Local

MIDWEST–A major winter storm has been predicted and is expected to slow travel ahead of the Christmas holiday.

“Our winter storm criteria is typically six-inches of snow falling in a 12 hour period,” explained Tim Halbach, National Weather Service Milwaukee Warning Coordination Meteorologist.

Halbach added that a winter storm can be marked by smaller amounts of snow with high winds, causing a low visabilities.

Although it is hard to predict exactly how much snow will fall, the current prediction between the night of Dec. 21 and Dec. 23 is 8-12 inches. Winds are expected to kick up on late Thursday into Friday, with gusts up to 50 mph.

MIDDLETON–District 4 Common Council Alder Emily has announced that she will be running for mayor of the City of Middleton in the April 4, 2023 election.

Kuhn, whose district includes Lakeview Park area and much of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, has worked to fix potholes and slow traffic across the district, maintain parks and support public safety.

“If I am fortunate enough to be the next mayor of Middleton, I want to build the community stronger. I want Middleton to continue to be an attractive place to come and live with strong schools, good jobs, wonderful parks and a beautiful conservancy. I will continue to support our public safety, including the fire department, EMS, and police department,” Kuhn said.

MIDDLETON–The Middleton Common Council continued work on developing its first energy efficiency navigator program that will provide energy assessments and funding to update old apartment buildings and lower utility costs for tenants. The council approved a program that will provide a portion of funding from TIF funded projects for public art and set March 1 as the end of the public emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Michelle Phillips, chair of the city’s arts committee, said the committee has been working on the TIF funding proposal for more than two years. Phillips is also the editor for the Middleton Cross Plains Times-Tribune.

“When I'm out in the community, one of the things that I hear is that the public wants more art and we just don't have the funding to do that,” Phillips said. “As many of you know, funding has been further cut in the last few years and this attaches funding to TIF funds.” 

MIDDLETON–Middleton Common Council Alder Kathy Olson is the first candidate to throw her hat into the mayoral race after current mayor Gurdip Brar announced he would not seek reelection.

Olson who represents District 1, which includes the downtown, Greenway, and portions of Foxridge, was elected to the City Council in 2015. She will not seek reelection for the council seat.

Olson said she is running for mayor because she wants to see Middleton continue to grow and serve its community members.

“My husband, Steve, and I have often remarked how fortunate we were when we chose Middleton as the place to raise our family. Just as my family has enjoyed the benefits of living in Middleton, I am running for mayor to help keep Middleton a desirable community that allows everyone to thrive,” she said.

She said she wants to continue to build on the work that the city has already embarked upon, including public safety, infrastructure and environmental concerns.

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton will hold a Santa Parade and Candy Cane Hunt on Dec. 17 beginning at 3 p.m.

A first responder parade will include Santa and his elves spreading cheer through the streets of Middleton, ending up at Lakeview Park. At the park Middleton Parks & Rec will have activities beginning at 3:30 p.m. and continuing until 5:30 p.m. The Candy Cane Hunt will take place in the dark, and flashlights are highly recommended.

A schedule of the afternoon’s event is as follows:

3-3:30 p.m.: Santa Parade

3:30 p.m.: Santa Parade arrives at Lakeview Park

3:30 p.m.: Candy Cane Hunt–pre-hunt activities begin

4:30 p.m.: Donut Walk

4:45 p.m.: Ugly Sweater Contest

5 p.m.: Ages 5-7 Candy Cane Hunt

5:10 p.m.: Ages 2-4 Candy Cane Hunt

5:20 p.m.: Ages 8-10 Candy Cane Hunt

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton Plan Commission held a public hearing for a proposed 128 acre residential development between High Road and Pheasant Branch Road formerly Acker Farm. The plan commission postponed rezoning the land and approving the general building plans until issues relating to the utility connections, streets and pedestrian paths are addressed.

Planning and Zoning Administrator Mark Opitz said the land has long been identified as one of the city’s last remaining growth areas. He noted that the city’s comprehensive plan advocates for development of complete neighborhoods so that daily needs are available within a short distance to reduce traffic and that neighborhoods use an urban street grid with numerous connections to adjoining streets.

During the public hearing numerous residents expressed concerns about stormwater management, sustainability features, and the potential traffic impact on Pheasant Branch Road.

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton Common Council approved the 2023 budget at its Nov. 15 meeting. The council also approved purchasing equipment to provide unleaded fuel at Middleton Municipal Airport-Morey Field and deferred a resolution declaring the end of the public emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The approved budget includes a tax levy of $20.5 million which reduces the city’s portion of the property tax bill by about 14 percent.

Property values increased in 2022, a reevaluation year, by 23.9 percent resulting in the assessed value of the median single-family home increasing from $336,100 to $414,400 or about 23 percent. The mill rate drops from $6.25 per $1,000 of property value to $5.37 per $1,000.

TOWN OF MIDDLETON–The town’s 2023 budget projects to spend less money than this year’s, collects more property taxes and cuts the budget deficit by two-thirds.

The town board last week unanimously approved the $5.719 million budget after town electors voted in favor of a $3.235 million property tax levy, up from $3.146 million this year.

According to financials provided by the town:

Town taxes on a $400,000 house would be $852.10 for 2023, $1,065.12 for a $500,000 house and $1,278.15 for a $600,000 property.

The town’s property tax mill rate remains practically unchanged at $.00213 for 2023 compared to $.002129 this year.

Helping to keep the mill rate steady was a $41.5 million increase in the town’s tax base this year, pushing it to $1.518 billion.

Property tax bills are mailed during the third week of December and payable in full by Jan. 31 or, the first installment as shown on individual tax bills by Jan. 31.

MIDDLETON–Middleton Mayor Gurdip Brar announced on Monday that he will not seek a third term.

The two-term mayor cited that he had accomplished the goals he had set for the city as a reason for his departure. Those goals included: better roads, protection of our nature preserves, clean energy and sustainability, affordable property taxes, and support of our local businesses.

“Middleton has much better roads–look at our University Avenue, Gammon Road, Park Street, High Point Road, and many others. In 2017, they were all falling apart. We have increased the road repair budget and implemented new procedures to extend the life of the roads.

“Restoration of Pheasant Branch Conservancy from flood damage is nearly complete. The projects already awarded to the contractors will fix the bridges, and we will have a freshly paved trail from Deming way to Century Avenue.

MADISON–First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC), in Madison, is offering a free traditional Thanksgiving Day meal of turkey, vegetables, potatoes and gravy, stuffing, rolls and pie on November 24, 2022.

Meals are available for delivery or can be picked up at the church, 1609 University Ave., Madison, from 12-3 p.m. There is no charge, but RSVP is required by 4 p.m. on Nov. 21. Open to the public. All are welcome.

To RSVP, visit firstcongmadison.org or call 608-233-9751.

First Congregational UCC has offered the free community Thanksgiving meal for 30 years, except for a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. In past years, on average, 500 meals were served.