Tag Archives: South Milwaukee

by | September 16, 2013 · 9:19 pm

Going Pink Again In South Milwaukee

Thanks to a partnership between the South Milwaukee School District and the South Milwaukee Police Department, the city is going pink on Oct. 15. The goal: Raise money for breast cancer awareness and to help find a cure.

South Milwaukee High School has some cool-looking t-shirts for sale, with proceeds going to the Justice for the Cure Foundation. Here is the flyer, and here is more information on NOW.

T-shirt order forms are also available from Parkway Floral.

Let’s hope we can beat last year’s total!

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by | September 15, 2013 · 2:07 pm

Reading More Tea Leaves On Honadel’s Replacement

Mark Honadel has yet to officially step down from his Assembly seat, but the search for candidates is in full swing.

The Wisconsin State Journal and Oak Creek Patch have stories, including this information …

But Jessie Rodriguez, who is making plans to run for an Assembly seat soon to be vacated by Rep. Mark Honadel, R-South Milwaukee, could represent a significant step forward in the state GOP’s attempts to diversify.

Rodriguez is an outreach coordinator for Hispanics for School Choice, a non-profit advocacy group that pushes for the expansion of private voucher schools. It has close links to several Republicans, such as former Department of Administration Secretary Jim Klauser, the group’s advisory chairman. The group is also tight with socially conservative Christian groups, as illustrated by the motto on the group’s website: “Faith, Family, Freedom.”

Rodriguez did not respond to emails seeking comment. So far, she appears to have registered a campaign website but the content, if any exists, is still not publicly accessible. She has a Facebook campaign page up which includes a short statement declaring her support for local government and school accountability. 

The district, which includes South Milwaukee and Oak Creek, leans Republican but is competitive. Mitt Romney edged out President Obama in the district last year, 51-49. But in a low-turnout special election, the Republican advantage is typically greater, meaning Democrats have an uphill battle.

The district is only seven percent Hispanic but in a swing district, that bloc of voters is too sizable to ignore.

Joel Gratz, executive director of the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee, says Democrats expect to have an announced candidate next week and hope to avoid a primary.

“It’s a very winnable seat so finding the best candidate and getting them a quick, strong start will be important to winning it,” he says. 

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by | September 13, 2013 · 9:45 pm

Flu Clinics Coming To South Milwaukee Health Department

Need a flu shot?

The South Milwaukee Health Department is offering flu clinics from 2 to 4 p.m. every Thursday starting September 26. Shots are $30 for adults 19 and over. Uninsured children and those on Badgercare or Medicaid get shots for free.

No appointments are necessary.

Learn more here, and check out the Health Department’s web page.

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by | September 12, 2013 · 10:29 am

South Shore Fire Consolidation Report Released

Are we better as three or one?

That’s the question we’ll have to answer in the South Shore when it comes to fire consolidation.

The Public Policy Forum weighs in on the issue in a detailed study commissioned by South Milwaukee, Cudahy and St. Francis released this morning. Here is the press release. From it …

Three consolidation scenarios are presented for consideration, which differ based on minimum staffing levels at each station location. It is assumed that under each scenario, the consolidated department would have identical governance, command and administrative structures, as well as the same apparatus and equipment. In addition, it is assumed that one of Cudahy’s two fire stations could be eliminated under each of the scenarios, so that the three cities collectively would be served by three stations – one each in Cudahy, South Milwaukee and St. Francis.

 “Our fiscal analysis estimates that the impacts of a consolidated department could range from a collective added annual operating cost of $67,000 for one of the three staffing models, to annual operating savings ranging from $248,000 to $890,000 for the other two,” says Forum President Rob Henken. “In addition, under each of the scenarios, we estimate that the three cities would save more than $1.7 million in vehicle replacement costs over the next seven years because of the ability to shrink the size of the collective vehicle fleet.”

Obviously, this is a very complex issue that requires further additional examination and debate before any action is taken — or not taken, for that matter. Should we consolidate at all? If so, what should that look like?

My take is consistent: I am open to consolidation, as long as we can save money while also delivering the same level (or an enhanced level) of service. These options may deliver on that … but the devil will be in the details.

I promise to continue to get as informed on possible on this issue and act in the best interest of the city. I also pledge to think about this holistically, not forgetting that we also did a dispatch consolidation study a year ago with its own set of recommendations.

Whatever happens, I will keep you informed along the way. The community must be involved in this debate, and I encourage you to make your voices heard.

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by | September 10, 2013 · 4:35 pm

SMPD Warns Of Door-To-Door Scam

Here is the information from the South Milwaukee Police Department …

I received an email from a South Milwaukee citizen this evening reporting a possible door-to-door solicitation scam.  This particular one revolved around the Milwaukee Restoration Church and a male using the name “Eugene Hankins.”  The Milwaukee Restoration Church is an actual organization that solicits door-to-door for legitimate reasons, Hankins is no longer affiliated with the church and does not fund raise for them.  If you feel something is not right about a solicitor, the best thing to do is politely decline.  You can also call the SMPD (or your local jurisdiction) and report the incident.  As always, when reporting an incident be sure to report in a timely manner and include a description of the person and the behavior that you found to be suspicious.  

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by | September 9, 2013 · 5:54 am

Growing Locally: Sorce Martial Arts Invests In Downtown South Milwaukee

We need more businesses like Sorce Martial Arts in downtown South Milwaukee.

The studio has announced an expansion and remodeling project made possible by the Sorces purchasing the building they call home at 926 Milwaukee Ave. Learn more in this news release, and on the studio’s Facebook page.

From the release …

Sorce Martial Arts opened its doors in 2004 with about 1,600 square feet of training space and 50 students. In 2007, the school grew to more than 120 students and was expanded to approximately 3,300 square feet. The latest expansion will nearly double the training space to serve the school’s current enrollment of approximately 220 students, two full-time and three part-time employees. Completion of the renovation is expected later this year.

Thanks to the Sorces for choosing to expand in South Milwaukee, and let’s hope they have many more years of success at 10th and Milwaukee Avenues.

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by | September 7, 2013 · 11:07 pm

Free Knowledge: Community Invited To Presentation By Local Historian, Author Gurda On September 22

We’re bringing a Community Lecture Series to my church — Trinity Lutheran in South Milwaukee — and the community is invited.

Our first two speakers are noted Milwaukee historian John Gurda on Sept. 22, and award-winning local children’s author Janet Halfmann on Nov. 3 Both Sunday events start at 4 p.m., to be followed by a simple supper, and they are free and open to the public.

Gurda has authored 19 books on local history and will bring his “Making of Milwaukee” book and television documentary to life with a fascinating examination of the people, places and events that have shaped the Milwaukee area.

Halfmann, who lives in South Milwaukee, has authored more than a dozen children’s books, including critically acclaimed titles like “Little Skink’s Tale,” “Fur and Feathers,” “Star of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish” and “Eggs 1, 2, 3: Who Will the Babies Be?” She will speak about her journey to becoming an author and share tips of for aspiring writers.

Both authors will also sell and sign copies of their books.

I hope you can stop by!

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by | September 4, 2013 · 10:35 pm

Reminder: South Milwaukee Health Fair Is Thursday

Here are 20 more reasons to stop by the South Milwaukee Downtown Market this week.

The South Milwaukee Health Fair, presented by South Shore Family Chiropractic, is set for 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the market (11th and Milwaukee Avenues downtown).

More than 20 health-related vendors are expected, in addition to the more than 40 traditional market merchants.

Just added to the Health Fair lineup: Danielle Zirkel, a healthcare outreach specialist at Community Advocates of Milwaukee. She’ll be at the market from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., with a stage presentation at 4. She’ll take questions about the Affordable Care Act.

Learn more on our Facebook page … and see you at the market!

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by | September 4, 2013 · 7:22 am

Trick-or-Treating Set For Halloween, Again — And Hopefully For Years Ahead

City-sponsored trick-or-treating will again be held on Halloween in 2013 — and beyond.

The South Milwaukee City Council voted 6-2 on Tuesday night in favor of annually holding trick-or-treating from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on October 31. This year, it will be on a Thursday evening.

I voted yes for the same reasons I voted yes in 2012. Check out my previous post for more.

The action Tuesday night goes a bit farther than the vote in previous years. The key word in what we passed is “annually.” By adding that language, we hopefully create some sense of consistency going forward.

Yes, future councils can change the time again, but it would now take a new vote — and hopefully a strong reason to change — to do it. Otherwise, things should stay the same in 2014 and beyond.

This certainty is important because one very legitimate argument against trick-or-treating on a weeknight is kids’ schedules. They are full, and some may miss this annual activity because of a practice or other event.

My hope: Coaches and activity leaders will see the action of the council Tuesday night and, when possible, not schedule events for Halloween night. Why? Because Halloween night is trick-or-treating night in South Milwaukee — a community celebration that brings families and neighborhoods together for one night a year.

What do you think of this action? Post your comments below, and vote in my new poll.

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by | September 2, 2013 · 7:34 pm

More Headlines — And A Police Blotter

Check out these South Shore headlines …

Also, there is a new police blotter from NOW, including this …

A $300 digital media player was stolen at South Milwaukee Middle School, 1001 15th Ave., sometime on Aug. 22.

And this …

The concession stand at the main beach in Grant Park, 110 Hawthorne Ave., was found to have been entered and burglarized twice in less than 24 hours on Aug. 27. The first report came in at 1 p.m. Aug. 26 when a park employee found that the door to the concession stand unlocked and just paper towel and lighters missing from inside along with some items strewn on the counter. The second report was received at 8 a.m. Aug. 27 when another park employee found a window on the building broken and about $220 worth of food, soda, aluminum foil, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and a lawn chair missing or strewn around a nearby pier. A 51-year-old Cudahy man was found near the scene, but denied involvement. He was cited for shooting off a firework that he found next to a smoldering fire amidst the stolen property.

And this …

An 86-year-old woman was bitten by a dog in the 3300 block of Fifth Avenue at 5 p.m. Aug. 29. The woman was watering flowers in her yard and cast a glance toward the dog standing on a neighboring property. When she looked down, the dog, tied on a long leash, charged her and bit her on the hand, and scratched at her leg and abdomen before another neighbor pulled the dog back. Police were notified by staff at St. Luke’s South Shore Hospital, where the woman was admitted to the ER and receiving stitches on her hand. The dog’s owner, a 60-year-old South Milwaukee man was cited for the behavior of the dog, which he described as a boxer mix. The dog was turned over to the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Center and euthanized at the request of its owner.

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by | August 27, 2013 · 5:42 pm

More On Mark Honadel’s Resignation: Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi Will Run

Media reports are filling in some of the blanks around South Milwaukee Rep. Mark Honadel’s decision to step down early from his fifth term in office.

Check out reports from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Oak Creek Patch. Patch is also reporting Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi will run in a special election as a Republican …

Scaffidi, who will run as a Republican, said he would continue to serve as Oak Creek mayor if elected. His term expires in April 2015.

“I have no intention of leaving Oak Creek,” Scaffidi said. “I will do both jobs if I’m lucky enough to get the opportunity to serve.”

And there is this from the Journal Sentinel:

Honadel, a former metal fabricator and welding instructor, said in an interview that he had one job opportunity lined up but would consider others and announce the final decision next month.

His last day will be sometime in mid-September, Honadel said. He said he expected a Republican primary for his seat as well as a general election contest but said he wasn’t sure yet who the potential candidates might be.

Gov. Scott Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said the governor would call a special election soon.

“By law, the formal date of vacancy must come first,” Evenson said.

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by | August 27, 2013 · 3:06 pm

Honadel To Step Down From Assembly

South Milwaukee’s Mark Honadel is stepping down after 10 years in the Assembly. He made the announcement this afternoon.

Here is the press release. His statement:

“Today I am announcing my resignation from the Wisconsin State Assembly.  I am proud to have represented the 21st Assembly District for ten years.  I will be stepping down in mid-September to pursue an opportunity in the private sector.

It has been an extreme honor and pleasure to serve my constituents as their voice in Madison.  On their behalf I helped enact significant reforms that balanced the state budget without raising taxes, held the line on property taxes, and created a state surplus.

I am pleased to have worked hard on many other meaningful bills that have benefited our state’s economy and way of life for the people of Wisconsin.  Most recently, The Mining for Jobs Act passed earlier this year will allow responsible and safe use of our natural resources and create thousands of good-paying jobs around our state.

I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle throughout my six sessions in the Assembly.  I will always treasure my time serving with them to work on the pressing issues facing our state.

Finally, I want to thank my family, friends, and neighbors in the 21st Assembly District for their constant trust and support.  Serving my state in this way has truly been a unique and special opportunity.”

I’ll post more on this soon. In the meantime, post your comments below!

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by | August 26, 2013 · 9:28 pm

Hoan Headaches Start Next Month

Just when you thought it was getting a bit easier to commute to downtown Milwaukee … 

Now comes word that the Hoan Bridge reconstruction project starts next month. 

Oak Creek Patch has the story. 

And here is more information from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. 

I’ll keep you posted. And be patient. 

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by | August 26, 2013 · 9:14 pm

Headlines … And A New Police Blotter

Check out these South Shore headlines …

Also, the nighthawk is coming to South Milwaukee. Learn more about this prehistoric bird here. (Thanks to Betsy Abert for sharing.)

And NOW has published a new police blotter, including this item …

A 44-year-old South Milwaukee man was arrested on the beach at Grant Park, 100 Hawthorne Ave., around 11 a.m. Aug. 21 after a witness reported that he was walking around naked near the tree line. South Milwaukee police found the man clothed only in a light-pink thong, and detained him there until Milwaukee County Sheriffs took custody of him, and said they would cite him with “unspecified county offenses.”

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by | August 24, 2013 · 8:49 pm

Mark Your Calendars: South Milwaukee Health Fair Set For Sept. 5

We love special events at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market. A big one is coming up — the South Milwaukee Health Fair on Thursday, September 5.

Learn more about this partnership with South Shore Family Chiropractic in this press release.

And if you  haven’t been to the market lately, stop by. We’re having a terrific fifth season. And be sure to like us on Facebook!

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