Local

MIDDLETON–Communicator in multiple languages, world traveler, partner of Howard Statz, and catcher of suspected law-breakers, Szeci (pronounced Zekey) has already led an adventurous life in his short 16 months on Earth. The German Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix is also the newest member of the Middleton Police Department, and the first of his kind on the force.

“I’m his only handler, and I hope to get five to seven years working with him, as long as possible, before his body slows,” said Officer Statz of his 65-pound, rambunctious sidekick. Statz intentionally selected a smaller dog, he said, in case he must lift his partner. However, Szeci’s bobbed tail wasn’t for weight reduction—the pup had injured himself doing backflips in his Pennsylvania kennel, Statz explained. 

CROSS PLAINS–At approximately 2:10 a.m. on June 9, Dane County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with fire departments from Cross Plains, Dane, Black Earth, Mazomanie, and City of Middleton responded to a structure fire at 3107 Hillside Trail, in the Village of Cross Plains. Upon arrival, the residents were located safely outside of the home, and flames were visible on the roof of the residence. The fire was safely extinguished after about an hour. 

At this time, the fire does not appear suspicious.  The home was a total loss, and an estimated damage is unavailable at this time. The owners did not have pets.

VERONA–On June 7, at approximately 9:46 p.m., Dane County Sheriff’s Office Deputies along with Verona Police, Verona Fire and Fitch-Rona EMS responded to a crash versus a horse on CTH PB near Wesner Rd. in the Town of Verona. The preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet Silverado was traveling southbound on CTH PB near Wesner Rd. when it struck a horse in the middle of the highway.  Furthermore, a Toyota Prius traveling northbound on CTH PB near Wesner Rd. later struck the same horse.  

Unfortunately, the horse died as a result of the crash.  Additionally, two other horses and a donkey were running loose but were quickly corralled by passersby and law enforcement.  The animals were safely returned to their barn at a nearby property off of CTH PB.  

MIDDLETON–The Middleton Plan Commission reviewed three items under the jurisdiction of other governing entities that may impact the potential for real estate development in one of the city’s targeted growth areas.

City planning staff member Mark Opitz said he added an item to the agenda as informational to brief the commission on a few projects moving forward that have piqued public interest and could have an impact on an intergovernmental agreement between the city and the Town of Springfield.

Planning Director Eileen Kelley said there were three areas identified in the agreement that may need to be revisited with current proposals. 

The first area Kelley said is the growth area determined in the agreement consisting of about 640 acres. With the planned 160-acre conservancy expansion by the county and development of Misty Valley Middleton Ridge subdivision there is roughly 400 acres remaining.

MIDDLETON–The Town of Middleton Board went into closed session Monday night to confer with their attorney, Eileen Brownlee, concerning “current or likely litigation” regarding a storm water retention pond in the Stonebrook Estates subdivision.

When the board reconvened, then approved the project as well as a directive to the town engineer, Rod Zubella, who is also the president of the engineering firm, Vierbicher, that will be awarded the job.

“We believe the engineering firm is pushing this for their own profit,” Stonebrook Estates resident, Lisa Pardon, told the Times-Tribune, referring to herself and neighbors in the subdivision. 

When the Home Owner’s Association (HOA) covenant was drawn up in 1995, it left the matter of storm water ambiguous in regard to the town and resident rights. At that time storm culverts and ditches were favored means of water control. 

MIDDLETON–Michael Charles didn’t set out to be a blues musician, but rather came about it by happenstance as a child growing up in Australia. “I became a blues musician without even knowing I was playing the blues. My father always had a guitar in the corner of the room which he forbade me to touch,” Charles said. 

After picking up the forbidden instrument at age five, he said he never looked back. “After a while my father saw this was serious passion and taught me my first chords. What I heard on the radio; Clapton, Buddy Guy, Stones, Elvis, BB King influenced me and put the blues in my soul forever,” he recalled.

Charles has been touring since the age of 12 with 12 consecutive tours in the US. Currently, the Chicago Blues Hall of Famer and Grammy nominee is traveling the US, Canada and Australia, and on June 8 the “Soundtrack 2019” tour will make a stop at the Club Tavern in Middleton. 

MIDDLETON–On May 23 at approximately 4 a.m. an unknown male forced entry into Diny's Jewelers and took an undisclosed amount of display jewelry. The suspect left on foot towards University Ave. A black sport utility vehicle was in the area at the time of the incident. The suspect was wearing dark clothing including a jacket with a hood up and face covered. He also had white or light-colored gloves and tan boots. 

If anyone has information on this crime, please contact the Middleton Police Department at 608-824-7300 or the confidential tip line at 608-824-7304.

MIDDLETON–On May 23 at approximately 4 a.m. an unknown male forced entry into Diny's Jewelers and took an undisclosed amount of display jewelry. The suspect left on foot towards University Ave. A black sport utility vehicle was in the area at the time of the incident. The suspect was wearing dark clothing including a jacket with a hood up and face covered. He also had white or light-colored gloves and tan boots. 

If anyone has information on this crime, please contact the Middleton Police Department at 608-824-7300 or the confidential tip line at 608-824-7304.

MIDDLETON–When a speaker came to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church to discuss the topic of foster care, it set the ball rolling for a free clothing service, Luke’s Closet, offered to foster families, adoptive families  and the kinship community, which consists of a family member, often a grandmother, who is caring for a child. 

“The idea for a clothing bank happened over lunch with myself and two other moms. We were connected with two other women who were already actively supporting foster families and boom…Luke’s Closet began,” said Kim Nickel who works as a communications specialist for the church. 

Luke’s Closet is run by volunteers and offers specific shopping days as well as shopping by appointment. In addition, the volunteers create clothing care packages that consist of a homemade pillowcase filled with clothes for foster kids. The pillowcases are then delivered to a location near the child. 

MIDDLETON–The Middleton Community Orchestra will hold their final concert of the season on May 30, 7:30 p.m. at the Middleton Performing Arts Center. 

The Spring 2019 concert will feature “The Carnival of Animals” and “Symphony No. 3” by Camille Saint Saens and” Concerto for 2 Pianos No. 10 k. 365” by Mozart. All of the selections are arranged for two pianos and an orchestra. 

Guest musicians for the eve.ing include pianists Satoko Hayami and Thomas Kardorf. Wisconsin Public Radio personality Norman Gilliand will narrate “Carnival of the animals.