by | November 25, 2014 · 4:14 pm

Hoan Bridge Update: Halfway There

Plenty of South Milwaukee commuters will find this update from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation valuable …

Construction on the I-794 Lake Freeway / Hoan Bridge Project is about to reach the halfway point.

Despite a frigid winter, crews were able to stay on schedule and are nearing completion of the eastbound (southbound) leg of the I-794 Lake Freeway / Hoan Bridge Project. In early December, the project will officially transition to the second and final stage of construction with an intended completion date of Fall 2015. During Stage 2 of the I-794 Lake Freeway / Hoan Bridge Project, bidirectional traffic will be placed in the eastbound (southbound) lanes of I-794, from a temporary crossover south of Carferry Drive. Traffic will remain in this configuration for the remainder of the project. To maintain as much access as possible during construction, other new configurations will include:

  • Closing the Jackson Street / Van Buren exit ramp and transforming it into an entrance ramp to I-794 West (North)
  • Opening the Broadway entrance ramp to I-794 East (South)
  • Utilizing temporary roadways
  • Continued use of the moveable barrier wall to maintain two lanes of traffic during peak travel times

As seen during Stage 1, periodic updates will continue to be sent throughout the project to remind motorists of upcoming closures, detour routes and other project related impacts. The project team appreciates your patience and understanding during this time of intense construction in your area.

Learn more about the project on its website, Facebook and Twitter.

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by | November 25, 2014 · 10:01 am

Headlines!

Some headlines from around the South Shore, including a touching story from South Milwaukee …

NOW has published a new police blotter.

And the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had great review of the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center’s performance over the weekend …

“Br(OK)en Genius” at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center: The best thing about this spoken-word event was its truth-telling about issues of race and inequality in Milwaukee. The operative word for the evening may have been “but,” placing an array of ideas in opposition to raw realities. Some of the best performances were the most minimal. Christopher McIntyre, the impresario of the night, contributed photography, which set the tone as much as anything else. His willful hopefulness is something to behold. It’s forceful but fragile. I wonder if the world — and the art world — will disappoint.

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by | November 25, 2014 · 9:29 am

Rocket Sports Update: Boys’ Basketball Season Opens, Food Drive Planned, Alumni Update

From the South Milwaukee School District …

The Rocket boys’ basketball teams open up their season tonight at Oak Creek.

  • 4:00pm – SM @ OC – freshman Boys’ BB
  • 5:30pm – SM @ OC – JV Boys’ BB
  • 7:15pm – SM @ OC – Varsity Boys’ BB

Please see the this poster from the OC National Honor Society for the food drive they are doing. Their goal is to collect at least 100 boxes of cereal, so if you are going to the games, please try to bring a box of cereal. Any non-perishable food will be accepted, however, every box of cereal you bring will earn a raffle ticket for a halftime drawing (during Varsity) for gift cards.

TREVOR STAUNER (Class of 2012)

Trevor Stauner was a standout 3-year varsity linebacker (Honorable Mention All-State as a senior) and All-Woodland running back for the Rockets as they started their playoff streak in 2009. Trevor has continued to stand out as a collegiate football player and was named 2nd Team All-IIAC,  He is #1 in the IIAC for total tackles and he is also ranked #9 for total tackles in the NCAA for all Division III Football.

CHAD SADOWSKI (Class of 2012)

Chad was also a standout All-Woodland Safety for the Rockets as they began their football playoff streak. Chad was also a starting LB this year for Dubuque and he recorded 13 tackles in the first 2 games of the season before sustaining an injury. Here is a link to the team page:

http://www.dbq.edu/athletics/mens/football/

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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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