by | November 24, 2014 · 7:22 pm

Welcome To South Milwaukee, Moore’s Southern BBQ

South Milwaukee has a lot of great local restaurants. Italian, Mexican, Chinese, American café, bar fare …

Now you can add barbecue to the list. Moore’s Southern BBQ is now serving at Bottoms Up South, 500 Madison Ave.

Hours are 2 p.m. to 1 a.m., and they offer both dine-in and takeout.

The menu includes low and slow-smoked barbecue smoked brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage links, rib tips and babyback ribs, with sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, potato salad,  and cole slaw. They also carry burgers, fried chicken,  Polish sausage, fried portabella mushrooms, and jalepeno poppers.

They have a Friday fish fry, taco Tuesdays, and an award-winning chili on Sundays.

Welcome to South Milwaukee! 

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by | November 23, 2014 · 11:34 pm

Downtown Update: Telling The Downtown Story

I had the pleasure of speaking at Monday’s South Shore Option 3.0 event, a local economic development forum presented by Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik and the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.

I chose to tell the downtown story. And it’s a good one, even as we continue to write it.

From investment by existing businesses into their properties to new business development to the creation of business-building events, this quickly is becoming a success story.

You can see what I presented here.

And here are a few updates on some downtown businesses.

First, some unfortunate news: Greg’s Soup-er-Desserts has closed, according to a sign posted over the weekend.

However, progress is being made on several other new merchants, in addition to MKE City Sippers, which has been very successful in its first couple of weeks, and the arrival of Revolution Hair Studio …

  • Wild Flour Bakery, 1205 Milwaukee Ave., is officially reopening tomorrow (Monday, Nov. 24) with a celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. Regular hours will Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 8 to 4. It will be closed on Sundays.
  • Board Game Barrister, 1007 Milwaukee, is already open limited hours, as they ramp up toward new signage, additional inventory and other upgrades. For now, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, owner Gordon Lugauer tells me.
  • The retail storefront of Mears Online Auctions is also progressing. I spoke to owner Troy Kinunen last weekend, and interior work has begun at the property at 723 Milwaukee, with construction of a new second floor beginning soon. The concept is a really cool one: old-time candy combined with military, toy and other collectibles for sale. Should be a great addition.

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by | November 20, 2014 · 10:54 pm

After The Packer Game: Two Legendary Local High School Coaches Speak On Sports, Life

Here is something cool to do after Sunday’s Vikings-Packers game …

Check out two legendary local high school coaches — John Galewski and Stan Druckrey — at a forum at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2507 5th Ave. in South Milwaukee. The event starts at 4 p.m., followed by a free pizza dinner.

Tell your friends, and bring them to this free event!

Coaches Roundtable flyer

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by | November 20, 2014 · 10:23 pm

Thanking Our Board And Commission Members

Tonight, I had the pleasure to be a part of South Milwaukee’s Commissioners’ Banquet, our annual opportunity to formally recognize the public servants who do so much good for our city.

We have more than a dozen boards and commissions, all filled with volunteers, I am so grateful for their work.

As I told the crowd …

I love South Milwaukee, both our proud past and our promising future. I know you do too.

What a great story we have to share … and it’s a story we should all be proud of because it’s one we’ve all helped write, and continue to write every day.

When it comes down to it, it’s a story of our people … a story of dedicated community servants who have given of their time and talents to make South Milwaukee a better place.

There are more than 160 of those people in this room tonight … and I’m excited and honored to recognize them and their commitment to making a difference.

We could not do any of this without you.

You can learn more about our boards and coMmissions here … and you can apply to join one yourself with this application.

We are always looking for volunteers, those willing to bring a special skill or interest to bear in helping make their city a better place to live, work and play. Are you ready to step up?

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by | November 18, 2014 · 5:25 pm

From Bay View To South Milwaukee: Vintage Hair Studio Coming Downtown

2014-11-17_14-35-1720141117_130027The newest downtown South Milwaukee business says as much about the renewed energy in our central business district as any.

Revolution Hair Studio is moving its vintage hair styling business — think hair like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe — from its Bay View location on Delaware Avenue to a spot on 1017 Milwaukee Avenue in early 2015.

I had lunch with owners Natalie and Joy — both South Milwaukee residents — on Monday, and both are excited to “come home” … and take their existing customer base from one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Milwaukee to what they feel is a big opportunity in our fair city.

Both are big believers in what is happening downtown, with Natalie telling me that the huge family turnout for the downtown trick-or-treating scavenger hunt was one thing that really opened her eyes to the potential downtown.

So let’s welcome them to South Milwaukee. And let’s keep the downtown momentum going!

Learn more about the studio on their Facebook page and website.

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by | November 17, 2014 · 10:13 pm

2014 South Milwaukee Christmas: Mark Your Calendars!

Update: Added information on a special choir concert at Sts. Peter and Paul.

Christmas in South Milwaukee is a special time of year …

And that starts with all the special events happening around town.

Here’s a roundup … if I missed any, please let me know and I’ll add them.

  • Saturday, Nov. 22: South Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting. Stop by from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for a visit with Santa, music, hot drinks and more at Heritage Park on 10th and Milwaukee Avenues. Learn more here.
  • Sunday, Nov. 30: South Milwaukee Christmas Parade and Old Fashioned Christmas. The traditional South Milwaukee Christmas celebration begins with the Lions’ Christmas Parade starting at 12:30 p.m. at 12th and Milwaukee, continuing west on Milwaukee, then south on 15th Avenue to City Hall. Following the parade, enjoy all the festivities at City Hall, including pictures with Santa, arts and crafts, food and more. The city Christmas tree is lit at 5 p.m., following a performance by the South Milwaukee High School Madrigal Singers. Learn more about the parade at www.smlions.org, or to be in the parade, call Jim at 414-651-2221.
  • Saturday, Dec. 6: South Milwaukee Christmas Market. The indoor version of the Downtown Market returns to South Milwaukee High School with more than 50 vendors selling arts, crafts, baked goods, prepared foods and more. Hours (new this year) are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live holiday music is also scheduled, including a holiday performance by Horns A Plenty at 11 a.m. at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Learn more on the market’s Facebook page.
  • Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14: Ye Old Christmas Feaste.This tradition of 36 years will be held at the high school. This three-hour event magically transports you to 15th century England for Christmas merriment with a seven-course meal. Pre-dinner music starts 4:30 p.m., and dinner is served at 5. Cost is $30 per person or $170 for a table of six. For more information, click here or call the high school at 766-5100.
  • Sunday, Dec. 14: Sts. Peter and Paul Polish National Catholic Church Christmas choir concert. Showtime is 4 p.m. for this special show, as the Milwaukee Circle Choir will be presenting “Love Came Down at Christmas: A Cantata of Hope, Joy, Peace and Love.” This show features traditional carols in both Polish and English. Free Admission. Handicapped accessible by lift chair. Refreshments will be served after the show. The church is 1308 15th Ave.

 

Also, the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center has a full holiday lineup,with the following shows …

Have a happy holiday season!

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by | November 17, 2014 · 4:55 pm

No One Hurt In Frigid House Fire

From South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joe Knitter …

Please keep the family impacted by this fire in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the firefighters who battled the fire in freezing cold temperatures.

At approximately 10:10 this morning, SMFD responded to a report of a roof fire at 727 Madison Avenue. Upon arrival, light smoke was seen issuing from the attic area of the house. Further investigation revealed a small fire burning under the insulation in the attic. Hoselines were stretched into the attic to extinguish the fire and a lengthy overhaul process ensued to remove all the damaged insulation. Fire damage was isolated to a small area of the attic with minor water damage resulting to the ceiling below where the fire was burning. The American Red Cross was requested to the scene to assist the occupants with housing since the furnace was placed out of service due to wiring leading to it being damaged in the fire. No injuries were reported.

Weather conditions at the time of the fire were very cold at 17 degrees with steady winds at 10+ mph resulting in wind chills near zero. Unfortunately, winter weather is upon us.

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by | November 15, 2014 · 10:26 pm

Headlines: South Milwaukee Plays Role In Heroin Bust, Honor For Local Veteran And More

A couple good news stories involving South Milwaukee this week …

First, the South Milwaukee Police Department was credited for its role in a major heroin bust on Tuesday. Check out the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story here, and here is WISN coverage.

The SMPD was one of 10 agencies called out by District Attorney John Chisholm at a press conference.

And a South Milwaukee Medal of Honor recipient is getting a terrific honor. Gary Wetzel, named Milwaukee County Veteran of the Year this week, is getting a street named after him in front of the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center. Learn more here … and congratulations to Gary for this honor. It’s well-earned and well-deserved.

And check out these other headlines …

Also, NOW has published a new police blotter.

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by | November 14, 2014 · 10:14 pm

Leaf Collection Update

We ask for your patience as city crews continue to collect leaves in neighborhoods across South Milwaukee.

Three leaf crews will be working overtime this Saturday and next Saturday — in addition to normal weekday hours — to get as many leaves picked up as possible. We expect this work to be complete by Saturday, Nov. 29, weather permitting.

A few additional notes:

  • If residents have already placed leaves in the curb, and city crews have picked them up, please do not put additional leaves out. It is unlikely crews will return for a second pickup.
  • Once we make the final sweep, any leaves not picked up will have to be bagged and brought to the self-deposit station by the property owner.
  • Keep in mind that we cannot pick up leaves if cars are parked over the piles or tight up to the piles.

As crews continue to make their way through the city, we continue to ask that residents put away their rakes and mulch their leaves when and where possible. While the city will continue to do leaf collection, mulching is a better option for a number of reasons, including for the environment.

Learn more in the online letter I sent to residents this fall here.

(Note: Since I wrote this, we have found an alternative disposal site for our leaves: a facility in Caledonia. But the issues with the collection program remain remain the same.)

Going forward, into 2015 and beyond, we will be stepping up our communication efforts around the benefits of mulching. We’ll also continue to look for ways to deliver our leaf collection service more efficiently and cost effectively.

We appreciate your understanding.

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by | November 12, 2014 · 5:24 pm

Reminder: Meet Me (And County Executive Chris Abele) On Saturday

Just a quick note that my next Meet the Mayor session is this Saturday, Nov. 15, at Mears Online Auctions, located in the old St. Mary’s Hall at 1234 Manitoba Ave. in South Milwaukee.

And I’ll be joined from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by a special guest: Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele.

Thanks to Mears for hosting the event. You’ll be amazed at what owner Troy Kinunen has done with the place. The coolest part — a “mini Cooperstown” (my term) museum that features sports and other collectibles that will blow your mind.

Questions, comments, concerns … all are welcome. And thanks to County Executive Abele for being a part of this.

See you Saturday!

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by | November 11, 2014 · 11:02 pm

South Shore Option 3.0: Local Economic Development Event Set For Monday

From Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik, the strongest advocate for the South Shore I know … I look forward to presenting on Monday and hope to see you there!

Supervisor Patricia Jursik, Chair of the Economic Development Committee for the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, along with the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, will host the 3rd Economic Development Forum, South Shore Option, featuring new and planned economic development projects in the Cities of St. Francis, Cudahy, South Milwaukee and Oak Creek, the four South Shore communities.

“Our South Shore is becoming one of the most dynamic areas in Milwaukee County for economic growth and development,” Supervisor Jursik said. The Forum will feature economic development presented by each of the city’s development managers. “It will be an informative program for citizens to hear not only from their own community but also the neighboring communities.” Developers will also be invited to gauge the dynamic opportunities available along the South Shore of Milwaukee County

  • When: November 17, 2014
  • Where: St. Francis Civic Center, 3400 E. Howard Avenue, St. Francis WI 53235
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Who: City Mayors or Development Directors and Supervisor Patricia Jursik
  • What: Development Forum to report both new and planned development

Here is the full press release.

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by | November 11, 2014 · 11:00 pm

Headlines: Larson Steps Down As Senate Democratic Leader And More

Check out these South Shore headlines …

Also, NOW has published a new police blotter.

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by | November 10, 2014 · 9:47 pm

Recognizing Our Veterans

Tuesday is Veterans’ Day, and I wish all veterans — those serving now or those who have served — a blessed day.

I thank you for your service — especially my late grandfather, a World War II Navy veteran, and my stepfather, a Vietnam War Marine veteran — and ask others to do the same by taking part in the Veterans’ Day ceremony on Tuesday morning, Nov. 11.

Local veterans will be meeting at the American Legion Post #27 at 10:30 a.m., and at 10:45 they we will do a “light march” from the Post to the South Milwaukee War Memorial.

The 30-minute ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the memorial, located just north of Tony G’s Grant Park Garage.

A light lunch will be served at the post following the ceremony.

(In the case of inclement weather ensues, the ceremony will be held at the Post.)

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by | November 8, 2014 · 10:47 pm

Shoreline Park Meeting Set For Tuesday

The public is welcome to attend a second public information meeting around a potential Lake Michigan shoreline park planned for 18 acres south of the Wastewater Treatment Facility.

The meeting, in an open house format, begins with a presentation at 5:30 p.m., followed by time for questions and answers with the consultant hired to prepare options for the site and city personnel.

From the letter sent to area residents …

The first public information meeting, held in May, included two development concepts. A revised concept has been developed which includes the following elements:

  • Primary entry from Bay Heights Road with approximately 10 parking spaces and access path.
  • Secondary site access from Marina Road with approximately 8 parking spaces created where Marina Road turns south with a pedestrian access path.
  • Improved primary pedestrian path to the beachfront designed to meet ADA requirements with accessible beach extension.
  • Secondary paths with stair structures, overlooks.
  • Extension of the storm sewer system on the north side of the parcel to reduce bluff erosion, and reduce velocities to protect coastal wetland.
  • Stormwater bioretention by using rain gardens as a natural area to control and treat stormwater run-off.
  • Stabilized bluff plantings.
  • Areas of mowed open space.

Learn more about the earlier plans here.

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by | November 8, 2014 · 10:28 pm

Rocket Sports Update: Cross-Country Runners Shine At State And More

From the South Milwaukee School District …

ROCKET CROSS COUNTRY

Congratulations to the Rocket Boys’ Cross Country team and in particular Josh Janusiak. The Rockets took 15th in the WIAA State Cross Country Championships last Saturday and Josh took 9th place as an individual overall! Jordan Janusiak took 54th place overall and had the 2nd best time out of all of the freshmen in the race!

http://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Results/Cross_Country/2014/d1bteamresults.pdf

Congratulations to Maddie Wood (10) for taking 40th place in the WIAA State Girls’ Cross Country Championship! Out of all freshmen and sophomores Maddie had the 14th best time in the race!

Here are the results for each SM runner with 1 Mile Split & Place, 2 Mile Split & Place & Finish Time

Boys’ Results

  • 9th – Joshua Janusiak (12) 15th 4:58 11th 5:20 10:17 5:53 16:08.06
  • 54th – Jordan Janusiak (9) 101st 5:19 72nd 5:33 10:52 6:05 16:54.10
  • 114th – Chris Sobczak (10) 156th 5:28 137th 5:45 11:12 6:18 17:28.34
  • 125th – Justin Weber (11) 107th 5:20 117th 5:47 11:07 6:29 17:33.82
  • 184th – Sage Leahy (9) 179th 5:35 179th 6:04 11:39 6:54 18:30.40
  • 185th – Wyatt Schlager (9) 187th 5:38 185th 6:10 11:47 6:49 18:34.53
  • 186th – Damon Dettman (12) 180th 5:35 186th 6:14 11:49 6:53 18:39.52

Girls’ Results

  • 40th – Maddie Wood (10) 15th 5:51 25th 6:25 12:16 7:21 19:34.76
  • 152nd – Rebecca Heller (11) 143rd 6:24 152nd 6:56 13:19 7:43 20:59.80

Great job Rockets!!

ROCKET GIRLS’ SWIM & DIVE

Another meet…another couple of school records broken! Congratulations to Allison Osell and Alexis Holliday on breaking their own school records again!

The Girls Swim & Dive team competed in the Woodland Conference Meet last weekend.  The team took 6th out of 12 teams.

  • Allison Osell (10) took 4th Place in diving with a score of 362.70 (breaking her previous school record)
  • Alexis Holliday (10) took 4th in the 200yd Freestyle with a time of 2:01.26 also took 4th in the 500yd Freestyle with a time of 5:23.87 (breaking her previous school record by 4 seconds).
  • Zoe Bellis (10) took 8th in the 50yd Freestyle with a time of 27.07, also took 7th in the 100yd Breaststroke with a time of 1:18.75
  • Eryka Uehling (10)  took 8th in the 100yd Fly with a time of 1:11.57
  • 200yd Freestyle Relay team of Uehling, Taylor Halama (12), Holliday, Bellis took 6th with a time of 1:50.99
  • Haille Bocek (11) took 11th in the 100yd Backstroke with a time of 1:10.69

Good luck to Allison tonight at the WIAA Sectional Diving Competition and to all of the Varsity Swimmers at the WIAA Sectional Swim Meet on Saturday.

ROCKET FOOTBALL

Mitchell Dess Al Toon Award Finalist!

The Al Toon Award is given annually to the state’s top senior wide receiver or tight end as part of the WSN Senior Football Awards. The award is named after former University of Wisconsin athlete Al Toon, who went on to play in the NFL for several very successful seasons before multiple concussions ended his career early. Toon is an active member of the community in the Madison area both in the business world and in various charitable endeavors.
 
The pre-season watch list was trimmed down to 15 semi-finalists, and five finalists for the award have now been selected. Winners are announced the week of the state finals.
 
Al Toon Award Finalists:

Mitchell Dess, South Milwaukee – Dess was a contributor for the Rockets last season but really came into his own as a senior. The 5-11, 170-pound wideout hauled in 65 passes for 1092 yards and 14 touchdowns in 10 games for head coach Derek Hoff. “He gets the little technique things that most kind can’t even comprehend,” said Hoff. “Stemming and alignment on his routes, setting up defenders after the catch, catching the ball at its peak and not bringing it to your body right away, rather turning away before you do so.” Dess has the most productive yardage day in the state this year, hauling in 10 catches for 317 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 56-41 win over Pewaukee in Week 8.

Mitchell is one of only 5 Finalists STATE-WIDE!

http://www.wissports.net/news_article/show/441722?referrer_id=

ROCKET ALUMNI

Boo Gottwald (Class of 2010)

Gottwald Named Academic All-District by CoSIDA

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior John Gottwald has been selected to the 2014 Capital One Academic All-District 6 NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer first team, the College Sports Information Directors of America announced Thursday, Oct. 30.

http://uww.meritpages.com/achievements/Gottwald-Named-Academic-All-District-by-CoSIDA/31947 

Defrim Ramushevski (Class of 2011)

Dewey is finishing up his senior season on the UWGB Men’s Soccer team. I have attached the senior photo for you to see Dewey now!

Dani Schwanke (Class of 2014), Katie Bartlett (Class of 2013) & Alicia Kontowski (Class of 2008)

Dani & Katie are both on this year’s Alverno women’s basketball team! Alicia is a Graduate Assistant Coach on both the Women’s Basketball Team and the Women’s Golf Team at Alverno College. Check out the link below for the team photo and roster.

http://athletics.alverno.edu/sports/wbkb/2014-15/roster

Zach Simuncak (Class of 2014) 

See the link below for Zach’s info as a member of the North Central football team!

http://northcentralcardinals.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6920

Lauren Kleppin (Class of 2007)

Lauren just competed in the frigid NYC Marathon last Sunday and had the 5th fastest time for any American woman and took 15th overall in the Elite running field. Great job Lauren!!

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