and the subject was not properly clothed).
Officer Dews, Officer Fournier, PSO Maxim and Auxiliary Officer Ceparski – nominated by Officer McLean
On February 16, 2015 at approximately 3:27am the South Milwaukee Police Department received a 911 transfer call from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. PSO Maxim was unable to speak with the 911 caller as the phone call ended prior to transferring. PSO Maxim was unable to make contact with the 911 caller as calls went to voicemail. PSO Maxim advised officers the 911 caller had reported he had fallen in the woods in Grant Park near the lagoon. PSO Maxim looked up the 911 coordinates to assist in locating the caller. Officers searched the area described by the 911 caller and found him lying on the snow covered ground. The subject was unable to stand and officers carried him to the roadway where the South Milwaukee Fire Department took over and transported the man to St. Luke’s South Shore for medical treatment. Had the officers not located the man he possibly would have died due to the cold weather conditions.
Mrs. Phylis Stoesser
Lt. Milow nominated Mrs. Stoesser for a Citizen’s Recognition Award for her actions on July 2, 2014.
On July 2, 2014 the South Milwaukee Police Department took a report of a missing elderly woman with early stage dementia/Alzheimer’s from the 1500 block of Manitowoc Avenue. Mrs. Stoesser observed an elderly woman near her residence (1000 Block of N. Chicago) who appear confused and lost. Mrs. Stoesser engaged the woman in conversation and then began to follow her as she continued to walk on N. Chicago. Mrs. Stoesser notified the police department who upon arriving at the scene determine the elderly woman to be the one missing from the 1500 block of Manitowoc Avenue. Mrs. Stoesser’s compassion and concern for the woman is commendable.
The department also honored longtime former auxiliary officer Kurt Olson for his volunteer service to the city, and Mike Wolf, manager of the South Milwaukee Walmart, for their support of the Shop with a Cop program and Community Night Out.
Filed under Police, South Milwaukee
Beech Street Foot Bridge Closed Indefinitely
Some bad news for students walking to South Milwaukee Middle and High School, and those who love walks and bike rides along Oak Creek Parkway: The Beech Street foot bridge over Oak Creek has been closed indefinitely and may need to be completely replaced.
That’s the word from the Milwaukee County Parks Department, who called me late this afternoon. Workers were closing it down this evening.
A citizen alerted me to a concern over the bridge swaying late last week, and I informed County Supervisor Pat Jursik. The county had engineers inspect it today, when the order was issued after they deemed it “structurally unsafe.”
The county tells me it’s likely the bridge will have to be fully replaced, so be prepared for a long closure.
Of course, this is not the first time this bridge has had issues. Still, we appreciate your patience, and we will know more about next steps in coming days and weeks. I’ll keep you posted.
Filed under Milwaukee County, Parks, South Milwaukee
Get Your “Go Pass” In Cudahy, South Milwaukee
A note from Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik …
The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is offering alternative community locations to assist with “GO PASS.”
The “GO Pass,” which was mandated by the County Board of Supervisors, allows all Milwaukee County residents 65 and older unlimited free rides on MCTS buses. The free pass will also be available for residents with disabilities who meet certain requirements. The designated dates and locations for our District 8 are as follows:
Monday, May 11, 2015
Warnimont-Kelly Center
6100 S. Lake Drive, Cudahy
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Grobschmidt/South Milwaukee Senior Center
2424 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee
9:00 AM -2:00 PM
For more information please click:
Filed under Milwaukee County, South Milwaukee
Updated: Missing Kids Found Safe, Returned Home
From the South Milwaukee Police Department …
The South Milwaukee Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in locating 2 missing juveniles.
The names of the missing juveniles are Ashley Garcia, 14 years of age, and her brother Isac Garcia, 15 years of age.
It is believed they have been seen in Milwaukee and West Allis, WI and they may have been in the area of Wautoma, WI recently.
There is no information, at this time, that either juvenile is missing under suspicious circumstances. The South Milwaukee Police Department is concerned for the safety and welfare of these two children and would like them to return to their mother.
If you have any information, please contact the South Milwaukee Police Department at (414) 768-8060.
Filed under South Milwaukee
Looking Back On A Busy Year For The South Milwaukee Fire Department
The South Milwaukee Fire Department has published its 2014 annual report, and it details a busy, and tragic, year.
See the full report here.
From South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joe Knitter …
This report is but a brief snapshot of the tremendous amount of hard work put forth by the members of your fire department who continue to demonstrate their commitment to providing an exceptionally high level of service and standard of coverage with the limited resources at hand.
Our call volume increased slightly during 2014 with a minor uptick in the number of fire calls we responded to. While the nationwide trend is a decrease in fire calls, it seems that this call for service follows a cyclical trend in our area. Our department requested mutual aid from our neighbors for 12 working structure fires in 2014. Dollar loss from these fires nearly doubled when compared to 2013, primarily due to the increase in the number of fires and the advanced stage of several of them upon our arrival. Unfortunately, the fire department experienced its second fire fatality in a span of three months (December, ’13-February, ’14) in a fire that occurred on February 27th in a single-family home that claimed the life of a 56-year old female. Prior to this fire and the previous fire that occurred in December of 2013, the South Milwaukee Fire Department went for over ten years without a fatal fire.
One area of improvement that I am proud to highlight is the increase in the number of community members impacted by our fire prevention/community outreach efforts. As you will see on Page 12, we have realized an 8% increase in the number of K-4/5 and 1st grade students who participated in our fire safety education program, a 20% increase in the number of 5th graders who attended our 5th Grade Fire Safety Program, and a 60% increase in the number of community members that participated in a fire extinguisher training program. While predicting how many fires or injuries these initiatives prevented is nearly impossible, our goal of delivering education to the community can only become more effective as we interact with more citizens.
In closing, the South Milwaukee Fire Department will continue to answer the call 24/7/365 and maintain its high level of service delivery as we respond to the needs of the community as an all-hazard, all-risk department. Our focus will remain on community involvement, risk reduction, fire prevention, public education, and delivering timely, professional, effective, and efficient service. The members of the South Milwaukee Fire Department and I would like to thank Mayor Erik Brooks, the members of the Common Council and Police and Fire Commission, and our citizens for all their hard work and continued support.
Right back at you, chief. Thanks to you and all of our firefighters for your hard work and dedication to keeping us safe.
Filed under Fire, South Milwaukee
More Headlines
An interview with the folks at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, a really cool story about a local wedding photo, information on a South Milwaukee reunion and more …
Check out these South Shore headlines.
- After Stage Collapse, WISN 12 News Looks Into Safety At Wisconsin Schools (WISN)
- Friendship Forms As Pastor Solves Mystery 60 Years In The Making (Fox 6)
- Drexel Town Square Stores, Wimmer Apartment Expansion Approved In Oak Creek (Milwaukee Business Journal)
- SMHS Class Of 2005 10-Year Reunion To Be Held July 24-25 (NOW)
NOW has published a new police blotter.
Also, County Supervisor Pat Jursik has published a new e-newsletter, with updates on O’Donnell Park, the Hoan Bridge and the Cudahy Sportsmen’s Club.
Filed under South Milwaukee
Food, Music And Baseball: Big Weekend In South Milwaukee!
Update: Added item on the St. Luke’s UCC Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday.
It’s weekends like this that make South Milwaukee special.
Here are three big events happening Friday through Sunday in our fair city …
- Friday: South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center 10th Anniversary Gala. A terrific evening of entertainment, celebrating a decade of this community treasure. Dozens of performers means there is something for everyone. The event starts at 6 p.m. with a pre-show social featuring some of the acts in the lobby, refreshments and hors d’ oeuvres. Get a full list of performers and learn more here.
- Saturday: South Milwaukee Little League Opening Day. This day is another thing pretty unique to South Milwaukee. It starts with a parade down Milwaukee and 9th Avenues, starting at Papa Luigi’s and ending at Little League Park, where there will be ceremonies before the opening slate of games. Parade at noon, opening ceremonies at 1, games start at 1:45. See a schedule here. Also on Saturday is this St. Luke’s UCC Spaghetti Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at 2200 18th Ave. They are featuring chef-prepared spaghetti sauce and entertainment. Adults $7, children 11 and under $4.
- Sunday: South Milwaukee Food Truck Carnival. Some of the area’s top food trucks pay a visit to downtown South Milwaukee for a first-ever event for our city. Live music by Water Street Bridge is also planned. Noon to 4 p.m. on 11th Avenue, south of Milwaukee Avenue. Thanks to the Milwaukee Food Truck Alliance and the award-winning Streetza Pizza – owned by South Milwaukeean Scott Baitinger – for bringing this event to our city, and for Educators Credit Union for stepping up as a sponsor just today.
See you this weekend!
Check out media coverage on the Food Truck Carnival from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and OnMilwaukee.com. You may also see a TV station or two on site on Sunday. This will be big. How big? More than 1,500 people have said they are going on just the Streetza Facebook invite alone.
Filed under Downtown, Events, South Milwaukee
No One Hurt In Bedroom Fire
From the South Milwaukee Fire Department …
At approximately 3:40PM this afternoon, SMFD responded to a 9-1-1 report of a comforter on fire at 401 Williams Avenue. Upon arrival of SMFD units, light smoke was seen coming out of the front door and the occupants were waiting outside. When crews entered the house, they found a fire consuming the comforters, pillows, and mattress in a rear bedroom, The fire was quickly extinguished, but not before extensive heat and smoke damage affected the involved bedroom and moderate smoke filled the entire house. The fire is currently under investigation. No one was injured in the fire.
Please keep the residents of this property in your prayers.
Filed under Fire, South Milwaukee
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