Local

A homicide investigation is underway in the Village of Ridgeway after authorities found a man dead inside his home last week, according to the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office.

MIDDLETON – Mark Opitz was on vacation and not present Friday for a hearing in which Mayor Emily Kuhn requested a restraining order based on allegations that the former city planner groped her last year.

MIDDLETON — Middleton Mayor Emily Kuhn has filed a petition for a temporary restraining order and injunction against Mark Opitz, a current candidate for alderperson in District 6 and a former City of Middleton employee.

The petition was filed February 5, 2026 in Dane County Circuit Court. An injunction hearing is scheduled for February 13, 2026.

BLACK EARTH — The Black Earth Village Board received an in-depth overview of municipal budgeting, levy limits, and long-term financial planning during its Feb. 3 meeting, with representatives from Ehlers & Associates presenting information intended to guide future budget decisions.

MIDDLETON – After “a failed start”, unleaded aviation fuel will again be sold, this time at a lower price at Middleton Municipal Airport – Morey Field, according to Airport Manager Richard Morey.

The Middleton Common Council on Feb. 3 voted to approve a new, five-year, fixed-base operator contract for the Middleton Municipal Airport with Morey Airplane Company — but after a lengthy debate that included questions as well as accusations and denials from alders about the fuel to be sold there.

After fixing a last minute date discrepancy, the Middleton Common Council on Feb. 3 voted unanimously to approve a three-year contract with the Middleton Professional Police Association through 2028.

When Janet Wu watched her daughter blossom at a Tutu School in California, she saw more than graceful twirls and tiny tutus — she witnessed confidence, creativity and joy taking shape through dance.

The draft Middleton Housing Action Plan was unveiled at the Jan. 20 Middleton Common Council meeting, and if initial reaction is any indication, there will be plenty of reaction to the plan before the council considers final adoption on April 7.

Acting on a request from an alder and one Public Comment speaker, the Middleton Common Council on Jan. 20 voted to postpone consideration of a fixed-base operator contract at the Middleton Municipal Airport.