South Milwaukee Blog

The South Milwaukee Health Department has issued its latest COVID-19 data, and you can see it on the city’s Facebook page each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Wednesday’s update shows 49 new positive tests since July 17 alone — almost a quarter of the city’s total cases since the pandemic began, in less than a week. You can find additional data points on the Milwaukee County dashboard and tracking map.

Please take the steps necessary to stay safe, South Milwaukee, adhering to the guidance you can find on the city website, including wearing a mask in public. We are currently in Phase C.

And please join me in thanking our Health Department, which has been contact tracing each COVID-19 case since March. It’s an incredible amount of work, but critical to help reduce the spread of the virus.

The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center on Monday announced the steps it is taking to reopen amid the pandemic.

From the statement …

We will present a modified Performing Arts Series for the 2020-2021 season. Subscribers will be notified by mail to pre-order tickets, and individual tickets will go on sale after that. The Performing Arts Series, school and rental partner events will be announced when confirmed. Community and rental partners will receive detailed information about our new health safety policies. Due to capacity restrictions and physical distancing requirements, seating will be limited and look different this season. However, we will be able to gather again, just at a bit more of a distance!

Full Statement

We understand that the health and well-being of our students, audiences, volunteers, artists, renters and staff is vital. And, we believe that live performances can enhance one’s well-being and contribute to a meaningful and enjoyable life.

That’s why we’re taking steps to reopen the theatre following guidelines provided by municipal and county health organizations. To help ensure good health for all, we’ll continue to monitor and reevaluate the latest COVID-19 information and update our policies as needed. We’ll post updates on our website and social media pages. Everyone who visits our theatre will be asked to follow these policies. We know that by working together, we can keep our environment healthy for everyone who wants to keep performing arts in their lives. 

We will present a modified Performing Arts Series for the 2020-2021 season. Subscribers will be notified by mail to pre-order tickets, and individual tickets will go on sale after that. The Performing Arts Series, school and rental partner events will be announced when confirmed. Community and rental partners will receive detailed information about our new health safety policies. Due to capacity restrictions and physical distancing requirements, seating will be limited and look different this season. However, we will be able to gather again, just at a bit more of a distance!

Here’s how we’ll be working together to maintain a healthy environment:

1. Calendar of Events – Performances and events will continue as scheduled unless otherwise directed by public health officials or school district administration. Please check our website, southmilwaukeepac.org, and Facebook page for updates.
2. Tickets, Cancellations & Refunds – Advance tickets will be sold via our website, southmilwaukeepac.org or by phone, (414) 766-5049. Tickets may be purchased at the Box Office one hour before show time. Tickets are non-refundable except when a show is cancelled and not rescheduled. If a show must be cancelled due to community health or other unplanned reasons, patrons will be notified by phone and email.  
3. Physical Distancing – Audience capacity will be restricted to allow for physical distancing. This means that every other row in the house may be closed and patrons will be asked to leave two seats between each household group. Capacity may change in accordance with health department requirements. Signage will be posted and announcements will be made periodically asking patrons to maintain physical distancing.
4. Masks – Wearing a mask will be required for all visitors and staff. A limited number of masks may be available for $1 at the box office while they last. 
5. Hand Sanitizer – Sanitizer dispensers will be available in the lobby and throughout the theatre offices and backstage areas. 
6. Cleaning and Disinfecting – Theatre, restrooms and backstage areas will be cleaned and sanitized before and after each event.
7. Show Programs – Programs must be single use only. Renters may provide a digital program to be uploaded to our website.
8. Concessions – Food may not be sold or carried in. Bottled water is allowed.
9. Doors – Theatre doors will open approximately 45 minutes before show time to allow for more seating time. Patrons will be encouraged to take their seats upon arrival. 
10. Live Streaming – A live streaming option is being considered to accommodate patrons who are unable to attend in person. Live streaming may not be available for all performances. Renters who choose to livestream events will be required to ensure that their content has the appropriate licensing needed.

SMPAC staff appreciates your cooperation and support as we navigate through this challenging and uncertain period. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. 

Sincerely,

Rachel Sorce | Executive Director | 414-766-5048 | rsorce@sdsm.k12.wi.us

The South Milwaukee Curb Appeal Awards are back!

The awards, presented by the Beautification Committee, are given to South Milwaukee businesses, homeowners and civic organizations who devote extra effort to their property’s beautification, through landscaping and other street-facing efforts.

We are looking for utilization of color, appropriateness for the architecture of the structure, originality, lawn upkeep, and decorative exterior structures.

Submit your photo entries now using our Google form; pin your photos on this Facebook post; or email them (with the address) to Katie Crosby at crosby@smwi.org.

We will then upload entries to our Facebook page, with followers being able to vote for the best of the best.

All entries must be submitted by July 29.

South Milwaukee and St. Francis Health Administrator Jackie Ove this morning issued new guidance on mask wearing. From it …

As we work toward a safe reopening of businesses and recreational opportunities in our cities, and with COVID-19 cases continuing to increase, I strongly encourage everyone in South Milwaukee and St. Francis to incorporate wearing masks into their daily routine when in public places. This includes all indoor public spaces and outdoor where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that each person over the age of two years should wear a face covering or mask when in public. This is in addition to protective measures such as hand washing, use of hand sanitizer, and when possible maintaining six feet of physical distance from others who do not live in your household.

I stand by this guidance, and strongly encourage everyone to follow it.

This is not an order, as you’ve seen issued in a few other area communities and in now half the states. (Milwaukee’s ordinance goes into effect today.) And the biggest reason for that is enforceability.

If you can not (or will not) adequately enforce an ordinance, it’s only words on paper, and we do not have the means or ability to enforce a mask mandate effectively. Even in those communities where they have been passed, that has been a point of contention.

Despite that, the motivation for these mandates is right. Masks save lives. And I credit leaders everywhere who are doing what they think is right to keep people safe. It is what we have been doing in the City of South Milwaukee since the start of the pandemic, knowing that not everyone will agree with our recommendations and actions.

For months, the South Milwaukee and St. Francis Health Department have been offering guidance around mask wearing; today’s statement clarifies and strengthens those recommendations.

Meanwhile, individual businesses and organizations are putting in place their own mask requirements, equipped with guidance from local, state and federal health officials. I was happy to see places like Walmart, Pick ‘n Save and Kohl’s announce such requirements on Wednesday.

I’ve heard from a number of people in the past week expressing support and opposition to a mask mandate, and, barring business-specific requirements, ultimately it is your choice whether or not to mask up in South Milwaukee.

Some will choose to. Some will not, for very valid reasons.

I will heed the advice of health experts and do so, with these words from our health administrator in mind:

The case for wearing masks is clear: They significantly reduce the potential for spreading the virus. Please do your part in protecting yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19 in South Milwaukee and St. Francis.

Stay healthy, South Milwaukee.

South Milwaukeeans always step up — and here are two more ways to do it.

GoFundMe pages have been established to help two local families following tragedies.

• Learn more about the Vega Quintero family here. Isidro and Sandra Vega Quintero were killed in a crash last week, leaving behind five children. GoFundMe link
• And here is more information on Dan Franecki, a South Milwaukeean who lost both of his legs in a crash while working on a utility crew in downtown Milwaukee in March. GoFundMe link

If you can help, please do. Every dollar makes a difference!

From the South Milwaukee Treasurer’s Office …

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wisconsin Legislature enacted Act 185. This law allowed Milwaukee County and the City of South Milwaukee to pass legislation providing relief to South Milwaukee property owners who are experiencing financial hardship with paying property taxes due to the impact of COVID-19.

Resolution 20-12, adopted by the City of South Milwaukee Common Council on June 30, 2020, temporarily waives interest and penalties on delinquent real property tax installment payments due and payable after April 1, 2020 for those property owners who were current with property tax installments as of April 1. Under this resolution, installment payments received after their due date, but paid by October 1, 2020, will be without interest and penalty. Any unpaid balance after October 1, 2020 will become delinquent and accrue interest and penalty from February 1, 2020 until paid in full.

The July 31 tax installment payment may be made to the City of South Milwaukee until the close of business on August 7, 2020, the end of the grace period. Please note, payment must be RECEIVED in the Treasurer’s office BY 4:00 p.m. on this date. Afterward, payment must be made directly to the Milwaukee County Treasurer, NOT the City of South Milwaukee.

All other tax installment payments may be made to the City of South Milwaukee until July 31, after which payment must be made directly to the Milwaukee County Treasurer.

I support this measure, and ended up for voting for it to break a 3-3 Common Council tie. It’s another small way we as a city can step to help those facing financial stress during the ongoing pandemic and recession.

I want to thank the state legislature and Milwaukee County Board for passing the enabling legislation, and am glad we can offer this.

From the South Milwaukee Fire Department Facebook page …

The SMFD is excited to announce the outcome of our Tuff T-shirt sales. Pictured is Michael Hintz from Classic Cargo International, Inc. presenting a check in the amount of $2,400 to Chief Knitter representing the proceeds from the Tuff T-shirt sales. A portion of these proceeds will be donated to the K9s For Warriors organization with the remaining going towards the purchase of water/ice rescue equipment for the SMFD. Stay tuned for more on the equipment purchase in the near future. Thank you to all who so generously supported this cause and the SMFD !! A limited number of t-shirts are still available and can be ordered at southmilwaukeecares.com.

More details on the effort here.

Thanks to everyone who helped out, especially Mike Hintz and Classic Cargo International; Dan Regalia, who led the IT portion of this; and JB’s Tee Shirt Factory, for the design and printing of the shirts.

I hope we can do more fun charity partnerships down the road.

I’m told the Grant Park Beer Garden is doing quite well this year, and if you haven’t been there — or want to make a return trip — today is your last day.

The garden is open until 10 p.m. at the Brown Pavilion at Picnic Area 5. Details and the full Milwaukee County Parks Traveling Beer Gardens schedule here.

And while you’re there, why not try a ParkLife Honey Lager? It’s a new beer from Sprecher Brewing Co. and Beer Capitol with a charity component, with a portion of proceeds going to support the Milwaukee Parks Foundation. It’s part of the parks’ new Love Your Parks initiative.

Details on the broader initiative here.

South Milwaukee and other suburban communities are staying at Phase C of reopening guidance.

What does that mean? Learn more here.

New cases continue to be reported, with 199 total cases reported in the city since the pandemic began — 36 since July 1. Seven people have died.

You can see updated city, county and state data and resources here, and they are posted three times a week on the city Facebook page. The Milwaukee County dashboard is especially informative.

Reopening continues …

• Live music returns to the South Milwaukee Downtown Market starting on Thursday, July 23, with a performance from Rohn Larson. Details on upcoming shows here.
• The South Milwaukee Public Library has extended its hours, and allows walk-in pickups of holds. No browsing allowed. Details here. From the library: Walk in the front door. Tell us what you need. We will take care of your needs! Exit through the side door. (If we are at capacity, you can wait outside or come back later.) Practice social distancing. Masks are strongly recommended. Masks are required for computer help (minimum of 3 minutes).
• The South Milwaukee School District Fitness Center has reopened for up to 12 users each for the fitness center and track (no access to the gym). Restrooms are available, but changing rooms, lockers and showers are not. Masks are required upon entering and exiting the facility, and should be worn “at your comfort” in workout areas. Users are asked to call ahead to confirm availability and make an appointment, if necessary. For more information, visit here.
• The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is working on a plan to reopen as well. Meanwhile, the South Milwaukee Youth Theatre Virtual Theater Academy is now underway. Details on this innovative approach here.

It’s time to get back to more regular blogging, and Facebook.

In coming days, you’ll see me make more regular posts on South Milwaukee Blog, a return to a couple of old features and some new content.

I’ll be starting with a coronavirus update on Sunday, and more regular updates on COVID-19 in the days, weeks, and months ahead, as we reopen while learning to live with a virus that remains a significant threat to public health.

• You’ll also see a return of Business Spotlight features, with a special emphasis on our growing number of women- and minority-owned businesses in the City of South Milwaukee.
• I’ll be doing more to put the spotlight on interesting people in our community doing interesting things. More to come on that.
• And I’ll be bringing back the “What’s for Sale?” feature from years past (taking a look at some of the gems on the local real estate market), as well as doing more regular “Headlines” posts, sharing links to coverage of our city from other news outlets.

This is in addition to the regular city government, police, fire, school and local sports news you have come to expect since the blog was launched in 2009. (We recently topped 1.5 million page views on the platform.)

And I’ll be posting on my mayoral Facebook page again. Like it here.

Thanks for reading, and for your continued support as I do my best to keep people informed on what’s happening South Milwaukee and the South Shore. This has been and will always be a priority for me.

If you haven’t subscribed yet, do so on the left-hand side of this page, so you can receive an email every time I post.

Have a suggestion for a story or feature? Send it my way.

Stronger, together, South Milwaukee.

There will be high school baseball in South Milwaukee this summer, just not affiliated with the WIAA or school district.

A group of South Milwaukee students is playing in the Bigler Summer League, and opened play on Tuesday night at Galewski Field.

The result wasn’t quite what they wanted — a 15-0 perfect game by Hamilton Black pitcher Mason DeVorse — but it’s just great to have live baseball back again in the city.

More details on the Bigler Summer League, including a schedule and game results, here. South Milwaukee has home games on July 14, 21, 22, 27 and 28, and the playoffs start July 31.

And don’t forget South Milwaukee Little League, if you’re looking for another baseball fix. Games continue through July 24.

The incident took place the afternoon of July 7.

From the South Milwaukee Police Department …

At 4:12pm SMPD responded to shoplifter at Dollar General. The shoplifter fled the store in a vehicle. The shoplifter’s vehicle subsequently collided with a car and a house at the intersection of 15^th Ave and Milwaukee Ave. The 53 year old suspect is in custody. Injured parties were conveyed for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. This case will be reviewed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office for charges.

The South Milwaukee Fire Department responded. Here is their report …

At approximately 4:15 PM, the South Milwaukee Fire and Police Departments responded to the intersection of 15th and Milwaukee Avenues for a reported three car crash. One vehicle struck a traffic signal and then traveled on to strike the building on the north west corner causing a large hole in the foundation. One person had to be extricated from this vehicle with the Jaws of Life. In total, four patients were transported to Froedtert Hospital for their injuries and one other driver was uninjured and refused transport. The South Milwaukee Police Department is currently investigating the crash. The SMFD was assisted by the Oak Creek Fire Department and Cudahy Fire Department.

Two downtown South Milwaukee buildings will get facelifts with the help of the Bucyrus Downtown Revitalization Grant.

The grant review committee met last week and recommended $30,000 grants for 912 Milwaukee Ave. (James Moran/Moran’s Pub) and 1003 Milwaukee Ave., recently purchased by Kimberly Mackenzie and Troy Kinunen. The South Milwaukee Common Council approved the grant awards at its meeting on Tuesday, June 30.

The Moran’s project is a continuation of their significant interior remodel started a couple months ago. The goal of the exterior remodel is a look similar to Slainte Pub & Grub in Oakland, Calif.

Plans presented include a replacement of the first-floor facade, including windows, an entrance door and wall materials. New paint colors and signage are also included in the proposal.

Mackenzie and Kinunen plan to restore the facade to its historic appearance, including tuckpointing, tile roof repair, new storefront windows and door, composite wall covering and trim. Interior improvements include replacement of the building’s electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems and finishes to the first-floor commercial space, for a future tenant.

I’m excited to see these continued improvements in our downtown.

For Moran, it’s the latest investment in the future for his now 25-year-old second-generation family business.

For Mackenzie and Kinunen, it’s not their first project in the city, and hopefully not their last. In addition to the amazing remodel of the former St. Mary’s Hall, they also purchased and remodeled the property at 723 Milwaukee Ave. to make way for the Military Connection collectibles store, which owner Craig Luther is now expanding even more — and are nearing completion on the renovation of a home two doors to the west, at Eighth and Milwaukee Ave. 

With these two projects, the Bucyrus grant program ends after supporting five projects with more than $100,000 in matching grants, including remodels to the 907 Milwaukee (now home to Gecko Leatherworks and Serendipitous Designs and Gifts), China Chef and Mari’s Flowers.

It was money well spent. You can see for yourself, recognizing this is just the latest example of the continued momentum in our city center.

The Business Journal wrote about progress with the former Bucyrus campus over the weekend. Here is a PDF of the article — and check out the new, full listing for the property.

• The downtown streetscaping project is well underway, with South Milwaukee-based EK Construction continuing with phase 2 sidewalk improvements after July 4th.
• Work on the Bucyrus Club is full speed ahead, with the building now vacant, cleaned out and ready for a complete remodel. The project team — including future tenants Skyline Catering and the South Milwaukee Industrial Museum, and Bucyrus Foundation President Tim Sullivan — and Zimmerman Architectural Studios are planning what’s next, with construction starting in coming months and an opening next summer.
• Down the block, DB Tax & Wealth is expanding.
• And further east on Milwaukee, an ad hoc committee is in place to begin the new-look public space on 11th and Madison with landscape architects Saiki Design and the community at large. Construction is expected to begin in 2021, backed by $500,000 from the Bucyrus Foundation.

Progress is real, and building. And we’re just getting started.

Thanks to everyone who took part in the South Milwaukee Beautification Committee Community Cleanup on Saturday!

While it was great to see people step up to remove trash, I hope this becomes a community commitment throughout the year.

My ask: Next time you’re on a walk, or visit Grant Park, especially the beach or Seven Bridges, please take a garbage bag with you, and fill it up. In that way, we can lead dozens of neighborhood cleanups, one bag at a time.

That includes me.

From event organizer Brian Morrison …

“Wonder & Wander along the Water” – Explore the Oak Creek

Join in on all the fun of Suburban Soles, next Sunday, June 28th as we explore the Oak Creek with EPA watershed specialists Jan Marsh. Wander along the Oak Creek water course west of the lagoon as we discuss new concepts and details about the inventory findings in the draft restoration plan for the oak creek watershed being done by the Southeastern Wisconsin Planning Commission. Hot off the press info from credible sources. Discover the future of South Milwaukee’s hidden gem and the ecology of the beautiful Oak Creek ecosystem,

Please be reminded that although this event is outdoors, we ask that all participants wear a mask and keep a minimum of 6 feet distancing for the safety and piece of mind of all those attending. Masks will be available upon request at the event, for a $1 suggested donation. Participation will be limited. 

Here is the Facebook event listing.