South Milwaukee was from from alone in these anonymous hoaxes this morning. Check out coverage from TMJ4 and WISN.
Parents in South Milwaukee received this message …
Dear Parents and Guardians,
At 9:40 a.m. all Standard Response Protocol measures were lifted at the High School, Middle School and Rawson Elementary School. Students were not deemed to be in any danger, and the report of a threat to the campus was found to be a hoax. Police will continue a heightened presence at all District schools throughout the day.
The safety of students and staff is our main priority. Staff and students acted responsibly and quickly when the Lockdown was called.
During a lockdown
Students should remain in the classroom or go into a room as soon as possible
Students should move out of sight from any doors or windows.
Silence should be maintained and lights should be off
Doors should be locked and not opened. When the event is over, staff with keys will unlock doors or an announcement will be made.
Staff members may direct students to not text or use other communication methods during this time. This will be done as needed during emergency situations.
The District performs regular drills to prepare students for when a threat might be identified in one of our buildings, however, it is a stressful event when one is actually initiated. Counselors are available to speak to students about today’s Lockdown and you are encouraged to talk about the incident with your child.
Please contact your individual school if you have any questions or would like to discuss resources available to your child.
Thank you to our local police and educators for the work in keeping our kids safe — and taking the utmost precaution in situations like this. It’s scary stuff when your kids text you during the school day talking about a lockdown, as mine did today. I pray for them most of all. Kids shouldn’t have to worry about stuff like this. But they do. And they need to. That makes me sad — and angry.
South Milwaukee’s Launching a Legacy athletics fundraising campaign is officially underway — and the end result will be incredibly striking.
The Football Boosters joined with local businesses and other donors to announce the effort at Friday’s Rocket football game. The goal: Raise funds in support a $4 million project to transform Spaltholz Field and Bucyrus Stadium while also lifting up the baseball and softball programs.
The Launching a Legacy Campaign is an energized effort to enhance the South Milwaukee School District’s sports complex and the City of South Milwaukee by preserving and strengthening one of the great assets in the community. When finished, our playing fields will honor the area’s past while establishing a continuing legacy for the future. Students, community members, and visitors to the city will realize a greater appreciation for events, the legends that have unfolded in these special places. Supporting the Launching a Legacy Campaign will give South Milwaukee students and the community modernized turf fields for decades to come.
The coolest piece is the black and red turf at the venues, making Spaltholz Field perhaps the most unique-looking stadium in the state for high school athletics.
With striking colors the new Spaltholz Field will stand out among the competition, while underneath an environmentally safe pad and infill will ensure the safety of our soil and waterways. Improved drainage will help our teams get back on the field sooner and mitigate damage from flooding.
The track around the field will be resurfaced and brought up to modern standards and allow the pole vault to return to the stadium.
The stadium facilities around the field are pleasant and modern but are underutilized due to the condition of the field. The installation of the artificial turf in the stadium and other fields (softball/baseball) will completely alleviate the current problem. Once completed, the new field will be available for a variety of community events, educational endeavors, and other school activities.
Additionally, an artificial turf field will also be installed for the upper Softball Diamond, and Galewski Field will be leveled and have artificial infield turf.
The campaign is off to a great start, with more than $200,000 in donations announced on Friday: $100,000 from the Football Boosters; $50,000 from Dr. Bill Pennington; $25,000 from TASC Services; $25,000 from Educators Credit Union; $10,000 from Procter Insurance; and $5,000 from the South Milwaukee Little League.
Now, they need your help! Join the $1,000+ Club and “receive a Club Gold Card etched with your name made by students in the Fab Lab. A Gold Card grants you lifetime entrance to any South Milwaukee regular season home sporting event. Your name will also be prominently displayed at our athletics facility complex, or make your gift a memorial or honorarium.”
There are a number of naming rights opportunities, too.
Leaves only. Please no yard waste, plants, grass, branches, or garden waste. This material will need to be disposed of at our Self-Deposit Station.
Leaf collection crews will pick up piles of leaves one street at a time, in an orderly fashion.
Residents who dispose of their leaves directly at the Self-Deposit Station will have the user fee of $3.00 waived from October 1st through November 15th.
Fee is waived for leaves only.
Do not add to any leaf piles after November 15th. The city may not be able to collect after that date.
Leaf collection is weather dependent. Should snow fall before leaf season is over, city trucks will need be to be outfitted with snow removal equipment.
From Linda Ronstadt to John Denver to a cappella — and more — South Milwaukee and the South Shore have something for everyone this month when it comes to live music, starting this weekend.
Friday night, it was the Linda Ronstadt Experience at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Here is a sampling of what’s coming up the rest of the month, pulled from the blog’s Events page …
Sunday, October 16: John Denver Musical Experience, 2 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details
Friday, October 22: Rotary Club of Mitchell Field Milwaukappella 2022, 7:30 p.m. concert, Oak Creek Performing Arts and Education Center. Details
Thursday, October 27: South Milwaukee 125th Gala at the Bucyrus Club. Music by the Radio Rosies, presented by the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Details
Sunday, October 30: Knightwind Ensemble, South Milwaukee PAC. Details
The South Milwaukee Police Department has created an internal committee to implement a K-9 unit. It is the department’s goal to add a K-9 in 2023 or 2024. To fund start-up costs, as well as annual expenses, a 501(c)(3) organization will be created.
At this time, the SMPD is asking the public for help with a $2,500 grant contest sponsored by Aftermath Services LLC. The grant is awarded based on an online public voting process to take place from October 24th through October 31st.
Said South Milwaukee Police Chief William Jessup: “Please join us as we work to enhance public safety in South Milwaukee through the addition of a K-9 unit. We are excited about this opportunity but we need your help to make it possible. Your votes can truly make a difference!”
The grant winners will be announced on November 3rd. Updates on the grant and the K-9 project will be provided through the City’s website and social media platforms.Commitments to support the K-9’s needs have already been made by Oak Creek Veterinary Care Clinic, Walmart, and Farm & Fleet.
And once the department gets around to choosing a dog, I nominate Teddy Brooks for the post. He’s ready to serve!
To me, libraries are an integral part of the fabric of a community — and they are many things to many people. Gone are the days of simply checking out books.
So it is with the South Milwaukee Public Library, whose mission “is to enhance the quality of life in South Milwaukee in a welcoming and innovative environment that provides information and ideas for lifelong learning and literacy.”
I continue to be impressed with how library is bringing that mission to life.
See for yourself at a couple upcoming events …
Tuesday, October 11: “Our Library: A History of the South Milwaukee Public Library.” Hear the story of how South Milwaukee’s library came to be and how it has adapted over the years to meet the needs of a growing and ever-changing city. The presentation will include rarely seen photographs and artifacts from the library’s past. 6 p.m. Details
Monday, October 24: “Getting to Know South Milwaukee’s Digital History Archive.” This introductory class for researchers and history buffs will showcase South Milwaukee’s new and growing digital history archive, teaching users about the resources and how best to utilize them. Details
I especially love the local history work the library is doing. From archiving Bucyrus “Scoop” magazines, to city directories and government publications, to high school yearbooks, to old photos and scrapbooks, the work the library has done to tell our city’s history story is significant — and really impactful.
The library has also started a new quarterly newsletter. The newsletter will cover a variety of topics including upcoming events, a Library Director’s report, and updates on our local history collection.
South Milwaukee always does Halloween right, and this year is no exception, as we ramp up to Halloween night trick-or-treating.
Today, it’s the Friends of Grant Park Trek ‘n Treat. From the Friends …
On Sunday, Oct. 9th, from 1 to 4 pm, Trek ‘n Treat is back again to satisfy all of those anxious ghouls, goblins, Spidermen and princesses. Featuring many stations along the Seven Bridges ravine trails in Grant Park, learn about the natural plants, animals, birds and insects that live in the park, and then get a treat. Participants can come in costume (or not) while hiking with their family. There are other activities and refreshments for sale after all that in the area 5A brown pavilion.
Remember to regularly check South Milwaukee Blog’s Events page for the most recent list of events around town. Here are some Halloween and fall-themed events coming up …
Sunday, October 9: Trek ‘n Treat, presented by Friends of Grant Park. 1-4 p.m. Details
Friday, October 14: Lights on Edgewood Halloween lights show, 1322 Edgewood Ave. 7 p.m. Details
Saturday, October 15: Lights on Edgewood Halloween lights show, 1322 Edgewood Ave. 7 p.m. Details
Friday, October 21: Lights on Edgewood Halloween lights show, 1322 Edgewood Ave. 7 p.m. Details
Saturday, October 22: Lights on Edgewood Halloween lights show, 1322 Edgewood Ave. 7 p.m. Details
Friday, October 28: “Tales & Tombstones” tour of the First Congregational Cemetery, led by historian Nels Monson. 6 pm. Details
Friday, October 28: Lights on Edgewood Halloween lights show, 1322 Edgewood Ave. 7 p.m. Details
Saturday, October 29: Fall Craft and Vendor Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church. Details
Friday, October 29: Lights on Edgewood Halloween lights show, 1322 Edgewood Ave. 6 p.m. (two-hour show). Details
Monday, October 31: Official South Milwaukee trick-or-treating, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Monday, October 31: Lights on Edgewood Halloween lights show, 1322 Edgewood Ave. 7 p.m. Details
And I’d like to put in a plug for Moran’s Pub. If you haven’t seen its transformation to a wizard-themed pop-up, you really should stop in. Artist Lauren Marvel and owner James Moran have teamed up to create “Wizarding World” this month. Learn more here. Here is a list of events …
Saturday, October 15: Wizard Games (scavenger hunt, Ministry of Magic Memo Paper Airplane Competition, and dueling dice)
Friday, October 21: A Tipsy Recitation of Our Favorite Wizard Books
Saturday, October 22: The Buzzed Word + Moran’s Beer Pong Tournament
Thursday, October 27: Sip & Craft Halloween crafts
Saturday, October 29: Moran’s Halloween Costume Party
Sunday, October 30: Doughnuts & Drafts event, with Supernova Doughnuts made by Moran’s neighbor and Avenue Coffeehouse owner Sara Lewkowski
A sampling of images from the new look of Moran’s Pub.
Mill Road remains closed. Due to unforeseen conditions, Milwaukee County has revised construction drawings to include reconstruction of wing walls at the Mill Road bridge, pending plan approval by WisDOT. The plan changes were so substantial that the contractor moved off site temporarily. The contractor intends to re-mobilize operations to the site, and Milwaukee County and the contractor remain optimistic that the bridge can be reopened in late November with balance of work in spring 2023. Wing wall excavation and construction access on the south side of the bridge from Milwaukee Avenue has led to a delay of the City’s commitment to pave Mill Road until the bridge is substantially complete. Milwaukee County’s contractor did remove the old railroad trestle crossing over Mill Road and the City has been able to complete storm sewer and curb repairs, and extensive brush and tree removal, and Payne & Dolan is ready to mill and pave the road when the bridge is ready.
Here are some of the events happening around town this month …
See a more complete and updated list of local events on the South Milwaukee Events page. The page — and the top post on the front page of the site — is updated frequently. Did I miss something? Email me.
Thursday, October 6: South Milwaukee Downtown Market. Music by John Stano. Website and Facebook
Friday, October 7: Steven Wright, presented by ACG, 8 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details
Saturday, October 8: An Evening of Classical Opera and Armenian Folk Songs, South Milwaukee PAC. Details
Sunday, October 9: Trek ‘n Treat, presented by Friends of Grant Park. 1-4 p.m. Details
Tuesday, October 11: “Our Library: A History of the South Milwaukee Public Library.” Hear the story of how South Milwaukee’s library came to be and how it has adapted over the years to meet the needs of a growing and ever-changing city. The presentation will include rarely seen photographs and artifacts from the library’s past. 6 p.m. Details
Thursday, October 13: Final South Milwaukee Downtown Market the season.
Friday, October 14: The Linda Ronstadt Experience, 7:30 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details
Sunday, October 16: John Denver Musical Experience, 2 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details
Thursday, October 21: Free Community Dinner, First Congregational Church. Details
Friday, October 22: Rotary Club of Mitchell Field Milwaukappella 2022, 7:30 p.m. concert, Oak Creek Performing Arts and Education Center. Details
Monday, October 24: “Getting to Know South Milwaukee’s Digital History Archive.” This introductory class for researchers and history buffs will showcase South Milwaukee’s new and growing digital history archive, teaching users about the resources and how best to utilize them. Details
Thursday, October 27: South Milwaukee 125th Gala at the Bucyrus Club. Music (Radio Rosies) presented by the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center. Details
Friday, October 28: “Tales & Tombstones” tour of the First Congregational Cemetery, led by historian Nels Monson. 6 pm. Details
Sunday, October 30: Knightwind Ensemble, South Milwaukee PAC. Details
Monday, October 31: Official South Milwaukee trick-or-treating, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
South Milwaukee lost an iconic figure on Thursday, as Earl Edwin Kneevers Jr. passed away at the age of 93 in Sheboygan.
What a life he led … from his groundbreaking service in the U.S. Army to his decades making music in South Milwaukee to his church and volunteer work to his post-retirement efforts as a historian and author, Mr. Kneevers left quite a legacy.
Earl was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on August 10, 1929. His parents were Earl Edwin Kneevers, Sr. and Erna Steil Kneevers. He was baptized at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on September 1, 1929. Earl graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1947.
He earned Bachelor and Master of Science degrees (1951 and 1961) in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. He served in the United States Army for three years during the Korean War, performing with the Fifth Army Band, participating in the first firing of the atomic cannon, and serving as a prisoner chaser. His experience of the Operation Grable nuclear test is detailed in the book, Sheboygan County’s Unforgotten. Earl was proud to serve his country in the Army and made lifelong friends in service. (Details about his time in the Army here.)
He taught instrumental music in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin for thirty-five years, seventeen years as Senior High Band Director, eighteen years as Orchestra Director and also as K-12 Music Supervisor. Earl was awarded the Hugo Anhalt Achievement Award from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 1966 for his contribution to the Advancement of Music in the State of Wisconsin. In 1986, the Mayor and Common Council of the City of South Milwaukee presented him with a “Resolution Honoring Mr. Earl Kneevers for his Contribution to the Art of Music in the City of South Milwaukee.”
Earl met his wife, Charmaine Louise Chopp, in high school when they performed in the Music Makers Dance Band, Earl as a saxophone and clarinet player and Charmaine as a vocalist. They were married on August 14, 1954, at Bethany Lutheran Church in the Village of Kohler, Wisconsin. During his career, Earl served the Boy Scouts of America as a Music Merit Badge Counselor.
He was President of Trinity Lutheran Church in South Milwaukee and also directed their choir. He was Conductor of the South Milwaukee Municipal Adult Band in addition to organizing and overseeing band, drum corps, twirler, and drill team competition for the Wisconsin Spectacle of Music in South Milwaukee for twenty years.
Upon retirement in 1989, Earl became a Master Adjudicator and Field Representative for the Wisconsin School Music Association. He was also appointed to serve as Chair for Retirees and History. Several of his news articles were published in the Wisconsin School Musician magazine. Community service projects for Earl included serving as President of SCARTA (Sheboygan County Area Retired Teachers Association) and President of the S.M.E.A. (South Milwaukee Education Association).
He also served as Commander of the Sheboygan Falls American Legion Post #149 from 2002-2005. He was an adjudicator for the Sheboygan Music Club Scholarship Program and was Chairman of the South Milwaukee Retirees Scholarship Committee. He worked with people who have memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease at “The Gathering Place” located at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. As an avid reader, he was a student of conservative politics and was an active member of the Sheboygan County Republican Party.
In 1998, Earl and his wife, Charmaine, published a historical book, The Kneevers Hotel – A Sheboygan Landmark 1887-1978. Their second historical book, The Sheboygan Socialists, was published in 2003. A retirement highlight for Earl was fishing with his granddaughters at the family cabin in “God’s Country” at Three Lakes, Wisconsin.
Learn more in this YouTube video, described as “a collection of memories from South Milwaukee High School Band/Orchestra Director, Earl Kneevers’ scrapbooks. This slide show features, momentos, photos, newspaper articles and such contributed by friends, students and colleagues.”
The South Milwaukee football team scored a 43-41 Homecoming victory in overtime over Whitnall Friday.
A touchdown pass from Adam Finn to Everett Lentz and a two-point conversion run by Blake Maldonado was the difference. A goal-line stand turned back a two-point conversion attempt by Whitnall to seal it.
Finn finished with three touchdown passes and two TD runs on the night. Lentz also had a big game, with two TD catches. Roy Scott also caught a touchdown.
A key sequence came at the end of the the first half, as Maldonado followed an interception return for a score by Whitnall with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
The Rockets (2-5) close the season with games at Grafton on Oct. 7 and at home against Wisconsin Lutheran on Oct. 14. See the full schedule here.
It’s Homecoming Week! Show your support this Thursday and Friday, as the Rockets prepare to take on Whitnall.
Thursday Homecoming Events
6 p.m. Parade begins. Staging is near 15th and Maple Avenues, and the parade heads north on 15th to Oak Creek Parkway, ending near the pep rally and bonfire.
After the parade: Homecoming pep rally, near Galewski Field
After the pep rally: Homecoming bonfire
Then at 7 p.m. on Friday it’s kickoff against the Falcons.
If you haven’t yet experienced this tradition, you should. Go Rockets!
It’s Da Crusher, of course! Shot the night of Crusherfest, as we unveiled this statue to the world. Do you have a photo you’d like to share on the blog? Send it along.
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