Thanks again to everyone who nominated a home this year — it was a tough choice! I’m proud to share the winners, chosen from nominations through our web form and Facebook, as well as homes we came across as South Milwaukee’s Happy Day Tours took us on our judging tour.
First, let’s start with last year’s winners, who were not eligible to win again in 2019. Check out all of these addresses on your lights tour, including the amazing Lights on Edgewood show.
Now on to the 2019 winners! Grouped by location (for easier driving) …
I’d also add the following honorable mentions, which scored highly among judges. In no particular order …
604 Walnut St.
1120 Park Ave.
513 Brookdale Court
1828 Kristin Lane
3310 15th Ave.
1313 Columbia Ave.
209 Laurel Lane
1626 Hickory St.
118 Lake Drive
1400 Drexel Blvd.
1406 17th Ave.
1409 Menomonee Ave.
1503 Fairview Ave.
621 Hawthorne Ave.
1201 Russet Lane
1915 17th Ave.
And I would add a special mayoral recognition for these two properties …
Be sure to add the Mill Pond warming house and Taco Stop on your holiday lights tour!
Again, congratulations to all of our winners … and I close with one ask: Be sure to nominate deserving addresses in 2020! I know there are some we missed because they were not nominated.
The United State Postal Service facility being built at the corners of College and Nicholson Avenues may now be twice as large as proposed earlier this year — and the agency still has not told the public anything about their plans.
A U.S. Postal Service facility coming to Oak Creek now includes an addition that would apparently replace the downtown Milwaukee postal center — opening up that massive building for redevelopment.
The revised plans for the agency’s Oak Creek project now call for a building, constructed in two phases, totaling 935,000 square feet.
The agency plans to develop the building on more than 60 acres it owns at 2201 E. College Ave., southeast of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
The first phase, a mail processing annex totaling 423,900 square feet, would replace an outdated Oak Creek facility at 7620 S. 10th St. The second phase, a processing and distribution center, would encompass 511,100 square feet, according to newly revised plans filed with the state Department of Natural Resources. …
The Postal Service has already started site preparation work for the first phase, Vickers said.That building is to be partly completed by November 2020, and fully finished by March 2021, according to city officials, who want more time to review those plans. The new documents filed with the DNR do not indicate a timetable for the second phase.
But they do show that the 935,000-square-foot building would be on one level.That would allow for the facility’s automated processing systems to operate more efficiently, the filing said.
The DNR filing is tied to the Postal Service seeking permission to fill some wetlands at the project site.
The Postal Service in 2008 received city permission for an 820,000-square-foot facility, which was to replace both the Oak Creek and downtown Milwaukee processing centers. But the agency didn’t proceed with those plans because of a lack of funding.
The agency believes the 2008 approvals are sufficient for the revised project. Oak Creek officials say those approvals have expired, and are demanding another public review.
We want to make sure your voices are heard on this project … and ours too. We as a city have plenty of questions — from concerns over traffic counts to landscaping — and we want answers. We demand them.
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. The USPS should do the right thing. It’s unfortunate they need to be reminded of that.
I’ll keep you posted … and continue to work to make sure the U.S. Postal Service is held accountable.
Two grants totaling $2,600 will help the South Milwaukee Library introduce and engage the community’s elementary-grade students in STEAM fields – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.
Eaton Corporation, located in South Milwaukee, is the sponsor of the $1,700 Science Kits for Public Libraries grant which originates from the Milwaukee Chapter of the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers.
A $900 grant, awarded from Sequence & Stories, will also involve young people in STEAM activities.
The grants will fund age-appropriate programming and hands-on equipment for young people to learn about STEAM areas with the goal of providing an early pathway into career exploration. In addition, the library’s programs will be shared at a later date with South Milwaukee schools and other Milwaukee County Public Libraries.
“This is an important public-private partnership that will benefit many young students and may even be the launching point for careers,” said Kathy Manning, South Milwaukee Library director.
Eaton Corporation officials will present their sponsored grant at the South Milwaukee Library in a brief ceremony December 12 at 4:30 p.m.
The 1st Installment of the 2019 Tax bill is due January 31, 2020. To view or print your tax bill, click here. You can pay taxes by E-Check, credit, or debit card through our service provider: Official Payments Corporation (a convenience fee will be charged.) See the Treasurer’s Office page for more information, or refer to the tax flyer you received with your bill.
And for more context on the city increase, and budget, click here.
Here is a full list, and here is what’s coming up, starting tomorrow …
And one important note: There are still some trees left to decorate for the Friday Festival! Email Karin Wierman at Wierman_Karin_A@cat.com to reserve one or three, and decorate them on Friday!
Friday, December 6
Festival of Trees. South Milwaukee Ace and Caterpillar bring back a bit of holiday magic to the site of the farmers’ market on 11th and Madison. The unveiling event is from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 7, and features Santa, hot cocoa and candy canes. And bring your hats, mittens and scarves to donate to Human Concerns. The trees will remain up for viewing through Christmas.
Saturday, December 7
South Milwaukee Christmas Market.More than 100 vendors and live music, and meet Santa. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., South Milwaukee High School, 801 15th Ave.
Craft & Vendor Event.9 a.m.-3 p.m., Zion Lutheran School, 3600 S. Chicago Ave.
Las Posadas Christmas Party. 2-4 p.m., St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Celebrate Mary and Joseph’s journey with games, refreshments, and a piñata. Visit Storytime Corner and make cards and coloring books with the elves. Follow along a Los Posadas pageant.
Sunday, December 8
Milwaukee Circle Choir, “The Song Heard Round the World.” A free concert at Sts. Peter and Paul Polish National Catholic Church, 1308 15th Ave. 3:30 p.m.
Monday, December 9
South Milwaukee Library Holiday Sweater Party.Bring your own sweater and make it ugly with our best/worst craft supplies! Anytime 4-7 p.m., while supplies last. Under 13 must have an adult assist. South Milwaukee Library.
Wednesday, December 11
Children’s Holiday Party. Treats, games, story time and crafts with a holiday theme for kids. 6-7 p.m., South Milwaukee Library.
Giving Tuesday is today, Dec. 3, and it reminds me that South Milwaukeeans always step up to help those in need — especially around Christmas.
Don’t know where to start? Here are opportunities to give back locally.
Of course, I always turn to South Milwaukee Human Concerns, and they are serving more people than ever. I’m told they can especially use personal hygiene products now, but please consider giving money, too. I know they can use it not only during the holiday season, but all year long. And why not give your time?
Also, take part in the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and DB Tax & Wealth Share the Gloves event, a very cool partnership that helps local businesses and residents at the same time. Details here.
Get behind the effort to start the South Milwaukee Industrial Museum. Details — and links to give — here.
“We serve.” That’s our motto as South Milwaukee Lions. They can use your support throughout the year, financial and in man and woman power, to in turn give back to local organizations in need. The impact they have is real.
The Rotary Club of Mitchell Field — serving five cities, including South Milwaukee, and Bay View — is also doing some great things, from serving Thanksgiving dinners to needy families to providing college scholarships to high school seniors, and much, much more (including leading our downtown food truck events).
Want to help the South Milwaukee Police Department? Support DARE. From Chief Jessup: “DARE is the largest, most recognized anti-drug and violence program in the world and is taught by specially trained police officers. Our officers go into the South Milwaukee elementary school classrooms to teach a series of one hour lessons designed to help young students cope with some serious risks. The topics include: learning the harmful effects of drugs, tobacco and alcohol, strategies for resisting peer pressure, and the damaging impact of bullying. Any donations to the program go toward classroom supplies and graduation certificates. If interested in donating, please contact Officer Jim McLean at mclean@smwi.org.”
You can also Stop the Bleed this holiday season. From Fire Chief Joseph Knitter: “The South Milwaukee Fire Department is accepting donations to support their Stop the Bleed Program, an initiative that will place bleeding control kits alongside the Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in all municipal buildings throughout the city. Donations can be made directly to the SMFD in person at the firehouse or by mail to South Milwaukee Fire Department, 929 Marshall Court, South Milwaukee, WI 53172.”
The work of Da Crusher Foundation is not over. Support it as Crusherfest II takes shape, and they look to pay for ongoing maintenance to the statue, and site upgrades.
Want to support classroom and other projects in our terrific local schools? Start with South Milwaukee Legacy.
Or, get behind local athletes by donating to the local sports booster clubs, or give the gift of music by donating to help the South Milwaukee Music Parents, among other organizations.
And how about the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network? They are the nonprofit leading the public information efforts for the ongoing Oak Creek watershed restoration study, and will play a major role in bringing that plan to life by securing funding for and leading various watershed restoration projects.
Did I miss any? I’m sure I did. Send your favorite local charities along!
Also, the station (SDS) at 1106 Blake Ave. has officially switched over to their winter collection hours until March 31st. SDS will be open Tuesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
And don’t forget that SDS continues to accept bagged leaves free of charge.
I am thankful for family and friends, and for the privilege to lead this great city every day. I have never been more excited for the future of South Milwaukee.
It starts with our people, especially our 150 or so city workers who deliver our services every day — including holidays. Thank you!
Today, we look back, with gratitude. Tomorrow, we continue our work toward our more promising future.
Saturday is Small Business Saturday, and what better time to join me in committing to shopping local this holiday season?
Here are some ideas …
Shop at the South Milwaukee Christmas Market on Saturday, December 7. More than 100 vendors are expected at South Milwaukee High School for this really fun local Christmas institution.
Buy a limited-edition Crusher Christmas ornament. You will only be able to buy them at the Christmas Market, I’m told. Stay tuned!
Nothing says “happy holidays” like jewelry, Check out C3 Designs, including their World of Gemstones event Nov. 29-Dec. 1.
Games for Christmas? Absolutely! Shop downtown at Pink Bunny Games for trading card games, board games, table top games, and more; they also have Black Friday specials happening this week. Also, check out the Board Game Barrister clearance center.
Get a beautiful stained glass piece from Studio One Art Glass. (We have one hanging in every first-floor window of our home.)
Staying with collectibles, check out South Milwaukee-based MEARS Online Auctions, which has one-of-a-kind vintage sports gear, toys, and military items up for bid as we speak. Wise Owl Auctions also operates from downtown South Milwaukee.
Give the gift of performing arts with tickets to an upcoming show at the South Milwaukee PAC.
And don’t forget holiday beer, wine and spirits — I’ll put a plug in here for Leinenkugel’s Snowdrift Vanilla Porter, or a nice Miller Lite or Coors Light — from local liquor stores Chicago Avenue Liquor, Marquette Liquor, G&K Liquor or BJ’s Liquor.
And, finally, let’s not forget local chains, many of them owned by local franchisees — small business owners themselves. If you’re going to shop at a chain store this holiday season, please do so at places like South Milwaukee Ace, Planet Fitness, Pick ‘n Save, Aldi, Cousins, Dunkin’ Donuts, Pizza Hut, Toppers, Walmart, Napa, Speedway, Walgreens, Aurora Pharmacy, Dollar General, Dollar Tree and others that all call our city home.
What did I miss? Post your comments below … and shop local!
The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission’s work on the Oak Creek Watershed plan is ramping up.
Their focus now is on the critical Chapter 4 of the plan: a deep dive into water quality, quantity, and other “inventory findings,” including a review of the status of the Mill Pond and dam.
That “state of the watershed” information will be reviewed at a meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, at Oak Creek’s Drexel Town Square, 8040 South 6th St., in the Multipurpose Room.
From SEWRPC …
The intent of this meeting is to briefly review and receive comments on Plan draft Chapter 4, “Inventory Findings”, which includes discussion on stream flows, the history and current conditions for the Mill Pond and dam, and water quality conditions in the watershed.
Beverages and a light supper will be available.
You can review the plan, and the partially complete Chapter 4, here.
It is sobering information, culled from volumes and volumes of available data from a variety of sources, and the results of years of physically walking the creek by SEWRPC staff.
From the report …
The entire mainstem of Oak Creek is currently listed as impaired with three impairments. The Creek is listed as impaired due to chronic aquatic toxicity related to an unknown pollutant. It is also listed as impaired due to the presence of a degraded biological community related to high concentrations of total phosphorus. Finally, the Creek is listed as impaired due to chronic and acute aquatic toxicity related to high concentrations of chloride. Each of these impairments apply to the entire length of the mainstem of Oak Creek. One tributary stream is proposed for listing as impaired on the 2018 list. The WDNR has proposed adding a 5.7-mile section of the North Branch of Oak Creek to the impaired waters list due to the presence of chronic and acute aquatic toxicity related to high concentrations of chloride.
There is a lot of information — A LOT. The incomplete draft version of Chapter 4 being reviewed in December is already nearly 200 pages long, and counting. However, I’m glad to see SEWRPC taking this deep of a dive. The watershed will be better off for it.
We need science to drive our decision making, as we look to breathe new life into the Oak Creek Watershed. This report — and all the data behind — will be the roadmap we need to do it.
Thanks to all of the volunteers who made Saturday’s Old Fashioned Christmas and Lighted Christmas Parade happen! It was a terrific afternoon and evening, and it got the holiday season started off right.
I love our special events in South Milwaukee — I will always get behind them. They bring our community together.
Also, a couple local financial institutions are finalists in the “Services Rendered” category: Associated Bank for “best bank” and “best financial institution for opening a checking account” and Educators Credit Union for “best”credit union” and “best financial institution for getting a business loan … home mortgage … and checking account.”
And two of our local politicians made the list of “City Confidential” finalists: Steven Shea for “best Milwaukee County Supervisor” and Chris Larson for “best state legislator.”
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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