The Milwaukee Post

June 20, 2014 • Milwaukee County Post • 17 By DWAYNE BUTLER Post Editor MILWAUKEE – Repairs are underway to several historic buildings on the grounds of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home Historic District, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance announced recently. "Visitors will see a noticeable difference in the appearance of some of these historic buildings," said Dawn McCarthy, president of the MPA board of directors. Contractors working with the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center will be making building improvements on the Ward Theater, the Old Hospital Building and the Barracks Buildings. Originally built in 1881, Ward Memorial Hall was converted to a theater in 1895 to 1997. Many pop- ular artists visiting Milwaukee performed for the veterans at the Ward Theater, including Bob Hope and Liberace. The Ward Theater, which is currently vacant, will be re-roofed and undergo exterior masonry and porch repairs. The Old Hospital Building, designed in 1897, once served as the primary space for medical care on the grounds. After hospi- tal care moved to another building on the south end of the grounds, the Old Hospital was converted to a barracks. Today, the building houses a number of VA offices. The Old Hospital will be com- pletely re-roofed, with wood re- painted and windows and doors repaired. Additionally, the build- ing's chimney will be re-con- structed and wrought-iron decora- tive cresting will be newly fabri- cated or repaired. The Barracks Buildings will undergo repointing, scraping and painting. Additionally, the build- ings' gutters and downspouts will be fixed and shingles will be replaced where needed. The porches will also undergo repairs and be painted. Formerly used as housing for veterans, the build- ings currently provide office space for the VA. "These repairs are much need- ed improvements in the district and demonstrate important progress," said Genell Scheurell, senior field officer with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "We also look for- ward to continuing to work with the VA to address the critical need for a long-term solution that will return the District's vacant build- ings to the service of veterans." Three of the district's most notable buildings, Old Main, Power Plant and the Soldiers Home Chapel, remain vacant and are in need of funding in order to make signficant repairs. The Old Main's roof collapsed and was repaired in 2012. However addi- tional holes in the roof remain, exposing the building to the ele- ments. Funding has not been identi- fied to repair these holes and pre- vent future damage to the build- ing, according to a release. "Over the past few years, the VA has made great strides toward making changes that will positive- ly impact the future of the Soldiers Home District," Scheurell said. "However, the sense of urgency remains. The VA must receive the necessary fund- ing to protect this National Historic Landmark District." Contact Dwayne Butler dbutler@conleynet.com Construction begins on Soldiers Home grounds Historic buildings to be repaired; others still waiting for funding Submitted photos Clockwise: The Ward Theater, the Old Hospital Building and the Barracks Buildings will undergo repairs this sum- mer on the grounds of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home District. At a glance For more information on the Milwaukee Soldiers Home, including a free downloadable walking tour app, visit www.SavetheSoldiersHome.com and www.savingplaces.org/treas- ures/milwaukee-soldiers-home. Post Staff MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer protection is warning credit card consumers about recent widespread scams involving small fraudulent charges easily overlooked by carholders. The DATCP said in a statement recent- ly that a consumer complained about an unexpected charge of about $13 on his credit card from an unfamiliar company. The fraudulent charge included a for- eign transaction fee of $0.37. This situa- tion is similar to another recent scam where consumers worldwide found unau- thorized charges of $9.84 on their month- ly credit card statements. "Scammers hope that consumers will overlook the small charge on their month- ly statements or not review the state- ments at all," said Sandy Chalmers, administrator of trade and consumer protection. "Report unauthorized charges immediately to minimize your liability." Consumers should closely review their monthly credit card statements. If an unauthorized charge appears on a state- ment, immediately contact the financial provider (using the number on the back of the credit card) to report the fraud and to request a new card. According to the DATCP, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your credit account and to lessen the potential for fraudulent activity in your accounts. Some tips to consider include: ■ Do not give your account number to anyone on the phone unless you made the call to a company you know to be rep- utable. ■ Carry your cards separately from your wallet to minimize your losses if someone steals your wallet or purse. Only carry the card you need for that outing. ■ Keep your eye on your card during a transaction. Make sure you get it back before you walk away. ■ Never sign a blank receipt. Draw a line through any blank spaces above the total. ■ Save your receipts to compare with your statement. ■ Open your bills promptly – or check them online often – and reconcile them with the purchases you have made. ■ Report any questionable charges to the card issuer. ■ Notify your card issuer if your address changes or if you will be travel- ing. For additional information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau at datcp.wisconsin.gov, send an e- mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call the Consumer Information Hotline toll-free at 800-422-7128. DATCP warns of scam invoicing small CC charges

• Cover