February 2014

The City of Middleton will require developer Erdman Holdings, Inc. to hire a third party consultant to weigh in on the use of septic tank systems in the proposed Pleasant View Ridge subdivision.  The consultant’s report would influence the city council on whether or not to approve the development.  

The city’s committee of the whole passed along a consultant request for qualifications and proposal to the common council for approval.  At the following plan commission meeting ald. Hans Hilbert (Dist.  7) recommended the request be utilized to obtain proposals from three different firms.  

“It can be quite uncomfortable to ask two people, because then it is one or the other when you are looking at them,”  Hilbert stated.  “Usually when you throw that third in it makes it a lot more comfortable decision.”

The city expects the requested work and assistance could be done for less than $10,000.  An escrow account will be set up between the developer and the city.  

Luke Schafer’s timing couldn’t have been better.

In a span of just 30 seconds, the senior guard converted a three-point play and then drilled a long-range three-pointer at the third quarter buzzer.

Schafer’s standout plays gave Middleton’s boys basketball team a six-point cushion and the Cardinals went on to notch a 67-59 victory over rival Madison West in a Big Eight Conference contest last Friday night.

Schafer’s buzzer-beater came after West’s Malik Clements missed a wild shot that went out of bounds with 3.8 seconds remaining.  Schafer took the inbounds pass and dribbled downcourt before pulling up several feet behind the 3-point line, leaning toward the basket and drilling the shot while being fouled by Ari Davis as the buzzer sounded.

Schafer missed the free throw, but Middleton took a 48-42 lead into the fourth quarter.

Aryn Skibba realizes she probably won’t be 100% this season.

But Middleton’s standout gymnast has discovered she can still perform at a remarkably high level.

Last Saturday’s Middleton Invitational was certainly proof of that.

Skibba, who has battled a back injury all year, posted a 37.70 score in the all-around competition and ran away with that title. Skibba’s huge day helped the Cardinals score a season-high 140.05 points and capture the nine-team Invite.

Skibba, who was sixth at state in the all-around last year, posted the best score of her stellar Middleton career.

“I was very surprised with my performance,” Skibba said. “I was spot on with everything and stuck everything.

“I’ve been working really hard and I’m glad I can see it pay off. I’m happy with everything that happened at that meet, not just my personal scores but the team score as well.”

This was not what anyone expected.

It certainly wasn’t what anyone wanted.

Now, the challenge for Middleton’s wrestlers will be to rebound as soon as possible.

The Cardinals went to the Big Eight Conference tournament in Verona as the consensus favorite last Saturday. But Sun Prairie edged Middleton, 258.0-253.5 and stole the crown.

Janesville Craig was third (228.5), while Verona (203.5) and Beloit Memorial (176.5) rounded out the top five.

Middleton led by 29.5 points heading to the championship flights, but couldn’t hold on.

“We can’t dwell on it,” Middleton coach Kent Weiler said. “We have more important things to focus on. The kids were kind of shocked. It was a little bit of a meltdown.

“In all my years of coaching, I had never seen anything like that. Disappointing.”

Middleton reached the championship match at seven weight classes, but settled for second place in all seven.