South Milwaukee Blog

From the South Milwaukee Police Department …

On January 11, 2019, the South Milwaukee Police Department responded to a stabbing in the 500 block of Clark Avenue. The victim, Deborah Lynch, 62 years of age, died from her injuries and the suspect, a 31-year-old man, was taken into custody near the scene. The suspect in this case has now been charged with First Degree Intentional Homicide, Use of a Dangerous Weapon. The suspect is being identified as Kehinde S. Afolayan. The suspect is not related to the victim but was an acquaintance who was temporarily staying at the victim’s apartment. Please continue to keep the victim and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

TMJ4 and Fox 6 and have more details from the criminal complaint. It was a brutal crime, with the suspect allegedly stabbing the victim 116 times.

In case you missed the Business Journal story on this Sunday night, there is continued progress on the redevelopment of the Bucyrus campus downtown, south of Rawson Avenue. Some highlights referenced in article — available here behind a paywall — and some not …

• Reich Brothers now has full control of the property, after buying out Caterpillar’s existing lease. This is significant, as it allows them to fully market and lease the various parts of the site without any influence from Caterpillar. The lease, “added another layer of complexity to any effort to bring new companies into the property,” according to the story. “They were great to work with,” Reich said. “We both wanted the same thing.”
• “Reich said work has begun to rehab the property’s buildings for new tenants. That work will include new paint, lighting, doors and roofs, and preparing interiors for future tenant renovations.” Said Reich: “We’re off and running, and the site is ready for business.”
• The end result? Reich “will transform it into a more traditional, urban business park with offices and manufacturing space for multiple companies,” according to the story. “City officials are working with Reich to design new public infrastructure to weave the campus into the surrounding city street grid and open it to the general public.”
• The Dickman Company Inc. is marketing the site.
• According to the story: “Reich and South Milwaukee officials also plan to change the city streets and sidewalks around the Bucyrus property. As a one-company campus, it was closed off to the surrounding public streets. South Milwaukee and Reich Brothers are splitting the cost of designing new roads and utilities to open it back up so multiple companies can move in, Brooks said. ‘In a lot of ways, the campus won’t feel like a fortress anymore.’”
• The formation of Tax Incremental District No. 5 will help in the revitalization effort, and with infrastructure investment. And not mentioned in the article are other potential sources of funds the city continues to explore, including funds available through the site’s Economic Opportunity Zone status, as well as new market tax credits.
• And Reich also now has ownership of the large parking lot at 12th and Milwaukee Avenue, as part of the lease agreement. They are required, through negotiations with the city, to make it available for public parking on nights and weekends. More details to come on that.

In other words, progress is real in the redevelopment of the Bucyrus campus, even as Caterpillar continues to produce equipment north of Rawson. There will be much more to come in 2019.

Indeed, the campus, and South Milwaukee, are open for business.

From the South Shore Chamber of Commerce …

It’s that time again for another South Shore Soup event!

South Shore Soup is a micro-granting soup dinner supporting creative projects in Cudahy, St. Francis, and South Milwaukee; the communities that make up the South Shore Chamber. This innovative micro-granting event has been done throughout the Country and in Milwaukee.

• Sunday, February 10, 2019
• Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Place: Polonez Restaurant – St. Francis

RSVP by registering online under Events at ssccwi.com.PLEASE RSVP ON OR BEFORE February 6, 2019.

(If registering children 12 and under, please email infossccwi@gmail.com or call 414-483-8615 and leave a message with this information)

Deadline to Submit Application: January 30, 2019. Winners will be contacted on February 3, 2019.

PLEASE EMAIL infossccwi@gmail.com for an application, or visit ssccwi.com under the Events link and find the application within the registration link.

How to attend: For a donation of $10 for adults (children 12 and under are free), attendees receive a variety of hearty soup, salad, bread, desert and they VOTE for a grantee. Pr-registration is recommended to get a count for the food.

• How it works: At the Soup dinner you hear from four presentations ranging from art, urban agriculture, social entrepreneurs, education, technology and more in hopes the attendees will “grant” them the proceeds from the soup dinner for their cause.
• What is the process: Each presenter has four minutes to share their idea and answer four questions from the audience. At the event, attendees eat, talk, share resources, enjoy and vote on the project they think most benefits the cities most. At the end of the night we count the ballots and the winner goes home with all the attendee registration money raised to carry out their project.

Winners come back to a future Soup dinner to report their projects progress. (Next event will be held in April 2019.)

Do you have a project you would like to support? Do you know a group that would like to sign up? Have them fill out an application. Questions? Email Trish Wimer at trish2@wi.rr.com.

Jan. 14 update: Click here.

From the South Milwaukee Police Department …

At approximately 9:30 AM the South Milwaukee Police and Fire Departments responded to an apartment building in the 500 block of Clark Avenue for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers found a 62- year-old female with multiple stab wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced deceased. A 31-year-old male was taken into custody near the scene. We continue to investigate the relationship between the victim and suspect, as well as the circumstances that led to this incident. No other suspects are being sought and there is no further danger to the community.

And award-winning guitarist. An a cappella celebration. A music legend. Mandolins. Indeed, the next few weeks will be exciting ones at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center — and South Milwaukee as a whole.

Here is a lineup …

• Thursday, January 17: Jesse Cook, presented by ACG. From the PAC website: “I want to take people to places they haven’t been.” Jesse Cook, Juno winning master guitarist, known for his intoxicating fusion of world music, has traveled the globe looking for sounds that resonate with him. “I like finding common ground for different music traditions, a space where music from around the world can come together,” Cook explains. “A place where modern sounds can mix with ancient timbres.” More details here.
• Saturday, January 19: Milwaukeappella. “Now in it’s fifth season, Milwaukappella is a day-long a cappella workshop for high school and college age students followed by an evening concert featuring students from the dayside classes plus a show-stopping performance by a professional a cappella ensemble. This year our headliners are The HIVE Vocal Band. The five fiercely unique and uniquely talented women of HIVE are not only show-stopping performers, they’re accomplished educators as well. Giving back to the musical community through education is a core value of the group. … Presented by Landaas & Company Investments, an annual fundraiser for The Rotary Club of Mitchell Field. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to fund community and international projects of The Rotary Club of Mitchell Field.” More details here.
• Tuesday, January 22: Randy Bachman’s “Every Song Tells a Story.” “Randy Bachman stands in rarified air as a member of a very exclusive club of recording artists who topped the charts with two different bands: “American Woman” with The Guess Who and “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” as leader and singer with Bachman‐Turner Overdrive. It’s a club with precious few members. In a career spanning five decades and earning a staggering 120 platinum, gold and silver record awards, Randy’s record sales figures exceed 40 million. His distinctive brand of no‐holds‐barred, guitar‐driven rock is instantly recognizable worldwide. As host of the top‐rated CBC and Sirius XM radio program Randy Bachman’s Vinyl Tap, his listeners worldwide number in the millions each week, earning him the title as Canada’s favourite storyteller. Details here.
• Saturday, January 26: “Music That Made Milwaukee Famous.” “The Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra (MMO) has been a Milwaukee fixture since 1900. Known for its performance of music from America’s golden age of mandolin orchestras (the late 1800s to early 1900s), the MMO is considered one of the best mandolin orchestras to perform rags, waltzes, and marches. Now with world renowned classical guitarists Rene Izquierdo and Elina Chekan as directors, the MMO captivates audiences with inspirational performances of preeminent works of the baroque and classical periods.” Details here.

The deadline for nomination signatures has come and gone, and there are two local races to be decided on April 2 — one contested.

Here is who will be on the ballot in the spring general election …

• South Milwaukee Municipal Judge: Incumbent Judge Bill Fenger will go up against challenger Kelly Martyka, a local attorney, seeking a three-year term.
• South Milwaukee School Board: Incumbents Doug Perry and Sophia Williams join Augie Vega on the ballot, for three seats.

Sophia replaced Patricia Bordak on the board in October, and filled out her three-year term.

Therese Travia has previously informed the district of her intentions not to seek another term, after 23 years on the board. Terry, thanks for your service, and passion for our kids!

The general election is set for Tuesday, April 2. No primary is necessary.

The South Milwaukee Unite Against Drug Abuse Coalition will be hosting its third-annual Addiction Information Resource Fair at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

Please join us for this important community event!

From the South Milwaukee Health Department’s Facebook event …

This year’s event will feature a live podcast with Don’t Die Wisconsin. Join us for a conversation about addiction, treatment and recovery. There will also be an addiction information resource fair prior to the podcast. The podcast is for a mature audience due to language and content. For more information contact the South Milwaukee Health Department at (414) 768-8055.

The South Milwaukee PAC is located inside the South Milwaukee High School. Enter through door #9 located on the northwest side of the building. The PAC is on the 2nd floor.

The South Milwaukee Lions and one of its proudest former members — along with a flower-powered, locally inspired convertible — will be front and center during Tuesday’s Pasadena Tournament of Roses Rose Parade.

And there is a celebration to go along with it.

The parade will be broadcast starting at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1 on ABC, and you can check it out at a parade viewing party at The Tap Room, 1301 Milwaukee Ave. From the Facebook event posting …

Come watch the Rose Bowl Parade, support a fantastic cause and celebrate the life of Karla Harris …The Tap Room will be donating 15% of our daily sales to the South Milwaukee Lions club in Karla Harris name. For those of you who didn’t know Karla here is just a little about her and her story. 

Karla Harris, from South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was elected to serve a two-year term as an International director of Lions Clubs. She was on trend to become the next female president of Lions Club International. She was a member of the South Milwaukee Lions Club since 2002, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor, council chairperson, Multiple District Centennial Coordinator and Leadership Institute faculty member, etc. She was also a leader within her own community. As president of the South Milwaukee Police and Fire Commission. As executive director of the South Milwaukee Community Center. As volunteer coordinator for the American Red Cross and Women’s Center. As a member of the boards of the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, Wisconsin Make-a-Wish, the UW-Milwaukee School of Education, AFS International, and many others. She was honored by the White House as a “Champion of Change” for her work to raise awareness for the visually impaired and helping to create the Lions “Rockin’ the Vest” Rap Video.

Karla had the idea to produce a rap video to help bring in new members, little did she know this video would later be translated into 33 different languages around the world. This rap film was created right here in South Milwaukee, with local Leos, Lioness and Lions from all around the state. The “Rockin’ the Vest” theme will be carried out in her honor for this year’s 2019 Lions Club International float in the Parade Of Roses. Lion Clarence, Lion Claren and Lion Casey will be riding on the float in her honor.

Karla Harris lost her battle with cancer at the young age of 62. However, her legacy will live on for many years to come.

Learn more in the press release.

Here is what the media are covering in South Milwaukee this week …

• This South Milwaukee Children’s Author Couldn’t Find a Lot of Books About Minorities. So She Wrote Her Own. (MJS)
• Homeless Sex Offender Released in South Milwaukee Sparks Social-Media Concerns (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• How a South Milwaukee Teacher Went From the Classroom to Taking Over a Restaurant in Less Than 2 Years (MJS)
• 12 Plays, Musicals and Concerts to See in January in Milwaukee (MJS)
• Caterpillar Aims to Please (Canadian Mining Journal)

Also, the South Milwaukee Police Department has published a new crime summary. Check it out on its Facebook page.

Update: The South Milwaukee Police Department is investigating the fire “because of suspicious circumstances.”

From the South Milwaukee Fire Department … please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers on Christmas Eve.

At approx. 4:15am this morning, SMFD and SMPD responded to a 9-1-1 report of a garage fire in the 600 block of Elm Avenue. Arriving units discovered a well involved detached garage with fire extending to the nearby single-family house. The fire was extinguished with the help of our mutual aid partners. The garage and the vehicle inside are a total loss. The house received moderate damage to the rear exterior wall, mostly from direct flame impingement and radiant heat. No injuries were reported. Investigators are currently looking into the cause.

Good news from the South Milwaukee Police Department …

The Milwaukee Police Department and the SMPD have arrested the person that we believe to be responsible for the recent robbery at the South Milwaukee Associated Bank! This subject is also believed to be responsible for a recent bank robbery in the City of St. Francis and an attempted bank robbery in Milwaukee. Charges have been presented to the Milwaukee County DA’s Office.

More wins than losses: That’s what we are trying to drive when it comes the redevelopment of South Milwaukee.

And we’re seeing that, especially downtown.

Let’s take a quick tour, west to east, with more details to come on all of these in coming days, weeks and months … 

• 1234 Milwaukee Ave. Please join me in welcoming our newest downtown business, Neutral Ground Martial Arts & Fitness! This is the third Milwaukee-area location for this martial arts studio, which also has locations in Bay View and on the East Side. From their website: “Open since 2005, we believe in a ‘safety first’ approach to the martial arts, in a laid back and playful environment that nurtures learning and camaraderie. We look after each other, building up the newbie from their first day onward. With our eclectic mix of instructors and training partners, we’re proud to share our mats with all walks of life, and our diversity contributes greatly to our individual and group mastery of the arts.”  Their focus is on Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It’s a great get for South Milwaukee, as Jon Friedland brings his well-established business with a regional draw into our city center. Plan on attending their opening on Saturday, Jan. 5. Here is their Facebook page. 
• Jogging south down 12th Avenue, there is David’s 4-Speeds. This a really cool muscle car transmission business that is moving from Milwaukee to a renovated space that is part of the former Line Material property, 2205 12th Ave. They are working toward their occupancy now. 
• Back on Milwaukee Avenue, here’s a quick shoutout to the runaway success that is Milwaukee Sausage Co., 1200 Milwaukee Ave. They recently were named the official hot dog and sausage partner of the Milwaukee Milkmen, the new professional baseball team headed to Routine Field in Franklin. More details here. 
• Continuing past the soon-to-be-new-home for Da Crusher statue, Black Sheep Tattoo will replace Revolution Hair Studio, 1017 Milwaukee Ave. The city council approved their conditional use permit on Tuesday after initially denying due to a previously suggested name. I look forward to officially welcoming the Zollers to this terrific space. 
• Turning south on 10th Avenue, the former Grebe’s/Nona’s Cafe/Grillworks at 2206 10th Ave. is getting new life, as Annette Hall is working hard to open a Southern/Cajun restaurant in early 2019. I met her recently and left impressed with her plans for the space. I can taste the fried chicken, catfish, mac and cheese and greens already!
• At 10th and Marquette, the dilapidated gas station is now fully razed. It is addition by subtraction, as that property eventually goes up for sale and is redeveloped. This should be a valuable parcel on a high-traffic corner of our city, a gateway to downtown. 
• Back on Main Street, Gecko Leatherworks continues its growth and is now getting a Milwaukee Avenue storefront! The leather shop will soon take half the space currently used by Serendipitous Designs & Gifts, 907 Milwaukee Ave., as Jamie right-sizes her business for future growth. A win-win, as we now get two local artist shops for the price of one. 
• Down the block, new life is coming to the former clinic at 902 Milwaukee Ave., as Aurora Health Care is planning to bring more than 20 office employees to the space. Lots more to come on this exciting development that will surely boost downtown businesses. 

All of this is happening as significant progress is made on the redevelopment of the former Bucyrus campus, with the new owners, Reich Brothers, continuing to advance their campus subdivision and master plans, and their lease buyout negotiations with Caterpillar. The latter is critical because, once complete, Reich will have true control of the campus. 

And our streetscaping plans are progressing. The Public Works & Public Property Committee met several times in the fourth quarter to advance the plan toward a final design. Final council consideration is expected in February, with plans for an August start.

More wins than losses, over months and years — this is how we’ll get things done in downtown South Milwaukee. Let’s go!

Another terrific show coming to the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, to benefit a terrific local organization.

From the Rotary Club of Mitchell Field …

HIVE, a group of five fierce and very different vocalists who make music and sound effects solely with their voices, are headlining Milwaukappella, Jan. 19, 2019, at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center www.southmilwaukeepac.org.

HIVE’s 7:30 p.m. performance opens with students who will have attended classes in a daylong workshop at South Milwaukee High School conducted by veteran vocal teachers and HIVE musicians.Formed in August 2017, HIVE has released singles and music videos which can be found on all streaming platforms. HIVE also has exclusive numbers on Patreon.

Advance tickets for the evening performance start at $14 for students and seniors, $19 for adults, family 4-pack $15 each. Children 4 and under are free.

Tickets can be purchased on the SMPAC website, or click here:http://southmilwaukeepac.org/event/milwaukappella.More information about the event and the student workshop classes, which will cover beatboxing, vocal percussion, belting, blending, arranging, vocal technique, blocking and choreography, is at http://www.rcomf.org/Stories/a-cappella-music-milwaukee-milwaukappella-2019.

The workshop advance $45 fee ($55 at the door) includes classes, two meals, participation in the evening performance opening number and a great seat for the remainder of the show.

The workshop classes and performance are presented by the Rotary Club of Mitchell Field, with additional support from Pineapple Café in Oak Creek, McDonald’s, Meijer, Farm and Fleet, Jimmy Johns and Culvers.

Performance proceeds support charitable efforts of The Rotary Club of Mitchell Field. RCMF funds student scholarships, grants to local non-profits, a Christmas party for Goodwill workers, and a prom for senior citizens, and provides food to families at Thanksgiving. The club has been serving Cudahy, Franklin, Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, St. Francis and Bay View since 1958.

A portion of Milwaukappella proceeds also go to South Milwaukee Music and South Milwaukee Music Parents Association to support the district’s music programs.

This is the consecutive fifth year Landaas & Company Investments will have sponsored and provided major funding for Milwaukappella. Landaas & Company Investments is independent of big banks and brokerage houses and therefore uniquely qualified to provide objective, unbiased investment advice to help people meet their financial goals.