Local

Town residents value the Ice Age Trail over its parks as a recreational asset, according to survey results released at last week’s (DEC. 2) Town Board meeting. 

An Oct. 31 letter to the City of Middleton from the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District Commission will result in a $1.60 per quarter, or $6.40 per year, increase in a typical residential sewer bill effective Dec. 15 thanks to action taken Dec. 3 by the Middleton Common Council.

The man who put together the largest fentanyl deal prosecuted in western Wisconsin and used Morey Field to deliver the drug, was sentenced last week (DEC. 4) to 16 years in prison to be followed by eight years supervised release. 

As the year comes to a close, so does an era for the Middleton Police Department. After 31 years in law enforcement, Police Chief Troy Hellenbrand is hanging up his badge. From an inspiring ride-along as an eighth-grader to leading a department through unprecedented challenges, Hellenbrand’s career stands as a testament to dedication, resilience, and a commitment to service.

Acting on a recommendation from the Finance & Personnel Committee, the Middleton Common Council voted to increase dog licensing fees for 2025 because of an increase in fees being charged by Dane County.

Homeowners here will pay slightly less in town property taxes this year as the town board recently approved a tax mill rate fractionally less than last year’s. 

Village property taxes will increase this year by 3.18% or by $83.04 on a $300,000 house, the Village Board unanimously approved on Nov. 25. 

The joint negotiation committee of the City of Middleton and Town of Middleton convened to discuss a corporate boundary plan, focusing on revisions proposed by the city. The meeting, held on November 25th, marked a key step in the cooperative effort to address jurisdictional and developmental concerns between the two municipalities.

Middleton Wildlife photographer Kevin Munson’s presentation at a meeting of The Rotary Club of Madison West Middleton was entitled  “A Walk Through Wonderland - Wildlife in the Middleton Hills Wetlands Conservancy.”  It was an eye opener, revealing the beauty of the creatures sharing the the city with us.

Following 27 minutes of discussion, the Middleton Common Council on Nov 19 rejected a recommended merger between the Middleton Commission on Youth and the city’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission on a 6-2 vote.