Tag Archives: South Milwaukee

by | February 28, 2014 · 11:51 am

Mixing Sand And Salt

Add South Milwaukee to the list communities dealing with a shortage of road salt.

The Street Department is reporting that “our salt supply has dwindled to the point that we will be adding sand in the mix and reducing spread rates to stretch our supply as much as possible.  Local vendors do not have additional salt available.”

I’ll keep you posted.

And, as always, I ask for your patience when it comes to snow and ice removal. This has been a historically bad winter, and our street crews have had to work extremely hard (at all hours and some holidays) to keep the roads clear. I thank them for their hard work … including ahead of time for this weekend, as more snow moves in.

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by | February 15, 2014 · 10:38 pm

Life And Death: South Milwaukee Physician Vitulli Delivered 8,000+ Babies

Sad news about someone who likely brought many South Milwaukeeans into the world …

Dr. Vito Vitulli, a former chief of staff at Trinity Memorial Hospital, passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday. Here is his obituary from Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home, where a visitation is set for Tuesday evening.

It says he delivered more than 8,000 babies during his career.

Did you know Dr. Vitulli? Did he deliver you or a family member? Post your comments below.

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by | February 8, 2014 · 9:58 pm

A 2016 South Milwaukee Olympian? Kleppin Finding Success

Former South Milwaukee track star Lauren Kleppin is making a name for herself on the national — and soon to be international — running scene. Might the 2016 Summer Olympics lie ahead?

After a runner-up finish in the USA Half Marathon Championship, Lauren will compete in the World Half Championships in March.

Lauren, who now lives in California, talks about her recent success and future plans on the “Daily Relay” website. From it:

Daily Relay: You had a very strong collegiate career and now seem to be coming into your own as a professional. What are some of your goals moving forward in the sport?

Lauren Kleppin: I like to take my goals step by step, which I believe ultimately has helped fuel a steady but engaging progression throughout my running career thus far. Each day I am amazed that running continues to fuel and stimulate me. My goal is to take that journey as far as it lasts. Obviously an ideal path would ultimately lead to an Olympic Team. However, I was NOT that little girl that ever dreamed I would grow up to be a professional runner. (That’s not to say I wouldn’t have, had I known it was an actual possibility…because I pretty much believed I could be anything else whether it was an Oscar winning actress, a berry farmer, a veterinarian, a rocket scientist, a raft guide, a tattoo artist, or a brew master.) At this point, my main focus and goals are getting to that starting line of the 2016 Olympic Trials in the marathon, and to toe that line with the best health and the deepest confidence possible.

 I’ll keep you posted. Also, follow Lauren’s road to Rio on her website.

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by | February 5, 2014 · 9:59 pm

Ferch’s To Grant Park Beach?

Downtown Greendale is terrific — and one of the must-stops, at least for the Brooks family, is Ferch’s Malt Shoppe & Grille.

Now comes word that the owner is looking at opening a seasonal location at Grant Park beach. That’s according to the Milwaukee Business Journal, which also has more information on the restaurant’s desire to expand in Greendale.

Let’s hope this comes to pass … I’ll keep you posted.

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by | February 3, 2014 · 3:17 pm

Sen. Larson Hosting Town Hall Wednesday In South Milwaukee

State Sen. Chris Larson is hosting a town hall event on Wednesday at the South Milwaukee Public Library, 1907 10th Ave. Hours are 5 to 7 p.m.

From Larson’s office …

I will be hosting a number of town halls during February 2014. Attending these listening sessions is a great opportunity to talk to me about issues facing our community and state, or to listen to the concerns and thoughts of our neighbors.

The information for these events is listed below. I also advertise these by posting on my Web site, Facebook, Twitter, via neighborhood groups, with media alerts, and through direct emails.

Please do not hesitate to contact my office for additional information.

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by | February 1, 2014 · 9:42 pm

South Milwaukee Man Sentenced In Camp Sexual Assaults And Other Headlines …

Check out these South Shore headlines …

And NOW has published a new police blotter.

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by | January 30, 2014 · 3:38 pm

New Look For Azteca

Readers of this blog know I love Azteca, South Milwaukee’s Mexican restaurant. Authentic, affordable, great service, great atmosphere — an atmosphere that got a makeover this week.

The picture below is from the Azteca Facebook page. It’s quite a change.

I wish Carlos and Rosie the best. They run a first-class establishment, and they continue to invest in their long-term future in South Milwaukee. We are lucky to have them, and be sure to stop by and check out the new look.

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by | January 28, 2014 · 9:38 pm

Mixed Q4 Results For Caterpillar

Profits were up significantly for Caterpillar in the fourth quarter of 2013, and the company on Monday issued a positive earnings forecast for the new year … but there wasn’t a lot of positivity in the sector South Milwaukeeans watch closest.

Here is MarketWatch coverage. From it:

Oberhelman said the company sees some signs of improvement in the global economy, which should bode well for sales in its construction and power systems businesses. However, despite expectations that mining production will continue to rise, the company sees mining companies further reducing capital spending this year.

“As a result, we’re expecting sales in resource industries to decline modestly,” he said. “ We’ve already taken a number of restructuring actions to help improve our financial results and expect to take additional actions in 2014.”

Reduced spending by mining companies has taken a toll on sales of mining equipment, while Caterpillar’s sales of construction equipment have benefited from a recovery of home building in the U.S. The heavy-equipment maker has been closing plants that make mining equipment and laying off workers to reflect a sharp drop in demand in the sector.

Of course, I always worry about the “additional actions in 2014.” The Reuters story included this …

He characterized the moves as “tough decisions necessary to better position us down the road when economic conditions improve and our sales rebound.”

I guess we’ll have to wait and see what “tough decisions” are to come. Let’s pray the worst is over.

Also, check out coverage from the Chicago Tribune and Wall Street Journal.

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by | January 27, 2014 · 6:23 pm

Roundup: Dealing With The Cold In South Milwaukee

A quick roundup of some of the impacts the cold is having locally …

  • Of course, school is closed Monday and Tuesday.
  • The Grobschmidt Senior Center is also closed both days.
  • City meetings planned for Monday (Human Resources Committee and Plan Commission) were still on. However, the lakeshore park public information meeting set for Tuesday has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.
  • The South Milwaukee Library is still open, but children’s storytime set for Tuesday has been cancelled.
  • And here are some cold weather trips from the state.

Am I missing anything? Let me know.

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by | January 27, 2014 · 7:35 am

Actually, No School In South Milwaukee Monday And Tuesday

Update: Of course, Divine Mercy and Zion Lutheran students are off the next two days too. And the senior center is closed too.

That’s according to the updated message on the South Milwaukee School District website.

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by | January 26, 2014 · 9:56 pm

School On In South Milwaukee

South Milwaukee students will have school on Monday, according to the district website.

The message from the district: “All South Milwaukee Schools will be OPEN on Monday January 27th, 2014.  Please check back in the morning for any new developments but at this point we plan on holding classes on Monday.”

I’ll keep you posted, and we’ll see about Tuesday. With a predicted low of minus-18 and a wind chill of minus-50 possible overnight Monday, leading to a wind chill warning, it’s hard for me to see schools being in session Tuesday morning.

Monday has obviously been a tougher call. Some large districts like Milwaukee and Racine are closed. Others are open, including, from the looks of it, all of the Milwaukee County suburban districts. Many local private schools are closed, including local high schools like St. Thomas More, but not all (including Divine Mercy and Zion Lutheran).

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by | January 21, 2014 · 10:34 am

South Milwaukee Tradition: Trinity Lutheran Church’s Annual Meatball Supper Set for Friday

Here is the press release I worked up for my church … hope to see you there, and spread the word!

Nothing warms you up better than Scandinavian meatballs and lefse.

That’s why we’re happy to announce the Trinity Lutheran Church Meatball Supper returns this Friday, January 24, with some great homemade food and fellowship.

The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. at Trinity, 2507 5th Ave. in South Milwaukee.

On the menu are those terrific meatballs and gravy, parsley-buttered potatoes, corn, coleslaw, lefse and rolls, and the best homemade desserts around.

Cost is $10 for those age 11 and up. It’s $6 for those 6 to 10, and those 5 and under are free. All take-out orders cost $9.

Learn more about the event, and Trinity Lutheran Church, at its website: www.tlcsm.org. And we’ll see you for this unique celebration of food and friends. And meatballs.

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by | January 20, 2014 · 11:02 pm

Papa Luigi’s II: 4-6 More Weeks

So says the restaurant’s Facebook page …

Be sure to visit Sal’s Cudahy location, and let’s support him when he reopens following the water damage sustained earlier this month.

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by | January 16, 2014 · 9:38 am

Papa Luigi’s II Update: “It’s Unbelievable The Stress”

Fox 6 has an update on the restoration work going at Salvatore’s/Papa Luigi’s II in South Milwaukee.

You’ll recall that a pipe burst last week and caused extensive damage. Sal is working hard reopen, and I wish him the best.

From the story …

Even though Sal Purpora tried to stay positive, his nearly 50,000 square foot Papa Luigi’s restaurant was under water after a pipe burst in the restaurant’s sprinkler system — and crews were busy cleaning up what was estimated to cost half a million dollars.

It happened on Thursday, January 9th — and the restaurant is expected to be closed for one to three months.

“It’s unbelievable the stress. (The damage) could go up to $700,000,” Purpora said.

Adding to the stress is the fact that Purpora’s insurance adjuster couldn’t come out to check out the damage until four days after the fact.

Mike Wyne’s Fire and Water Restoration Company was hired to clean up Papa Luigi’s, and he says to ease your worries, it’s important to know exactly what you’re paying for, and what coverage you’re getting.

Fortunately, Papa Luigi’s will be covered fully.

“I can’t wait to open up those doors and say ‘hey, how you doin’” Purpora said.

Experts advise it is important to make sure you’re doing your preventative maintenance checks which could be the difference in hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage.

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by | January 13, 2014 · 11:07 am

South Milwaukee Activities Update: Wrestling, Power Lifting, Blood Drive

From Ante Udovicic and the South Milwaukee School District …

The Rocket Wrestling team has been having one their finest seasons this year. We have 3 opportunities for you to catch them in action at home coming up. We would especially love to see the Teff Gymnasium (Middle School Gym) fill up with Rocket fans on Wednesday, 1/22 and Wednesday, 1/29 as the Rockets close out their Woodland Conference dual meet season at home with those 2 meets (7:00pm start for each).

WRESTLING FUNDRAISER – Today

Today, South Milwaukee’s Paisano’s Restaurant is generously holding a fundraiser for the South Milwaukee Wrestling Club from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. I have attached the flyer for the fundraiser as well.

They have 5 meals you can buy for $10 and they will very generously donate 100% of all the proceeds to the South Milwaukee Wrestling Club. Please try to stop by between 4:00pm and 9:00pm today if you can.

Paisano’s is located at 113 North Chicago Avenue in South Milwaukee.

WRESTLING TOURNAMENT – This Saturday

The Rocket wrestlers are hosting the 6th Annual Dave Van Duser Duals in the Sullivan Gymnasium (HS), and the 5th Annual Round Robin JV Tournament in the Teff Gymnasium (MS) on Saturday, 1/18! If you have never gotten to see wrestling in action, this is a great way to catch some fantastic wrestling! Lots of action in 2 gyms, and the Rockets have a really solid team. The matches should start at approximately 9:00am.

Adult tickets are $5 and students/seniors are $3.

UPCOMING WRESTLING MEETS

  • Wednesday, January 15th 7:00pm @ Greendale HS
  • Saturday, January 18th 9:00am Van Duser Duals & JV Tournaments at SMHS & SMMS
  • Wednesday, January 22nd 7:00pm Whitnall @ South Milwaukee (in the MS Gym)
  • Saturday, January 25th 9:00am JV @ Ozaukee & Varsity @ Tosa West tourneys
  • Wednesday, January 29th 7:00pm Pewaukee @ South Milwaukee (in the MS Gym)

POWER LIFTING RESULTS

The Rocket Boys’ team took 2nd place overall and the Rocket Girls’ team took 3rd place overall. Great job by Coach Barrett Danz & Asst. Coach Dylan Stefanek and all the lifters. A special thanks to the dozens of students, parents and teacher volunteers!

Almost everyone who competed from SM placed at least in the top 5 in their weight class! 

We had 11 individuals qualify for state already!!! Please congratulate the following athletes:

  • Cody Gassert-DeBoer
  • Chuks Ozodi
  • Zach Simuncak
  • Allen Walter
  • Nate Berg
  • Serena Christoffersen
  • Sofia Terranova
  • Sam Sankey
  • Alyssa Crnkovich
  • Jordan Barnes 
  • Maryna Pajewski

BLOOD DRIVE

Last Thursday, South Milwaukee HS hosted a Blood Drive for the Blood Centers of Wisconsin. Due to the extreme cold, many area blood drives were cancelled last week causing an even larger than usual shortage. This made our blood drive even more important than it usually is for our local hospitals.

The SM Way was clearly in effect though on Thursday as 119 students and staff donated blood. That’s an estimated 315 patients whose lives were potentially saved with their generosity. Thanks to all who donated and a special thanks to Mary Kokan and her HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) students for running yet another great and much-needed blood drive!

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