South Milwaukee Blog

First, we accept the results of the election.

Start there – at a place too many never got to the last time we did this. Donald Trump won. You may not like it, but win or lose, you accept the results. That’s what we do as American citizens. You don’t try to undo the results, lie about them, and stand by while others use violence to invalidate them. 

That’s life lesson #1: Lose the right way.

Then you live your life. You get up, go to school, go to work, go to theater and choir rehearsal. You keep working hard in the classroom. You hang out with your friends and family. You keep volunteering. You keep helping others. You keep being a 16-year-old girl who is so much more than one political outcome. 

You also keep fighting for what you believe in. Work for positive change, resisting the urge to go low. Let others spew hate and divide. You love and unite. 

Stand up for LGBTQ+ rights, a woman’s right to choose, common sense gun control, immigrants, and the countless other issues you are so passionate about. Do your part to lift up the most vulnerable among us. Resist those bent on doing otherwise … while always remembering, despite Tuesday’s results, how you act, what you say and how you say it, matters. I will always believe that.

Do good, embrace hope, and get to work. Start with your family, your school, and in your community. Then go bigger. I can help. 

Also, keep your head up. I say it all the time to my family, the athletes I coach, and anyone who will listen: It is what is next that matters most. Focus on that. 

And this, too, from Matthew 6:4: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Yes, Shelby, don’t worry about tomorrow. Work to make tomorrow better!

The United States turns 250 in 2026, and let’s use that as a milestone moment for the future of this country. Let’s learn from what happened last night, as Democrats and citizens. In doing so, let’s listen to those who don’t agree with us politically – assume that is 50% of the people you come across; that is the city, state and country we live in – and find a middle ground that this divided place so desperately needs. 

We ride at dawn. I call shotgun.

For as long as I’ve been involved in local politics, I’ve considered South Milwaukee a 50-50 city politically, and the 2024 results do not change my thinking.

According to preliminary results from the city:

• President: Harris-Walz 49.7%, Trump-Vance 48.5%
• U.S. Senator: Tammy Baldwin 51.1%, Eric Hovde 45.9%
• U.S. House, First District: Bryan Steil 50.1%, Peter Barca 47.1%
• Wisconsin Assembly District 21: Chris Sinicki 51.5%, Mike Moeller 48.2%
• We also supported the constitutional amendment with 71% of the vote.

And consider our recent choices, from 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 (general and recall), and 2010.

Of note: South Milwaukeeans have supported Democrats (albeit narrowly) for president in each of the last four elections, state and U.S. Senate in the last three, and governor in our last two — while also backing Republicans at various points in the last 14 years, often splitting our vote.

Here are those historical results … and you can draw your own conclusions.

President

• 2024: Harris-Walz (D) 49.7%
• 2020: Biden-Harris (D) 50.3%
• 2016: Clinton-Kane (D) 46.3%
• 2012: Obama-Biden (D) 53.1%

Governor

• 2022: Evers (D) 53%
• 2018: Evers (D) 49.3%
• 2014: Walker (R) 51.7%
• 2012 recall: Walker (R) 51.7%
• 2010: Walker (R) 52.1%

U.S. Senate

• 2024: Baldwin (D) 51.1%
• 2022: Barnes (D) 51.1%
• 2018: Baldwin (D) 55.6%
• 2016: Johnson (R) 48.4%
• 2012: Baldwin (D) 51.9%
• 2010: Johnson (R) 52.4%

U.S. House

• 2024: Steil (R) 50.1%
• 2022: Roe (D) 49.8%
• 2020: Moore (D) 48.8%
• 2018: Moore (D) 49.4%
• 2016: Moore (D) 47.9%
• 2014: Sebring (R) 49.8%
• 2012: Moore (D) 47.9%
• 2010: Sebring (R) 54.7%

State Senate

• 2022: Larson (D) 53.3%
• 2018: Larson (D) 53.7%
• 2014: Larson (D) 48.2%
• 2010: Ripp (R) 50.8%

State Assembly

• 2024: Sinicki (D) 51.5%
• 2022: Rodriguez (R) 50.6%
• 2020: Rodriguez (R) 51.6%
• 2018: Gomez (D) … by 15 votes
• 2016: Rodriguez (R) 51.9%
• 2014: Rodriguez (R) No opposition
• 2013 special election: Rodriguez (R) 50.5%
• 2012: Honadel (R) 56.2%
• 2010: Honadel (R) 59.2%

Polls in South Milwaukee are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and if you haven’t already … vote!

• Here is a sample ballot.
• Find your polling place here, and here is a map.
• Not registered? Do so at the polls.
• Haven’t returned your absentee ballot yet? Do it in-person today!

Also, please respect our pollworkers and how hard they have worked — and how hard they will work today, this week and beyond — to deliver a free, fair, safe and secure election. Join me in thanking them.

And read this before you head to the polls. It matters.

I’ll share local election results on my blog as soon as I see them.

It matters. It has to matter. 

If you are one of the thousands of South Milwaukeeans – and millions of Americans – heading to the polls Tuesday, please remember those words. It has to matter!

I voted blue last week – and encourage you to do the same – first because I believe in the candidates and what they stand for. Do we agree 100% on issues? Of course not. But I know State Rep. Christine Sinicki, Peter Barca, and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin will be strong champions for the communities they represent, just as they have been for decades. Experience matters. So do honesty, integrity, respect and compassion – and just being a good person. 

Which brings me to the race for president. 

In every job I’ve ever had, and in the message I share with my players and my own kids all the time, I have been equally rated based on the “what” and the “how.” “What” you accomplish is certainly important, but just as important is “how” you do it. In other words, how you treat others, how you act, what you say and how you say it, matters a lot. On the job, on the court, in the classroom, in life. 

I like enough of the “what” for Vice President Harris to get on board. Indeed, I wish President Biden had stepped aside sooner and we had gone through a traditional nomination process, to give us a better look at the deep Democratic bench. And I have serious concerns about the choices made by the current administration when it comes to issues like inflation and immigration. But facts matter … and inflation is under control, the stock market is at an all-time high, and unemployment is historically low. Illegal border crossings are way down. Our relationships with allies have been restored. Crime is down (even if it doesn’t always feel like it). I, too, stand behind women and them making choices about their own bodiese. Support for the Affordable Care Act, tax breaks truly targeted at those who need them most, common sense gun control, support for public education … I am with Harris on these issuees.

Yet while I cast my vote for Harris, I also cast it against her opponent. Because the “how” matters.

Your actions matter. Fidelity in your marriage matters. How you treat women matters. Being convicted of 34 felonies and found liable of sexual abuse matters. Lying matters. 

The words of those closest to you matter. When your former top mililary official and former chief of staff say you’re a “fascist,” when your former National Security Adviser says you’re “unfit,” and when your vice president says he can not endorse you “in good conscience.” I listen. You should too. 

Your own words matter most of all. What you say matters, and I take what Trump says at face value. Don’t we have to? This is potentially our next president! And, if words don’t matter, and it’s only about “the weave,” then why even have a campaign at all? 

Calling Jan. 6, 2021, a “day of love” – please, just watch the damn video – matters. So does labeling immigrants “vermin” who are “poisoning our blood,” while knowingly amplifying lies about the impact of immigration on small cities from Ohio to Wisconsin to Colorado. He calls the United States “a garbage can for the world,” Milwaukee “terrible,” and Detroit an example of a “developing nation.” He wants “Hitler’s generals,” says he is willing to turn the military on the “enemy from within,” and is OK with being a “dictator on day one” and “suspending the Constitution.” He attacks, ridicules and insults everyone from transgender kids to our foreign allies to his political opponents.

We have lived this reaality for eight years. But when it comes to Trump’s racist, sexist, and hate-filled words, let’s not dwell in the past. Let’s look at what he has said in the last 72+ hours. I cannot be OK voting for someone questioning Giannis’ heritage, stating he’s cool with shots being fired at Liz Cheney or the media, and that he “shouldn’t have left” the White House. Can you? And are you OK with him pantomiming oral sex on his Fiserv Forum microphone? Yeah, that was just the last few days. 

And it all matters to me.

Please do not excuse or dismiss words and actions like this as “Trump being Trump.” That is an incredibly dangerous “landing place,” for America. 

Yes, this all matters. We can’t let it not matter.

Make it matter Tuesday.

From my Events page …

• Saturday, November 2: Friends of the Library Book & Bake Sale, 10-2 p.m., South Milwaukee Library. Details
• Monday, November 4: Grand Kyiv Ballet presents “The Nutcracker,” 7 p.m. South Milwaukee PAC. Details
• Friday, November 8: Denim and Diamonds, an appetizers/dinner/live auction event in support of Launching a Legacy, 6 p.m., Bucyrus Club. Details
• Saturday, November 9: Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus Holiday Craft/Vendor and Bake Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall. Details
• Friday, November 15-Sunday, November 17: SMHS Theatre Co. presents “Little Women.” Shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, South Milwaukee PAC. Details

• Thursday, November 21: South Milwaukee Community Meal, 5-6:30 p.m., First Congregational Church Hall. Meal, provided by local organizations, is free of charge. Details
• Friday, November 22: Sista Strings, 7 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details
• Saturday, November 23: South Milwaukee Old Fashioned Christmas, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Grobschmidt Senior Center. Details
• Wednesday, November 27: MIAW and Brew City “Thanksgiving Eve Thunder,” 7:30 p.m., Bucyrus Club. Details
• Saturday, November 30: Shop Small World Tour II, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. Details

I love the way South Milwaukee is redeveloping. Emphasis on “re.”

As communities all around us throw up soulless spec buildings, South Milwaukee is attracting developers and business owners focused on bringing creative second and third generation reuses to landmark former properties in our city. The latest examples are in the news this week.

Bucyrus Campus

The redevelopment of the campus — from the opening of the Bucyrus Club to the new homes for companies big (Steele Solutions) and small (Styled Aesthetic) — is already a big win for the city. Now, the southern portion of the campus has been sold, with a developer bringing forward new plans for 179 apartments and other uses. From the Journal Sentinel …

Developer Scott Crawford, LLC has been working to create a multifamily and commercial development on the property at 1100 Milwaukee Ave. in South Milwaukee’s downtown for the last three years. The project has seen multiple iterations with the number of apartments and amount of retail space varying with each new submission. It was even completely canceled at one point.

The latest proposal is set to be reviewed by South Milwaukee’s Plan Commission Tuesday.

Note: I am told the commission meeting was cancelled, but there will be a special meeting on Nov. 7, when the project is expected to be considered by both the Plan Commission and Common Council.

The review follows the recent sale of the parcel to Bucyrus ACME, a limited liability company led by Que El-Amin of Scott Crawford, Inc. The 4.4-acre commercial parcel was sold for $2.75 million, according to online property records. The sale was recorded Oct. 17.

The latest plans, dated Oct. 10 in Plan Commission documents, indicate 179 apartments ― 68 in the Technical building, 26 in the Corporate building, 45 in the Heritage building and 40 in a new three-story building on the west side of the property. The Heritage building is proposed to include 7,730 square feet of retail space on the first floor with apartments on the remaining three floors above.

Other amenities in the plans include a playground behind the Corporate building, an art alley behind the Technical building and bicycle racks. There will be 384 parking spaces on the property.

South Park Lanes

Premier Pickleball Club & Complex opened on Friday at the former South Park Lanes, which closed in 2014, reopened as an indoor soccer facility, and is now home to one of the more unique redevelopment projects in the region. From its Facebook page, the new business is a …

Premier indoor facility with 12 dedicated courts facilitating open play, lessons, clinics, and tournaments. The complex also boasts event spaces, an exercise gym, pro shop, and member service amenities.

Here is a schedule of events for the weekend …

It’s a busy week! From the blog Events page …

• Friday, October 25: Tales & Tombstones, guided tour of the historic First Congregational UCC Cemetery, 6 p.m. Details
• Friday, October 25: Lights on Edgewood, 7 p.m., 1322 Edgewood Ave. Details
• Friday, October 25: Piano Men: Generations, 8 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details
• Saturday, October 26: Trunk or Treat and Fall Festival, 2-4 p.m., St. Mark’s Church.
• Saturday, October 26: Official city-sponsored trick-or-treating. 5-7 p.m.
• Saturday, October 26: Lights on Edgewood trick or treat block party, 6-8 p.m., 1322 Edgewood Ave. Details
• Sunday, October 27: Lights on Edgewood, 7 p.m., 1322 Edgewood Ave. Details
• Thursday, October 31: Lights on Edgewood, 7 p.m., 1322 Edgewood Ave. Details

Election Day is officially Tuesday, November 5, but early voting is already underway at South Milwaukee City Hall.

From the City of South Millwaukee …

Last day to request an absentee ballot by mail: October 31, 2024

Last day to register to vote in Clerk’s office for the election: November 1, 2024

In-person absentee voting in the Clerk’s office:

• October 22-25 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm;
• October 28-31 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm;
• November 1 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Additional infromation …

• Sample ballot
• Polling place map
• Check your registration status, request absentee ballots online, and get additional information on the MyVote Wisconsin website here.

My Choices

And if you’re looking for my recommendations … no surprises here … I will be voting for …

• President/Vice President: Kamala Harris-Tim Walz
• U.S. Senate: Sen. Tammy Baldwin
• U.S. House 1st District: Peter Barca
• Wisconsin State Assembly: Rep. Christine Sinicki

From the South Milwaukee Police Department …

From school district emails sent to high school and middle school families …

Thursday

Today, at approximately 1:40 p.m., the High School and the Middle School were placed in a brief HOLD. At the same time, District officials and the South Milwaukee Police Department removed a staff member from the high school due to an investigation. The HOLD was released at 1:47 p.m.  

As a reminder, the school may call a “HOLD” when there is a situation that requires the students and staff to remain in their rooms until the incident is resolved. Please refer to our District Family Safety Newsletter to review our Standard Response Protocol. 

Investigations involving staff members are extremely serious and administration officials are following all internal protocols and applicable state laws. The District is also cooperating with our partners in the South Milwaukee Police Department.

We respect the privacy and confidentiality of our staff and students. There is also a need to maintain the integrity of the investigation to obtain a final determination of the circumstances and any resulting decisions. Therefore no further information will be made available regarding this matter at this time. It is always our goal to be as forthcoming as possible with our community, so we will share additional information if and when we are able.  

Friday

We do not have any additional information that we are able to share at this time. Families and students that were directly impacted have been contacted.  If you have any questions or if your child has any additional information they would like to share, please contact the South Milwaukee Police Department or myself at 414-766-5035. If your child is impacted by this information and needs additional support at school, our student services team is available to meet with the students at school. Please contact your child’s counselor or the High School Principal, Mike Arendt, at 414-766-5110 to set up an appointment.

Find the latest event updates on my Events page.

• Thursday, October 17: South Milwaukee Community Meal, 5-6:30 p.m., First Congregational Church Hall. Meal, provided by local organizations, is free of charge. Details
• Friday, October 18: Lights on Edgewood, 7 p.m., 1322 Edgewood Ave. Details
• Saturday, October 19: Fall Craft & Vendor Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church-South Milwaukee, 2507 5th Ave. Details
• Saturday, October 19: South Milwaukee Spooktacular, 4-8 p.m., South Milwaukee Senior Center.
• Saturday, October 19: Lights on Edgewood, 7 p.m., 1322 Edgewood Ave. Details
• Saturday, October 19: Rick Wakeman, presented by ACG, 8 p.m., South Milwaukee PAC. Details
• Sunday, October 20: Trunk or Treat, 3-5 p.m., Zion Lutheran School, 3600 S. Chicago Ave. Details
• Sunday, October 20: Lights on Edgewood, 7 p.m., 1322 Edgewood Ave. Details

Happy to see this really cool outdoor light show return in October. Shows began last weekend and continue throughout the month. Definitely worth a visit!

From the Lights on Edgewood Facebook page …

Halloween 2024 is here! We are so excited to be back. Here’s our schedule:

• Friday October 11: 7PM
• Saturday October 12: 7PM
• Sunday October 13: 7PM
• Friday October 18: 7PM
• Saturday October 19: 7PM
• Sunday October 20: 7PM
• Friday October 25: 7PM
• Saturday October 26: 6 – 8PM – Trick or Treat block party
• Sunday October 27: 7PM
• Thursday October 31: 7PM (Halloween)

All shows will last approximately 30 minutes (except for October 26).

Our show is located at 1322 Edgewood Avenue in South Milwaukee. Weather permitting, we will have speakers outside so you can stand across the street or sit at the edge of the yard/driveway and enjoy the show. If you want to stay in your vehicle, you can tune to 101.5 FM to hear the music on your radio. Please do not block driveways or any passing traffic and stay to the side of the road.

For your safety, please do not wander into the display as there are wires along the ground that could be tripping hazards.

We are once again collecting donations in the form of non-perishable food and pantry items for South Milwaukee Human Concerns. There will be a collection bin at the end of the driveway.

The playlist for each show will be different so come back to see us as many times as you can for the full experience. Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you! Happy Halloween!

One year, four new downtown murals. With the ribbon cutting last week of two new works, public art has come to South Milwaukee’s downtown like never before.

And it would not have happened without the hard work of people committed to reinvigorating our city center. A special shoutout to Growing South Milwaukee, which, through volunteers, planned, fundraised for, and (in partnership with several talented local artists) brought to life amazing murals outside Sorce Martial Arts, Immortal Toys and Collectables/ChowChow Treats and Bakery, and Parkway Floral in the past year — the latter two just last week. With more to come!

Learn more about Growing South Milwaukee on Facebook here.

To the City of South Milwaukee, the mural you commissioned outside South Milwaukee Human Concerns is equally as beautfiul.

And to the Bucyrius Foundation, whose funds have helped contribute toward all of this, thank you. The impact this foundation is having on our city is just getting started, and it will be felt for generations.

I can’t wait to see what work of art is coming to downtown South Milwaukee next!

From the City of South Milwaukee …

Update on Marquette Avenue Water Main Break 

The water main break as been fixed, but Marquette is still closed from 12th Avenue to the railroad bridge due to road damage caused by the break.

Here’s what’s happening next:

• Today: Our Water/Wastewater Department is replacing the concrete under the asphalt.
• Tomorrow: A contractor will start removing the damaged asphalt.
• Wednesday: Asphalt replacement is scheduled (if all goes as planned).

Once the road work is complete, we’ll reopen the road. Thank you for your patience!

It’s that time of year again …

And might I suggest you just mulch? 🙂 I reshare the case I made in 2016 here.

Otherwise, here is information on the city’s collection process. Happy fall!