December 2022

ARLINGTON–JoAnn F. Wagner, 80, of N1290 County Road Q, Arlington, passed away on October 24, 2022 at the Homestead Living memory care center in Waunakee. She spent the last several months of her life holding the hand of her husband Bill, the love of her life, and in the company of her children and grandchildren.

She was born JoAnn Frances Diederich in Middleton on May 4, 1942 to Anthony P. and Edna Marie (Mani) Diederich. In 1960, she graduated from Middleton High School where she was a member of Future Homemakers of America (FHA), Girls Athletic Association (GAA), chorus, and the girl's glee club. The inscription next to her senior portrait in the yearbook said, "A real live-wire with plenty of go."

MIDDLETON–Joanne Theresa (Dwyer) Shannon of Milton, MA passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Jody is survived by her loving husband Jerry, her two sons Patrick and Tom Shannon along with their wives India and Katie Shannon. She is also survived by her two incredibly bright and beautiful granddaughters Claire and Lyla the daughters of Tom and Katie.

Jody is the daughter of the late Roger and Constance Dwyer, sisters Judith Ebbs, Jean Enos and brother Roger Dwyer and proceeded in death her sister Mary Jane Williams.

A celebration of life will be held in Boston, MA in the spring of 2023.

Please share your memories at cressfuneralservice.com.

CROSS PLAINS–Village taxes on a $300,000 residence will increase by about $31 or, 1.21 percent, in the 2023 budget adopted Monday by the Cross Plains village board.

The village’s tax base grew by $11.44 million this year or, 2.81 percent, to $419.15 million. The growth rate was less than neighboring municipalities reported for 2022.

The board also set the tax levy at $3.327 million up by $108,039 from the 2022 levy. Finance Director Bobbi Zauner warned the village is approaching the $3.424 million tax levy limit and will need to consider that in spending decisions it makes in the next few years.

“Part of the budget process this year included brainstorming ways to increase other revenues, reduce expenditures and create efficiencies. Staff and various committees will be researching these ideas in more detail in 2023,” Zauner wrote the board.

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.