The Milwaukee Post

4 • Milwaukee Post • September 20, 2013 WEEK IN REVIEW STATE AND LOCAL STORIES OF INTEREST 1 War Memorial,Art Museum reach funding deal A newly signed pact will give the War Memorial Center/Milwaukee Art Museum more than $1.5 million per year through 2023 for improvements to publicly owned portions of the War Memorial and MAM. "The County Board brought these two parties together to work out an agreement that would keep these magnificent symbols of Milwaukee County preserved for generations to come," Milwaukee County Board Director Marina Dimitrijevic said. "The signing of this compromise signals the end to a long journey for both organizations, but it also signals the beginning of a rejuvenated partnership that will honor our veterans and preserve our art." County capital improvement funding of $10 million between 2013 and 2017 will supplement the Art Museum's planned private funding of $15 million for a total $25 million investment in improvements to the publicly owned portions of the War Memorial 2 Operation Drive Sober arrests 13 over weekend 3 23 indicted in drug distribution case Operation Drive Sober resulted in the arrest of 13 drunken drivers last weekend. The initiative, instilled by Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. at the beginning of the year, was run betwen 4 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Sunday. One repeat offender was arrested, Bethany Tatro, 24, of Milwaukee. Her previous offense was in July 2010. First-time offenders of Milwaukee were: Josue Rodriquez, 24; Angela Montgomery, 53; Javier Reyes-Jimenez, 30; Gregory Headd, 26; Marshall Chism, 31; and underage drinker Dionte Williams, 20. Other first-time offenders included two Greendale residents, James Carter, 25; and Christopher Kempen, 31. Also cited were Amy Stockinger, 44, of Brookfield; Randy Johnson, 57, of Racine; Tracy Chambers, 40, of Mukwonago; and Brianna Thimm, 24, of Hartford. The Office of the United States Attorney announced last week that 23 defendants, mostly from Wisconsin, were indicted in federal court with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. If convicted each defendant faces between 10 years and life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and a minimum of five years supervised release. Of the 23 indicted, 20 are from Milwaukee, two from Chicgo and one from Ripon. According to information released in court, this is a large drug trafficking organization that has been selling cocaine and heroin on the south side of Milwaukee for many years. They are responsible for distributing multiple kilograms of heroin per month, and it's believed that one of the distributors may be responsible for at least one heroin overdose death. The alleged leaders of the organization were brothers Victor, Geraldo and Praxedes Reyes. Last week, 19 of the suspects were arrested and four were already in custody . Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn said, "The U.S. Attorney's Office and federal law enforcement have been valuable and reliable partners with the Milwaukee Police Department in reducing violent crime and drug trafficking in Milwaukee. Today's operation demonstrates their continued commitment to our partnership." 4 Milwaukee youths gain work experience Gov. Scott Walker's Summer Youth Employment Program ended the summer season having provided 243 Milwaukee youths with structured work experience and career-readiness workshops, according to the Department of Workforce Development. "The Governor's Summer Youth Employment Program is reflective of Gov. Walker's deep commitment to strengthen the Milwaukee community by equipping area youths and young adults with the skills and education they need to be successful," DWD Secretary Reggie Newson said. "Participants not only earn a paycheck and complete preparatory coursework, but they also gain valuable work experience that will only help them as they pursue their career paths." The program supported work placement for those aged 14 to 24 at sites throughout the Milwaukee area. Walker directed the DWD to support the program with $422,000 in state funding and $78,000 in Workforce Investment Act funding. and Art Museum buildings and grounds. The Milwaukee County Board voted unanimously to approve the agreement. "This is an example of what government can accomplish when everyone works together," Dimitrijevic said. "Milwaukee County is fortunate to have an amazing lakefront that is home to a war memorial that honors those who have fought for freedom, and an art museum that represents freedom of expression." Dimitrijevic 5 Gehl to run for state Assembly 6 Program will demolish blighted properties Oak Creek Common Council President Ken Gehl announced Tuesday he will seek the 21st District Wisconsin State Assembly seat vacated with the retirement of 10-year veteran Rep. Mark Honadel. "I've strongly supported Gov. Walker's reforms and I look forward to the opportunity to carry on Mark's legacy during that fight as well as his efforts in job creation and training, infrastructure projects like the Drexel Interchange, development and redevelopment efforts in our communities, school choice and voucher programs, gunowner rights, and strong representation for our Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, and Franklin constituents, businesses, and local governments," Gehl said. Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi added, "Ken and I were both elected as aldermen in 2009, and he has been a strong fiscal conserGehl vative on the Common Council. He's used his finance background to help the city keep taxes in check, balance budgets, and make smart economic development decisions that should continue to lead to many new jobs and significant new opportunities for our community." Gov. Scott Walker announced Tuesday a special election for the seat with the following timeline: ■ Sept. 17-24: circulation of nomination papers ■ Oct. 22: primary election (if necessary) ■ Nov. 19: special election day . Gov. Scott Walker announced Tuesday a $2 million program to help the city of Milwaukee improve public safety in its neighborhoods through the elimination of blighted properties. The program, funded and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, is an extension of the 2012 Strategic Blight Elimination Program funded by the DFI and the Wisconsin Department of Justice. "Vacant, dilapidated properties can serve as a haven for criminal activity, have an adverse impact on property values, and hinder economic growth," Walker said. "I am pleased to announce this investment helping Milwaukee rejuvenate neighborhoods affected by blight." Walker toured the 2500 Block of North 34th Street with Mayor Tom Barrett, Common Council President Willie Hines, Alderman Bob Donovan and Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn. Under the 2012 program, 16 Wisconsin municipalities and nonprofit groups were awarded just over $1.1 million for blight remediation projects. A total of 85 properties were demolished as a result. "This program helped stabilize property values and created opportunities for meaningful development in the affected neighborhoods," DFI Secretary Peter Bildsten said. "We'll be able to remove at least 200 blighted properties in Milwaukee with the funding that has been allocated." Under the 2013 program: ■ the DFI will fund the $2 million program with proceeds from various settlements, ■ Milwaukee will provide a list of blighted properties where the demolition of which will improve public safety, ■ funds may be used for residential, commercial or mixed-use properties, ■ a maximum of $10,000 per property will be awarded, which represents about 80 percent of the demolition cost of the properties removed in the 2012 program.

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