by | January 19, 2014 · 8:31 am

Car Crashes Into Boat At South Milwaukee Yacht Club And Other Headlines

Check out these South Shore headlines …

And NOW has published a new police blotter, including these two items …

  • Walmart, 222 N. Chicago Ave., received a bomb threat at 2:57 p.m. Jan. 5, claiming there was a bomb in the women’s restroom. The call was traced to a residential group home in Milwaukee. No bombs or suspicious packages were found in the store, which remained open for business. Police are continuing to investigate.
  • A 20-year-old Milwaukee man faces charges of reckless endangerment after allegedly displaying a gun during a confrontation outside an apartment in the 200 block of Southtowne Drive at about 7 p.m. Jan. 5. According to police reports, the Milwaukee man had come to South Milwaukee to pick up his girlfriend and her daughter and began quarreling with her girlfriend’s sister and the sister’s boyfriend.

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by | January 16, 2014 · 9:58 pm

Little League Registration Opens Soon

The South Milwaukee Little League is one of the things that makes this community special. As the proud parents of a soon-to-be AAA player next year — AA All-Star in 2013! — my wife and I continue to be impressed with the organization and what they do.

And our son, Christian, loves it.

Well, registration for 2014 is coming up soon. Here are details from Little League …

We are having On-Site Registration on January 30th, 2014 at South Milwaukee Little League Park from 6:00 – 8:30. January 30th, 2014 is the last day for the Early registration.

  • Pay by credit card $75.00 (Rookie $50)
  • Pay by Check/Cash $100.00 (Rookie $50)
  • After January 30th the Registration Fee is $110 (Rookie $50)

In an effort to accommodate for Little Leaguers to play with their classmates, and ease the burden on parents and guardians, Little League has amended its residency requirements to allow children to play in the local league whose boundaries where they attend school is located.

And here are the tryout dates …

February 1st, 2014 and February 22nd, 2014

Softball

  • 12:00pm – 12:30pm Jr./Sr. Softball (13-16 Year Olds)
  • 12:30pm – 1:15pm Major Softball (10-12 Year Olds)
  • 1:15pm – 2:00pm Minor Softball (7-10 Year Olds)

Baseball

  • 2:00pm – 3:30pm AA Baseball (6-8 Year Olds)
  • 3:30pm – 5:00pm AAA Baseball (9-10 Year Olds)
  • 5:00pm – 6:00pm Intermediate Baseball (11-13 Year Olds)

Rookie League Players (5-6 Year olds) do not need to tryout. All other level players need to show up for tryouts. Returning players from Major Softball and Intermediate Baseball DON’T need to show up for tryouts.

You only need to show up at one of the days for tryouts.

Learn more at the SMLL website.

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by | January 16, 2014 · 9:46 pm

Sports Update: Packed Schedule

Lots happening the next few weeks. From the school district …

UPCOMING VARSITY HOME EVENTS

  • Friday, January 17 – Girls’ Basketball v. St. Francis 7:30pm at SMHS Sullivan Gymnasium
  • Saturday, January 18 – Dave Van Duser Duals & JV wrestling tourney 9:00am at SMHS Sullivan Gymnasium & SMMS Teff Gymnasium

If anyone (staff or non-staff) is interested in volunteering to help at the wrestling meet in working concessions, we can always use a few more volunteers to make sure parents can watch their kids wrestle, so just email me if you are interested.

  • Monday, January 20 – Girls’ Basketball v. Brown Deer 7:30pm at SMMS Teff Gymnasium
  • Tuesday, January 21 – Boys’ Basketball v. Franklin 7:30pm at SMHS Sullivan Gymnasium
  • Wednesday, January 22 – Boys Swim v. Shorewood 5:00pm at SMMS Pool
  • Wednesday, January 22 – Wrestling v. Whitnall 7:00pm at SMMS Teff Gymnasium
  • Friday, January 24 – GIRLS’ Basketball v. Cudahy 7:30pm at SMHS Sullivan Gymnasium

ROCKET GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Congratulations to the Rockets on their come-from-behind win at Brown Deer last night. Trailing by 11 pts with 3 min to play they came back to beat Brown Deer by a point!

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by | January 16, 2014 · 9:38 am

Papa Luigi’s II Update: “It’s Unbelievable The Stress”

Fox 6 has an update on the restoration work going at Salvatore’s/Papa Luigi’s II in South Milwaukee.

You’ll recall that a pipe burst last week and caused extensive damage. Sal is working hard reopen, and I wish him the best.

From the story …

Even though Sal Purpora tried to stay positive, his nearly 50,000 square foot Papa Luigi’s restaurant was under water after a pipe burst in the restaurant’s sprinkler system — and crews were busy cleaning up what was estimated to cost half a million dollars.

It happened on Thursday, January 9th — and the restaurant is expected to be closed for one to three months.

“It’s unbelievable the stress. (The damage) could go up to $700,000,” Purpora said.

Adding to the stress is the fact that Purpora’s insurance adjuster couldn’t come out to check out the damage until four days after the fact.

Mike Wyne’s Fire and Water Restoration Company was hired to clean up Papa Luigi’s, and he says to ease your worries, it’s important to know exactly what you’re paying for, and what coverage you’re getting.

Fortunately, Papa Luigi’s will be covered fully.

“I can’t wait to open up those doors and say ‘hey, how you doin’” Purpora said.

Experts advise it is important to make sure you’re doing your preventative maintenance checks which could be the difference in hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage.

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by | January 15, 2014 · 8:48 am

Information Meeting Set On South Milwaukee Lakeshore Park Plan

Update: Here are the concepts that will be shown.

One of the public works projects I’m most excited about in South Milwaukee is development of the 18 acres of lakefront land along 5th Avenue near Marina Road.

It’s truly a blank canvas — property easily accessible to the lake in a community that rarely has tracts of land this size come open.

So, what to do with this land? That’s the subject of a public information meeting scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, at South Milwaukee City Hall.

At the meeting, you can get a peek at some early concepts for the site and be able to ask questions of the city engineer and others.

The meeting — presented more as an open house — is part of the consultant study of this property, funded by a matching grant we received in 2013. My previous post has more information, and here is the notice sent to area residents.

I hope to see you there. Join the discussion about this potential community asset.

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by | January 14, 2014 · 12:33 pm

Former South Milwaukee Football Coach Knoche Headed To Hall Of Fame

Here’s a well-deserved honor …

Longtime South Milwaukee educator and coach Brad Knoche is being inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame on March 29.

Knoche passed away in 2011, but his legacy obviously lives on.

Also, former South Milwaukee boys’ track coach Gregg Dufek (1999 WFCA inductee) is being honored as the recipient of the Dave McClain Distinguished Service Award. Congratulations Coach Dufek!

Check out the WFCA press release here.

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by | January 13, 2014 · 11:07 pm

“Change In Strategy” For Caterpillar?

Crain’s Chicago Business and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel both have stories about the 2014 prospects for mining — and the prospects aren’t good.

Obviously, this bears close watching for South Milwaukee and Caterpillar.

From the Crain’s piece, entitled “How Mining Woes May Force Cat to Change Strategy” …

In 2011, Caterpillar shelled out more than $8 billion for South Milwaukee, Wis.-based mining equipment manufacturer Bucyrus International Inc. It was the biggest acquisition in the company’s history. A year later, the company opened its checkbook once again, spending about $700 million on China’s ERA Mining Machinery Ltd.

Last January, ERA was marred by a financial scandal that cost Cat $580 million. Scandals aside, Mr. Oberhelman’s investment is foundering because macroeconomic trends have hammered demand for ore. Sales in Cat’s resource industries segment, which is principally mining, declined 42 percent from 2012. In the third quarter, mining revenue made up only 22 percent of sales compared with 32 percent the year before. And with commodity prices still flagging and the demand for mining equipment still lackluster, that only means more bad news for Cat in 2014.

“It begs the question: If mining is not a key driver, as investors what do we do?” says Mircea Dobre, a senior analyst at Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. “Do we wait four or five years, or is there something else that is going to drive growth?”

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by | January 13, 2014 · 9:15 pm

On Water Main Breaks

WISN was in South Milwaukee last week to talk weather and water mains (and water main breaks).

Check out the story here. From it:

The weather is also bursting water mains.

“The ground shifts, and it actually makes the thing (a break), just like a broken bone,” South Milwaukee Water Superintendent Doug Fischer said.

There were two water main breaks in South Milwaukee on Wednesday and just as with the potholes, the warmup will likely make things worse.

Work crews said the real problems begin when temperatures fluctuate a great deal, which is what is happening. The week began with temperatures in the deep freeze. By the weekend though, they may soar well up above the freezing mark, and next week, those overnight lows, well, they could be back in the freezer again.

“Yeah, that’s the worst thing. We like steady temperatures. If we could just get a steady 25 through the rest of the winter, we’d be good,” Fischer said. 

If you suspect a water main break, please call the South Milwaukee Water Utility at 768-8070.

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by | January 13, 2014 · 11:07 am

South Milwaukee Activities Update: Wrestling, Power Lifting, Blood Drive

From Ante Udovicic and the South Milwaukee School District …

The Rocket Wrestling team has been having one their finest seasons this year. We have 3 opportunities for you to catch them in action at home coming up. We would especially love to see the Teff Gymnasium (Middle School Gym) fill up with Rocket fans on Wednesday, 1/22 and Wednesday, 1/29 as the Rockets close out their Woodland Conference dual meet season at home with those 2 meets (7:00pm start for each).

WRESTLING FUNDRAISER – Today

Today, South Milwaukee’s Paisano’s Restaurant is generously holding a fundraiser for the South Milwaukee Wrestling Club from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. I have attached the flyer for the fundraiser as well.

They have 5 meals you can buy for $10 and they will very generously donate 100% of all the proceeds to the South Milwaukee Wrestling Club. Please try to stop by between 4:00pm and 9:00pm today if you can.

Paisano’s is located at 113 North Chicago Avenue in South Milwaukee.

WRESTLING TOURNAMENT – This Saturday

The Rocket wrestlers are hosting the 6th Annual Dave Van Duser Duals in the Sullivan Gymnasium (HS), and the 5th Annual Round Robin JV Tournament in the Teff Gymnasium (MS) on Saturday, 1/18! If you have never gotten to see wrestling in action, this is a great way to catch some fantastic wrestling! Lots of action in 2 gyms, and the Rockets have a really solid team. The matches should start at approximately 9:00am.

Adult tickets are $5 and students/seniors are $3.

UPCOMING WRESTLING MEETS

  • Wednesday, January 15th 7:00pm @ Greendale HS
  • Saturday, January 18th 9:00am Van Duser Duals & JV Tournaments at SMHS & SMMS
  • Wednesday, January 22nd 7:00pm Whitnall @ South Milwaukee (in the MS Gym)
  • Saturday, January 25th 9:00am JV @ Ozaukee & Varsity @ Tosa West tourneys
  • Wednesday, January 29th 7:00pm Pewaukee @ South Milwaukee (in the MS Gym)

POWER LIFTING RESULTS

The Rocket Boys’ team took 2nd place overall and the Rocket Girls’ team took 3rd place overall. Great job by Coach Barrett Danz & Asst. Coach Dylan Stefanek and all the lifters. A special thanks to the dozens of students, parents and teacher volunteers!

Almost everyone who competed from SM placed at least in the top 5 in their weight class! 

We had 11 individuals qualify for state already!!! Please congratulate the following athletes:

  • Cody Gassert-DeBoer
  • Chuks Ozodi
  • Zach Simuncak
  • Allen Walter
  • Nate Berg
  • Serena Christoffersen
  • Sofia Terranova
  • Sam Sankey
  • Alyssa Crnkovich
  • Jordan Barnes 
  • Maryna Pajewski

BLOOD DRIVE

Last Thursday, South Milwaukee HS hosted a Blood Drive for the Blood Centers of Wisconsin. Due to the extreme cold, many area blood drives were cancelled last week causing an even larger than usual shortage. This made our blood drive even more important than it usually is for our local hospitals.

The SM Way was clearly in effect though on Thursday as 119 students and staff donated blood. That’s an estimated 315 patients whose lives were potentially saved with their generosity. Thanks to all who donated and a special thanks to Mary Kokan and her HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) students for running yet another great and much-needed blood drive!

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by | January 12, 2014 · 10:41 pm

South Milwaukee Football: Hoff Replaces Galewski As Varsity Coach

The South Milwaukee varsity football team has a new head coach — but a legend is sticking around.

Derek Hoff, the team’s offensive coordinator last season, has replaced John Galewski, who will remain as freshman coach and still coach Rocket baseball.

Hoff replaces a legend. Galewski coached football for eight seasons, leading the Rockets to the WIAA playoffs each of the past five years and back-to-back conference titles the past two seasons.

Of course, this is in addition to his work with the baseball team. Galewski was inducted into the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2012. He has also coached basketball during his nearly 30 years with the school.

Hoff becomes only the fifth head Rocket varsity coach in the last 63 years. He also coaches the varsity girls’ basketball team. Hoff was a four-year letter winner, captain, all-conference wide receiver and graduate assistant coach at Wisconsin-Platteville.

Here is the press release. And here is Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coverage.

What do you think of the changes? Post your comments below!

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by | January 11, 2014 · 10:51 pm

Extensive Water Damage Closes Salvatore’s/Papa Luigi’s II

Bad news for downtown South Milwaukee …

“Extensive water damage” has closed Salvatore’s/Papa Luigi’s II “until further notice,” according to the popular local business’ Facebook page.

This story on Fox 6 goes further — and says the restaurant, banquet and entertainment center might be closed for as long as three months, after sustaining up to $500,000 in damage. From it:

It was raining inside of his pizza place. That’s what the owner of Papa Luigi’s said happened on Thursday, January 9th. He saw it from his security cameras at home, rushed over to check it out, and was standing four inches of water.

The incident is another casualty of the bitter cold weather. A pipe burst in the sprinkler system, sending water virtually everywhere.

Papa Luigi’s is expected to be closed for one to three months. Insurance adjusters will be looking at the building Monday to check out the damage. For now, all parties and bowling leagues are cancelled.

I’ll keep you posted — and hopefully this terrific restaurant, banquet center and arcade will open soon. Sal has made a huge investment in this property, and it shows. In the meantime, please support Sal by visiting his Cudahy location.

Good luck, Sal!

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by | January 10, 2014 · 3:03 pm

Wanted For Armed Robbery

14-000697_Educators_Robbery

Update: Check out coverage from Fox 6 and CBS 58.

The South Milwaukee branch of Educators Credit Union was robbed on Thursday. Here are details from police …

On January 9, 2014, at 11:05am, the South Milwaukee Police Department received a call of an armed robbery at the Educators Credit Union, located at 1201 Marquette Avenue, in South Milwaukee.

Preliminary investigation shows that a black male, displaying a handgun, did obtain money from the institution.  He was then seen exiting the institution, running westbound, possibly to a waiting vehicle.

The suspect is described as a black male, 25-40 years of age, approximately 6’00-6’02 in height, weighing approximately 180lbs and having a mustache.  He appears to have been armed with a semi-automatic handgun.  (A photo of the suspect is at the top of this post.) 

No one was injured during this incident.

The South Milwaukee Police Department is investigating this incident.

If anyone has information regarding this crime, please contact Lt Cary Fischer or Investigator Steve Hesse of the South Milwaukee Police Department at 414-768-8060.

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by | January 10, 2014 · 10:29 am

The Flu In South Milwaukee

South Milwaukee is not immune from influenza.

The South Milwaukee Health Department reports the city has has had eight hospitalized cases since the start of December. Ages range from 29 to 68, with the average age of 50. 

All cases are Influenza A, and not all have been determined to have the H1N1 strain. But some have been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu virus.

Here are statewide details.

And please note the South Milwaukee Health Department still has flu vaccine available, by appointment. Learn more here.

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by | January 9, 2014 · 10:08 pm

Sports Update: 50th Rocket Invitational Boys’ Swimming And Diving Meet This Weekend

From a blog reader …

Come out and support our team!

  • Diving competition is Friday January 10th.  6:00 p.m.
  • Swimming competition Saturday January 11th … Competition begins at 11:30.

All at the South Milwaukee School Complex. 

Schools from Burlington Cudahy, Franklin, Indian Trail, Muskego, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Racine Horlick, Whitnall, Wauwatosa West, Kenosha Bradford. St. Thomas More/St. Francis will be competing. 

Cost is $4 adults, $3 Seniors and Students, Programs $1.00. Concessions and refreshments will be available and Rocket Invite t-shirts.

(There will also be a swim team fundraiser at the Oak Creek Culvers on Wednesday January 15, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Be sure to ask for the flyer at the counter and help support our team!!)

 

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by | January 8, 2014 · 10:36 pm

The Heart-Warming Story Of Hooch

A dog named Hooch went missing from a South Milwaukee home more than a week ago — including during some of the coldest weather in years — and lived to tell about it.

Check out the story from WISN and NOW. From WISN:

“It is a miracle he survived,” owner Joe Bellehumeur said.

Bellehumeur is elated to have his 6-year-old Rottweiler, Hooch, back in his life after the dog went missing on New Year’s Eve.

“I was starting to write him off. Come on, it was the worst days money could buy,” Bellehumeur said.

The dog took off from his brother’s house in South Milwaukee.

“This little guy can run, and he couldn’t catch him,” Bellehumeur said.

Hooch was out in the cold for seven days before he was spotted under a bridge over a creek Tuesday morning by Oak Creek utility service worker Ryan Maughan.

“As I came down, it barked at me, and it was very startling because you don’t come across that,” Maughan said.

Maughan said he went back to his truck to call his office and let them know what he had discovered.
His co-workers found a post on Lost Dogs of Wisconsin.

“They had it on Facebook, and they found the dog’s name was Hooch, and so I’m calling it and trying to coax it out, and it wouldn’t come anywhere near me,” Maughan said.

Maughan said it was when Bellehumeur showed up and walked down to the edge that Hooch recognized his owner and walked across the ice, but only halfway. Bellehumeur actually had to walk down there and grab him.

“I couldn’t help it, I just started busting out crying, you know?” Bellehumeur said. 

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