by | August 13, 2014 · 5:06 pm

Man Arrested Following Chase That Began In South Milwaukee

From the South Milwaukee Police Department press release …

On the afternoon of August 11, 2014 the City of South Milwaukee Police Department took a report from a 15 year old male who reported being robbed at gunpoint on the street near 13th Avenue at Menomonee Avenue in South Milwaukee minutes earlier.

On August 12, 2014, while in the area of Rawson Avenue at 14th Avenue, the officers who took the robbery report saw what they believed to be the suspect vehicle, a green truck without registration plates. The officers followed the vehicle intending to stop it. The vehicle sped away while officers followed with their emergency lights and siren activated. The vehicle wove its way through residential streets until the initial officers lost sight of it in the area of Hickory at Nicholson and terminated their pursuit.  

Moments later the suspect vehicle was spotted by another South Milwaukee officer, in a marked police vehicle, as the suspect vehicle went North on Nicholson Avenue at College Avenue. This officer followed with lights and siren activated still attempting to stop the vehicle. The vehicle continued through parts of the City of Cudahy, the City of St. Francis, and the City of Milwaukee. The fleeing driver eventually pulled over and stopped on Holt Avenue at Burrell.   No one was injured and no property was damaged due to this incident. Officers from Cudahy, St. Francis and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department assisted the South Milwaukee officers.

The driver, a 20 year old Milwaukee man, was arrested for Eluding Police. He will be questioned about the earlier incident, and will be transported to the Milwaukee County Jail to await a charging conference on August 14, 2014. The sole passenger, a 19 year old South Milwaukee man, was taken into custody, questioned and will not be charged in reference to this incident.

I’ll keep you posted.

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by | August 12, 2014 · 11:43 pm

South Milwaukee Primary Election Results: Big Turnout

Results are in from Tuesday’s primary election, and one of the big headlines locally was turnout.

More than 28% of registered voters voted, ahead of expectations.

Among the local results in contested races:

  • In the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s race, David Clarke scored a big win locally, with 56% of the vote. Challenger Chris Moews had 42%.
  • Mary Burke easily won the Democratic gubernatorial primary, as did John Lehman in the lieutenant governor race.
  • For attorney general, Susan Happ and Jon Richards nearly split the vote in South Milwaukee.
  • Incumbent U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore narrowly defeated challenger Gary George in the Fourth District Congressional race. She will face Republican Dan Sebring in the November general election. Sebring beat David King in the Republican primary Tuesday.

The number of “undervotes” — blank ballots for certain races — was also telling, albeit not necessarily surprising. Some of the races had hundreds of blank ballots reported. There were only a handful in the sheriff’s race, suggesting to me there were a number of Republican voters who “crossed over” to vote only in this race, as Democrats.

Check out the full results here.

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by | August 11, 2014 · 9:46 pm

Show Off Your Talent For The SMPAC’s 10th Anniversary

The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary season this year, and they want local residents to be part of the show.

The SMPAC’s “10th Anniversary Gala: An Extravaganza of Local Talent!” is set for May 1, 2015. Ten performers will be chosen for the show, with auditions to be on October 29.

From the SMPAC …

Tomas Kubinek will be our Master of Ceremonies and we invite you to take part in this unique and heartfelt performing arts extravaganza. Indulge your creativity with this community driven theatre, vaudeville, musical and “who-knows-what” curated and performed by you and other, like-minded patrons of the SMPAC community.

Check out an application here, and here is a schedule of upcoming SMPAC events. It’s an impressive list. 

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by | August 11, 2014 · 9:16 pm

Wanted: Your Thoughts On The Farmers’ Market

The South Milwaukee Downtown Market wants to hear from you.

Let the market committee know more about why you visit (or don’t) and what you do when you’re there. The information is invaluable as the committee looks to improve upon what I say is already a great thing.

Take the survey here. Thanks for your help!

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by | August 10, 2014 · 11:48 am

Back From Vacation: Catching Up On The Past Week

Back to blogging … and back from Disney … and here is what was waiting in my email inbox.

First, the South Milwaukee Fire Department responded to a house fire Monday …

At approximately 5:38 this evening, SMFD responded to a 9-1-1 report of a basement fire at 1717 Edgewood Avenue.  Upon arrival, heavy smoke was seen coming from the house and SMPD reported that two adult, male occupants had self-evacuated prior to their arrival.  SMFD crews advanced hose lines into the basement and found significant heat and zero visibility conditions.  The fire was located and quickly extinguished, but not before the basement suffered significant heat and smoke damage and the first floor suffered moderate smoke damage. Mutual aid departments were called to provide support at the scene and to handle any additional calls that may have come in. Preliminary investigation identified the area of origin, however, absent a thorough inspection of the electrical system, a definite cause could not be identified.  The fire will remain under investigation until more information is learned. The occupants had an alternate place to stay, so the services of the Red Cross were not necessary.  No injuries were reported.

There were also these local headlines …

NOW also published a new police blotter.

And word that the South Milwaukee Police Department is taking part in the Dunkin’ Donuts Cop on Top program, where one of our officers will be sitting atop to the new South Milwaukee location from 6 to 11 a.m. on Friday, August 15, to raise money for Special Olympics Wisconsin. Here is a flyer.

And, finally, in case you missed it, before I left I was a proud participant in the Ice Water Challenge, benefiting the Andrew Wszelaki Memorial Foundation. Check out my video on my Facebook page — and be sure to check out images from City Clerk Jim Shelenske’s attempt at last Thursday’s South Milwaukee Downtown Market.

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by | August 3, 2014 · 8:55 pm

Taking A Break From Blogging

I’ll be taking the next several days off from blogging, barring a significant breaking news story.

As always, thanks so much for reading.

I will leave you (temporarily) with reminders of a few big events in August. Mark your calendars!

  • Saturday, August 9: Restore the Lagoon Mill Pond festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. across from the warming house. Food, games, farmers’ market vendors and more are planned.
  • Thursday, August 14: Guardian Movies at the Market. Join us for the first of three outdoor movies following the farmers’ market downtown. This week it’s “Lego Movie.” Show time is around 8:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 20: Community Night Out. Games, demonstrations, food, music, fireworks and more at this terrific annual event held behind City Hall.
  • Thursday, August 21: Guardian Movies at the Market presents “Frozen.”

Learn more about all of these events on my latest “Mayor’s Message” on the city website. And we will see you back on the blog soon!

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by | August 1, 2014 · 10:25 pm

YMCA Update: Little News On South Shore Y

The YMCA came out with an update on the future of some of its branches Friday, and while sales of several locations appear to be moving ahead, they are still looking for an operator for the South Shore Y in Cudahy.

From the press release …

A number of hopeful discussions have been had with potential operators of both the South Shore YMCA and Camp Matawa. While the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee has nothing to disclose at this time, it remains fully committed to working with all parties to find long-term partners best suited to maximize the potential of these facilities.

The update is line with what was shared at a meeting between Y leadership, me, the Cudahy mayor and other local municipal and school officials a couple of weeks ago. I left that meeting hopeful that the Y would find the right partner to keep the facility serving the public as it has for decades (and as it continues to do during the bankruptcy).

I wish Y leaders the best in this process. The Y does so much good for so many people in our community.

Check out coverage from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Business Journal.

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by | August 1, 2014 · 10:11 pm

South Shore Flooding And Other Headlines

Check out these South Shore headlines, including amazing images from St. Francis about flooding rains there and an inspiring story about a Facebook challenge for a great cause …

Also, South Shore Supervisor Pat Jursik has published her new e-newsletter.

And NOW has police blotters from July 17 and 24.

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by | August 1, 2014 · 3:40 pm

Here Is The Meet The Mayor Schedule For The Rest Of 2014

It’s been a pleasure hosting these so far, and I look forward to continuing the community conversation through additional Meet the Mayor sessions this year. Here is the upcoming schedule …

  • Saturday, August 23: Moxie Fitness*
  • Thursday, September 25: South Milwaukee Downtown Market
  • Saturday, October 18: Sorce Martial Arts
  • Saturday, November 15: Mears Sports Auctions
  • Saturday, December 13: Emerald City Catering

The market session is from 4 to 6 p.m. The other four are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mark your calendars, and I’ll see you there.

And thanks again to Azteca Restaurant, Studio One Art Glass and Max A. Sass & Sons for hosting my first three events.

*Note: This is a date change from previous communications.

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by | July 31, 2014 · 8:20 pm

New Leadership For South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center

Farewell, Chad Piechocki. Welcome, Rachel Sorce.

Rachel is taking over for Chad as director of the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, the SMPAC announced this week.

Chad will be missed, as he becomes the managing director of Present Music, an ensemble performance group. He was a visionary, focused on big ideas that have helped the SMPAC grow into the community treasure it is today. I was impressed with him from the start, and his passion, dedication, hard work and creativity were always evident.

Rachel – most recently the SMPAC’s marketing director and box office manager — brings those same qualities into the role, and she will build on the strong foundation to make the facility and its performances that much better.

I’m excited for the future of the SMPAC. I hope you are too.

From Chad’s farewell statement …

It has truly been an honor and pleasure to lead SMPAC over the past four years and with your support help facilitate its continued growth. Thank you to the many patrons, subscribers, donors, sponsors, volunteers, students, families, teachers, administrative staff, technicians, community members and SMPAC Council who supported me and SMPAC along the way. My fondest memories are those moments right before the curtain went up when the audience and artists were hanging in anticipation of what was about to happen on stage. That energy is something that I believe can only happen with a live performance. It has been an inspiration to witness the responses of thousands of patrons over the years and to bring the brilliance of the performing arts to students and community members of various walks of life. The success of the past 10 years is a testament to what can happen when a community of people works together to fulfill a dream of many generations. South Milwaukee will always have a special place in my life. I hope to see you at an upcoming show during the 10th anniversary season! 

From Rachel’s statement …

I’m excited about this opportunity to serve SMPAC in an expanded role as Director and work towards helping SMPAC reach its greatest potential for enriching lives with performing arts. I look forward to our 10th Anniversary season and all of the wonderful experiences that will be brought to life on and off our stage.

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by | July 30, 2014 · 10:31 pm

Around One More Corner For McGivern: Stop By Thursday’s Farmers’ Market

936083_665101006904116_3176988201231805785_n 10385490_664556933625190_7808335229584731613_n 10561612_664555783625305_6319595337757207953_n 10577082_664195156994701_7456079397241422769_n 10440738_664555170292033_8978761211395073099_nFrom all reports, the filming of the “Around the Corner” feature on South Milwaukee is going really well.

From Azteca Restaurant to the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center to Grant Park, McGivern and his crew have been all over the city this week, and it’s great to have them.

I can’t wait to see the episode when it airs next February. It should tell a great story.

But first things first: There’s still one more day of filming left. Want to check it out? Stop by the South Milwaukee Downtown Market when it opens at 3 p.m. on Thursday and say hi. It’s good timing for McGivern, as the market returns to its new-and-improved 1tth Avenue location … with a giveaway of market bags to attendees.

Learn more here, and stay tuned for more on the “Around the Corner” premiere event at the SMPAC in February.

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by | July 28, 2014 · 10:23 pm

In-Person Absentee Voting Open

In-person absentee voting is now open at City Hall for the August 12 partisan primary election.

You can vote in person at the clerk’s office during normal business hours through 5 p.m. on Friday, August 8.

Check out a sample ballot here. Here is a link to the city’s general election information page.

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by | July 28, 2014 · 11:11 am

Development Update: Burger King Planned Near Walmart

Update: We scheduled a public hearing on the proposed Burger King for the August 25 Plan Commission meeting, when the 16th Avenue project will also get more discussion. The commission recommended approval of the Columbia Avenue project, with conditions. 

Monday’s (tonight’s) Plan Commission agenda includes several new development projects worth noting …

  • Plans have been submitted for a new Burger King restaurant as an outlot to Walmart at 222 N. Chicago Ave. Discussion about the project’s conditional use permit — and the potential to set a public hearing on the project — is on tonight’s agenda.
  • The Plan Commission is also discussing plans for a new “twin duplex” apartment complex on currently vacant land at the corner of 16th and College Avenues. The plans are for a mix of two- and three-bedroom units.
  • Also, South Milwaukee’s EK Construction wants to purchase and improve the property on the northeast corner of 11th and Columbia Avenues. The plan is to create a storage yard for snowplows and other outdoor equipment and expand/improve the existing building on the site, with a screen fence and improved landscaping around the property. If you’ve driven by there recently, you’d see how much of a facelift that corner could use. And it’s good to a see a local business like EK Construction interested in expanding.

I’ll keep you posted on these developments, and please do attend our meetings. Public hearings on the apartment complex and Columbia Avenue project are set for Monday night. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.

Here is an agenda, which also includes continued discussion of the downtown plan I promised during the campaign — one I think we still need as badly as ever.

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by | July 27, 2014 · 8:42 pm

Honoring Our World War I Veterans

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a terrific story in Sunday’s edition about the efforts of two local American Legion Posts to keep the memories of World War I veterans alive.

One of them is right here in South Milwaukee: Van Eimeren-Kolonka Post 27.

From the story:

Cudworth Post 23 was housed in a mansion on Milwaukee’s east side for many years. When it burned down, the post built another in the same block of Prospect Ave., but it was sold two decades ago. Now the post’s offices are above a restaurant in Glendale. Members meet each week for breakfast.

While the Van Eimeren post — it still is in the same building across from the Caterpillar factory in South Milwaukee — was and is known as a blue-collar, working-class post, Cudworth’s membership drew from the ranks of lawyers, doctors, businessmen and judges who had served in the military.

Cudworth boasts some famous members — Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Billy Mitchell and Ken Keltner, the Cleveland Indians third baseman credited with making two impressive defensive plays that helped snap Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak.

Cudworth post members helped start Badger Boys State, Camp Legion in northern Wisconsin and American Legion baseball leagues in Wisconsin. Like all American Legion posts across the U.S., both the Van Eimeren-Kolonka and Cudworth posts continue to work on behalf of veterans by furnishing honor guards for funerals, organizing educational programs for youths and lobbying for veterans issues.

Membership in both posts is dwindling as World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans die and younger veterans don’t join, a problem for all veterans organizations.

At its peak in the 1980s, the Cudworth post had more than 5,000 members. Now it’s around 400. Van Eimeren-Kolonka’s membership is 235, half the size during the 1950s.

“Every generation of veterans thinks their war is unique and their problems are unique, which is true, but what you have to go through is pretty much the same,” Ludka said. “Veterans organizations are places where you can meet people who have had the same experiences.”

Thank you to our local veterans for this important work … and for their service.

The post is located at 920 Monroe Ave. and has a website and Facebook page.

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by | July 27, 2014 · 8:04 pm

Beach Warning: Grant Park

I don’t remember seeing these types of warnings issued before from the National Weather Service, but here is the second one in less than two weeks: a “lakeshore hazard message” for beaches along Lake Michigan, with particular concern paid to currents at Grant Park, among others.

Check out the full message here.

The statement is in effect through Monday evening. Stay safe!

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