Local

MIDDLETON–Driven by inflation, competition for employees and meeting its goal of being in the top 25 percent of Dane County school districts’ wages, the Board of Education Monday approved a 13-20 percent pay increase for Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD) support staff.

In April, the board approved a six percent base pay increase for all continuing district staff, which had been promised in the referendum that was approved last fall.

To prevent newly hired employees from earning the same as continuing staff, the board also approved a 5.25 percent increase in the base pay for new hires.

Support staff, which includes paraeducators, drivers, food service staff, and custodians, need a further wage adjustment as the district had experienced a, “really, really high turnover and a really, really” difficult time filling those vacancies, Assistant Superintendent Jerrod Rossing told the board.

MIDDLETON–The Middleton Common Council approved a resolution to intervene in a case challenging proposed utility rate changes by Madison Gas & Electric (MGE). The proposed changes would effectively eliminate net metering and increase payback time on solar systems.

Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits owners of solar energy systems for the excess electricity they generate and provide to the grid. Special meters that can run both forward and backward give customers credit for the electricity they feed into the grid.

MGE is requesting approval from the State of Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) for an electricity rate increase of 3.75 percent next year and a 3.41 percent increase in 2025. It also requested a gas rate increase of 2.56 percent in 2024 and 1.66 percent in 2025.

MADISON–The homicide case against a woman who allegedly shot and killed an auto salesman in downtown Middleton is reportedly heading to trial, according to online court records.

An attorney for Jakira T. Anderson, 23, of Fitchburg, told Dane County Circuit Judge Nicholas McNamara that the First-Degree Intentional Homicide and Use of a Dangerous Weapon charges against his client aren’t likely to resolved by a guilty plea, according to court records.

Anderson, who remains in custody and didn’t appear at Tuesday’s pre-trial conference, faces maximum penalties of life in prison if convicted on the homicide charge.

Her attorney, Adam Welch, received the discovery materials that the state has produced. At his request, a scheduling conference was set for Aug. 21.

According to the criminal complaint:

TOWN OF MIDDLETON–The town spent an estimated $150,000 on legal and technical expenses in 2021-22 monitoring activities involving the Middleton Municipal Airport-Morey Field, according to a cursory review of town billing records.

During the past two years, the town has contracted for a $24,500 water study which matched lead found in two private wells near the airport with the leaded aviation gas sold at the airport. The study also linked lead and other contaminates found in groundwater in and around the airport with chemical components used in fireworks similar to a July 2021 fireworks display at the airport.

Late last year, the US Geological Survey (USGS) released their preliminary findings from the water study it conducted in 2022 and are expected to produce an interpretative report this year.

The City of Middleton will sell unleaded aviation gas at the airport when it’s available for delivery but will continue to sell low lead gas, too.

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton Plan Commission reviewed recommended changes to the zoning ordinance from a city work group and deliberated on key policy issues.

City Planner and Zoning Administrator Mark Opitz explained that staff worked with consulting firm Vandewalle & Associates to develop the draft ordinance and are reviewing it now with the city attorney. Plan commission members discussed key policy issues identified by the workgroup and provided feedback and direction to the planning staff.

The zoning ordinance is divided into two parts. The plan commission will review and deliberate part two at its June 27 meeting.

MIDDLETON–The Middleton Common Council appointed Jenifer Cole to finish the term of the District 4 council seat vacated by Emily Kuhn when elected mayor.

The council voted to approve applicant Jenifer Cole to fill the district four vacancy which opened up following the election of Emily Kuhn as mayor. Cole will hold the position until it is up for reelection on April 16, 2024. Four people applied for the opening, and one withdrew prior to consideration. Three candidates were interviewed by the council on May 16 including Cole, Thomas Yost, and Todd Kalish. 

Cole served on the city’s Community Campus Committee and professionally works as the executive director of the Wisconsin’s Women Council, a 15-member state of Wisconsin Commission whose members are appointed by the governor and legislative leaders. Cole has worked in various state government positions since 2010.

MIDDLETON–Rock blasting to lower the hill between Quarry Road and Pleasant View Golf Course will begin May 30th as part of the Pleasant View Road reconstruction. 

Blasting will occur several times a day for several months as construction progresses.

WISCONSIN–The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announced that the final draft of Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050, which establishes a long-term vision for freight and passenger rail travel, is available for the last round of review and comment through June 10.

“Thank you to all who participated in the first round of public comment on the draft Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050. We invite the public to revisit our rail plans and participate in setting a course to help strengthen our economy and make our multimodal infrastructure more efficient and resilient,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “Rail moves about 32 percent of our freight in Wisconsin and demand for passenger service is growing. This is an exciting time to help plan the future of rail in Wisconsin.”

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton Plan Commission approved a rezoning ordinance, general building plan and conditional use permit for a proposed seven story residential building with two levels of structured parking and some light commercial space. 

The development proposal comes from the longtime owners and property managers of Middleton Shores Apartments at 6110-6150 Century Ave. Property owner Sue Case applied for a rezoning for construction of a two-phase redevelopment on the 8.8-acre lot. The first phase would replace an existing 20-unit, two-story building with one seven-story building containing up to 110 dwelling units and two levels of structured parking.

MIDDLETON–The Middleton Arts Committee will once again host Art Walk Middleton on Terrace Avenue in the city’s downtown district on May 20 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Dozens of fine artists will sell their work throughout the day. Media includes, paint, photography ceramics, fiber, jewelry and more. Several of the participants will be creating art onsite during the event. Student art from the created Middleton High School will also be including in their year’s art booths.

Artist demonstrations and will also be available throughout the day, including a printing project for all ages by ArtWorking, caricatures for visitors by Lindsey Salzwedal of Expressively You, glass blowing by Terry King form Fat Pinky Glass, resin pouring and woodworking by Jeremiah Logeman and chalk art by Melanie Satori Schmidt Art.