Friday, June 26, 2009

Journalist Admitted Having An Affair With Milwaukee Police Chief


Group To File Complaints To Investigate Violation Of Public Trust

By H. Nelson Goodson
June 26, 2009

Milwaukee -Last Friday, Jessica McBride, 39, sent out an email to the Associated Press (AP) stating, her affair with Milwaukee Police Chief Edward A. Flynn, 61, was “unfortunate” and was a “deeply personal matter between two adults.” She also provided the AP an email dated April 23 from Flynn, "The romantic relationship did not occur until long after the reporting and editing of the magazine article on Chief Flynn," McBride wrote. The article’s final edits was turned in Feb. 16, according to McBribe. Flynn’s e-mail suggested that the two get coffee. The romantic relationship with Chief Flynn began in May, but now it is over, McBride confirmed. McBribe is currently married to Paul Bucher, the former Waukesha County District Attorney.

Flynn worked as Police Commissioner of Springfield, Mass., until taking over the Milwaukee Police Department in January 2008. He previously was Massachusetts’ Secretary of Public Safety; and before that, Police Chief in Braintree, Mass., Chelsea, Mass., and Arlington County, Va, according to AP. Flynn was a last minute candidate brought in after the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission had selected their final five. Subsequently, Flynn was offered the position as Chief, with an increased salary.
Last week, Flynn admitted to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel of having an affair with McBribe. Flynn told Mayor Tom Barrett about the extramarital affair two and half weeks before the Journal Sentinel reported the affair, and the scandal made national news. Flynn is currently married to Susan Flynn who decided to stay in Virginia while her husband pursued his career.
Since the Flynn and McBribe affair was made public, some Milwaukee Police officers and taxpayers are now wondering if Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen should investigate Flynn for violating the public trust. Le Monte Harris and his group are filing a formal complaint with the Fire and Police Commission, and the Ethics Board, and is asking Milwaukee County District Attorney John T. Chisholm to investigate if the Chief had violated the law. "How will he be able to discipline other officers who may in fact break the law, when he (Flynn) wasn't punished for breaking the law," said Harris in an interview with WISN News 12 on Thursday.
The investigation should focus on whether Flynn had any conflict of interest by using taxpayer-funded equipment while engaging in the affair. The District Attorney's Office has indicated that they would probably not pursue the matter. "If that is the case, District Attorney Chisholm should refer the matter to Van Hollen to investigate if Flynn used his assigned police squad equipped with global positioning system (GPS) to meet McBribe. Investigators need to check Flynn’s (GPS) data from his squad, his public calendar as well as his hard calendar, and electronic transmitting device such as his police department personal computer for McBride’s elicit emails, including his City of Milwaukee issued cell phone for calls and text messaging,” according to a taxpayer.
According to Wisconsin State Law, committing adultery is a Class I Felony Offense. The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission terminate Police Officers who commit a felony act and for violating the Police Officer Code of Ethics.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Chief Flynn Had An Alleged Affair With Journalist


By H. Nelson Goodson
June 19, 2009

Milwaukee- On Thursday, Police Chief Edward A. Flynn, 61, admitted to having an affair with a journalist. Flynn issued a statement saying, “I have done my wife and family a great wrong, and I profoundly regret the hurt I have inflicted on them and others affected by my conduct,” Flynn wrote. “I accept the personal and public consequences of my private behavior. I have damaged my public reputation and violated the trust and love of my family.”
Apparently, Flynn became involved with Jessica McBribe after having an interview for the Milwaukee Magazine at Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant on Water St.

Emails and hand written letter surfaced from McBribe, 39, and were sent to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel anonymously. One of the emails said, “I honestly had myself almost convinced that we were going to talk about the police department at (Brocach) that night!” it states. “Now that sounds so naïve. But something special happened between us that night; I will always cherish it. A complete meeting on all levels - mind, body, heart that I have never experienced. You completed me that night.”
Flynn also notified Mayor Tom Barrett about the affair and apologized for his lack of judgement. Flynn is currently married to Susan Flynn who was interviewed by McBribe in the Milwaukee Magazine article on April 20, 2009.
Would this affair impede his judgement as Milwaukee Chief of Police? Since, in the State of Wisconsin having committed adultery is a felony offense.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Niña de 12 Años de Edad Muere en el Condado de Marathon de H1N1, la Influenza de Porcina


Tres muertes confirmadas por causa de la influenza en la Ciudad de Milwaukee

Por H. Nelson Goodson
18 de junio de 2009

Pueblo de Rib Mountain -El jueves 18 de junio oficiales del estado confirmaron cuatro muertes en Wisconsin a causa de la influenza de Porcina. La victima más reciente, Emily Eaton, 12, del pueblo de Rib Mountain murió el miércoles de complicaciones de la influenza H1N1. Eaton es la primera persona en morir a causa de la influenza en el Condado de Marathon. Eaton fue hospitalilzada en el Hospital de Niños de Saint Joseph en Marshfield donde ella falleció, de acuerdo a sus padres Dale y Jennifer Eaton.
El Condado de Marathon ha reportado 51 casos de la influenza H1N1.
Los oficiales de salud de Milwaukee han confirmado otra muerte a causa de la nueva influenza infecciosa H1N1. Está es la tercer muerte ha causa de dicha enfermedad conocida en la ciudad, y fue un adolescente quien aparentemente no tenía ninguna condición médica básica que típicamente hacen a ciertas personas más propensas a los riesgos de complicaciones con la influenza. El Departamento de Salud de la Ciudad de Milwaukee había previamente reportado la muerte de dos adultos por causa del virus.
“Yo he dicho anteriormente que es un virus nuevo, contra el cual nadie tiene inmunidad, y para el cual al presente no existe una vacuna”, dijo el Comisionado de Salud Bevan K. Baker. “Por favor no salga de su casa si usted está experimentando señales de enfermedad respiratoria tales como fiebre, tos, y dolor de garganta. No vaya a trabajar o a la escuela”.
El pasado lunes 15 de junio, Tiara Mosely-Forrest, 14, murió por causa de la influenza, pulmonía en los pulmones, una infección y el fallo de un número de órganos en el Hospital de Niños de Wisconsin. Mosely-Forrest fue confirmada como victima de H1N1 la Influenza de Porcina por los médicos. Ella estuvo en el hospital por dos semanas.
Otras dos mujeres en Milwaukee también han muerto por complicaciones de la Influenza de Porcina de acuerdo al Departamento de Salud de la Ciudad de Milwaukee.
Barbara Davis, 48, murió el 13 de junio, y Andrea Morgan, 27, murió el 3 de junio, ambas mujeres fallecieron por causa del virus H1N1, de acuerdo a miembros de las familias quienes ahora está afligidos por sus perdidas.
Oficiales de salud de la Ciudad reportaron que por lo menos 2,098 casos of H1N1 en Milwaukee. “La Influeza de Porcina es una enfermedad sería que permanece esparcida en nuestra comunidad”, dijo el Alcalde Tom Barrett.

Toma de Posesión del Terreno de los Cetina por Medio de Dominio Eminente es Aguantado


El Concejal Witkowiak hizo una moción para mantener el agarre del terreno usando dominio eminente en el Concilio

Por H. Nelson Goodson
18 de junio de 2009

Milwaukee -El martes 16 de junio, el Concilio Común apoyó la moción del Concejal James Witkowiak, de mantener la resolución de privar a Eligio Cetina de su propiedad en el Concilio. Witkowiak dijo que la familia Cetina estaba planeando someter un plan nuevo de reconstrucción para la propiedad. Witkowiak dijo, que para ser justos, el Concilio debería dar tiempo a la familia Cetina para que sometan los planes.
“Recientemente el dueño de la propiedad ha afirmado que yo he sido injusto de alguna forma… Me ha caracterizado como un villano, que yo fui el ingeniero del trato con Pete’s Fruit Market. Eso no en realidad el caso”, dijo Witkowiak.
El plan de establecer un restaurante en la propiedad deberá ser sometido pronto, de acuerdo al Rafael Cetina. Los Cetina estuvieron contentos de escuchar que la ciudad les está dando tiempo para someter el plan de negocio.
La ciudad quiere tomar posesión de la propiedad de los Cetina, y estaba ejercitando dominio eminente para facilitar la expansión de Pete’s Fruit Market en el área de César E. Chavéz Drive y la Greenfield e iba a contribuir a la revitalización del área. Anna y Eligio Cetina son dueños de las propiedades en el 1443 y 1445-47 Sur de la Avenida Muskego. Las parcelas de los dos terrenos fueron designados como destrozados para facilitar la adquisición del terreno por parte de la Autoridad de Reconstrucción de la Ciudad de Milwaukee a finales de mayo.
La Autoridad de Reconstrucción y el Departamento de Desarrollo de la Ciudad no tienen registros de haber citado a las propiedades de los Cetina por alguna violación que pudiera haberla clasificado como destrozada.
El Concejal Bob Bauman dijo que él estaba listo para votar en aprobación del uso de dominio eminente en la propiedad de los Cetina. Los Cetina tuvieron la oportunidad de ser escuchados durante la reunión anterior del Comité de División de Zonas y todo fue hecho apropiadamente, de acuerdo a Bauman.
Durante la reunión del Comité de División de Zonas el 9 de junio, la Autoridad de Reconstrucción y el Departamento de Desarrollo nunca introdujeron ninguna clase de citación en relación a alguna violación para clasificar el terreno de los Cetina como destrozado.
Pete Tsitiridis, propietario y operador de Pete’s Fruit Market en el 1400 Sur de la Calle Union quieren construir una expansión de 51,790 pies cuadrados en su negocio con un valor de $5.7 millones y esto incluye la propiedad de los Cetina.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

20th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square Demonstrations and Tank Man


The following was posted for educational purposes by Hispanic News Network USA. The events were recorded, photographed, and reported by Western reporters during the Tiananmen Square demonstrations in 1989. The following information is credited to FRONTLINE's reporting of "The Tank Man." Information on web links: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tankman/cron/ and http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/tankman/view/ also view actual footage in Youtube, TankMan - Tiananmen Square Protests (with John Lennon) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV-tk8CrqCQ

The spring of 1989 saw the largest pro-democracy demonstration in the history of China's communist regime. The following timeline tracks how the protests began in April among university students in Beijing, spread across the nation, and ended on June 4 with a final deadly assault by an estimated force of 300,000 soldiers from People's Liberation Army (PLA). Throughout these weeks, China's top leaders were deeply divided over how to handle the unrest, with one faction advocating peaceful negotiation and another demanding a crackdown. Excerpts from their statements, drawn from The Tiananmen Papers, reveal these internal divisions.

April 17
Mourners flock to Tiananmen Gate.
Tens of thousands of university students begin gathering spontaneously in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, the nation's symbolic central space. They come to mourn the death of Hu Yoabang, former General Secretary of the Communist Party. Hu had been a symbol to them of anti-corruption and political reform. In his name, the students call for press freedom and other reforms.

April 18 - 21
Unrest Spreads
Demonstrations escalate in Beijing and spread to other cities and universities. Workers and officials join in with complaints about inflation, salaries and housing. Party leaders fear the demonstrations might lead to chaos and rebellion. One group, lead by Premier Li Peng, second-ranking in the Party hierarchy, suspects "black hands" of "bourgeois liberal elements" are working behind the scenes to undermine the government. A minority faction, led by Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang, believes that "the student mainstream is good" and that their patriotism should be affirmed, "although any inappropriate methods of action should be pointed out to them."

Li argues that the protests should be "nipped in the bud;" however, Zhao convinces them to wait, stating, "Our main task right now is to be sure the memorial service for Comrade Yaobang goes off smoothly."

April 22
More than 100,000 university students assemble outside the Great Hall of the People, where Hu's memorial service is being held. Three students carry a petition of demands up the steps of the Great Hall and insist on meeting Li Peng; he does not respond. Over the next days, the students boycott classes and organize into unofficial student unions -- an illegal act in China.

April 25
With Zhao Ziyang on a state visit to North Korea, Li Peng calls a meeting of the Politburo, a meeting dominated by Party members antagonistic to the students. They convince Party elder Deng Xiaoping, the de facto head of state, that the students aim to overthrow him and the Communist Party. Deng decides the Party has thus far been "tolerant and restrained," but the time has come for action. "We must explain to the whole Party and nation that we are facing a most serious political struggle. … We've got to be explicit and clear in opposing this turmoil."

April 26
Editorial Denounces the Students
"The Necessity for a Clear Stand Against Turmoil," (read the full translation) appears in the state-run newspaper, the People's Daily. This editorial closely follows the opinions expressed by Deng at the meeting the day before. "This is a well-planned plot … to confuse the people and throw the country into turmoil," it reads. "… Its real aim is to reject the Chinese Communist Party and the socialist system at the most fundamental level."

April 27
Members of the Chinese navy demonstrate in Beijing.
The editorial sets off more demonstrations in other cities. In Tiananmen Square the ranks of protestors now include a cross-section of society. "In Beijing one in 10 of the population was joining in … all of the old people, all the little children, so it was massive," explains Jan Wong, a foreign journalist in Beijing at the time. "You had doctors and nurses and scientists and army people demonstrating. The Chinese navy was demonstrating, and I thought, 'This is extraordinary because who's left? It's just the top leaders who aren't out there.'"

April 28 - May 3
The World Is Watching
Party leaders are aware of the growing foreign press coverage of the demonstrations, but remain split over how to stop the protests and get the students to return to classes. Zhao Ziyang's camp advocates negotiation and stresses the government should address legitimate complaints, such as the need for political reform. Li Peng and his allies argue that social stability must be restored before any reforms can be considered.

May 4
Tens of thousands of students march into Tiananmen Square to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 1919 "May Fourth Movement," which also took place in the square. They pledge to return to classes the next day but intend to keep pressing for reforms.

Zhao Ziyang, in a speech to foreign bankers, expresses support for the students' "patriotism" and essentially contradicts the government's April 26 editorial. This angers senior Party members.

May 5-12
Many students return to classes, and the movement is in flux and lacks clear leadership. Certain factions plan more demonstrations and a hunger strike. Meanwhile, tensions escalate within the Party as they prepare for Soviet Party Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev's historic visit to Beijing.

Deng Xiaoping wants to settle things peacefully, but insists the students must be out of the square before Gorbachev arrives. Zhao, unable to convince the students to call off the demonstrations, begins to lose favor with the senior Party members.

May 13
Hunger Strike
Anticipating Soviet Party Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev's visit, about 160 students begin a hunger strike in Tiananmen Square, citing the government's failure to respond to their requests for dialogue. One of the printed manifestos reads: "The nation is in crisis -- beset by rampant inflation, illegal dealing by profiteering officials, abuses of power, corrupt bureaucrats, the flight of good people to other countries and deterioration of law and order. Compatriots, fellow countrymen who cherish morality, please hear our voices!"

Their hunger strike draws broad public support; many important intellectuals pledge their help. "There's such a feeling in China about food because of the thousands of years of famines that they've had," explains Jan Wong. "… So when the students went on their hunger strike, it really moved people to tears."

May 15
"Loss of Face"
Mikhail Gorbachev arrives in Beijing for the first Sino-Soviet summit since 1959, but the hunger strike forces the government to cancel plans to welcome him in Tiananmen Square. His escort is blocked by protestors on nearly every street in Beijing. "[F]or the Chinese government, [this was] a big loss of face, very scary," says Jan Wong. "… They were aware of what was happening in the Soviet Union -- and so were the Chinese people -- that the Communist Party in the Soviet Union was more or less imploding. [The Party leaders] were very frightened in China."

May 16
Divided Politburo
More than 3,000 people are now participating in the hunger strike. The embarrassing protests during Gorbachev's visit further polarizes the Politburo. During an emergency meeting, Zhao maintains that the way to end the strike is for the government to retract its April 26 editorial, accept the students' demand for dialogue and begin reforms.

"[T]he vast majority of student demonstrators are patriotic and sincerely concerned for our country. We may not approve of all of their methods, but their demand to promote democracy, to deepen the reforms and to root out corruption are quite reasonable," says Zhao.

Li Peng insists the government cannot capitulate: "It's more and more clear that a tiny minority is trying to use the turmoil to reach its political goal, which is repudiation of Communist Party leadership and the socialist system." Li says. "Their goals are to topple the Chinese Communist Party … to completely repudiate the people's democratic dictatorship."

May 17
Plans for Martial Law
When the case is put to Deng Xiaoping, he decides against Zhao's recommendations and proposes instituting martial law to end the hunger strike. "The aim … will be to suppress the turmoil once and for all and to return things quickly to normal," he is reported to have said. "This is the unshirkable duty of the Party and the government." Zhao expresses his problems with this position but concedes: "I will submit to Party discipline; the minority does yield to the majority."

May 18
Li Peng Meets With Students
Zhao Ziyang visits hospitalized hunger strikers and tries to convince them to call off their fast. Afterward, he is reported to have drafted a letter of resignation to the Politburo, but it is never sent. Li Peng holds a televised meeting with student leaders in the Great Hall of the People (see a map of Tiananmen Square). It ends without any progress. (Read the translated transcript of the meeting.)

That evening a meeting of Party elders and Politburo members, including Deng Xiaoping and Li Peng, approves the declaration of martial law. Zhao Ziyang does not attend.

May 19
Martial Law Declared
Student leaders learn of the plan to declare martial law and call off their hunger strike. Instead, they stage a mass sit-in in Tiananmen Square that draws about 1.2 million supporters, including members of the police and military and industrial workers. Zhao Ziyang appears in Tiananmen Square in a final, unsuccessful effort to appeal for compromise. It is his last public appearance. He is soon removed from office and replaced by Jiang Zemin.

That evening, Li Peng appears on state television to declare martial law. "We must adopt firm and resolute measures to end the turmoil swiftly, to maintain the leadership of the party as well as the socialist system." (Read a translation of his speech.)

May 20
The Army Is Sent Into Beijing
For the first time in 40 years of Communist rule, the PLA troops attempt to occupy Beijing. A huge number of civilian protestors block their convoys on the streets. Beijingers begin a dialogue with the soldiers, trying to explain to them why they shouldn't be there. "You had these … touching moments of the people appealing to the army to join them, and feeding them, and giving them water, and saying, you know, 'Could be your son. Could be your daughter,'" says Orville Schell, who was in Beijing at the time. "And [you have] these sort of doe-eyed, puzzled soldiers, who were mostly country people, weren't experienced with big city life, just wondering what was going on here. And not wanting to hurt anybody."

The soldiers have been ordered not to fire on civilians, even if provoked. They are stuck -- unable to reach the protestors in Tiananmen Square and unable to withdraw from the city -- for almost three days.

May 24
The PLA Withdraws
The troops finally are able to leave, but the government views the whole episode as another humiliation and challenge to its power. "The party leaders feared that the whole edifice of communism was going to collapse," says journalist John Pomfret. "They needed to make a stand, and a bloody stand, to show their population, and in effect, to cow their population, back into submission."

May 25 - June 1
A New Offensive
Over the next week, the demonstrations continue, and Beijing operates with no real police presence and with a virtually free press. In Tiananmen Square, the atmosphere is jubilant, but at government headquarters, Deng Xiaoping is devising a new offensive to end the protest. Armed troops will be sent in from every military district in the country.

"I think the leaders felt that they had been thwarted in the most obvious and humiliating manner,"says Orville Schell. "[A]nd the second time around they brought in troops from far away who didn't have connections to Beijing, whose kids weren't in the square. And they decided they would brook no obstacle."

June 2
The Party elders approve the decision to put down the "counterrevolutionary riot" and clear the square with military force. Most hope it can be done without casualties. Unaware of what was about to happen, Hou Dejian, a Chinese rock star, and three prominent intellectuals start a hunger strike in Tiananmen Square. Demonstrators continue their sit-in and their calls for democratic reforms.

June 3
The Assault Begins
As word spreads that hundreds of thousands of troops are approaching from all four corners of the city, Beijingers flood the streets to block them, as they had done two weeks earlier. People set up barricades at every major interstion. At about 10:30 p.m., near the Muxidi apartment buildings -- home to high-level Party officials and their families -- the citizens become aggressive as the army tries to break through their barricades. They yell at the soldiers and some throw rocks; someone sets a bus on fire. The soldiers start firing on the unarmed civilians with AK-47s loaded with battlefield ammunition.

"The first rounds of fire catch everybody by surprise," recalls human rights observer Timothy Brook. "The people in the streets don't expect this to happen." The wounded are taken to nearby hospitals on bicycles and pull-carts, but the hospital staff are unequipped to deal with the severe wounds. Muxidi sees the highest casualties of the night; an untold number of people are killed.

June 4
The Massacre Continues
At about 1:00 a.m., the People's Liberation Army finally reaches Tiananmen Square and waits for orders from the government. The soldiers have been told not to open fire, but they have also been told that they must clear the square by 6:00 a.m. -- with no exceptions or delays. They make a final offer of amnesty if the few thousand remaining students will leave. About 4:00 a.m., student leaders put the matter to a vote: Leave the square, or stay and face the consequences. "It was clear to me that they stay votes were much, much, much stronger," recalls eyewitness John Pomfret, who was near the students. "But Feng Congde, who was a student leader at the time, said, 'The go's have it.'" The students vacate the square under the gaze of thousands of soldiers.

Later that morning, some people -- believed to be the parents of the student protestors -- try to re-enter Tiananmen Square via Chang'an Boulevard. The soldiers order them to leave, and when they don't, open fire, taking down dozens of people at a time. According to eyewitness accounts, the citizens seem not to believe the army is firing on them with real ammunition.

"[A]fter a little while, like 40 minutes, people would gather up their nerve again and would crawl back to the corner and start screaming at the soldiers, and then the commander would eventually give another signal … and they'd shoot more in the backs," remembers journalist Jan Wong, who watched it all from her hotel room above the boulevard. "And this went on more than half a dozen times in the day." When rescue workers try to approach the street to remove the wounded, they, too, are shot.

No one knows for certain how many people died over the two days. The Chinese Red Cross initially reported 2,600, then quickly retracted that figure under intense pressure from the government. The official Chinese government figure is 241 dead, including soldiers, and 7,000 wounded.

June 5
A Moment That Fascinated the World
By the morning of June 5, the army is in complete control of Beijing. But when all protest in the city seems silenced, the world witnessed one final act of defiance.

About midday, as a column of tanks slowly moves along Chang'an Boulevard toward Tiananmen Square, an unarmed young man carrying shopping bags suddenly steps out in front of the tanks. Instead of running over him, the first tank tries to go around, but the young man steps in front of it again. They repeat this maneuver several more times before the tank stops and turns off its motor. The young man climbs on top of the tank and speaks to the driver before jumping back down again. Soon, the young man is whisked to the side of the road by an unidentified group of people and disappears into the crowd.

To this day, who he was and what became of him remains a mystery.

Epilogue
• In the weeks following the Tiananmen massacre, Chinese officials stick with the party line that hordes of "counterrevolutionaries" rampaged in Beijing and throughout China and the government had been justified in forcefully ending the rebellion. Tens of thousands are arrested, many are imprisoned, and an unknown number are executed. The government states "not one person" was killed in Tiananmen Square and only 241 people died when PLA troops and "rioters" fought in the streets.

• In September 1989, Beijing officials set up an exhibit at the city's military museum to explain why they had to forcefully end the "anti-government riot." It features more than 4,000 exhibits: burned out tanks and armored personnel carriers, photographs of soldiers who had been burned to death or hanged from overpasses, and photos of burning buses and clashes between students and police in riot gear. There is also a film depicting the army's efforts to restore order. The exhibit features some essays on democracy written by dissident Fang Lizhi, exhibited as an example of the misguided beliefs about Chinese communism that led to the demonstrations. It was one of the most popular sections of the exhibit because Fang's writings were banned.

• On June 4, 1994, the fifth anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre, Li Peng, stills serving as Premier, announces new security regulations defining political discussions outside the Party line as sabotage.

• In June 2004, the government produces a five-hour documentary on the Tiananmen 1989 protests, portraying them as "counterrevolutionary rebellion," and requiring officials around the country to view it.

SOURCES:

Research for this timeline was drawn from FRONTLINE's reporting for the "The Tank Man," its previous 1996 program "The Gate of Heavenly Peace," and The Tiananmen Papers , published in 2001 and edited by Andrew J. Nathan and Perry Link.

12-year-old Girl Dies Of H1N1 Swine Flu In Marathon County


Three confirmed deaths of flu in the City of Milwaukee

By H. Nelson Goodson
Updated June 18, 2009

Town of Rib Mountain - On Thursday, June 18, State officials confirmed four deaths of the swine flu in Wisconsin. The latest victim, Emily Eaton, 12, from the town of Rib Mountain died on Wednesday of complications of H1N1 influenza. Eaton is the first victim to die of the swine flu in Marathon County. Eaton was hospitalized at Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital in Marshfield where she died, according to her parents Dale and Jennifer Eaton. Marathon County reported 51 cases of H1N1.
Milwaukee health officials have confirmed another death from the novel H1N1 influenza infection. This is the third known death from novel H1N1 for the city, and was an adolescent who apparently did not have any of the common underlying medical conditions that typically make people more at risk of influenza complications. The City of Milwaukee Health Department has previously reported two adult deaths from the virus.
“I’ve stated before that this is a new virus, to which nobody has any immunity, and for which there is currently no vaccine,” said Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker. “Please stay home if you’re experiencing signs of respiratory illness such as fever, cough, or sore throat. Do not go to work or school.”
Last Monday on June 15th, Tiara Mosely-Forrest, 14, died from influenza, pneumonia in the lungs, a staph infection and multiple organ failure at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Mosely-Forrest was confirmed of having the H1N1 Swine Flu virus by doctors. She was in the hospital for two weeks.
Two other women in Milwaukee have also died from swine flu complications, according to City of Milwaukee Health Department. Barbara Davis, 48, died on June 13th, and Andrea Morgan, 27, died on June 3rd, both women died from the H1N1 virus, according to family members who are now grieving their lost.
City health officials reported at least 2,098 cases of H1N1 flu cases in Milwaukee. “Swine influenza is a serious illness that remains widespread in our community,” said Mayor Tom Barrett.

Eminent Domain Takeover Of Cetina’s Land Put On Hold


Alderman Witkowiak makes motion to keep the eminent domain resolution for land grabbing in Council

By H. Nelson Goodson
June 17, 2009

Milwaukee -On Tuesday, June 16, the Common Council supported a motion by Alderman James Witkowiak, to keep the eminent domain resolution to takeover the land owned by Eligio Cetina in council. Witkowiak said that the Cetina family was planning to submit redevelopment plans for their property. Witkowiak said, that in all fairness, the Common Council should allow time for the Cetina’s to submit the plans.
“Recently the owner of the property has contended that I've somehow been unfair...Characterizing me as some kind of villain, that I engineered the deal with Pete's Fruit Market. That is not the case whatsoever,” Witkowiak said.
The property plans to establish a Mexican Mayan Restaurant will be submitted soon, according to Rafael Cetina. The Cetina’s were happy to hear that the city is giving them time to submit the business plan.
The city wants to take Cetina’s property, and it was exercising eminent domain to facilitate the expansion of Pete's Fruit Market in the area of S. Cesar E. Chavez Dr. and Greenfield and will contribute to the revitalization of the area. Anna and Eligio Cetina own the properties at 1443 and 1445-47 South Muskego Avenue. The two land parcels were blight designated to facilitate the acquisition of the land by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in late May.
The Redevelopment Authority and the Department of City Development (DCD) have no record of ever citing the Cetina’s properties for any kind of violations that would actually classify them as blighted.
Alderman Bob Bauman said he was ready to vote for approval of using eminent domain on the Cetina’s property. The Cetina’s had their opportunity to be heard during the prior Zoning Committee meeting and everything was done properly, according to Bauman. During the Zoning Committee meeting on June 9th, the Redevelopment Authority and DCD never introduced or cited any kind of the violations to classify the Cetina’s land as blighted.
Pete Tsitiridis, owner and operator of Pete's Fruit Market at 1400 S. Union St. wants to built a $5.7 million, 51,790-square-foot expansion of his business that would include Cetina’s property.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

City of Milwaukee Zoning Committee Approves Eminent Domain To Take Land


Aldermen passed land acquisition after proposed Latino restaurant and nightclub denied liquor license

By H. Nelson Goodson
June 11, 2009

Milwaukee - Last Tuesday, the city’s Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee decided on a 4-0 to approve a land acquisition resolution for job creation and development growth in the S. Cesar E. Chavez Dr. corridor. The Zoning committee is chaired by South side 12th District Alderman James Witkowiak.
During the meeting, Elaine Miller from the Department of City Development (DCD) told the the committee members that “the city is exercising eminent domain...that will facilitate the expansion of Pete's Fruit Market in the area of 16th and Greenfield and will contribute to the revitalization of the area.” The privately owned properties at 1443 and 1445-47 South Muskego Avenue were blight designated to facilitate the acquisition of the land by the Redevelopment Authority two weeks ago, according to Miller. The properties are currently owned by Anna and Eligio Cetina. The Cetina’s bought the land in 2002 and their business plan was to built a Mayan flavor food restaurant and night club. They previously received a liquor license, but expired due to various requests for basic improvements of their property by the DCD, which prevented them from developing their land, according to the Cetina’s. The property is not considered a nuisance and has never been cited as such.
The Cetina’s land acquisition resolution now goes before the full Common Council for approval on June 16th. The Cetina family plans to file a civil suit once the city takes final action to seize the land.
This action by the City of Milwaukee caught the attention of former U.S. Attorney and radio talk show host Jeff Wagner who said on Wednesday during his radio show on WTMJ 620 AM, “I think is shameful, I think this is gross abuse of eminent domain.”
Eminent Domain is used to purchase land for public interest such as building highways, public schools, hospitals and government facilities.
Pete Tsitiridis, owner and operator of Pete's Fruit Market at 1400 S. Union St. wants to built a $5.7 million, 51,790-square-foot expansion of his business. Ald. Witkowiak said he supports the expansion, which is not surprising considering that Witkowiak’s campaign contribution records indicate that three members of the Tsitiridis family have donated the $2,000 collectively to Witkowiak’s campaign in 2008.
In May, the Zoning Committee also approved the South side Comprehensive Area Plan considered discriminatory towards new immigrants, low-income residents, and Latino business growth.
The crafters of the plan included, the consulting firm of HNTB, Department of City Development (DCD) planners, the Contract Management Team, and funding partners. The planners have been criticized by South side residents for creating one of the most controversial development plans in Milwaukee’s history.
In April 20th, the City Plan Commission approved the plan even though complaints were made about the lack of information in Spanish concerning the plan.
The DCD and the planners failed to included the proposed Pete’s Market expansion in the S. Cesar E. Chavez Dr. corridor and in the South side comprehensive plan when it was finally approved by the Common Council on May 27th. Implying, the HNTB Consulting and DCD’s continued practice of deceit and not providing information to the public and taxpayers they are paid to serve.

The following letter was sent by the Cetina family:

Communism in Milwaukee?

My family owns 3 vacant city lots at the 1443,1445-47 block of Muskego Ave. Our dreams and property were both taken away by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee (RACM). 3 well maintained lots with grass has now been declared by RACM to be "blighted". This means green open space is somehow "detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare." Now that RACM has declared our property to be blighted, they are taking it by eminent domain. They have become the arm twisting hand of Pete's Marketplace that will force the sale of our property. What happened to the rights of property owners to develop their own property and fulfill their dreams? Why is my family punished for being a working class family that does not have millions available for development? Why has RACM taken away my family's rights as property owners and given them to a rich developer? If RACM decides your neighbor has better plans for development, beware, as your ownership rights may be taken away too. The protections of the law which prohibits the government from taking unblighted property in order to convey it to a private entity apparently no longer applies to RACM. [32.03(6)(b)].[wis.stat]

Sincerely from a Hispanic Family,

Rafael Cetina y Familia
June 11, 2009

2 Officers Shot In South Side Entertainment District


18-year old suspect arrested nearby

By H. Nelson Goodson
June 11, 2009

Milwaukee - Two police officers were shot multiple times on Tuesday, June 9th by an 18-year old suspect on Milwaukee’s Walker Point area.

The suspect, Julius C. Burton was stopped while driving his bicycle on the 900 block of S. 2nd St. by Officers Bryan Norberg, 21, and Graham Kunisch, 26, for suspicious behavior.
A witness who did not want to be identified, said he saw Burton being chased by a man and was pushed aside by Burton. Officers Norberg and Kunisch then stopped their vehicle in front of Burton. When the officers were getting out of their squad Burton shot at them multiple times.
Milwaukee Chief of Police Edward Flynn initiated a suspicious looking behavior policy in the department for officers to stop and question people in a neighborhood without probable cause. In this particular case, both Norberg and Kunisch were unable to draw their weapons when they were confronted by Burton.
Burton is taking medication for schizophrenia, according to relatives. He was charged on Thursday with two counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide. Jacob D. Collins, 21, who sold the hand gun to Burton for $40 is facing charges in federal court. Collins admitted to federal authorities he bought the gun for Burton at a local gun shop.
Officer Norberg has been in the department for six months and Kunisch who remains in critical condition has been an officer for fifteen months. Both officers are expected to survive, according to Flynn.
Tom Aldaña, 25, who works at Super Star Tattoo, 712 S. 2nd St. went to the wounded officers and applied first aid to one of the officers by applying pressure to a wound.
Burton after shooting both officers fled the scene and entered a home thru an open rear door in the 1000 block of S. 3rd St. The owner of the home noticed the door leading to the basement locked and called police. Police entered the home and arrested Burton inside without incident and recovered the suspected handgun used in the shooting near by, according to Chief Flynn.
In April another officer was shot, Officer Vidal Colón, 30, a seven-year veteran in the police department was responding to a domestic dispute call in the 1200 block of S. 36th St. when he got into a shooting match with Louis Manuel Domenech, 25. Officer Colón was shot three times and survived the shooting.
On January 26, 2008, Lodewikus "Vic" Milford a Miller Brewing Co. executive was shot to death by Miguel Ayala, 21, during an armed robbery in the same block where Officers Norberg and Kunisch were shot on Tuesday. Ayala, Carlos Gonzalez, 17, were convicted of the homicide and Irene Rodriguez, then 17 was previously charged as an adult, but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.
On November 6, 2007, Officers Alejandro J. Arce, 26, and Jose Angel Lopez III, 31, were shot multiple times at the 1300 block of S. Greenfield Ave. by Victor Veloz, 16. Veloz was convicted and is serving 60 years in prison.

El Comité de División de Zonas Aprueba Dominio Eminente Para Apropiar un Terreno


Los Concejales de Comité pasaron la adquisición de terreno después de negarle la licencia de licor a un restaurante y club nocturno Latino

Por H. Nelson Goodson
11 de junio de 2009

Milwaukee- El pasado martes, el Comité de División de Zonas, Vecindarios y Desarrollo decidió en voto de 4-0 el aprobar una resolución para la adquisición de un terreno para la creación y desarrollo de crecimiento en el corredor de S. Cesar E. Chavez. El Comité de División de Zonas es presidido por el Concejal del Distrito 12do James Witkowiak.
Durante la reunión, Elaine Miller del Departamento de Desarrollo de la Ciudad (DDC) le dijo a los miembros del comité que “la ciudad está ejercitando dominio eminente… que va a facilitar la extensión de Pete’s Marketplace en el área la calle 16ta y Avenida Greenfield y va a contribuir en la revitalización del área”. Las propiedades de un dueño privado en el 1443 y 1445-47 Sur de la Avenida Muskego fueron designadas como destrozadas para facilitar la adquisición del terreno por la Autoridad de Reconstrucción, de acuerdo a Miller. Los terrenos son al presente las propiedades de Anna y Eligio Cetina. Los Cetina compraron el terreno en el 2002 y su plan de negocio fue el establecer un restaurante de comida con sabor Maya y un club nocturno. Ellos recibieron una licencia de licor previamente, pero expiró debido a una serie de peticiones para mejoras básicas en su propiedad por parte del DDC, lo cual no les permitió el desarrollar su terreno, de acuerdo a Cetina. La propiedad no es considerada una molestia y nunca ha sido citada como tal.
Está acción por parte de la Ciudad de Milwaukee le llamó la atención al ex Abogado de los Estados Unidos y animador de un programa de charla Jeff Wagner quien dijo el miércoles 10 de junio durante su programa en WTMJ 620 AM, “Yo pienso que es una vergüenza, yo pienso que esto es un abuso grotesco del dominio eminente”.
El Dominio Eminente es usado para comprar terrenos que vayan a servir el interés público en cosas tales como la construcción de carreteras, escuelas públicas, hospitales y facilidades gubernamentales.
Pete Tsitiridis, propietario y operador de Pete’s Marketplace quiere construir una extensión para su negocio de 51,790 pies cuadrados con un valor de $5.7 millones.
El Concejal Witkowiak dijo que él apoya la extensión, lo que nos es sorprendente ya que los registros de contribuciones de campaña indican que tres miembros de la familia Tsitiridis han donado $2,000 dólares colectivamente a la campaña de Witkowiak para Concejal.
En mayo 2009, el Comité de División de Zonas también aprobó el Plan Comprensivo para el Área del Lado Sur considerado discriminatorio hacia inmigrantes, residentes de bajos ingresos, y el crecimiento de los negocios Latinos. Los artesanos del plan incluyen la firma de consultas HNTB, los planeadores del Departamento de Desarrollo de la Ciudad (DDC), el Equipo de Gerencia de Contratos, y compañeros proveedores de fondos. Los planeadores han sido criticados por los residentes de Lado Sur por crear uno de los planes de desarrollo más controversiales en la historia de Milwaukee.
El 20 de abril, la Comisión de Planeo de la Ciudad aprobaron el plan aun cuando querellas fueron hechas sobre la falta de información en Español en relación al plan.
El DDC y los planeadores fallaron en incluir la propuesta extensión de Pete’s Marketplace en el corredor del Sur de César Chávez Drive y en plan comprensivo para el lado sur cuando fue finalmente aprobado por el Concilio Común el 27 de mayo, implicando que los Consultantes de HNTB y el Departamento de Desarrollo de la Ciudad continúan practicando engaños y el no proveer información al público y a los contribuyentes de impuestos quienes les paga para que sirvan.

2 Oficiales de la Policía Tiroteados en el Distrito de Entretenimiento del Lado Sur


Sospechoso de 18 años de edad arrestado cerca del área de Walker’s Point

Por H. Nelson Goodson
11 de junio de 2009

Milwaukee- Dos oficiales de la policía fueron tiroteados varias veces por un joven de 18 años de edad en el área de Walker’s Point el martes 9 de junio en la tarde.

Julius C. Burton, el sospechoso fue detenido por los oficiales Bryan Norberg, 21, y Graham. Kunisch, 26, en el bloque 900 de Sur de la Calle 2da mientras manejaba una bicicleta, por comportamiento sospechoso.
Un testigo que no quería se identificado alega que el sospechoso paso por su lado en dirección hacia el sur de la calle 2da en la bicicleta siendo perseguido por alguien vestido de civil. De acuerdo al testigo, los oficiales Norberg y Kunicsh aparecieron en una patrulla proviniendo de la calle Walker y en dirección al norte de la calle 2da y trataron de bloquear a Burton. Mientras los oficiales salían del auto, Burton tiro su bicicleta y comenzó a disparar, tan pronto como termino de disparar corrió hacia el sur en la calle 2. Esta versión de los eventos aun no a sido confirmada.
El Jefe de la Policía Edward Flynn inició una póliza de postura que se ve sospechosa en el departamento para que los oficiales puedan detener y cuestionar a personas en el vecindario sin requerir causa probable. En este caso en particular, ambos Norberg y Kunisch no pudieron sacar sus armas cuando ellos fueron confrontados por Burton. Se espera que Burton sea cargado de atentado de asesinato.
El oficial Norberg ha estado en el departamento por seis meses y Kunisch quien se mantiene en condición critica ha sido un oficial por quince meses. Ambos oficiales sobreviviran, según Flynn.
Tom Aldaña, 25, quien trabaja en el Super Star Tatto, 712 Sur de la 2da Calle fue donde los oficiales heridos y dio primera ayuda a uno de los oficiales por medio de aplicar presión en su herida.
Después que Burton tiroteo a los oficiales se fugó de la escena y entró a una casa localizada en el bloque 1000 de la Calle 3ra, usando una puerta abierta en la parte posterior del edificio. El dueño de la propiedad notó que la puerta hacia el sótano tenía seguro y llamó a la policía. La policía entró a la casa y arrestó a Burton dentro de está sin incidente. Ellos recobraron el arma usada por el sospechoso cerca de allí, de acuerdo al Jefe Flynn.
El pasado abril otro oficial resultó tiroteado en el lado sur, el oficial Vidal Colón, 30, un veteranos de siete años en el departamento de policía quien estaba respondiendo a una disputa doméstica en el bloque 1200 Sur de la Calle 36ta cuando él se envolvió en un tiroteo con Louis Manuel Doménech, 25. El oficial Colón fue tiroteado tres veces y sobrevivió el incidente.
El 26 de enero de 2008, Lodewikus “Vic” Milford un ejecuto de la Miller Brewing Co. fue asesinado a tiros por Miguel Ayala, 21, durante un robo a mano armada en el mismo bloque donde Norberg y Kunisch resultaron tiroteados el martes. Ayala, Carlos González, 17, fueron convictos del homicidio e Irene Rodríguez, entonces 17 fue previamente cargada como adulta, pero se declaró culpable a un cargo menor.
El 6 de noviembre de 2007, los Oficiales Alejandro J. Arce, 26 y José Angel López III, 31, fueron tiroteados varias veces en el bloque 1300 Sur de la Avenida Greenfield, por Victor Veloz, 16. Veloz resultó convicto y está sirviendo 60 años en la prisión.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Historic Event: The 1970 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) take over by the Hispanic Community


Commemorating The 39th Anniversary Of The 1970 UWM Struggle For Education

Milwaukee - This year on August 27, 2009, one of the most historical events in the City of Milwaukee as well as in Wisconsin will mark the 39th Anniversary of the 1970 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) take over by the Hispanic community. Their contribution, commitment, and success led to changing the discriminatory UWM policy that restricted access to higher education for Hispanics in 1970, has today resulted in graduating large numbers of Latinos from public and private universities throughout Wisconsin.

Click on the first and second photos for the most comprehensive story ever written and authored by H. Nelson Goodson who himself was a student, and graduated from UWM. El Conquistador Newspaper first published the two-page article on July 13, 2001 as a special edition for The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Annual Conference, which was held in Milwaukee on July 14-18, 2001. "The article actually depicts a descriptive point by point narrative, documentary and occurrences of historical events at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee that will make you experience and feel the moment in time," Goodson said. Goodson's publication of the article led to other studies and papers written about the historical event by UWM.

On July 1, 2004, Carlos E. Santiago became the first Hispanic chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. "Our more than 28,000 students have access to 156 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels," Santiago wrote on the Office of the Chancellor's web site. Santiago formerly held the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University at Albany, State University of New York. He replaced Nancy Zimpher, who left UWM to become president at the University of Cincinnati. Chancellor Santiago has a Ph.D. in economics from Cornell University (1982) and M.A. degrees in economics from Cornell University (1979) and the University of Puerto Rico (1975).
Unfortunately, today's educational institutions like Milwaukee Public Schools, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and other private educational institutions, as well as community based organizations have yet to provide and make available a curriculum about the historical aspect of the 1970's educational struggle to the younger generations of students.
In cooperation with Mr. H. Nelson Goodson, the author, El Conquistador Newspaper, and the Hispanic News Network U.S.A. web site, both of these pages have been now made available to the public, elementary and high school students including university students for educational purposes.

Link to UWM library website of chronicles of takeover and images included.

Update:

Here's the ¡Adelante! MPTV TV 10 show with host Patricia Gomez that aired a segment on Jan. 18, 2010 of the 40th Anniversary and Commemoration of the September 18, 2010 event at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). It shows the banquet at the UWM Ballroom and the vintage news footage of the actual takeover of Chapman Hall and UWM on August 27, 1970. The Hispanic community marched, fought, struggled and took over UWM for higher education access. Their endeavers succeeded to over turn the discriminatory UWM policy that kept Latinos from enrolling at the university.  Video Link: http://www.mptv.org/video/watch/?id=621

Latino Community and El Conquistador Newspaper Commemorates Historic Event In 2009


Milwaukee- Next August 27, 2009, a historic event and celebration will mark the 39th Anniversity of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee take over by members of the Latino community.
Click on photo to enlarge and for information relating to historic event.

Hispanos Católicos en Busca de Misa en Español en la Basílica de Saint Josaphat


El Obispo Callahan de Milwaukee apoya el tener una misa en Español en la Basílica del Lado Sur

Por H. Nelson Goodson
El Conquistador, LNS
5 de junio de 2009

Milwaukee- Por años, los feligreses de la Basílica y los Hispanos Católicos en el área han estando investigando en relación a conseguir un cura Franciscano de habla Hispana a tiempo para el 100 aniversario de la Orden de Frailes en la Basílica de Saint Josaphat localizada en el corazón de la comunidad Latina en Wisconsin.
El Obispo William Patrick Callahan, O.F.M. Conv. (Order of Friars Minor Conventual) estaba visitando a la Iglesia Católica San Adalberto por primera vez y presidió en 50 confirmaciones cristianas el pasado sábado 30 de mayo. El Obispo Callahan ha tomado poder temporalmente por el Arzobispo Timothy Dolan hasta que un arzobispo permanente sea elegido para Wisconsin. Dolan se convirtió oficialmente en el Arzobispo de New York al principio de abril.
El Obispo Callahan le dijo a los feligreses de San Adalberto que la Iglesia Católica los necesita y que la Iglesia está allí para ellos. Aun así, algunos feligreses y otros Hispanos Católicos en la comunidad mayormente Latina del Lado Sur han pedido una misa en Español y otros servicios en ese lenguaje en la Basílica de Saint Josaphat localizada en el 2333 Sur de la Calle 6ta. El Obispo Callahan sirvió en la Basílica por diez años y dijo que él apoya el que dicha Basílica provea misas en Español. Un sacerdote Franciscano de habla Hispana deberá ser asignado por la Orden de Franciscanos para ofrece servicios en Español, de acuerdo al Obispo Callahan.
La Orden De Frailes (Franciscanos conventuales) ha operado la Basílica por los pasados 99 años y va a celebrar sus 100 años en el 2010. El Padre Jim Ciaramitaro de la Basílica de Saint Josaphat dijo que él también le gustaría ver servicios en Español, ya que quinceañeras y feligreses Hispanos van a la Basílica y también se casan en la Iglesia.
Al presente, estás ceremonias religiosas son hechas en Inglés solo porque la Basílica solo cuenta con dos Sacerdotes de Franciscanos que hablan Inglés.
La decisión de encontrar y asignar a un Sacerdote Franciscano de habla Hispana cae en el Pastor Jim Jankowski de la Basílica, Arzobispos de Wisconsin e Illinois, y la Orden Franciscana, de acuerdo al Padre Ciaramitaro. El Pastor Jankowski no podía ser encontrado para comentar debido a consolidaciones de viaje.

30 Parejas se Casaron Simultáneamente en la Iglesia de San Adalberto


El Obispo de Milwaukee presidió sobre confirmaciones

Por H. Nelson Goodson
El Conquistador, LNS
5 de junio de 2009

Milwaukee- El sábado 30 de mayo, un estimado de 30 parejas se casaron simultáneamente en la Iglesia Católica de San Adalberto, 1923 Oeste Calle Becher en la mayormente Latina comunidad del Lado Sur de Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Los Padres Luis Pacheco Sánchez y Eleazar Pérez-Rodriguez presidieron sobre la sagrada ceremonia de matrimonio. La única otra vez que San Adalberto tuvo tantas parejas contrayendo matrimonio a la misma vez fue en el 2005, de acuerdo a Marta Domínguez de la oficina de personal de San Adalberto.
El Obispo William Patrick Callahan, O.F.M. Conv. (Order of Friars Minor Conventual) estaba visitando a la Iglesia Católica San Adalberto por primera vez y presidió en 50 confirmaciones cristianas. El Obispo Callahan fue bienvenido y recibió una serenata por parte del coro de feligreses.
El festival de la Iglesia de San Adalberto se llevará a cabo el próximo del 10-12 de julio, de acuerdo al Padre Pachecho, pastor y administrador de San Adalberto. El año pasado con la ayuda de voluntarios de Missión Spirit Inc., el festival de la Iglesia en San Adalberto reportó por lo menos $80,000 en ganancias después de que todos los gastos fueron pagados.
Missión Spirit Inc. llevó a cabo su primer festival “Unity in Diversity” en el Parque Wisconsin State Fair el 22-25 de mayo. El carismático fundador de Missión Spirit Inc., es el Padre Eleazar Pérez-Rodriguez y está envuelto en la misión de generar fondos para proveer servicios espirituales las 24 horas del día los 7 días de la semana.
El Padre Pacheco dijo, Spirit Missión Inc. y su festival no están conectados con la Iglesia San Adalberto.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Hispanic Catholics Seek Spanish Mass At Basilica Of Saint Josaphat


Milwaukee Bishop Callahan supports having Spanish mass at South side Basilica

By H. Nelson Goodson
June 3, 2009

Milwaukee - For years, Basilica parishioners and South side Hispanic Catholics in the area have been inquiring about getting a Spanish speaking Franciscan priest just in time for the 100th Anniversary of the Order of Friars at the Basilica of Saint Josaphat located in the heart of the Latino community in Wisconsin.
Bishop William Patrick Callahan, O.F.M. Conv. (Order of Friars Minor Conventual) was visiting St. Adalbert Catholic Church for the first time and presided over 50 Christian confirmations last Saturday. Bishop Callahan has taken over temporarily for Archbishop Timothy Dolan until a permanent archbishop is chosen for Wisconsin. Dolan officially became the New York Archbishop in early April.
Bishop Callahan told St. Adalbert parishioners that the Catholic church needs them and the church is there for them. However, some parishioners and other Hispanic Catholics in the predominately Latino South side community have asked for Spanish mass and other services in Spanish at the Basilica of Saint Josaphat located at 2333 S. 6th St. Bishop Callahan served at the Basilica for ten years and said he supported for the Basilica of Saint Josaphat to provide mass in Spanish. A Franciscan Spanish speaking priest would have to be assigned by the Franciscan Order to fulfill services in Spanish at the Basilica, according to Bishop Callahan.
The Order of Friars (Conventual Franciscans) have operated the Basilica for the last 99 years and will celebrate their 100th year in 2010. Father Jim Ciaramitaro from the Basilica of Saint Josaphat said he also would like to see church services in Spanish since, Quinceañeras (young lady turns fifteen) and Hispanic parishioners attend the Basilica and also get married at the church. Currently, these religious ceremonies are done in English only because the Basilica has only two English speaking Franciscan priests.
The decision to find and assign a Spanish speaking Franciscan priest would fall on Pastor Jim Jankowski at the Basilica of Saint Josaphat, the archbishops of Wisconsin and Chicago, and the Franciscan Order, according to Father Ciaramitaro. Pastor Jankowski could not be reached for comment due to a traveling commitment.

30 Couples Married Simultaneously At St. Adalbert Church


Milwaukee’s Bishop presides over confirmations

By H. Nelson Goodson
June 3, 2009

Milwaukee - On Saturday May 30th, an estimated 30 couples were married simultaneously at St. Adalbert Catholic Church, 1923 W. Becher St. in the predominately Latino South side community in Wisconsin. Father Luis Pacheco-Sanchez and Father Eleazar Perez-Rodriguez presided over the holy matrimonial ceremony. The only other time St. Adalbert Church had that many couples married at once was in 2005, according to Marta Dominguez from St. Adalbert office staff.
Bishop William Patrick Callahan, O.F.M. Conv. (Order of Friars Minor Conventual) was also visiting St. Adalbert Church for the first time and presided over 50 Christian confirmations. Bishop Callahan was welcomed and serenaded by a multi-parish membership church choir.
The traditional St. Adalbert’s church festival will be held next July 10-12, according to Father Pacheco, pastor and administrator of St. Adalbert. Last year with the aid of Mission Spirit Inc. volunteers, the church festival at St. Adalbert reported at least $80,000 in profit after all expenses were paid off.
Mission Spirit Inc. held its first festival “Unity in Diversity” at the Wisconsin State Fair Park on May 22-25. Spirit Mission’s charismatic founder Father Eleazar Perez-Rodriguez is on a mission to generate funding for spiritual services 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Father Pacheco said, Spirit Mission Inc. and its festival is separate from St. Adalbert church.