South Milwaukee Blog

Details here, and in this story from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

From the press release …

A public meeting to discuss the disposal of dredged material from the Kinnickinnic River in Pulaski Park (in Milwaukee) will be held by the Department of Natural Resources at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, in the Common Council Chambers of the South Milwaukee City Administration Building, 2424 15^th Avenue, South Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) is proposing to place dredged material (solids removed from the bed of any surface water) from a portion of the Kinnickinnic River located in Milwaukee County’s Pulaski Park, Milwaukee onto the Falk Landfill, which is owned by Rexnord. The Falk landfill is located at 13^th Avenue north of Rawson Avenue in the City of South Milwaukee.

The MMSD is planning to remove about 60,000 cubic yards of soil and sediment along the banks of the Kinnickinnic River and approximately 10,000 cubic yards will be disposed on the Falk Landfill.

The purpose of the meeting is to solicit public comment and answer questions on the proposal. There will be a brief introduction and explanation of the project by DNR and representatives of the MMSD and Rexnord. 

Please consider attending to learn more about what is being proposed.

It’s fall in South Milwaukee, and what’s more fall than some homecoming football?

You can cheer on the Rockets in a couple of ways.

• First, be sure to check out the Homecoming Parade on Thursday, starting at 6 p.m. The route takes it from 15th and Maple north to Oak Creek Parkway, where it ends at the bonfire and pep rally, starting around 7 p.m.
• Then there is the game — 7 p.m. on Friday vs. Cudahy at Spaltholz Field. Stakes are high: Beyond the rivalry, a South Milwaukee win makes them WIAA playoff eligible. (And it means Cudahy Mayor John Hohenfeldt has to wear a Rocket jersey at his next council meeting. A Cudahy win means I’ll be a Packer for a night.)

Then, on Saturday, it’s Safety Days at the South Milwaukee McDonald’s and a Stars & Stripes Honor Flight at nine local taverns.

In other words, it’s a busy Rocketober weekend in South Milwaukee!

Here is a PDF version of the updated schedule. And be sure to like the Rocketober Facebook page for the latest information.

I love this! Details on the calendar, and how and where to buy it, below.

Thanks to all of Friends groups for all they do. Support the mission of the Friends of Grant Park through this unique fundraiser. Christmas gift, anyone?

From the South Milwaukee Fire Department …

Thanks to a very generous donation received from the FBI Milwaukee Citizens Academy Alumni Association, each SMFD Firefighter has now been issued a particulate barrier hood that is designed to reduce the risk of cancer-causing particulate contamination while being exposed to smoke and other products released during fires.

Cancer is a growing concern as more and more firefighters are being diagnosed than ever before. The SMFD has taken a very proactive approach to cancer risk reduction and prevention. Our philosophy is simple . . . If we can do one thing that prevents one exposure or one diagnosis or saves one life . . . it’s worth it.

This hood is in addition to the protective hoods that personnel are currently issued that will remain standard issue in order to always provide the opportunity for a clean hood while a soiled one is being laundered.

Here is the press release from the South Milwaukee Health Department …

State and local health officials are advising residents to continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites as they announce this year’s first confirmed human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a resident of the City of South Milwaukee.

The majority of WNV human cases in the state occur during the months of August and September. However, the risk of contracting WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses is present anytime mosquitoes are active, so it is important for people to be vigilant about preventing mosquito bites throughout the summer and early fall.

The chances of a person contracting WNV are low and most people infected with West Nile virus will not have any symptoms. Those who do become ill may develop a fever, headache, and rash that lasts a few days. Symptoms may begin between three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In rare cases, WNV can cause severe disease with symptoms such as muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma. Older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of severe disease from the virus.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus other than to treat symptoms. If you think you have West Nile virus infection, contact your healthcare provider.

We’ve witnessed a lot of economic development wins in recent years — certainly some losses too — but my favorite ones are when we see a business choose to invest and grow locally, putting a stake in the ground in South Milwaukee’s future.

We’ve seen it occur in everywhere from small storefronts on Milwaukee Avenue to international companies.

Today, we celebrate ALDI, which had the grand opening of its newly remodeled and expanded store at 3105 Chicago Ave. today. I was proud to celebrate with them, dodging a few raindrops along with hundreds of others in line for the occasion.

The store is beautiful, a huge upgrade in the shopping experience.

I encourage you to check it out, and enjoy the latest example of the positive momentum we’re seeing in the redevelopment of our entire city.

There is a lot more to come.

Thanks, ALDI, for growing locally!

Thanks, Joe Knitter and Michele Perlongo, for the photos. 

Rocketober 2018 continues!

First, check out the latest South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center “Music at the Market” series show at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market on Thursday: the Hot & Dirty Brass Band, a 2018 WAMI Artist of the Year nominee.

From the market Facebook page …

“Hot & Dirty is not your traditional brass band. Influenced by Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Bonerama, and modern day brass bands, the Hot & Dirty players bring the party wherever they go. Band Members: Michael Clobes (Trombone/Vocals), Kevin Klemme (Trumpet/Vocals), John Vollmar (Tenor Sax/Vocals), Kyle Samuelson (Sousaphone), Matt Cordier (Drum Set).”

The market continues on Thursdays through Oct. 11, with its popular Fall Family Festival set for Oct. 4. Mark your calendars!

This weekend, also check out the last Suburban Soles Guided Nature Walk of the year, led by South Milwaukeean Bryce Ruddock, who has literally written the book on the subject. And get ready for Homecoming next week, including the parade and bonfire.

I’ve also added a couple events on Saturday, Sept. 29 … Fire & Police Safety Days and a Mini Golf Pub Crawl raising money for Stars & Stripes Honor Flight.

It’s fall in South Milwaukee!

Here is a PDF version of the updated schedule. And be sure to like the Rocketober Facebook page for the latest information.

It’s budget season, and here are some key dates to keep in mind in the weeks ahead …

• Oct. 9: Executive budget review, 6 p.m.
• Oct. 24: Proposed budget published.
• Nov. 19: Public hearing on proposed budget, 6 p.m.
• Nov. 20: City Council meets to adopt budget, 7 p.m.

All meetings are at City Hall and open to the public, and I encourage you to be part of the debate.

I will keep you posted on the budget as the process unfolds, as we do our best to continue to fund our first-class city services, innovating when and where possible and improving efficiency to ensure we are serving you, our taxpayers, as best we can.

That starts with this work in coming weeks.

Had a great time at “The Life and Times of Vince Lombardi” last night at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center …

And Rocketober 2018 is just getting started!

This weekend, it’s the Beach Walk, with Homecoming right around the corner.

Check out the updated schedule on the Rocketober Facebook page, which will also have the most current information on events, including photos.

Happy Rocketober, South Milwaukee!

______________________________________

From the South Milwaukee School District …

Vote November 6! Investing in our Future: Safe, Strong, Successful

The School District of South Milwaukee School Board has placed a referendum on the November 6 ballot to invest in three main goals:

1) Ensure students’ safety and address emotional needs

• An annual budget item to specifically improve safety in all our schools.
• Identifying and assisting students with emotional needs, providing them with direct services.

2) Maintain our existing programs and facilities

• Ensure future students can benefit from the same outstanding programs and classes as our current students.
• Protect the investment taxpayers have made in the district’s facilities through a yearly maintenance replacement budget.

3) Expand student learning opportunities and invest in the future

• Personalized and innovative learning opportunities that allow students to receive additional support and flexible learning opportunities.
• Additional staffing to increase virtual school options, add special education staff, provide academic support, expand 4K, reduce class sizes and more.

Election Day is November 6

The referendum question asks community members to increase the levy limit by $3.8 million over a period of six years. That’s an estimated tax impact of $9 to $12 per every $100,000 of assessed property value in each of the first five years. The final tax impact at the end of six years is a reduction of an estimated $140.18 per every $100,000 of assessed property value, due to other paid-off debt.

To Find Out More

The district is holding a community forum on Monday, September 17, from 6-7pm in the District Board Room at the 6-12 campus. Enter through Door #8. Two more forums are scheduled for October 9 and November 1, at the same time and location. All are welcome!

You may also find answers to frequently asked questions, including the estimated tax impact, at http://www.SoMilwReferendum.org.

The roundup this week includes this item from the South Milwaukee Police Department weekly summary and the South Milwaukee Fire Department …

“Officers and South Milwaukee Fire Department personnel were dispatched to a report of a fire in the 400 block of Southtowne Drive at 10:47 p.m. on Sept. 8. Upon arrival smoke was observed coming from an apartment in the DD building at the Southtowne Village Apartments. All occupants were able to exit the building and the fire, which was concentrated in an apartment kitchen area, was extinguished by South Milwaukee Fire Department personnel. The incident remains under investigation by both the South Milwaukee Police Department and South Milwaukee Fire Department.”

And these headlines …

• South Milwaukee Unveils Newest MCTS Bus Shelter Art (Fox 6)
• South Milwaukee Human Concerns Receives $30,000 from Eaton Corp. Foundation for Food Pantry (NOW)
• Hardcore Packers Fans, Actor John Pinero Knows More About Vince Lombardi than You! Catch Him in “Vince: The Life & Times Of Vince Lombardi” (NOW)
• South Milwaukee Man Who Received His 8th OWI Told Police he Was Heading to the Liquor Store (NOW)
• Man Rescued After Falling from Bluff in Sheridan Park (Fox 6)
• South Milwaukee Man Charged with Stealing 8 Bars of Silver, 2 Revolvers as Part of $15,000 Haul from Muskego Home (NOW)

Earlier this month, City Attorney Chris Smith updated the South Milwaukee Common Council on a seemingly small innovation that is paying big dividends.

The problem was simple: We were requiring young offenders — mostly for cases in involving truancy — to leave school and attend court at City Hall to deal with their tickets. In doing so, kids would often miss a half day or more of class … all to deal with a case that started with them missing class in the first place.

The solution was just as simple: Move Municipal Court to the schools.

That’s what Chris, in partnership with school leaders, did. And it’s working.

Learn more in the presentation Chris gave here. Here are the benefits from it …

• Less non-appearances (default judgements)
• Much higher engagement with schools
• Greatly reducing the amount of class time missed
• Greatly reducing the amount of juveniles loitering at City Hall during the day

We continue to innovate in ways big and small in city government, and we must always strive to do better in delivering the services you fund with your taxpayer money more efficiently and more effectively.

And when we can work with the schools to do it, all the better.

That is why I will always get behind ideas like this.

900 Sherman Avenue

240 Hawthorne Avenue

704 Lake Drive

613 Walnut Street

1605 Sherman Avenue

Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home (700 Milwaukee Avenue)

Educators Credit  Union (1201 Marquette Avenue)

South Milwaukee has curb appeal!

Thanks to everyone who submitted nominations for our first-annual South Milwaukee Beautification Committee Curb Appeal Awards — the latest in the series of awards the committee is sponsoring throughout the year.

My takeaway from our judging tour last weekend: There are lots of people committed to doing their part to make South Milwaukee beautiful. Very impressive.

It was a difficult choice for the committee judges, and here are the “best of the best” …

• Grand Prize: 900 Sherman Avenue
• 704 Lake Drive
• 1605 Sherman Avenue
• 240 Hawthorne Avenue
• 613 Walnut Street
• 1201 Marquette Avenue (Educators Credit Union)
• 700 Milwaukee Avenue (Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home)

Congratulations!

Each of the homeowners will receive $50, a yard sign (put them up today), and recognition at an upcoming council meeting, in addition to kudos on my and the city’s digital platforms. The businesses will receive everything but the cash.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this new awards program happen, and we look forward to bringing it back next year. Remember, we can only judge homes and businesses that are nominated, so if you see a worthy address, let us know!

Also, don’t forget about the upcoming Beautification Committee awards. Nominations are being taken for the Rocketober Awards now, and we are bringing back the Light Up South Milwaukee Holiday Lights Awards heading into Christmas.

Make your plans now to help us recognize the “best of the best” in South Milwaukee.

The idea is simple: As South Milwaukee remains the only community in the area to hold trick-or-treating on its rightful day each year (Halloween evening), let’s also “own” the holiday in the area, and fall as a whole for that matter.

Round up all the cool fall and Halloween-related events going on around town, help create a few new ones, brand the whole enterprise, and jointly promote it. And, along the way, celebrate a great time of year to be a South Milwaukeean.

Welcome to year five of Rocketober! Here is your schedule.

It starts this weekend with a Suburban Soles Guided Nature Walk and Food Truck Sunday. We’ll see you around town … and be sure to like the Rocketober Facebook page for the most up-to-date schedule, event flyers, photos and more.

Eaton Corp. steps up again, this time to support South Milwaukee’s much-deserving social service agency. From Human Concerns …

South Milwaukee Human Concerns (SMHC) received the largest grant awarded by the Eaton Corporation Charitable Fund in southeastern Wisconsin, a $30,000 award that will help the nonprofit food pantry continue its mission of help and hope to thousands of South Milwaukee residents.

The Eaton Corporation Charitable Fund is dedicated to supporting programs that improve the quality of life in communities where the company operates. The global power management solutions company operates a major electrical automation and control plant in South Milwaukee at 2800 9^th Avenue.

In a check presentation ceremony August 29 at SMHC, 1029 Milwaukee Avenue, Eaton officials praised the work of SMHC, which served 7,403 unique/unduplicated clients in 2017, including 2,962 children.

“I am so grateful that we could make this happen,” said Denise Arnold, Product Specialist, Power Systems Division at Eaton in South Milwaukee. Arnold, one of 30 SMHC volunteers, said Eaton is proud to support SMHC, an organization that does such important work and fulfills a vital community-wide role.

Largely unique in its charitable philosophy, Eaton Corporation Charitable Fund supports the volunteer work of its employees within its communities of operation; qualifying grant dollars follow the employee’s work to a worthy nonprofit organization.

Deb DeBoer, SMHC director, lauded Eaton’s grant award, saying it will help to sustain the center’s operations, which relies on volunteers and donations and has many on-going expenses.

In addition to its work as a food pantry, SMHC provides used adult and children’s clothing, selected household items and social service referrals. It also offers annual school supply and holiday gift giving programs for children in partnership with area businesses, organizations and faith based groups. SMHC receives no taxpayer funding and began work as a nonprofit 501(c)3 in 1973. All of its services are provided at no cost to its needs-based clients. For more information and to donate visit smhumanconcerns.org.