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Inside New Berlin
June 2008 - Posts
By Linda Richter
Sunday, Jun 29 2008, 02:50 PM
The Muskego Hitmen played against the New Berlin Panthers at Carroll College Saturday night. The score was 40-0 in favor of the Hitmen. Both teams are in the National Conference of the Ironman Football League.
The Ironman Football League was created in 1996 by Chris Chudada of Pewaukee, Wisconsin. It is known as the “working man’s NFL”. The players, team owners, and team personnel have jobs outside the league and do not get paid to play. They play for love of the game.
The IFL provides adults coming out of high school or college the opportunity to play organized competitive contact football in a stadium atmosphere. It’s also for people interested in coaching, owning a team, or pursuing league employment opportunities.
This league is much more than athletes getting together to play football. Professionalism and community involvement are emphasized. The Ironman Football League is a quality, thriving semi-pro league with dedicated players and personnel.
Teams in the IFL National Conference include Fond du lac Crusaders, Spring City Cyclones, Madison Mustangs, West Allis Predators, Milwaukee Venom, Muskego Hitmen and New Berlin Panthers.
The American Conference teams in the IFL are Burlington Blue Devils, Rock County Gladiators, St. Francis Monarchs, McHenry County Pirates, Roscoe Rush and Wauwatosa Spartans.
Experience the excitement of football in summer. Come out and watch a game next weekend. Most of the teams will be playing next Saturday, July 5. The Mustangs vs. Venom game is scheduled for July 6. Consult the Ironman Football League Web site for information about the league and teams, including the schedule, game locations and site maps
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By Linda Richter
Friday, Jun 27 2008, 12:34 PM
Anyone who thinks Summerfest is just for kids is mistaken. It attracts people of all different ages. I saw many folks in my age bracket (mid-fifties) or older at Summerfest yesterday.
On the Summerfest grounds, you can find family activities, numerous food and beverage vendors, places to shop, several permanent ground stage areas and more. (Don’t miss the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse. It’s a beaut! )
And of course, music, music, music. Summerfest is advertised as the world’s largest music festival. It has a variety of music acts and performers.
Summerfest 2008 kicked off its 11-day run Thursday with a music lineup that included Stevie Wonder, Lee Ann Rimes, Eric Burdon & the Animals, and Cross Canadian Ragweed. Quite a music mix.
The weather was hot and muggy, but after all the heavy rain Mother Nature dumped on us Wisconsinites recently, the sunshine was most welcome.
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By Linda Richter
Tuesday, Jun 24 2008, 12:48 AM
Conservative Journal Sentinel editorial columnist/blogger Patrick Mcllheran has spoken up on behalf of the Deer Creek Inn project and against its critics. In his article "Water parks and fairy tales" published in early June, Mcllheran refutes the arguments of a Milwaukee alderman and other opponents of the hotel/indoor water park planned for New Berlin.
Mcllheran pooh-poohs the notion that the project would add to “the sprawl that has gone unchecked in Waukesha County”. The site is not a cornfield, Mcllheran argues. He points out that the hotel replaces five old houses at Moorland Rd and Greenfield Ave. Apartment complexes, decades-old ranch homes, an industrial park, the freeway and Brookfield Square are nearby.
Mcllheran contends that the project won't harm the lake: Yes, the hotel/water park would use Lake Michigan water and lies beyond the boundaries of the Great Lakes basin. However, all that water “goes back”. Since the water would be returned to the lake, there’d be zero effect on the level of the lake.
Mcllheran also scoffs at objections that the water park is an “extravagant use of water”. He counters that approximately 8,000 gallons a day will be used for the water park ( that’s about one middling above- ground backyard pool). Mcllheran compares that to New Berlin’s biggest water customer (a metal-finishing plant), which uses a whopping 300,000 gallons per day! Furthermore, a water park designer is quoted in the article stating: “What’s splashing in a water park is bought, filtered, treated, and heated at considerable expense, so it is recycled.”
Mcllheran adds, “Many people worry sincerely about the fate of the Great Lakes. It’s a worthy sentiment to which politicians append dubious agendas. The cliches and outright fiction on which are built the arguments against the New Berlin water park, the supposed acme of suburban absurdity, reveal just how groundless those agendas are.”
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By Linda Richter
Friday, Jun 20 2008, 10:45 PM
No, this is not about the Johnny Depp “Public Enemies” movie that's been filmed in Wisconsin recently.
It is about legislator rankings.
Did you know that Sen. Mary Lazich was on the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign’s “Public Enemies” list?
What is the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign (WDC)?
According to information on its Web site, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign is “a nonpartisan political watchdog group working for clean government and real democracy. To carry out this mission, WDC tracks the money in Wisconsin politics and works for campaign finance reform, media reform and other pro-democracy reforms.” It's also described as “ a homegrown network of citizens fighting government corruption and working for fair elections, judicial integrity, media democracy, and open and transparent government.”
The Web site informs us that “WDC was founded in 1995 as a non-profit, independent coalition of individuals and groups responding to the growing dominance of special interest money in the campaigns of state lawmakers.”
Why is Sen. Lazich (R- New Berlin) on their “Public Enemies” list?
The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign ranked members of our current Legislature by their support for democracy reform (measured by analyzing four roll call votes in the Senate and four in the Assembly. Whether the legislators sponsored any of six reform proposals was also considered.) The WDC posted their report April 29, 2008.
The legislators were ranked by score and divided into 4 categories:
– 6 to 7 points (nine legislators). Consistently voted for reform and regularly sponsored and worked for passage of reform initiatives.
Public Allies – 4.5 to 5.5 points (45 legislators). Supported most but not all reform proposals.
Bystanders – 2.5 to 4 points (22 legislators). Supported some reform measures but did not actively push for changes limiting special interest influence and cleaning up state politics.
Public Enemies – 0 to 2 points (54 legislators). Regularly stood with the special interests and worked to defeat reforms that would restore power to the general public.
Click here to view our state legislators rankings on reform by the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.
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By Linda Richter
Tuesday, Jun 17 2008, 11:44 AM
People don’t need to buy a paper to get information. Nowadays, many individuals rely on their computer, TV, radio, friends and neighbors for information about what is happening in their communities.
Such alternatives may be perceived as just as or even more convenient, reliable and trustworthy than newspapers. What newspapers omit, as well as what they choose to impart and how, can make them seem less than a balanced, objective news source.
Consider:
In articles before the April 1 election, Muskego-New Berlin NOW reported on Ald. Bill Moore’s political experience--specifically that he had served two terms on the New Berlin School Board, but his opponent JJ Blonien’s ties to controversial former state Senator Tom Reynolds wasn't mentioned. According to information on the internet, Blonien had been Reynold’s staffer and involved in his election campaign. A later (May 1) NOW article stated that Blonien handled Reynold’s election campaign.
Muskego-New Berlin NOW did 3 newspaper stories (April 10, May 1, June 5) about the complaint JJ Blonien filed against WeCare- New Berlin after he lost the April 1 aldermanic election. The Waukesha County DA investigated Blonien’s allegations about WeCare’s pre-election flier and dismissed the complaint. Although the May 1 NOW article referred to Blonien as the former publisher of the Enterprise, a weekly publication covering several Milwaukee area suburbs, that statement was not in the other two news articles. In the third article, Blonien said he’d been involved with the Enterprise in the “80’s and 90’s”, had owned stock in the Enterprise, was “one of eleven stockholders”. His name was on corporation documents. None of the three articles mentioned that Community Newspapers (which publishes the Muskego-New Berlin NOW) bought the Enterprise in 1995.
While Muskego-New Berlin NOW newspaper furnished a soapbox to a losing candidate’s criticisms of a flier supporting his opponent, we’ve seen zero press coverage from the paper about the campaign fliers which attacked incumbent Bill Moore (Blonien’s opponent). Whoever was behind those slimy fliers was too cowardly to put their name on them, identify themselves and take responsibility. The “anonymous” smear fliers carried disclaimers indicating less than $25 had been spent. Considering what it costs to print and distribute a bunch of campaign fliers (for printing costs, paper, ink cartridges, fuel, etc.), spending under $25 does not seem credible. The culprits who produced that flier and dispersed it in Moore’s aldermanic district obviously sought to affect the election, yet circumvent campaign reporting laws and elude accountability. One would think a newspaper would be concerned about that and the lack of transparency.
Evidently, Muskego-New Berlin NOW felt what was said in WeCare-New Berlin’s fliers-and whether it was accurate--was newsworthy. And yet NOW has not done a single newspaper article about New Berlin School Board leaders Keith Heun’s and Matt Thomas’ use of NOW resources to maliciously attack their constituents, spread lies about them, Board policy and a lawsuit. The NOW staff has even refrained from doing an article about Keith Heun’s email “retraction” (posted on Thomas’ blog), which included Heun’s admission that he’d made “inaccurate" statements about certain constituents, Board Policy, the ACLU, and a lawsuit filed against the School District. So, when elected government officials Thomas and Heun mislead, deceive, misinform the public and vilify their constituents, the NOW newspaper looks the other way?
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By Linda Richter
Sunday, Jun 15 2008, 02:02 PM
Father’s Day, a day to honor fathers and celebrate fatherhood, is traditionally held on the third Sunday in June.
There is much information on the internet about this special day.
For example, check out these sites:
USA.gov offers fun facts and tips for Father’s Day by the US government.
Fathers.com National Center for Fathering is another interesting Web site. It’s mission: to improve the well-being of children. Men seeking to strengthen their parenting skills may find it a useful resource.
Father’s DayCelebration.com provides information about Father’s Day around the world.
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By Linda Richter
Saturday, Jun 14 2008, 01:46 PM
In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14. Since then, Americans have commemorated the adoption of the Stars and Stripes by celebrating June 14 as Flag Day. (Prior to 1916, some states and localities had been celebrating the day for years)
In a recent statement from the White House, President Bush urges all Americans to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by flying the Stars and Stripes from their homes and other appropriate places, and to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Click here to read President Bush’s June 6 proclamation regarding Flag Day, Flag Week, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
The American flag, our national symbol, is displayed at Federal government buildings on June 14 (Flag Day) and during National Flag Week (the week during which June 14 occurs).
The Pledge of Allegiance, an oath of loyalty to our flag and country, is recited at many public events, such as School Board and City Council meetings.
For anyone (such as School Board official Keith Heun) confused by, forgetful of, or who doesn’t know the words of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, it is as follows:
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
According to various internet sources, the Pledge of Allegiance was first published in 1892 in The Youth's Companion magazine in Boston, Massachusetts. It was worded as: “ I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.” It was revised about 30 years later with the words “the flag of the United States of America” replacing the phrase “my Flag.” In 1954, Congress and President Dwight Eisenhower added the words “under God” to the pledge.
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By Linda Richter
Friday, Jun 13 2008, 08:08 AM
Congratulations to:
Eisenhower’s Softball team--the Division 2 State Softball Champions. The team was recognized at Monday’s School Board meeting. Coach Jeff Setz gave a speech thanking the girls and touting their efforts and accomplishments. He called them champions both on and off the field. A wonderful tribute, indeed.
Boys Tennis Division Qualifiers
New Berlin West Boys Track Qualifiers for the WIAA State Track Tournament
Elementary School Chess Club (Elmwood, Glen Park, Orchard Lane, Ronald Reagan Schools )--national award winners. Coach Randy Bubolz took 38 chess players to Pittsburg and came back with 6 team trophies and 6 individual trophies. At Monday’s Board Meeting, Elmwood principal Jo Boardman thanked and praised Mr. Bubloz, a community member, (who was not present) for his volunteer service and chess team’s achievements.
Eisenhower and New Berlin West students graduating Saturday
New Berlin West’s graduation ceremony is on June 14 at l:30 pm in the NBW Field house.
The Eisenhower graduation ceremony, which is also on June 14, has been re-located to a Church and the time changed.
The following announcement is posted on the NBPS web site:
Updated June 11, 2008. Due to recent heavy rains, the Eisenhower High School stadium field is unusable for commencement ceremonies. The original alternate location was the high school gymnasium. Those who have attended an indoor ceremony there in the past largely agree that this is not a comfortable venue for a dignified commencement ceremony. No air conditioning, difficult steps and risers, and a tight limit on the number of guests all make this a less-than-desirable location. Fortunately, a much more suitable and comfortable location for June 14, 2008 has been secured, even on short notice.
Commencement will now be held at Elmbrook Church, 777 South Barker Road, Brookfield. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. (originally 1:30 p.m.)
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By Linda Richter
Thursday, Jun 12 2008, 08:36 AM
Wisconsin, already reeling from all the rain we’ve gotten recently, has more rain forecast for this week. Basement or other rooms flooded? There are several sources of information about flooding cleanup available via the internet.
The US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) web site advises:
- Flood water can make the air in your home unhealthy. When things get wet for more than 2 days they usually get moldy.
- Failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.
- Mold may be more likely to make some people with asthma, allergies or other breathing problems sick. Consult your doctor or other health care professional if you have questions about cleaning or working in a home that has been flooded.
- Throw away anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned.
- During cleanup, wear goggles without vent holes, gloves, boots, long-sleeve shirt and pants.
- Wear an N-95 respirator (not a dust mask or handkerchief) over your mouth and nose, so that you do not breathe in a lot of mold. You should be able to find N-95 respirators at hardware stores.
- Because power sometimes goes out during flooding, some people use portable generators for electricity during cleanup. The EPA advises against using portable generators inside buildings. It warns that fumes, from a portable generator could kill you in minutes if you breathe it in. Use portable generators outside and far away form buildings.
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By Linda Richter
Tuesday, Jun 10 2008, 11:56 PM
During Monday evening's (June 9) New Berlin School Board Meeting, Superintendent Paul Kreutzer announced that New Berlin West MS/HS had been evacuated that afternoon about l pm. He said We Energies and the Fire Department had been on the scene.
According to Dr. Kreutzer, there had been an electrical failure at the school and disruption of telecommunication services at West, some other District Schools, and the District Office.
A difficult situation--especially with students in the process of taking final exams.
Apparently, some electrical circuitry at West had shorted out and melted, probably due to a power surge. Dr. Kreutzer went on to speculate that inclement weather may have compromised a substation near Calhoun Road, resulting in the power surge. He said the extent of the damage had not yet been determined, but stressed that there had been no fire and no injuries.
It was uncertain whether West would be open Tuesday morning or not. Dr. Kreutzer said he’d make that call about 5 am.
When I checked with District Office Tuesday afternoon, I was told that West did open.
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By Linda Richter
Saturday, Jun 7 2008, 11:24 AM
WeCare- New Berlin President Ray McInerny, Sr. was right when he said two months ago that an investigation from the Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office will prove the information in his group’s flier was correct. (WeCare election fliers under investigation, April 10 New BerlinNOW).
WeCare- New Berlin formed last year. It supported one candidate ( incumbent Bill Moore) in the April 1 election. Moore won, defeating his aldermanic opponent JJ Blonien by nearly a hundred votes (653-558).
After losing the race, Blonien filed a complaint with Waukesha County District Attorney Brad Schimel alleging WeCare- New Berlin circulated a political flier with “patently false information” prior to the election.
Blonien’s allegations were much publicized by our local newspaper. His accusations against WeCare were mentioned in three NewBerlinNOW newspaper articles about Blonien’s complaint (April 10, May 1, June 5) plus its online articles, including Community Watch (May 29). Matt Thomas' blog made quick use of Blonien's accusations to attack WeCare-New Berlin’s officers, including me. ( I am the treasurer of WeCare New Berlin).
According to the newspaper, Blonien believes the flier contributed to his election loss.
But just because Blonien, who obviously has an ax to grind, claims WeCare’s flier lied, does not mean it did. What responsible district attorney would press charges or prosecute based on Blonien’s opinions rather than facts and evidence?
The April 10 newspaper article quotes Blonien stating: “It is now up to the district attorney and his investigation. If he finds there were false representations made there should be some sort of punishment.”
Well, the outcome is that the DA has completed his investigation and dismissed Blonien’s complaint. The Waukesha County District Attorney has determined that WeCare’s statements in the flier were correct.
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By Linda Richter
Monday, Jun 2 2008, 02:00 PM
In one of my previous blog entries, I mentioned that at the September 24 New Berlin School Board Meeting, Dr. Kreutzer’s administration presented a bunch of facility projects, which it described as “dire” facility needs, “important” and “immediate” ---but which had not been budgeted for. That blog piece focused on one of those needs--Orchard Lane Elementary School asphalt problems, a safety issue.
The list of dire needs identified at that September board meeting included: Orchard Lane asphalt, Eisenhower roof, Eisenhower IMC carpet, New Berlin office areas, Reagan Elementary locks, water heater at Glen Park Elementary and Glen Park security.
Buildings & Grounds Director Bob Pulliam spoke of major leaks in the Eisenhower School roof and “patches on top of patches”. He said the roof had been repaired a lot, it had leaked twice last summer and he was worried about winter frost heave. He wondered about the insulation’s condition and conveyed that he did not like staff on the roof because of its “sponginess”. Concerns were also raised re: potential damage to the wooden gym floor from roof leakage/moisture and about structural damage, mold.
The Eisenhower IMC carpet was described as “completely broken down.” and “shot”. Administration explained that beneath the carpet was concrete, the carpet’s jute backing was all gone, and they’d been taping seams--which they considered a safety hazard.
The Board was informed that the office areas that were supposed to have been fixed during the costly (approx. $33 million) New Berlin West renovation project, had not been. Guests and students were funneling through the NB West office/ reception area. That was a safety, security hazard. Susan Manly expressed frustration that some of these critical needs weren’t taken care of in that $33 million.
Administration complained about doors at Reagan Elementary that lacked key fobs. To get back into the school building after playground recess --and avoid having to go around the building to the front entrance-- some staff members were propping open the door with foreign objects, making the school less “secure”. Furthermore, if an incident would occur at the school requiring a “lock down”, police would have problems getting into the building via shut doors they can’t open from the outside.
Pulliam told the school board that the old Glen Park water heater was “gone” and needed to be replaced with a more efficient system. Administration gave a cost estimate of approx. $15,000.
Administration said a security camera was needed at Glen Park to cover the playground area and wiring for the south east entrance which had a “blind spot”. A camera from the old New Berlin Center School was being used for the Glen Park front entrance.
Other significant facility needs, such as mold, indoor air quality and school pavement, have been brought up by Dr. Kreutzer at other school board meetings.
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