South Milwaukee Alderman Tim Backes has graciously volunteered to write regular updates for the blog. You can see his latest installment here. Thanks, Tim, for bringing this idea to the blog! I am always looking for content to further our mission of keeping South Milwaukeeans informed on key issues, while also providing important context and depth where possible. It is why I started this blog as an alderman in 2009, and why I continue it today. See all of Alderman Tim’s updates here ..read more

On Friday, I was honored to join South Milwaukee Mayor Jim Shelenske, former Mayor Dave Kieck and more than a dozen city team members for the celebration of an iconic redevelopment project in our city center. Bucyrus Commons is more than a comunity gathering place. It is part of an intentional and ongoing effort to celebrate the manufacturer that defined our city for generations — so future generations can know and proudly share its story. We are not just naming things after Bucyrus. Instead, the Bucyrus Foundation is actively investing in the physical spaces that bear its name. In that way ..read more

Welcome to South Milwaukee, Genevieve Stollenwerk! From the the city’s press release … The City of South Milwaukee is proud to announce the appointment of Genevieve Stollenwerk as City Engineer. Stollenwerk, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, has worked as a civil engineer for R.A. Smith, Inc. in their municipal services division since 2017. Recognized for her contributions to the field, Stollenwerk was honored by the American Public Works Association Wisconsin Chapter in 2023 with the Outstanding New Member Impact Award. Throughout her career, she has successfully implemen ..read more

There is a strong downtown South Milwaukee flavor to Gallery Night MKE the next couple of days — and I love it! Visit Moran’s Pub, Parkway Floral, and Rosenquist Fine Art on Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20, for art exhibits, a light show and more. Click the links above to learn more. From the the Gallery Night website: “Gallery Night MKE – Milwaukee’s original gallery hop event – unites the city through art. Experience the vast creative culture in MKE while you discover local galleries, art, and artists. This free, two-day, quarterly event offers you the opportunity to buy original a ..read more

Check out coverage from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Fox 6 (among other outlets). From the Journal Sentinel story … Several more remains believed to belong to homicide victim Sade Carleena Robinson were discovered along the shores of Lake Michigan early Thursday, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. Robinson, 19, was reported missing April 2. That same day a leg was found on the lakeshore in Cudahy and additional remains were found in the city of Milwaukee. The investigation eventually led to Maxwell Anderson, 33, who has since been charged w ..read more

Big news today, as the Green Bay Packers announced a second $100,000 grant to support upgrades for the South Milwaukee School District’s athletic facilities. From the school district press release … This is Packer’s territory – even if SM’s colors are red, white, and black. The Green Bay Packers Foundation announced on April 17th that South Milwaukee was awarded a $100,000 grant from the NFL Foundation through the NFL Club Matching Youth Football Field Grant Program.  The grant matches the $100,000 the Packers Foundation already awarded South Milwaukee to help cover the costs of the ..read more

The Jazz & More Auction is open through 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 — and there are some great items at some real bargain prices available. Bid now, bid often, and spread the word! The auction can be accessed here: https://www.32auctions.com/JazzandMore2024 We have some really special items up for bid. Featured items (with bids as of 5 p.m. on 4/14) are:  Sports Fan’s Dream: Prime seats to see the Packers, Brewers and more. Current bid: $600 Celebrate the Arts: Tickets to shows at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet, Skylight Music Theater, Florent ..read more

Jazz and More is almost here — and tickets are still available. Join us at this special event. And our online auction is OPEN! Support our student musicians by bidding now on some terrific prize packages. Access the auction site here, register for free, and begin the bidding! Four packages are available to start: Sports Fan’s Dream This is for the ultimate sports fan! Enjoy prime seats to see the Milwaukee Brewers (May 10: 4 tickets, section 122, row 5, with preferred parking), Green Bay Packers (2024 preseason game TBD: 4 tickets, club section 409, row 11), and Milwaukee Bucks (2024-25 game ..read more

A big shoutout goes to Shelly Moore Krajacic, Aimee Swanson and Heather Hanson for recent recognition for the great work they are doing teaching our kids in South Milwaukee (including my own). From the South Milwaukee School District … Shelly Moore Krajacic Named to Class of 2024 for the National Teachers Hall of Fame SOUTH MILWAUKEE – A South Milwaukee English teacher English language arts teacher at South Milwaukee High School is one of only five teachers across the United States to be named to the National Teachers Hall of fame as a member of the Class of 2024. On March 21, Shelly Moore Kr ..read more

Local highlights from Tuesday’s spring election … The South Milwaukee School District referendum passed, 57.5% to 42.4%. South Milwaukee School Board: Winners were incumbent Angie DeFord and Andy Simmons. South Milwaukee Alderman, District 2: Winners were incumbent Tim Backes and Michal Olechowski. South Milwaukee Alderman, District 4: Winners were incumbents David Bartoshevich and Peggy Clark. Congratulations to all the winners — and to everyone who stepped up to run. I know it’s not easy, especially at this time in our history. Thank you to everyone who voted. Turnout was 40% of registere ..read more