By Karen Schaefer
The Milwaukee Water Works system is one of the best in the nation. Our water is clean and inexpensive. We are situated on the most bountiful source of freshwater on the globe. But in a desperate response to a city-level financial crisis, the Milwaukee Common Council is considering peddling the control of our city’s most valuable and essential resource: our water.
COMMUNITY CASH? Efforts are underway to create a local currency, potentially for use in Riverwest and beyond. The goals of the currency include supporting local businesses, cultivating community self-reliance, strengthening our local economy, and fostering environmental, social and economic sustainability. To get involved or find out more, call 263.1513 or email mkecurrency@gmail.com. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7pm.
NEWS IN OUR AREA
GUILTY – Former alderman Mike McGee was found guilty on all nine federal counts of extortion and bribery on June 24 following six hours of deliberation by the jury. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct 24 where he faces up to 30 years, but likely much less. “Based upon the evidence, Ald. McGee’s guilt was his own and was not shared by the rest of the Common Council, the License Division, the city attorney’s office, or the Milwaukee Police Department, all of whom sit on every license hearing as active participants,” said Ald. Willie Hines. Still pending is the state’s case which is expected to resume in July unless a plea deal is reached.
Send news & tidbits to tess@riverwestcurrents.org
The winter of 2007- 2008 went on record as the snowiest of the century when 12.4 inches of snow fell from 6 am on Good Friday, March 21 until Saturday at 4 am. It’s the second highest total in Milwaukee with 96.9” – just behind the top spot of 109.8” in 1885-86.
All of the previous snow had just melted down when the city got socked again on the second day of Spring. If this keeps up, number one is just around the corner!
FROLIC AT THE FOLLIES! Be amused and amazed by your neighbors at the Riverwest Follies – in celebration of six years of chewy news from the Riverwest Currents. See it all on Linneman’s vast stage: circus acts with a man eating chicken, belly dancers, Insurgent Theater, Eat the Mystery, and more on Sat, March 1. Only six bucks; doors open at 7PM; show at 8PM. See you on the stage or in your seat! Ciao Meow!
You must be logged in to post a comment.