South Milwaukee Blog

Just a week until Kickball for a Cure, and we are still looking for a couple more teams.

To reserve a spot in the double-elimination tournament, click here.

Teams must consist of at least nine people — preferred with at least three being kids ages 9 and up, but not required. We will do our best to match teams up by ability. No need to share a roster — just make sure your team shows up on game day.

Games start at 11 a.m. on August 26, all at South Milwaukee Little League Park. Cost is just $50 per team, payable the day of the event. All proceeds benefit JDRF.

And even if you are not playing, be sure to stop by for some food, raffles, music, and family fun. It should be a great day, for a great cause!

Today is Election Day! Please do your constitutional duty and vote.

There are contested Democratic primaries for Wisconsin governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and treasurer; the U.S. House of Representatives; and Milwaukee County Sheriff. On the Republican side, there are contested primaries for governor, secretary of state and treasurer; U.S. Senate, and the House.

Also, please note: In a partisan primary, you may vote in only one party’s primary, as chosen on the ballot. If you choose a party, votes cast in that party will be counted. Votes cast in any other party will not be counted. If you do not choose a party, and you vote in more than one party, no votes will be counted.

• Here is a sample ballot.
• Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• First District voters vote at Divine Mercy School, 695 College Ave.
• Second District voters vote at Lakeview School, 711 Marion Ave.
• Third District voters vote at City Hall, 2424 15th Ave.
• Fourth District voters vote at Rawson Elementary, 1410 Rawson Ave.
• Not sure what district you live in? Here is a map.
• Please remember to bring photo ID.
• For information on voter registration, polling locations, and to request an absentee ballot for future elections, visit MyVote.

Check out more details on the city’s elections web page … and look for more information on local results on the city’s website tonight or Wednesday morning.

And while you’re out, please thank a pollworker. These dedicated citizens bring democracy to life through their too-often thankless work.

Other than a scheduled post or two, or to handle some significant breaking news, I’ll be taking a break from the blog.

Thanks for reading, and helping drive the more than 1.2 million page views this site has attracted since it launched in 2009.

I’ll be back soon! Until then, enjoy a picture of the amazing South Milwaukee sky on Thursday, Aug. 9. It cast our city in a beautiful light.

You may have seen today’s NOW story on the potential of Bird Scooters coming to South Milwaukee.

Check it out here. From it …

“We want to be at the front end of multimodal transportation,” Mayor Erik Brooks said. “I don’t mind being first or among the first to do this.”

The Bird scooters were recently dropped off in various locations around Milwaukee and received mixed reactions with some residents flocking to them and others opposed.

The bigger issue: The scooters are illegal to use in Wisconsin.

Bird agreed to remove the scooters from Milwaukee in early August following weeks of discussions by city officials as well as some residents showing support for the new mode of transportation. However, they could be back if laws in Wisconsin are changed.

When asked if the issues happening in Milwaukee hatched the plan in South Milwaukee, Brooks said he and city officials were following the issue closely and it did lead to the idea to look into bringing them, and electric scooters in general, to the city.

Brooks said city officials have been talking with representatives from Bird to work on a possible managed rollout of the scooters. “It has to be a managed rollout,” Brooks said. “They can’t just be dumping scooters in South Milwaukee like they did in Milwaukee.”

However, that rollout might have to wait a while; the city will likely hold off until action is taken at the state level to legalize them.

I want to stress that last point. We discussed this at Tuesday’s common council meeting, and that is where we left the issue — needing more clarity from the state before we look deeper at the potential of bringing these to South Milwaukee. We would also need to repeal a local ordinance that disallows motorized scooters.

I don’t mind being an early adopter, once the state provides its guidance and likely after Milwaukee decides on its potential rollout. But this has to be done the right way, as a partnership with Bird to ensure the proper written agreements, rules, regulations and expectations are in place before the first scooter hits the streets.  The South Milwaukee Common Council was clear with that feedback this week, and I agree.

So, we wait, and continue to do our homework.

I also plan to use this time to discuss the issue with leaders of surrounding cities and Milwaukee County to gauge their interest. I’d be hesitant to put South Milwaukee on an “island” in allowing Bird Scooters; they will likely get more use if riders could connect across communities, including Milwaukee … not have to stop riding at city lines.

As we dive into these and other details — from law enforcement to parking to liability issues — this much is becoming increasingly clear: These types of rideshare alternatives are the future, and the future is now. The question is, will we be prepared to innovate?

I want South Milwaukee to be ready to roll when the time is right.

Today’s headline roundup includes a tragic story of a South Milwaukee woman dying after a puppy nip, positive press for a couple local businesses, and more …

• Wisconsin Woman’s Death Attributed to Infection from a Dog Lick (TMJ4)
• Handmade Sausage in South Milwaukee (Shepherd Express)
• Cool Treats for All Tastes at AM Ice Cream (Shepherd Express)
• 10 Suburban Milwaukee School Districts Are Seeking Voter Approval for Referendums. Here’s Why. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
• Photos: South Milwaukee Football Practice Night (NOW)

Also, the South Milwaukee Police Department has published its weekly crime summary on its Facebook page.

Please keep the family of Sharon Larson in your thoughts and prayers.

From the South Milwaukee School District …

The School Board for the School District of South Milwaukee has an available opening. Letters of interest, including why you are interested in being a School Board member, are due to the District Office on Thursday, September 13, 2018, by 4:00 pm. Letters may be mailed or dropped off to 901 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI 53172, attention Jessica Hess.

School Board interviews with candidates will be held on or about Wednesday, September 19, 2018, during an open meeting. It is anticipated that the selected candidate will be sworn into the School Board on October 3, 2018. The term will run through spring 2019, at which time there will be a formal election process for a standard three-year term.

The candidate will replace Pat Bordak, who is stepping down from the board after serving 13 years. You can see more details in the proclamation in this post, which declared July 11, 2018, as Patricia Bordak Day in the South Milwaukee School District.

I want to personally wish Pat well. She is a strong advocate for our first-class local schools, and a respected leader in this community. Her passion for education and South Milwaukee can’t be overstated. Good luck, Pat. You will be missed.

I hope there are number of strong candidates to replace her. Please consider stepping up!

“Promote, encourage, and work to enhance the beauty of the City of South Milwaukee.” That is the mission of the South Milwaukee Beautification Committee.

Be part of bringing that mission to life by joining this important group!

Interested? Fill out an application here.

We are looking for several new members, but not necessarily any particular skill set. All we want are people passionate about improving the look and feel of their city, be it through downtown and public space plantings, urban forestry, awards programs, and much more. Ideas welcome!

More details here.

Thanks for stepping up!

This Saturday! Thanks to Masjid Al-Huda for being terrific neighbors.

Consider it another example of the work we are doing to ensure property owners live up to our ordinance requirements and do what’s right by the city they call home.

Lawsuits are a last a resort, but they a tool we are using more and more. We have to. Enough is enough, with some of these property owners.

From Biz Times …

The city of South Milwaukee is suing the owner of Sunrise Plaza, arguing code violations and a lack of maintenance violate a 2001 development agreement that included city money to redevelop the property.

“All you have to do is drive by and see it and you’ll see it suffers from even the most basic maintenance issues,” said South Milwaukee mayor Erik Brooks. “We’re at the point now where we’re not going to take that.” …

Brooks said ideally the court action will compel compliance with the city’s orders, but he added that if property owners do not want to invest they could at least sell to someone who will. He added that South Milwaukee has increased its emphasis on code enforcement and he’s willing to continue taking legal action if necessary.

“I don’t want to overuse this tool,” he said before adding the city has “certainly been more willing than ever to step up and take this step.”

Brooks also acknowledged the city has to work to find the right owners for properties and to provide tools and incentives to those who do want to invest in what they own. “You’re not going to redevelop your city based on punitive measures alone,” he said.

Looking for some new gear with our new City logo? We have teamed up with some of our local businesses to help.

From wearables to flags to leather goods, Styled Aesthetic, JBs Tee Shirt Factory, Maras Sewing House, and Gecko Leather Works have some really cool stuff available. Visit www.smwi.org/logo for information on items available and where and how to purchase.

Do you want to produce some logo items for sale? Contact us to learn more.

From the South Milwaukee Industrial Museum …

The South Milwaukee Industrial Museum has installed a pop-up display in the lobby of City Hall that celebrates the 125^th anniversary of the first equipment shipments from the Bucyrus Steam Shovel and Dredge Company out of South Milwaukee. Started in Bucyrus, Ohio in 1880, Bucyrus moved to the Village of South Milwaukee in April of 1893 after outgrowing the original factory site. By August, shipments were heading around the world from the new South Milwaukee factory.  After a merger in 1927, it became known worldwide as Bucyrus-Erie Company and was subsequently renamed Bucyrus International Inc. in 1997.

Bucyrus was at the heart of South Milwaukee’s development during this period. The company purchased land, developed the required infrastructure, and then sold lots to employees at cost. They were literally helping to build the town around their growing factory, and South Milwaukee became a city in 1897. Since opening here, Bucyrus employed tens of thousands, and many residents have had three, four, and even five generations of family members who worked there.

Included in the historical display is an original steam shovel drawing, an 1890’s cigar punch promo item, a 120 year old steam shovel handbook, an original brass nameplate from a 1900’s dredge, and an 1890’s glass bottle from the Geo. Ziegler Soda Company of South Milwaukee found in the walls of one of the original factory buildings during recent remodeling. There’s also a medal and memorabilia from the infamous 1893 Colombian Exposition/World’s Fair held in Chicago. Bucyrus won the award for the unique industry leading design innovations of its dredging equipment.

The South Milwaukee Industrial Museum LLC (SMIM) was formed In March of 2017 as a not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to protecting, preservation, and display of the historical assets of the former Bucyrus Heritage Museum. With all volunteer help, plus financial support from private sources and the Bucyrus Foundation, 95% of the original display items were saved, and are currently in temporary storage until a new home is established.

Continuing public financial support is very important to keeping these artifacts in South Milwaukee for generations to come.

To contribute, please visit SMIM LLC at the SM Farmers Market on August 9^th and 23^rd, though their GoFundMe site at https://www.gofundme.com/moving-the-sm-industrial-museum, or mail a direct donation to South Milwaukee Industrial Museum LLC, PO Box 84, South Milwaukee, WI 53172-0084. 

This was a lot of fun last year, and a big hit — so happy to see it return.

Grant Park is on fire! Details from the Facebook event page …

NEWaukee presents a progressive dinner and music event on the Seven Bridges trail within Grant Park. Guests will wander through the forest, sip and sample local food and beverages as they make their way to the beach to enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Michigan on a warm summer evening.

Tickets are $35 each and include five food and beer samples. A cash bar will be available on the beach at the end of the trail. If you want to experience the night hike and not sample food or beer, there is no charge to attend.

NO DAY-OF TICKETS WILL BE SOLD OR AVAILABLE. 

For $35 you will be treated to:

• Illuminated night hike down to Lake Michigan
• 5 food sampling stations from local restaurants
• 5 beer/beverage sampling stations
• Pop up live acoustic music
• Your final tasting of BBQ will be served on the beach where you will find bonfires and live music.

Check out these local headlines …

• Former Bucyrus Campus in South Milwaukee Sold, Redevelopment Planned (Business Journal)
• Southern Half of South Milwaukee Caterpillar Site Sold for $13.5 Million (BizTimes)
• Griddlers Cafe in South Milwaukee Closes (NOW)
• Photos: South Milwaukee’s Heritage Days Parade (NOW)
• Make Your Kid’s Hairstyle a Cut Above the Rest for a New School Year (Fox 6)

The South Milwaukee Police Department has published its weekly crime summary on its Facebook page.

Also, Divine Mercy School received a $15,708 school safety grant from the Wisconsin Department of Justice, according to its most recent announcement.

And, back to Griddlers, here is the formal message on their Facebook page …

After many years in the restaurant business Don and Robb Hensiak have announced that they will be retiring from the business and pursuing other opportunities. Our Dad started with George Webb Restaurants in 1960. Robb and Don bought the family business in 1988 and founded Griddlers Cafe in 2011.

Don will begin teaching High School business at Cudahy High School in the fall of 2018 and Robb is considering his next steps.

The lease at our South Milwaukee location expires this year and we have decided to close that location effective July 29, 2018. The location is available for sale or lease with all equipment included. We are working on possible sales of the Loomis location and the Greenfield Avenue location.

We are extremely thankful to the many customers that have supported us over the years. We especially thank our wonderful staff. We are working hard to provide opportunities for those who wish to continue on after we sell our remaining locations.

I say this a lot: South Milwaukee is full of smart, passionate people who want to make a difference. One way to do it – step up and be considered for a volunteer board or commission.

The city has more than a dozen of these groups providing oversight and guidance to various city departments and functions, and we’re always looking for new people to provide their expertise in any number of areas.

Right now, we have openings on the Police and Fire Commission, Water/Wastewater Commission and Civil Service Commission.

Interested? Get more details and apply here.

Even if these aren’t for you, please consider filling out the application, so we can get your name on file for future board and commission openings.

And I close with a heartfelt thank-you to John Bordak, who is stepping down from the Water/Wastewater Commission, and Kate Bernovich, who is stepping down from the PFC and Civil Service Commission, for their distinguished service.

Both are terrific examples of community members stepping up to lend their passion and expertise to make South Milwaukee better. Thanks for your service!

A large part of the former Bucyrus campus has a new owner … and, soon, new life.

Reich Brothers LLC closed on its purchase of the property on Tuesday, and work is already underway to redevelop the site and bring new tenants and uses to this important piece of our city’s heritage.

From the Business Journal story …

It was the home of Bucyrus-Erie stretching back to the 1800s. Caterpillar has been operating in the facility since acquiring Bucyrus, but plans to move its operations out by the end of 2018.

“At this point, Caterpillar is our tenant and we’re going to be working with them to hopefully continue the relationship, and we’ll start doing work on the campus once Caterpillar vacates,” said Michael Reich, Reich Brothers’ director of acquisitions and business development.

“We fully understand this campus is a very important part of the downtown area both from an economic standpoint and historic standpoint,” he said. 

Reich Brothers will work with South Milwaukee officials to firm up long-term plans for the property, Reich said. The city has already approved a tax incremental financing district with almost $2 million to help redevelop the property. …

The industrial buildings that comprise about two-thirds of the campus will likely continue to be used for manufacturing or warehousing, Reich said. Reich Brothers would seek new companies to occupy them when or if Caterpillar’s lease ends, he said.

“We’re a big believer in keeping this an industrial campus moving forward,” Reich said.

The campus also has extensive office buildings that could be converted to other uses, Reich said. Another goal is to break apart the campus to better serve multiple occupants or uses, Reich said. That could involve new infrastructure projects to re-integrate the walled-off property with the city street grid.

“The campus is kind of one, and the goal in the future is to make it many,” Reich said.

Of course, as we embark on this journey with Reich, we will never forget the original “one” and the important role Bucyrus played in the development and growth of this city. In many ways, we were Bucyrus, and Bucyrus was us, and we should all feel immense pride in that.

Thousands of people have poured their hearts and souls into building machines in South Milwaukee that built the world, and we will always celebrate that in ways big and small, hopefully as this campus redevelops.

That said, the future is here. And our goal as a city is to continue to work with Reich Brothers to keep the lights on for the next occupants of this campus.

We are and have been committed to partnering to secure new users both quickly and thoughtfully, ensuring our investments are sound and rooted in what’s best for the city and our downtown long term.

In other words, there is much, much more to come here. Interest in the property has already been strong; I’ve heard from a number of potential users and tenants firsthand about the opportunity this campus represents. Still, this effort — as with the redevelopment of the city as a whole — is just getting started.

There is lots of work to do, and Reich Brothers is the right owner, and partner.

I close with this. We — especially our city administrator, engineer and economic development director — have done a lot behind the scenes to prepare for this day already, which I detailed in a previous blog post.

Those efforts have not gone unnoticed. I share this comment from Tom Shepherd, who led the transaction from Colliers International: “You have a great community and a bright future, and I thank you for all of your proactiveness on everything. You guys were great to deal with, one of the best communities I’ve dealt with in a long, long time. You have a lot of good things going for you.”

I could not have it better myself. Forward!