West Allis Praised as the Best Place to Raise Kids in the Milwaukee Area

Business Week magazine's fourth annual survey of the "Best Places to Raise Your Kids" has ranked West Allis as the best place to raise kids in the Milwaukee area. "Things like our parks system, our high-quality schools and amenities like our farmers market allow our residents to enjoy a high quality of life," West Allis Mayor Dan Devine said. "Our location lets us have every benefit of a major city, yet we can keep our small-town feel." [BusinessWeek Best Places to Raise Your Kids >>]  [JSOnline news story >>]

New Accountability Hotline Announced

The City of West Allis has implemented an Accountability Hotline. By calling 414-302-8282, residents are able to report comments about City operations involving alleged conflicts of interest, waste, abuse, neglect of duty, fraud, theft, false recordkeeping or claims, contract or procurement violations, or misuse of City property. Complaints about City services will not be acted on through the Accountability Hotline. General complaints about City services should be directed to the appropriate City department and/or the Mayor or Alderperson. Callers who desire a response to their message have the option of leaving their name and phone number, or callers may elect to remain anonymous. In either case, comments will be thoroughly and completely investigated and acted upon if appropriate or necessary. When calling the Hotline at 414-302-8282, instructions will be clearly given on how to leave a message. For further information or questions concerning the Hotline, call the Mayor's Office.

Computer and Electronics Recycling

On September 1, 2010 a new electronics recycling law took effect that prohibits the disposal of various electronic devices such as computers, monitors, printers, televisions, VCRs, DVD players and cell phones in Wisconsin landfills. The new program called E-Cycle Wisconsin is administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and establishes a system for electronics from households and public schools to be collected and recycled. Many electronics contain harmful materials including mercury, lead and cadmium that are released into the air, water and soil if landfilled, incinerated or illegally dumped. Electronics contain valuable, reusable materials like glass, metal and plastic that can be recycled for new products. Reusing these valuable materials lessens environmental impacts by reducing the need for new materials. Households and public schools can recycle electronics at locations across the state. Collection sites in Milwaukee County include American TV and Appliance stores, Best Buy stores and Goodwill. For a full list of collection sites see the DNR’s website at dnr.wi.gov/ecyclewisconsin or call the Sanitation and Street Division at 302-8800 or the Recycling Office at 302-8831. Some collectors may charge fees and may not accept all devices. Contact any collectors beforehand to learn about their policies.

Labor Day Alters Refuse and Recycling Schedule

Our offices are closed and there will be no refuse or recycling collection on Monday, September 6. Refuse and recycling collections are affected by weeks with a holiday. Crews may work ahead or fall behind the normal collection schedule during the holiday week. Refuse or recyclables not collected should be made available on the next scheduled work day. The Municipal Yard and Morgan Avenue sites will be closed on Saturday, September 4, and Monday, September 6. There will be no brush collection the week of September 6.

Election Information

The Partisan Primary is scheduled for September 14, 2010, and the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. At a partisan primary, you may only vote for candidates in one political party or for independent candidates. Therefore, when you vote: choose one political party in which you will vote, and vote for individual candidates within that party, OR choose to vote for independent candidates. Note: Voting in more than one political party or voting for independent candidates as well as political party candidates may void your voting choices. Complete Election Information is available from the City Clerk’s Office web page. Look up where to vote with the City of West Allis Property Search application. Search for your address or parcel tax key number, then select the Voter Information page to view your polling place name, location and district information. Sample ballots and election results can be found in the Clerk’s Office Resource Library as they become available. You can also look up your voter status and other election-related information using the Voter Public Access function on the Government Accountability Board - Elections Division website. [Election Information] [Property Search] [Resource Library] [Voter Public Access ]

5th Annual Forks & Corks

Annual event that combines wine with cuisine, beautiful artwork and live music. Held at the Historic Farmers' Market, 1559 S. 65 St. This year's event will be held Friday, September 17. Visit www.wawmchamber.com for more information, or call (414) 302-9901. [Forks & Corks at the West Allis Farmer's Market >>]

Community Alliance Against Drugs 5K Walk/Run

CAAD 5K Walk/Run around the Milwaukee Mile on Saturday, October 9, 2010. 9:00 a.m. check in, 10:00 a.m. starting line. Free to CAAD Members, $5.00 for Non-Members. Pre-registration is appreciated. $20.00 for a Family Membership to CAAD, $10.00 for a individual membership - If you join now, membership will be good thru November, 2011. [2010 CAAD Run Walk Registration Form >>]

Wireless Hotspots in West Allis

The City of West Allis has eight wireless hotspots located throughout the City for public internet use. We have created a map and how to instructions to help you get started using the hotspots. [How To Instructions and Map of Hotspots >>]