Franklin Today

Keep your eyes on Crystal Ridge

In recent weeks discussion has grown rather large over the future of Crystal Ridge Ski Hill. The most recent action was made by the Common Council last Tuesday with a decision to have the Parks Commission review the city's special use permit for the ski hill to operate. Mayor Taylor and his supporters are arguing heavily that the ski hill's operator and Milwaukee County seem to have failed in their promise to bring the former landfill up-to-par so the area can hold various sporting activities during the Spring-Fall months.

With this in mind, several aldermen last week mentioned the thought of a possible takeover of the ski hill by the City of Franklin, with some strongly suggesting against the notion altogether. A takeover of the ski hill by the city would quite a feat, and would require the signing off of Milwaukee County, which currently controls the property. Even with that major hurdle, it looks like city leaders are poised to take the offensive.

Saber Spirit Club's calendar raffle supports many programs at FHS

With my desire to share the accomplishments of Franklin organizations, I wanted to congratulate the Saber Spirit Club and its members for generously supporting activities and athletics at Franklin High School via the yearly calendar raffle. Our family joined the Saber Spirit Club this year, and we intend to continue to be members of the organization for many more years to come. Anyone can become a member of the organization, which has a great website with a lot of information.

I recently spoke with Jan Coenen, President of the organization, who told me that the proceeds from the yearly calendar raffle have been posted online. Here are the many groups who were able to benefit from the sales:

Fountains of Franklin troubles create a quick history lesson

John Michlig, who is a community writer for over three years and is on the Economic Development Commission, gave all of us a quick history lesson with many, many links to the past relative to the Fountains of Franklin project.

American flags back at Franklin Fest

In what Common Council President Steve Taylor called a "rally round the flag", the Common Council approved a budget for the Civic Celebrations Commission that included $2000 for the purchase of American flags for distribution at the 4th of July Parade. The council save could be deemed temporary, however, with CCP Taylor indicating that next year deeper cuts could be on the table for Franklin Fest.

The future of Franklin Fest

Last night's Committee of the Whole meeting didn't give off any warm and fuzzy feelings towards the yearly 4th of July Civic Celebration, which many in Franklin dub as Franklin Fest. As I brought up yesterday prior to the meeting, there have been cuts already made due to budgetary issues, including the elimination of childrens games and American flags to hand out to children prior to the 4th of July Parade.

A friendly reminder about the Neitman fundraiser

After the jump is what I posted on January 14th relating to the much needed fundraiser to help Logan Neitman, a 1st grader at Ben Franklin Elementary School, receive the proper medical care. If you'd like to support Logan's family through this tough time, please attend his fundraiser at Root River Lanes on Valentine's Day, February 14th, from 1pm onward. If you plan on bowling please confirm with Robert Fredrickson, Logan's grandfather, by calling 414-732-1691.

If you can't make it but still want to help by making a donation, any contributions can be made at any Wells Fargo bank. The nearest Wells Fargo location is near Mitchell Airport, at 131 W Layton Avenue in Milwaukee. You can contact Robert Fredrickson with any questions, again, by calling 414-732-1691.

Thank you for your consideration, and let's band together as a community to help Logan in this difficult time.

After the jump is what I posted on January 14th relating to the much needed fundraiser to help Logan Neitman, a 1st grader at Ben Franklin Elementary School, receive the proper medical care. If you'd like to support Logan's family through this tough time, please attend his fundraiser at Root River Lanes on Valentine's Day, February 14th, from 1pm onward. If you plan on bowling please confirm with Robert Fredrickson, Logan's grandfather, by calling 414-732-1691.

If you can't make it but still want to help by making a donation, any contributions can be made at any Wells Fargo bank. The nearest Wells Fargo location is near Mitchell Airport, at 131 W Layton Avenue in Milwaukee. You can contact Robert Fredrickson with any questions, again, by calling 414-732-1691.

Thank you for your consideration, and let's band together as a community to help Logan in this difficult time.

Civic Celebration budget to be discussed tonight

At tonight's Committee of the Whole meeting, the Civic Celebrations Commission has their budget in front of the aldermen for discussion. The budget was worked on by Chairman Robert (Bob) Knackert. Knowing that all of the members of the commission have been at their volunteer posts for many, many years, I give them kudos for always putting on an excellent 4th of July Civic Celebration, which many Franklin residents dub with pride "Franklin Fest".

If the budget numbers are final and there are no additional contributions to be had, this year's Franklin Fest will have several modifications. The one that could have the most notice among families would be the elimination of childrens games from the festival. The entire budget is shown after the jump:

Have you noticed the activity near Loomis & Rawson?

Over the past few months, dump trucks have been regularly seen going to and from a large parcel of land long rumored to have major development potential near the Loomis & Rawson area, directly behind Pick n Save. Many residents have been making remarks about the constant in and out flow of these trucks for quite some time, and were curious about what was going on with the site.

As our senior population continues to grow, are we ready for them?

Last night, United Financial Group came before the Environmental Commission to request a special exception to fill in a small portion of wetland for two proposed apartment complexes for senior citizens. Forest Hill Highlands, as the entire project is called, is expanding in Franklin with these two new structures. There are already four structures that are part of this complex, and there could be almost a half-dozen more once the expansions are complete.

FPS thinks out of the box, helps local businesses

In FHS Principal Mike Cady's Podcast I reposted yesterday, he mentioned a new incentive for seniors - if you get good grades, good attendance, and are in good behavior, you have what he coins as a "free period". During this period, which is of the seniors' choosing, they may do whatever they feel like doing, including leaving the FHS campus. The period last 86 minutes, and would only be available every other day for seniors, but that still has an impact here in Franklin.