Community

Farmers Markets in Full Swing Despite Cool, Damp Weather

CROSS PLAINS/MIDDLETON–Although off to a slow start, Mother Nature will not be denied her growing season. And, thankfully, the public will not be denied their farmers’ markets, despite weather-related cancellations, wind, rain and chilly temperatures. Both Cross Plains and Middleton Farmers’ Markets, held respectively on Wednesdays 3:30-6 p.m., at the corner of Hwy. P and Main St., and Thursdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m., in Greenway Station, are proof. 

Vendors, coming from localities such as Arena, Blue Mounds, Cross Plains, Gays Mills, Highland, Oregon and Madison, expect that in July seasonal fruit and vegetables will be in abundance.

“It’s coming around,” said Natalie Ortega of Natalie’s Garden and Greenhouse, “We’re optimistic and we have our expected produce, now.” Her stall in Middleton is one of several selling herbs and flowering plants.

MADISON–It was their last chance to tell the Public Service Commission that a power line proposed to extend between the town of Middleton and Dubuque, IA wasn’t wanted or needed.

The crowd that overflowed the PSC’s largest hearing room to oppose the construction of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek (CHC) power line needed to make the arguments that would convince the commissioners, who after more than two years of study, would vote this summer on the line’s fate.

Mount Horeb Area School District Superintendent Steve Salemo was among the first to testify at the July 27 public hearing. Salemo said the need for the line is based on a false premise that energy demand is increasing, He urged caution be taken on a decision that will have profound consequences on the area. The impact on human health the electro-magnetic fields the line would create needs further study.

“The fullest impact of the lines are not yet realized,” he said.

VERONA–For Mary Ruth Marks, it’s the thrill of the drive. But not cars–horses. She owns 11, all but one a cross of Arabian and German Sport Pony, she said. 

“Makes for a Ferrari model,” she quipped, adding that on her latest carriage drive around the course with her horse, Adeszko, “He was flying! You gotta hang on or you’ll be gone and get hurt.”

For years, the 70-year-old has competed in, as well as organized, carriage driving events. In 2018, driving a “four-in-hand,” four horses, she nearly qualified for the World Equestrian Games; in 2010 she and Adeszko were first alternate for the U.S. team competing in World Championships, she said. 

For the seventh year, she’ll host an American Driving Society (ADS) event at her 40-acre Notara Farm, just outside Verona. She expects 25 participants, men and women of all ages, as well as children. Seated in a carriage, they’ll drive a single or a pair of Very Small Equines (VSE), ponies or horses, she said. 

MIDDLETON–On June 22, at approximately 9:24 p.m. Middleton Police Officers responded to a report of possible gun shots heard in the area of 2110 Allen Blvd. in the City of Middleton.

When officers arrived to check the area, they located a handgun and eight individuals nearby. Cesar Rivera-Luna, 28, of Madison, was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. Shyla Femrite, 28, of Madison, was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and obstructing an officer.  Both individuals were transported and booked into the Dane County Jail.

This investigation is ongoing. The Middleton Police Department is asking anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact the police department at 608-824-7300, tipster line at 608-824-7304, or text at 608-824-7300.

MADISON––Sometimes a great idea doggedly niggles until a healthy dose of empathy launches it. The brainchild of Rowan Childs, Executive Director of the Madison Reading Project (MRP), evolved while she ruminated on childhood: hers, her children’s, and by extension, the children of others.

“I always considered books treasure,” Childs said. “We moved a lot when I was a child, and no matter where we went, I had my books.” 

But what, she wondered, happened to children who don’t have books in the home or can’t get to a library? Books shouldn’t be a luxury, Childs thought.Could I provide free home libraries for others? In this area, was there even a need?

To learn how community literacy fared, Childs met with Will Green at the Salvation Army.

That same week, the Race to Equity Report was published in Madison, revealing discrepancies in reading rates according to socioeconomic factors. 

The City of Middleton has proclaimed June 21 as “Eileen Kelley Day.” The Proclamation follows:

PROCLAMATION

Honoring Eileen Kelley’s 31 Years of Distinguished Service to the City of Middleton & Declaring June 21, 2019, as “Eileen Kelley Day in Middleton”

Whereas, Eileen Kelley has served the City of Middleton as its City Planner & Zoning Administrator, faithfully, honorably, effectively and with an ever-ready smile and Good Neighbor attitude for the past 31 years (1988-present); and

Whereas, Through Eileen’s skill, knowledge, experience and diligence, Middleton’s planning for growth and conservation has benefited its residents immensely, helping to make Middleton one of America’s Top 10 Places to Live, according to CNN/Money Magazine from 2005-2013; and

MIDDLETON–The Town of Middleton’s Plan Commission will be holding an Open House on June 19, starting at 6:30 pm to 8 p.m. to discuss planning issues with the public and obtain their input, comments, and concerns on the 10-year update to the Comprehensive Plan.

A Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Public Input Session will be held on June 2o, 7 p.m., at the
Kromrey Middle School Ccafetorium.

The Department of Public Lands, Recreation, and Forestry is seeking public input as we develop the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Restoration & Improvements Master Plan.