Tag Archives: South Milwaukee

by | July 1, 2014 · 8:03 pm

More On The AMF South Park Closure: What Was Your Favorite Memory?

It’s clear that AMF South Park Lanes has a special place in many hearts in South Milwaukee and the South Shore. With 60 years of history in this city, it’s no surprise.

I’m wondering — what’s your favorite memory of the bowling alley? Post your comments below.

Also, I received a statement from the company today. Here it is …

After a comprehensive analysis, we recently made the decision to close our AMF South Park 586 location.  This was a very difficult decision and we are grateful to the community for their patronage and support over the last 60 years.  We encourage West Allis area residents to visit our other nearby AMF locations: AMF Oklahoma Ave. or AMF Bowlero Lanes for the outstanding bowling experience that is synonymous with the Bowlmor AMF brand.        

I am seeking to have AMF answer additional questions about the future of the property and will keep you posted.

Also, NOW has an in-depth story on the closure of AMF Waukesha on Sunday. I suspect the dynamics of the situations are similar. From it:

Martin, however, provided some insight into the closing. She said AMF merged with Strike Holdings LLC, or “Bowlmor,” to form a new company name Bowlmor AMF last year, after AMF filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2012. Martin said some time after the transaction, Bowlmor AMF put some of its centers up for sale.

“If they didn’t sell in a certain timeframe they were going to close the doors,” Martin said. “I don’t know if they were trying to sell it to another bowling corporation. We would only hope, but it’s highly unlikely, that it will now stay a bowling center unless someone wants to come in and buy it.”

Martin said there had been rumblings that the facility would close but added that the “doors closed earlier than expected.”

“We heard rumors about it for the last several years that Waukesha is closing, and it didn’t,” Martin said. “So when Bowlmor came in we all said ‘This is great.’ But obviously it was not.”

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by | June 30, 2014 · 7:28 pm

Storm Damage?

6-30 storm 1 small 6-30 storm 2 smallUpdate: These images were taken near 15th and Drexel this evening.

I’m seeing several reports of downed trees, or at least big tree limbs, on Facebook.

What are you seeing in your neighborhood? Post your comments below!

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by | June 30, 2014 · 8:09 am

AMF South Park Closes

AMF South Park smallUpdate: We apparently were not alone. An AMF center in Michigan also closed abruptly on Sunday. 

I don’t have many details, but I’ve confirmed with the company that AMF South Park Lanes closed permanently on Sunday.

This was the sign on the door of the 40-lane bowling center Sunday evening.

This is disappointing, albeit not entirely surprising given the recent closure of AMF West Allis, the demise over the years of the former Red Carpet chain and national bowling trends. AMF Waukesha also closed on Sunday, I’m told.

Please keep the families of the employees in your prayers. And I’ll keep you posted on the future of that site — potential sale, etc. — as I learn more.

(This blog post from noted Wisconsin professional bowler Jeff Richgels has more information and perspective.)

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by | June 26, 2014 · 9:20 am

Welcome, John McGivern: “Around The Corner” Coming To South Milwaukee

john_new_logoSouth Milwaukee has a great story to tell, and it should be told. That’s why I’m excited to announce that John McGivern is bringing his “Around the Corner” PBS series to South Milwaukee, with filming happening in late July.

The show will spend a half hour looking at what makes South Milwaukee a great place to live, work and play, with a focus on what makes our city unique. Local historian John Gurda will also lend a historical perspective during the show and in a separate piece also airing on PBS.

I met with the show producers recently, and it sounds like they have a strong plan to bring our story to life. I can’t wait to see it – and do what I can to help.

I ask you to do the same. One way: Make sure your property is looking its best the week of July 27. Let’s put our best foot forward … and welcome McGivern and Gurda to town in style.

The air date is set for Feb. 26, 2015. Look for more information on a local premier in coming months. I promise, we will have some fun with this!

Check out season one and two episodes here, including one on our neighbors to the north.

 

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by | June 25, 2014 · 2:45 pm

Remembering Terry Peterson

I didn’t know Terry, but I am told she was a longtime South Milwaukee resident and a South Milwaukee High School graduate.

She certainly left a lasting impression, and her obituary guest book tells an amazing story. And here is the story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Please keep her friends and family in your prayers.

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by | June 24, 2014 · 5:27 pm

Investing In Downtown South Milwaukee: Thanks, Sorce Martial Arts

DSC1526DSC5067The renovation and expansion of Sorce Martial Arts are nearly complete … and what better time to celebrate than during Evening on the Avenue?

That’s the plan, as Sorce holds a grand re-opening event from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 24. From the press release …

The event will be an open house for the community to tour the newly expanded facilities, observe adult and child martial arts classes, meet with instructors and staff and take advantage of enrollment specials. In place of the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, there will be a belt-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. The Grand Re-opening also marks the 10th anniversary of Sorce Martial Arts at their current location at 926 Milwaukee Avenue.

“We’re excited about opening the doors of our new facility and sharing everything that martial arts has to offer our community,” says owner and Master Instructor Pete Sorce. While the expansion has taken more than a year to complete, Sorce says that the process has been worth it. With more than 250 adults and children actively attending classes, he adds, “I wanted to create a special space that models the quality of our programs and not be simply a gym or a toddler playground.”

The lower level of the two-story building, which used to house a pharmacy and small offices covered with aging wood-paneling, mismatched carpeting and very little natural daylight, has been completely transformed into a 6,000 square foot contemporary martial arts school. The expanded space now features two full-sized training rooms, new ample viewing areas for families, a private lesson room and offices, a lounge area, and new bathrooms and changing rooms. The look and feel of the space is natural, contemporary and open.

Sorce says that he spent a lot of time researching options for a larger facility to accommodate the school’s growing student base and additional classes. He considered other existing buildings in the area and new construction, but eventually decided to stay at the existing location and expand the space. Pete and Rachel Sorce purchased the building last May, then started the demolition and remodel immediately. Throughout the process, classes in the front half of the building continued as usual.

Thanks to the Sorces for investing in downtown South Milwaukee. There are certainly strong signs of life in our city center — and that is thanks to passionate and committed business owners like them.

Check out more renovation images from Anthony Sell here.

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by | June 18, 2014 · 3:24 pm

Good News On Grant Park Plaza

It’s good to see some positive momentum at Grant Park Plaza.

Two new tenants are coming to the center in coming months.

The biggest name is Planet Fitness. The national fitness club has signed a 10.5-year lease for a vacant 18,308 square-foot space in the northern half of the center, near Pick ‘n Save. The club could open as early as September, following more than $600,000 in improvements coming to the center with the buildout of the new space.

To help fund those improvements, the South Milwaukee City Council approved disbursing $250,000 in tax incremental financing and other funds held in escrow per the development agreement with the center owners — funds that would come available only when the center reached an 80% occupancy rate. The addition of Planet Fitness brings it past that threshold.

The council also approved the sale of the Advanced Auto Parts lot to the Crowne Group Inc., a real estate investment company. It’s a deal similar to what’s occurred with other parcels at Grant Park Plaza.

Additionally, the center has a letter of intent from CSL Plasma to open in 10,000 to 12,000 square feet adjacent to Walgreens next spring. Stay tuned for more details on that tenant. CSL has locations nationwide, including in Racine and Beloit. Learn more on its website.

The addition of the plasma center will push mall occupancy past 90% — not bad for a strip center these days.

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by | June 16, 2014 · 5:56 pm

Drexel Avenue Is Open

Just a quick update …

Drexel Avenue is now fully open east- and west-bound from 15th to Nicholson Avenues. Thanks for your patience, and please drive safely.

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by | June 15, 2014 · 10:21 pm

Bringing New Faces, New Ideas To Our Boards And Commissions

Tuesday night, I’ll be nominating four residents to serve on our volunteer boards and commissions — talented people who are willing to sacrifice their time to use their talents and passions to make South Milwaukee a better place.

And I thank them for it. They are:

  • Police and Fire Commission: Heather Page
  • Library Board: Pat Bordak (who is being reappointed) and Jenn Medved
  • Traffic Commission: Tim Talaska

Do you want to serve on a board or commission? I’d love to hear from you. As I’ve written about, I’ve “opened up” this process to encourage people to apply for these important roles vs. seeking people from my circle of friends, colleagues and acquaintances — a decision that is already paying off.

There are openings on our boards and commissions throughout the year, so apply now, and we’ll keep your application on file.

Learn more, and get an application, here.

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by | June 11, 2014 · 5:50 pm

Farewell, Mr. Nowak

Former South Milwaukee teacher and Rawson and Blakewood principal Erv “Mick” Nowak passed away this week.

Here is his obituary, and the online tributes show the impact this man had.

From the obituary:

His career in education spanned 34 years in South Milwaukee – as both a 6th grade teacher and math teacher at Parkway for seven years and then as principal of Rawson and Blakewood elementary schools. His philosophy was “do what’s best for the children.” Known to his students as “Mr. Kickball,” Erv was full-time pitcher and refereed the popular lunchtime recess games.

Erv was known for his flawless penmanship, likely the result of all the practice he received penning the thousands of hand-written notes he mailed to each and every student on their birthdays. He spent countless hours writing these notes on index cards, always with a reference to what made that child special and unique. He remembered former students and their families by name, even decades after they had been at one of his schools.

Please keep the Nowak family — and all who knew him — in your prayers. The visitation and funeral are Friday at St. Matthew’s in Oak Creek.

Did you know Mr. Nowak? Post your comments below.

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by | June 9, 2014 · 8:17 pm

Rising Above Politics To Get Stuff Done

10415585_10203912583604704_2955800412544252098_nI pledge to live by every word I said in this BizTimes cover story.

More importantly, I’m excited to see South Milwaukee included in the company of Oak Creek, Wauwatosa and Waukesha. It’s an honor to stand next to my colleagues and share goals built around common sense, apolitical approaches to solving problems.

Indeed, South Milwaukee is “open for business” — and I’m committed to work together to move this city forward, no matter your politics.

Here’s to a promising future!

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by | June 5, 2014 · 11:14 pm

Meet The Mayor: Join Me Saturday At Studio One Art Glass

What’s on your mind? Let me know.

Don’t forget to stop by Studio One Art Glass from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, for the second Meet the Mayor session.

No topic is off limits, so bring your ideas, concerns, complaints, compliments … or just stop by and say hi. And check out some of Kim’s terrific handmade glass pieces while you’re there.

Studio One is at 1333 Milwaukee Ave.

Here are two other upcoming sessions, each from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Saturday, July 12: Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral Home, 1314 Manitoba Ave. Mike and company have done a lot with the former St. Mary’s School, and it looks great. See for yourself on July 12.
  • Saturday, August 16: Moxie Fitness, 1234 Milwaukee Ave. Stop in learn more about some of the cool programming Tori and Cindy are offering.

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by | June 4, 2014 · 10:20 pm

Volleyball Returns To Grant Park — And That’s Just The Start

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This photo is from the Grant Park Beach Facebook page.

Yes, there’s new life at the beach this summer, with four new volleyball courts now up and plans for the reopening of the concession stand, rentals and more. Volleyball leagues are forming now. Register here.

Stay tuned for more information — I promise, it’s really good stuff, for both Grant Park and the entire City of South Milwaukee.

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by | June 4, 2014 · 5:14 pm

Business As Usual At South Shore Y

I just spoke with the interim director of the South Shore Y in Cudahy, and she assured me it’s “business as usual” at the location as the organization enters bankruptcy.

Membership, classes, hours, etc. will remain the same during the bankruptcy process.

“We will operate as we always have,” she told me.

Learn more about what’s next — and check out a Q&A — here. From it …

Operations at each of these centers and Camp Matawa will continue without interruption through the bankruptcy process. The YMCA of Central Waukesha County and Kettle Moraine YMCA are very strong operators. If these transactions are approved, they intend to not only run, but help improve, our West Suburban, Tri-Country, Southwest and Feith Family Ozaukee Y’s. We hope to find similar partners for the South Shore Y and Camp Matawa …

We are open for business as usual during the bankruptcy process. Our intention is that all programs, camps, classes, etc. will continue to operate as normal. Ultimately, our belief is this plan will help reestablish a strong, healthy Y in Milwaukee while preserving the majority of our centers, programs and staff. 

I wish the best for the South Shore Y — and the entire organization. It does so much good in our community, in each community it serves, something my family has witnessed first hand. For example, the Y teaches 9,000 kids to swim each year. My two kids were two of them. So was I.

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by | May 28, 2014 · 10:56 pm

“Torpedos” Found In South Milwaukee?

Torpedos - Box

TorpedosFrom South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joe Knitter …

In another one of those “nothing ever surprises me” moments . . . we had a citizen stop in and report that he was helping a 90-year old friend clean his garage out and was given a cigar box that the 90-year old had hand-written “Danger” and “Torpedos” on and the box contained some type of explosives.  I’ve attached the pictures.  The kicker was that the guy had them in the trunk of his car and transported them to the front of the firehouse without knowing exactly what he was dealing with.  Luckily, I had dealt with similar items in the past at Caterpillar when they found boxes of them while cleaning out an old warehouse.  I removed them from the trunk of the citizens car and placed them behind the fire station for safe storage.  I then called the Southeastern Wisconsin Threat Analysis Center (STAC) which is a cooperative law enforcement group co-located with Milwaukee Police Dept’s Intelligence Fusion Center downtown, and requested they notify MPD’s Bomb Squad (that’s whom I dealt with last time). A Lt. from MPD called me shortly after and arranged to come out to pick them up.  He happened to be the same guy I dealt with during the Caterpillar incident.  In the end, they may or may not have been dangerous . . . it all depends how they are handled and what type of shape they are in. The Lt. stated that he would take them back for safe storage and eventual disposal when they destroy all of their confiscated explosives.

 As a side note, these “torpedos” were used by the railroad (and by Bucyrus on their crane rails) to signify trouble or get the operators attention when the rail car or crane wheels passed over them.  They were affixed to the tracks with the wires that are protruding out of them (see the pictures). While they were not meant to harm anyone, we are told that they are extremely loud and can cause hearing damage and injuries to anyone handling them.

 

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