September 2023

It’s almost the holiday season again, and that means it’s time for me to think about one of my favorite Christmas memories; the time I saw a dog almost poop on Santa Claus. 

We took our little girl, just a toddler and glowing with the magical spirit of Christmas, the one time of year when all things feel possible, even kindness to and from our many fellow travelers to the grave and headed to the local fire station so she could sit on Santa’s lap. The building was buzzing with holiday cheer, everything that could be festooned was, and the lights glinted in the eyes of the crowds of children. 

CROSS PLAINS–After years of getting below-market rates for mowing grass in village parks and other public areas, that service became a $112,000 expense this year.

The village board has been comparing doing the work with public facilities department staff versus contractors, but it didn’t reach a decision at Monday’s meeting.

Chad Rickman, of Rickman Snow Removal and Lawn Care, submitted the lowest bid of the three proposals the village received last week. However, at $96,743 for weekly mowing and trimming between April and October, the village may able to do it for $8,000 cheaper with in-house labor.

Finance Director Bobbi Zauner budgeted next year’s mowing expense at $80,000 whether it’s contracted or done in-house.

The village would have to buy mowing equipment, a trailer and possibly add an employee, which can lead to complications, said Cross Plains Village President Jay Lengfeld.

Evan Kratochwill’s last day included spending time with his parents at his cross country meet.

Kratochwill, who passed away tragically from a double vehicle crash in the Town of Middleton on Oct. 2, 2021, will be honored when Middleton High School hosts the second annual Evan Kratochwill Memorial Invitational at Glacier Creek Middle School in Cross Plains on Saturday.

It will truly be a community event for all ages.

“There will be a community two-mile cross country run/walk beginning at 7:45 a.m.,” Middleton boys cross country coach Brian Finnel said. “That will be followed by the middle school races and the high school races.”

Finnel said an awards ceremony will follow.

Kratochwill was a former student at Glacier Creek Middle School and Middleton High School, as well as a team member of the Middleton cross country team.

They’ve dominated the league all season long.

And the Big Eight Conference meet was more of the same.

Middleton’s girls golf team — which went undefeated in the dual meet season — also won the conference meet held at Evansville Country Club last Thursday.

Middleton shot a 319-team score to easily outdistance runner-up Verona (384).

“I had the girls set a goal going into the conference tournament and they said their goal was to shoot under 320,” Middleton coach Becky Halverson said. “They all came together and achieved that goal. Evansville is always a tough track for us, so it was great to see the girls play well and achieve their team goal.”

Cardinals senior Vivian Cressman captured medalist honors with a 2-under-par 70. Cressman made four birdies, two bogeys and 12 pars.