Community

MIDDLETON–Effective on the morning of March 23, Route 78 (the Saturday bus route) will operate all seven days of the week in Middleton according to the Saturday schedule. This route connects most of Middleton with the West Transfer Point near Westgate Mall (Tokay Blvd.) in Madison. 

Route 72 will continue to operate on weekdays during the morning and afternoon peak hours (no significant change in service anticipated). This route connects Middleton with Capitol Square.

Service via Routes 70, 71, and 73 is being temporarily discontinued.

Each bus will be limited to a capacity of 15 passengers to adhere to public health directives related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional, important information is on Metro Transit's website: www.cityofmadison.com/metro/contact/covid-19-updates.

DANE COUNTY–Matt Raboin had tears in his eyes when he put up a temporary “closed” sign on the business he and his wife run in Mount Horeb last week. 

Like most places where people gather in the community, Brix Cider’s strength had suddenly become a potential weakness. Schools. Churches. Sporting events. Even a maple syrup event at Donald Park. It seemed nothing was safe from the global impact of COVID-19, the pandemic that world health experts warn could kill as many as a million people if drastic measures aren’t taken. 

While the virus originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, according to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), it spread exponentially and had arrived in Wisconsin two weeks ago. 

Experts say no one will know how many people in Wisconsin have been infected for weeks or even months. But in the meantime, the Raboins know the virus has already made an indelible impact on the community. 

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton Common Council declared a state of emergency in response to the Covid-19 outbreak with measures including closing public buildings and some services and conducting virtual meetings. The council is also called on Governor Tony Evers to delay the April 7 election.

City election staff are concerned the election will be impacted by the Governor’s orders not to gather in groups larger than ten and social distancing. 

City administrator Mike Davis said he can’t imagine how the election will be conducted. He noted that there has been a surge in absentee ballots that are overwhelming staff. 

“Lining people up in public places where we are already banning ten people from gathering is just somewhat ridiculous,” Davis said. 

Council president Dan Ramsey called the idea asinine.

WISCONSIN–On Friday afternoon, Alliant Energy Chairman, President and CEO John Larsen, shared the following message about the company's preparations in regard to safeguarding employees and customers from the coronavirus (COVID-19): 

To our valued customers,

We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19). At Alliant Energy, safety is a core value. I want to assure you that the health and well-being of our customers, employees and communities is our top priority. Protecting our workforce ensures we can continue serving our customers and provide the reliable service you count on. 

MIDDLETON–A Cross Plains man was arrested on March 9 in connection with an armed robbery that took place at Smoothie King on Deming Way just before 6 p.m. on Feb. 27. 

Christopher N. Montinguise was taken into custody after police received tips that the man may be involved in the robbery. 

On the day of the robbery, the Middleton Police Department shared surveillance video with the public in hopes of catching the man. A follow up investigation led police to Montinguise.

A handgun was displayed during the robbery. There were no injuries reported and the suspect left the business on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

DANE COUNTY–Cancellations have been taking place around the county, and a Cross Plains school closed for cleaning after a parent learned they were exposed to COVID-19. 

In addition, Gov. Tony Evers declared a public health emergency on March 12, in response to new cases of COVID-19, directing the Department of Health Services (DHS) to use all the resources necessary to respond to and contain the outbreak. Just this week, Wisconsin has had seven new cases and Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota have also seen increased cases. With these new cases there needs to be extensive contact tracing to contain the spread of COVID-19. Wisconsin also has 37 residents returning to the state from a Princess Cruise Ship who may have been exposed and need to be in monitored self quarantine for 14 days.

Also on Thursday, the Cross Plains Chamber of Commerce postponed their annual meeting planned for March 19. A new date has not been set for the event. 

TOWN OF MIDDLETON–After losing nearly $20,000 hosting Sunflower Days last year and having only an estimated $8,811 available this year, the Town of Middleton’s Tourism Commission is looking to stage an event smaller than the annual nine-day celebration of blossoming sunflowers.

Last year, the Town of Middleton contracted with Race Days Events, Inc. to manage the festival that grew too large for the Friends of Pope Farm Conversancy to continue managing at Pope Farm Conservancy.

The event generated $48,056 in revenue from the first-ever $4 admission fee, 5k run entry fees, donations and sponsorships, but spent $167,643 on shuttle buses, labor, equipment, Race Days’ management contract, website and media expenses.