by | June 20, 2013 · 10:50 am

Back At It: Catching Up On The Week’s South Milwaukee News

Back to the blog after a week of vacation …

Here is some of the local news from the past week.

  • The Caterpillar contract and layoffs continues to make headlines. Today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a story quoting an employee seeking public release of the contract vote results. And Tim Sullivan has slammed the Caterpillar CEO for the recent round of layoffs at the plant. Check out the Business Journal story.
  • The South Milwaukee Fire Department helped a distressed boater over the weekend.
  • And South Milwaukee police are looking for the driver of an SUV that caused a motorcycle accident at 15th and Drexel Avenue on Saturday. Two people were injured. From the press release: “The suspect vehicle is described as a newer model, dark red or burgundy colored SUV, similar to a GMC Yukon, with tinted windows. The vehicle should have significant damage to its front, passenger side and at least one broken window on the passenger side. The vehicle was being driven by a black male and possibly also occupied by a black male passenger, who may also have been injured. The vehicle was last seen travelling west on Rawson Avenue, from Howell Avenue, in the city of Oak Creek, at a very high rate of speed. Anyone having information on this suspect is asked to contact the South Milwaukee Police Department at 768-8060.”

South Milwaukee NOW has published a new police blotter, too.

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by | June 14, 2013 · 9:26 pm

Big Caterpillar Layoffs

I guess I thought the new contract would avert these. I guess not.

Around 260 are planned in coming weeks, according to various media reports.

So please keep the hundreds of families impacted by these layoffs in your thoughts and prayers.

With that, I will be taking some time off from the blog, returning next week.

As always, I’d like to thank my readers and encourage you to spread the word about this website. I am proud to offer this service and look forward to continuing it in the days, months and years to come.

Until next week …

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by | June 12, 2013 · 9:49 pm

South Milwaukee House Fire Causes Extensive Damage To Kitchen

Details from South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joe Knitter on the fire at 3410 Blakewood Ave. …

At 6:25 PM, South Milwaukee Police received a 9-1-1 report of a house fire at 3410 Blakewood Avenue. The caller reported there was smoke coming out of the rear patio door and the occupant was outside yelling for his dog to come out.  Upon the arrival of SMFD, a confirmed house fire was transmitted and the alarm was upgraded to a Working Still, bringing in our mutual aid neighbors. The sole occupant was encountered out of the structure and reported no other occupants.  Hoselines were stretched to the rear of the single-family structure and crews encountered a kitchen fire spreading to the cabinets and other furnishings in the immediate area.  A quick knockdown of the fire was made and the remainder of the house was searched to confirm that there were no occupants unaccounted for. No other occupants were found and overhaul was conducted to assure the fire did not spread into the void spaces and attic.  Extensive damage was done to the kitchen with moderate smoke damage to the rest of the house.  The lone occupant was evaluated by EMS for smoke inhalation, but declined treatment and transport. No further injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by SMFD.

 

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by | June 12, 2013 · 9:39 pm

Jursik Speaks Out On Sheriff Clarke Ads And Other Headlines

Check out these South Shore headlines …

Also, NOW has published a new police blotter, including this item …

A 24-year-old Cudahy man was arrested on a city bus at 10th and Milwaukee avenues around 9 p.m. June 5, after police were tipped off that the man had drunkenly threatened someone with a gun and had gotten on the bus. The small 9mm pistol turned out to have been stolen from a car parked in the 900 block of Madison Avenue. It was valued at $350. The man had a BAC of 0.19.

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by | June 12, 2013 · 8:10 pm

More On The South Milwaukee Caterpillar Deal

A day after United Steelworkers in South Milwaukee agreed to a new six-year deal with Caterpillar, reaction and details are coming in.

Check out coverage in the Business Journal, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Wall Street Journal.

From the Business Journal …

Cheryl Maranto, Marquette University associate professor of management, was unsurprised it was a close vote, considering United Steelworkers Local 1343 made deeper concessions than the company.

“I think the fact that the company was willing to at least provide a few concessions was an important signal that it wasn’t just, ‘We have the power, we’re going to slam it down your throats,’” Maranto told me. “I still think it was probably a pretty bitter pill for workers to swallow, but I think the company was smart in giving enough to allow the union to save face and to enable them to kind of move on.” … 

Caterpillar called it a “fair, reasonable and comprehensive agreement.”

This marked the first contract negotiation between the local union and Caterpillar since it acquired the former Bucyrus International Inc. for $8.8 billion in 2011. Caterpillar has a reputation for tough negotiations with its unionized factories.

“This would be a bad Bucyrus contract, but it’s one of the better Caterpillar contracts we’ve seen,” Winklbauer told me.

Also, the Business Journal is reporting the contract includes a provision not allowing Caterpillar to use temporary workers in South Milwaukee — “a significant win” for employees.

And the Winston-Salem Journal has a story on the Caterpillar annual meeting in North Carolina, including comments from the CEO.

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by | June 11, 2013 · 8:40 pm

Deal Reached: South Milwaukee Steelworkers Approve Caterpillar Contract

United Steelworkers at the South Milwaukee Caterpillar plant have approved a new six-year contract that reportedly freezes wages and pensions but offers a signing bonus.

Check out coverage in the following …

And here is information from Caterpillar’s negotiations website.

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by | June 10, 2013 · 10:03 pm

What’s Cooking At The Farmers’ Market: Emerald City Catering BBQ Show Set For Thursday

A quick shoutout for this Thursday’s special event at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market … from our Facebook page.

Just in time for Father’s Day….

Steve Ozbolt “OZ” creator of the BIG BOSS BBQ SAUCE and owner of South Milwaukee’s Emerald City Catering will be our featured speaker. Oz will have four grilling shows at 3:30/4:30/5:30/6:30, with two rotating themes. BBQ 101 and Desserts on the Grill.

Sweet or Savory, whatever your preference, there will be samples to try.

>>BBQ 101 – OZ will explain the differences between charcoal and propane cooking; grilling vs. BBQ; safe cooking; how to prepare meats for the grill and give you some great recipie ideas.

>>Desserts on the Grill – OZ is thinking beyond the s’Mores and will give you easy dessert ideas that you can make right on your grill and delight your guests.

**BRING LAWN CHAIRS**

I’m glad Steve can join us. It’s always nice to partner with an award-winning business at the market! 🙂

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by | June 9, 2013 · 8:14 pm

Comings And Goings Downtown

Update: Just heard from Hometown Sports Cards, and they are still at 916 Milwaukee Ave., just now at the back of the building.

Unfortunately, more goings than comings …

Kelly Driving School has closed its location at 723 Milwaukee Ave. — it looked completely empty when I drove by today — and will now hold classes at South Milwaukee High School. Learn more at the Kelly website.

As for new businesses, it looks like a new pet supplies and food store is coming to downtown. Zen Pets South Milwaukee has a sign in the window at 913 Milwaukee Ave. advertising dog, cat, bird, and small animal food and supplies. It also advertises a “mindful holistic happiness center … a place for inner peace and wellbeing.” Not sure what that means.

The store, located next to Dowling Community Acupuncture, is expected to open in August. Learn more on its Facebook page.

Not sure if it’s related to Zen Computer Center a few doors down …

Of course, Spirits is also expected to reopen soon.

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by | June 8, 2013 · 10:42 pm

South Milwaukee Shoreline Park?

Lakefront parkYou may recall, as part of the 2011 Lake Bluff settlement, the city was given lakefront acreage to maintain for public use going forward — the former Northwest Barrel Superfund site.

I must admit, I had kind of forgotten about that part of the deal, in part because I didn’t realize the full potential for that land. I do now … and I’m excited about what might happen on that site.

What’s changed? A new $59,000 federal matching grant — $29,500 from the city and $29,500 from the federal government — the city just received through the state to study that property’s future, perhaps as a public park.

The funding was officially announced this week as part of $1.4 million in total grants through the Department of Administration “to protect or restore our valuable water and coastal resources.”

The property (pictured above) is 18.5 acres with approximately 400 square feet of Lake Michigan frontage, located just south of the Wastewater Treatment Facility and north of a former marina. The views are magnificent, and the walk down to the shoreline is remarkably easy, as many of the steep cliffs were removed during the cleanup process. The beach also has potential.

The grant will include site planning, as well as planning for protection and restoration of coastal wetlands and ravine stabilization and protection. Here is the resolution the South Milwaukee City Council passed on this in May.

I’m glad we’re undertaking the study because of the huge potential of this land. How often does 18.5 acres of lakefront property come open for a project like this? In a county where most lakefront land is spoken for with development or existing park land, not often.

That’s why it’s important we don’t squander this opportunity, this chance to figure out a way forward for a property that can be a real community asset for current and prospective residents and visitors.

I encourage to swing by the property and check it out. You can access it off Marina Road, heading into the Lake Bluff Apartments, east off 5th Avenue. Let me know what you think.

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by | June 8, 2013 · 10:22 pm

More Headlines

Check out these South Shore headlines …

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by | June 6, 2013 · 10:24 pm

Free Summer Lunch Program At South Milwaukee Schools And Other Headlines

Check out these South Shore headlines …

NOW has published a new police blotter. From it …

A South Milwaukee man was punched and robbed while walking on the sidewalk in the 1700 block of 14th Avenue around 6 p.m. May 26. The victim was confronted by an acquaintance who drove up in a van. The confrontation almost escalated into a physical altercation, and then the two men stopped, shook hands and parted. Then, the aggressor came back and punched the victim, knocking him to ground, at which point, he rifled through the victim’s pockets and stole prescription drugs, a driver’s license, a cellphone and $300 in cash. The aggressor has not yet been apprehended.

And state Sen. Chris Larson has published a new Larson Report, with his thoughts on voucher expansion and other state budget issues.

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by | June 6, 2013 · 10:06 pm

June 4 Council Roundup: Wastewater Bonds, Elected Official Terms, And Drexel Avenue Upgrades

A rather light agenda at Tuesday’s South Milwaukee City Council meeting …

  • The council voted 8-0 to authorize the issuance and sale of up to $5.64 million in sewerage system revenue bonds — raising funds, in part, for the ongoing upgrades at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The interest rate on the borrowing is 2.625% over a 20-year loan, which will be paid back in part using funds raised through a sewer rate increase in 2012. I recently toured the facility to learn more about the improvements this borrowing will fund, and from what I saw and heard, it’s money very well spent. The upgrades will give us a more modern facility with significantly more capacity, helping ensure our independence in this area — independence that I count as a strength for South Milwaukee.
  • The council gave final approval to the series of charter ordinance changes around terms for elected officials, and the shift of city clerk, treasurer and attorney from elected to appointed positions. All were approved 8-0, except the aldermanic terms issue. I was the single “no” vote on this one. Learn more in this previous post.
  • We granted permission to Spirits Bar & Grill to run their Summerfest shuttle later this month, another positive sign that the bar damaged by fire will reopen soon. It’s good to have it back.
  • The council also voted to authorize the advertising of bids for upgrades to Drexel Avenue from Nicholson to 15th Avenues. The work includes pavement patching and striping along that stretch. We’ve already installed more and bigger 25 mph speed limit signs and have solar-powered “your speed” signs on order. The goal: Improve safety on this busy stretch, one that is busier than ever after the opening of the Drexel Avenue interchange on Interstate 94.

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by | June 6, 2013 · 8:34 am

Is Summer Here Already? South Milwaukee’s Grobschmidt Pool Opens June 15

It’s a bit chilly these days, but it will be warm soon enough — and time to dive into Grobschmidt Pool behind South Milwaukee City Hall.

The pool opens Saturday, June 15, weather permitting. Hours are 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

Learn more here.

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by | June 5, 2013 · 11:12 pm

More South Milwaukee Citizen Heroes

Giving a shoutout to the final three citizen award winners from the May ceremony by the South Milwaukee Police Department …

Be sure to check out parts one and two for more inspirational stories.

CITIZEN RECOGNITION AWARD

Whenever any officer believes that behavior coming to the attention personally or through a third party is deserving of recognition by the Department, an officer should indicate the circumstances of the incident in writing and should forward same to the Awards Committee.  Upon Committee approval, the Chief will affix their stamp of approval.

Mrs. Gail Krug, Mr. Kyle Krug & Justin Ukasick

Officer Bill Dews recommended Mrs. Krug, Mr. Krug & Mr. Ukasick for a Citizen Recognition Award for their action on June 7, 2012.

In the early morning hours on June 7, 2012 Mr. Krug & Mr. Ukasick smelled and saw a large amount of smoke coming from a residence in the 500 block of Madison Ave.  When they investigated they found the upper back porch of a residence on fire.  Mr. Krug notified his mother and requested she contact emergency responders.  Mr. Krug & Mr. Ukasick went to the residence and began pounding on the upper unit’s door in an attempt to wake the residents.  The gentlemen were successful in their attempt and were able to safely evacuate the residents.  Their concern for the safety of the residents should be recognized.  

Mr.Thomas Hoover

Officer Mick Olson recommended Mr. Hoover for a Citizen Recognition Award for his action on September 14, 2012.  Mr. Hoover’s Aunt MaryJo Bodie will be accepting the award on his behalf as he is currently completing basic training with the US Army.

On September 14, 2012 Mr. Hoover was present when his Aunt MaryJo Bodie collapsed in the family residence.  Mr. Hoover evaluated his Aunt’s condition and upon not finding a pulse or breathing he immediately began CPR.  Mr. Hoover continued CPR until relieved by personnel from the SMFD.  Because of his actions his Aunt was transported to the hospital and began a successful recovery.  Mr. Hoover’s concern for his Aunt and her welfare should be commended.  His quick action likely saved her life and prevented oxygen deprivation to her brain and organs. 

Ms. Nicole Inkmann & Mr. Jonathan Meus

Officer Dan Doering recommended Ms. Inkmann & Mr. Meus for a Citizen Recognition Award for their actions on January 17, 2013.

 On January 17, 2013 the SMPD had a tactical situation at a residence in the 2400 block of 3rd Avenue.  During the tactical situation several residents were evacuated from their residences.  Mr. Meus generously welcomed these neighbors into his residence and provided them with a safe location for the duration of this incident.

Ms. Inkmann assisted the police department by providing two sets of written floor plans for the residence the incident was occurring at.  This information was very beneficial to the tactical officers for their approach, entry and clearing of the residence. 

The humanitarianism and cooperation of these two individuals was noted by members of the Police Department.

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by | June 4, 2013 · 5:15 pm

South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center Announces 2013-14 Season Lineup

It promises to be another great season at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

The PAC has announced its 2013-14 season schedule, and it includes a unique mix of performances that cities our size simply don’t get too often. Here is the lineup …

2013 Shows

  • Oct. 26: 500 Clown — Frankenstein
  • Nov. 16-17: Flamenco Vivo/Carlotta Santana
  • Dec. 12: Calmus — Christmas A Cappella

2014 Shows

  • Jan. 25: Milwaukee Ballet II World Premiere feat. Music of Cole Porter
  • Feb. 8: Baby Wants Candy
  • March 13: ACME — Songs Still Sung feat. Weinberg Op. 18
  • April 25: I’m Not a Pilot and Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra
  • April 26: Jason Moran — Fats Waller Dance Party

Learn more here … and consider buying a season ticket to support this terrific local treasure. They make great Father’s Day gifts.

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