December 2020

Thu
31
Dec
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Way of the Shadow Wolves

Did you know that Steven Seagal wrote a book? To be honest, I would have been surprised just to learn Steven Seagal read a book, let alone penned one. But he did. Sort of. He had a co-author. Someone to hold his meaty hand while crossing various linguistic streets. I’m guessing the co-author did much of the heavy lifting.

Thu
31
Dec
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Shirley Mae Haase

MIDDLETON–Shirley Haase, 92, went to heaven on Dec. 1, 2020. The beloved sister of the late Richard Onstad and the beloved identical twin to late Sharon Marie Splaine. 

The loving mother of Kathryn Noelle Lawler, John Michael Haase and William Onstad Haase. Loving grandmother to the late Nathan Michael Haase, Alexandra Marie Synnott, Jessica Emily Haase, Claire Noelle Lawler and James Braeden Lawler.  

Shirley truly made hundreds of lives brighter by her lifetime of service. She volunteered for several organizations including over three thousand hours with the Attic Angel Community. At a time when there was very little opportunity for those with disabilities, Shirley learned to transcribe books into braille and followed that up with swim lessons for the sight impaired. What a gift!  

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Dec
Thu
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Dec
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Unmasked

I want to apologize to all of you that had the displeasure of seeing my unmasked face on Saturday at the Santa Parade in Middleton. 

As anyone who reads this column knows, I am a big proponent of mask wearing. I am not someone who weighs the risk of being outside versus inside, and absolutely refuse to do anything that requires removing a mask anywhere in public. I have been preaching it (and living it) since March. I wear a mask everywhere, even when I am outside hiking on the trails across from my house. Even though many people in the park are unmasked, I don’t trust that people stay home when they are sick, especially if it is a mild illness. 

Thu
24
Dec
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Mary Elizabeth “Meme” (Funck) Stiloski

MIDDLETON–Mary Elizabeth “Meme” (Funck) Stiloski, age 54, passed away peacefully on Dec. 8, 2020, at her home in Madison, surrounded by her children. Mary bravely fought a cancer diagnosis for over a year with unwavering resolve, faith and grace.  

Mary Elizabeth Funck was born to Thomas and Joyce Funck in Racine, on July 7, 1966. Mary was the youngest of three daughters. The Funck family moved to Middleton, in the year 1973. Mary was a sweet and shy little girl who adored her father. She enjoyed a happy childhood and the family lovingly called her our “Truly Scrumptious.”

Mary excelled in school. She graduated from Middleton High School in 1984 and later attended Madison Area Technical College. Mary went on to have a long and successful career in Medical Administration for several Froedtert and Aurora Clinics in the greater Washington County Area. 

Thu
24
Dec
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Distribution of Second Vaccine Begins in Wisconsin

WISCONSIN–After the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) emergency use approval (EUA) of the Moderna vaccine, the second in as many weeks, on Dec. 18, Wisconsin is poised to 101,000 doses this week.

Unlike the Pfizer vaccine, approved on Dec. 11, the Moderna vaccine can be handled like other vaccines and does not require extreme cold temperatures. It will be distributed directly to health care providers rather than follow a hub and spoke model of distribution which is the distribution model for the Pfizer vaccine.

In spite of reports of several allergic reactions to the Pfizer vaccine, inoculations continued around the country, including Wisconsin. Though the company has told recipients with reactions not to get a second dose of the vaccine.

Thu
24
Dec
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Families March in Support of School Re-opening

MIDDLETON–Parents and students took to streets on Dec. 21 calling for the school district to implement in-person learning for students in all grade levels beginning at the start of the second semester. About 50 people gathered at Middleton High School (MHS) and marched to the district administration building on South St. hours before the board voted on implementing a blended instruction model for all students.

An organizer of the march and parent of a student at MHS, Joel Moyer, said families want a commitment from the board that the district will implement in-person learning as soon as possible. Moyer says he supports getting kids back in schools even if that means only partially in a virtual/in-person blended instruction model, which the school district did approve for grades 4K-2 beginning Feb. 1.

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Outlook bleak for winter sports

It’s been said practice makes perfect.

If that’s the case, the athletes at Middleton High School should be a fine-tuned group if they’re ever allowed to have a winter sports season.

Public Health Madison & Dane County issued Emergency Order #11 on Dec. 16, and that order will be in effect for 28 days.

The order mirrors much of the previous Order #9 and allows indoor gatherings of up to 10 people, with physical distancing and face coverings. It also allows outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people, with physical distancing.

The health order is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

At Middleton High School, that means winter sports teams will be allowed to gather for small group practices once again. Because the order extends into mid-January, though, the chances of winter sports competitions looks bleak.

Sun
20
Dec
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Sheriff Urges Anglers to Stay Off Ice

DANE COUNTY–The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is urging people to stay off the ice. Although ice has been forming on area lakes throughout the week, the conditions are still unsafe for ice fishing and other activities.

Marine and Trail deputies, along with Madison Fire and Rescue, have responded to at least three calls already today to rescue individuals who have fallen through. One ice angler on Mudd Lake was able to get himself out of the water but lost all of his fishing gear.

It’s understandable that people are anxious to get outside and enjoy winter activities, but safety needs to be the top priority. If you do decide to take the gamble, make sure you are wearing a life jacket and that you have communicated with a friend or family member on your location.

Above all, remember that the ice is never 100 percent safe.

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