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Historic Koz’s Mini Bowl has been a south side attraction for 40-plus years, but the doors have been temporarily closed due to the COIVD-19 pandemic and some renovations. 

Now  Justin “Koz” Kosakoski, the owner, can’t finish the renovations or get back to work because he  was seriously hurt in a hit-and-run crash outside the bar on Aug. 28. 

“I was walking to my car when I heard a loud screech, so I jumped up to the hood of my car,” Kosakoski said. “The car caught my legs and then shot me over my hood.”

He said his wife and neighbors came to help him stop the bleeding and ice his legs. First responders took him to a hospital and into surgery right away. 

He had two broken legs, and needed rods put into each leg from his ankle to his knee. 

Milwaukee police said the vehicle in the hit-and-run was later found unoccupied. Police are searching for an unknown suspect. 

Kosakoski said the last month has been frustrating. 

“It’s a little irritating because I’m always doing something, but I keep reminding myself I am happy to be alive,” he said.  

Doctors told Kosakoski he would be unable to be on his feet for two months. He is hoping to be able to walk again by his birthday in early December.

Meanwhile Koz’s Mini Bowl, at 2078 S 7th St,, remains closed. Kosakoski hasn’t had any income since the bar closed due to COVID in March. He was working on renovations to make the space safer to be in during the pandemic and to put in new floors. 

Also, Kosakoski’s mother, who was an original owner and then co-owner, died in April. 

To help Kosakoski, his friends set up a GoFundMe page. 

“We are raising money for Justin and his family and the bar we love,” the GoFundMe page said. “The times have been tough for the Koz’s family.”

“Hello, Mini Bowlers! I was hoping you could spare a moment of your day to read this important message:
I am one of the…

Posted by Koz’s Mini Bowl on Tuesday, September 15, 2020

The GoFundMe has raised over $8,000. 

To donate and help Kosakoski visit his GoFundMe page at  www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-justin-kosakoski-aka-koz039s-minibowl. 

Jordyn Noennig covers pop culture and entertainment in Milwaukee.  Follow her on Instagram @JordynTaylor_n. Find her on Twitter @JordynTNoennig. Call her at 262-446-6601 or email [email protected]

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