Every Friday, Off The Record looks to other Milwaukee publications (and beyond) for bits of news we missed throughout the week.
• If Milwaukee’s first week of 2017 could be summed up in one word, it would be this: weird. On New Year’s Day, a backyard security camera captured footage of the elusive, once-fabled, and probably not real Milwaukee Lion. Maybe. WISN was the first out of the gate with the ferocious feline footage, which shows a big-ass cat walking through the backyard of Isaiah Hair, near North 41st Street and West Capitol Drive. “I watch Animal Planet all the time,” said a neighbor. “That is off the TV!” [WISN]
• Meanwhile, a bunch of longtime Milwaukee restaurants are closing—probably not because of lion, but let’s just say that anyway. Brady Street fixture Cempazuchi will close up shop in the coming weeks, after nearly two decades in business. [Milwaukee Business Journal]. Nearby Trocadero will also close in January, though owners will announce a “new concept” in February. [OnMilwaukee]
• But where’s the death and mountain lions there’s life and food in bowls: A new bowl-focused restaurant, Bowls, is being planned for Walker’s Point. Bowls is the brainchild of Float Milwaukee’s Andy Larson and The National’s Nell Benton, and is expected to open in the spring. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
• The Common Council’s Public Works Committee gave its thumbs-up to the design of the pedestrian mall that will be included in the Milwaukee Bucks arena entertainment complex. The mall, if given final approval by the full council, “will take up N. 4th St. between W. Juneau Ave. on the north and W. Highland Ave. to the south.” Some ideas being kicked around for the year-round space include live music, farmers markets, art shows, and an ice rink. [Urban Milwaukee]
• The Marcus Corp. will likely be purchasing a Park East property from Milwaukee County and constructing a 20-story, mixed-use development there. The property is next to land where the company is already planning on building a movie theater, housing, and offices. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• The Mitchell Park Domes will feature light shows set to pre-recorded music every Thursday evening from January 19-March 30. A bunch of other stuff is coming to the Domes, too, including Elvis. [Urban Milwaukee]
• Midwives released a new song, “No,” and it’s great. [Bandcamp]
• The city is looking for developers interested in buying and rehabbing foreclosed houses in the Sherman Park neighborhood. The properties will be sold for $1 each, after which developers will be eligible for grants up to $10,000 per home. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
• Soulstice Theatre has apparently cancelled its 2017 season, and may or may not be closing its doors for good. [OnMilwaukee]
• NEWaukee has expanded its popular YPWeek (young professionals week) to 10 Wisconsin communities. Ashland, Eau Claire, Hayward, Manitowoc, Marinette, Phillips, Portage, Platteville, Superior, and Waukesha County will all get in on the action this year, April 22-29. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Evan Rytlewski rounded up some notable new Milwaukee hip-hop releases, including tracks from Renz Young, Zed Kenzo, and Dee Phresh. [Shepherd Express]
• A concerned neighbor has launched a website in support of Lake Park’s Ravine Road bridge, which has been closed since December 9 and has been eyed for demolition. [OnMilwaukee]
• Scott Gordon took a hard look at the effectiveness of Milwaukee’s gunshot detection system, ShotSpotter. [WisContext]
• “It’s not all cowboy hats and western boots, it’s really an administrative job,” said Milwaukee County circuit court judge John Siefert, who plans to leave the bench and run against Sheriff David Clarke. [CBS 58]
• Alderman Bob “This Stall Is Taken, Mr. Donovan” Donovan and Alderman Mark Borkowski sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump asking him to save Milwaukee. [FOX6]
• The Milwaukee Art Museum has hired Casie Simpson for the newly created role of creative director. Simpson’s responsibilities will include “working with the leadership team to develop a comprehensive brand identity to engage museum audiences and deepen community connections.” [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Liar’s Trial released a video for a new song, “White Roses.” The song will be included on the band’s upcoming album, Armadillo By Morning, due in February. [YouTube]
• Tree of Life Earthworks owner Lori Gramling, along with the Sisters Central City Circle of Change, have constructed a “Wall of Strength” at Ascension Lutheran Church in Clarke Square. The wall is meant to “combat fear, contempt, cynicism and despair by allowing Milwaukee residents to inscribe positive messages into clay stones.” [Milwaukee Neighborhood News Network]
• Milwaukee comedians Greg Bach and J. Tyler Menz talked about their Simpsons podcast, A Visitor’s Guide To Springfield. [Shepherd Express]
• Innocuous Records head Noah Coleman spoke about his label’s international focus on skweee music. [Shepherd Express]
• Have a great weekend, Milwaukee!