Is Bishops Bay Back?: Town Board and Mining Interests Team Up To Blast

Back at the helm of his most ambitious development yet, Terrence Wall says the project is poised to live
up to even the loftiest expectations

by MATT GEIGER
Times-Tribune
Is Bishops Bay back?

VOL. 122, NO. 10
THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014
Terrence Wall has a well-known reputation as a fierce competitor and an ambitious capitalist. But sitting in his modest office in downtown Middleton, speaking with earnest enthusiasm in a soft-spoken voice, there is a hint of dreamy, boyish sentiment in the way he talks about Bishops Bay, the uber-development that is once again under his control. Surrounded by a noticeably youthful staff, the veteran developer pauses for a moment when asked if it is gratifying to have his hands back in the sprawling, multi-use projects nuts and bolts. Yes, he acknowledges, but not for the reason one might suspect. Its not about wanting to be in charge, Wall states. Its about once again having the ability to execute on the vision and quality of the development. Its about re-establishing credibility with builders and realtors. Both his critics and his supporters agree, Wall simply doesnt do small. Most first-time political candidates run for a local school board or city council seat. Walls initial foray into politics was a campaign for the United States Senate. And while most developers are content to build little clusters of housSee WALL, page 11
Town board and mining interests team up to blast MTT article

Milo Breunig calls county supervisor Patrick Miles a dictator
by KEVIN MURPHY
Times-Tribune
SINGLE COPY PRICE: $1.25
www.MiddletonTimes.com
Terrence Wall says the Bishops Bay development will last for half a millennium.
COW talks TIF

by CAMERON BREN
Times-Tribune
Times-Tribune photo by Matt Geiger
The Middleton Committee of the Whole and Plan Commission met jointly Saturday to review and discuss a course of action for future Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects. For more than two decades the city has been using TIF to subsidize development and community improvement projects to attract businesses and developers, ultimately expanding the tax base, according to supporters of the practice. With claims of overwhelming return on previous investments, city
staff and officials are eager to take on new projects. But for the city to move forward a new funding formula must be determined. A report compiled by City Planning Director Eileen Kelley touts the return the city has seen from its third TIF district, which was created in 1993. The projected expenses were $15.8 million, with projected new development of $44.9 million, Kelley points out in the report. The city has actually spent approximately $65 million on projects and more than $624 million of
Geiger wins award

WAUKESHA - The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation presented awards to winners of the 2013 Better Newspaper Contest at the Milwaukee Marriott West during the groups 160th annual convention Friday. The 2013 Better Newspaper Contest included 2,806 total entries, including editorial entries from 125 newspapers. Eligible entries were published between Sept. 1, 2012, and Aug. 31, 2013. The Geiger Counter, Middleton Times-Tribune editor Matt Geigers opinion column, earned a Second Award. This is Geigers ninth Wis-
The Middleton Town Board on Monday roundly criticized a recent Middleton Times-Tribune story on Dane Countys oversight of mining as one-sided and riddled with inaccuracies. For nearly an hour the board took issue with MTT editor Matt Geigers Feb. 20 article as parroting county propaganda about a proposed county ordinance amendment the board said is a county power grab at the expense of towns. Board members and some mining industry representatives in at-
tendance had similar criticisms of a Feb. 27 opinion column by county executive Joe Parisi - headlined Now is the time to stop unregulated mining - for allegedly misstating facts about the current state of mining regulations. The paper should have invited mining interest groups to also write a column so both sides of the issue were presented, said town chairman Milo Breunig. (The MTT does not solicit for opinion columns from people or organizations on a either side of any issue.) Both Parisi and Geiger wrote about the countys claim that there is a need to regulate dormant mines to prevent their being suddenly reopened without advance notice or regulation. Thats where board members said the facts were misrepresented. The mining issue developed from a proposed county ordinance amendment (OA #26) that seeks to end grandfathered status for inactive gravel mining sites that are nonconforming in areas zoned A-1 exclusive. While most nonconforming See MINING, page 7
New frac sand bill still divides. Page 3
Environment:
Local seniors show their Wii bowling skills. Page 4
Neighbors:
See TIF, page 20
consin Newspaper Association award, and the fourth for his column. WNAs membership includes 31 daily and 192 weekly newspapers. The Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) was established in 1853 and is among the oldest press associations in the world. Created by and for Wisconsins newspapers, WNA exists to strengthen the newspaper industry, enhance public understanding of the role of newspapers, and protect basic freedoms of press, speech and the free flow of information.
Basketball boys fall short. Page 12
Sports:
Dining Guide. . . . . . . . . . 6 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Classieds . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Inside this issue:
Zonta works to advance status of women

PAGE 2 MIDDLETON TIMES-TRIBUNE
by KATHERINE PERRETH
Times-Tribune
From left, Carey Weiler and Bev Duncan. Duncanis wearing her gleaming Zonta lapel pin.
Times-Tribune photo by Katherine Perreth
Middleton resident Carey Weiler joined the local chapter of Zonta International three years ago. This year Bev Duncan, another Middleton woman, celebrates over three decades of membership. At one time, the professional womens service club founded in 1919 notably included Amelia Earhart. Yet, like Weiler and Duncan initially, many people have never heard of Zonta. According to their website, Zonta Internationals stated mission is Advancing the status of women worldwide. In 1980, while working as a corporate affairs secretary for MG&E, Duncan was invited by a colleague to join Zonta. Back then, women had to hold supervisory or management positions to be considered for membership, Duncan said. She remembers the woman who invited her just happened to be the first female utilities board director in Wisconsin. It was an honor to be invited by her, Duncan recalled. She joined Zonta because of that honor, for social reasons and also to meet other professional women from around the state. She didnt take the clubs mission into account at all, she said. But that changed throughout her thirty-four year involvement. Issues specific to women on every continent drive the mission of the or-
ganization, from abuse and human trafficking to childbirth and education. Zonta International funds safe houses in Haiti, fights obstetric fistula in Liberia, combats pediatric HIV infection in Rwanda, offers micro-credit to entrepreneurs and educational scholarships worldwide, and empowers rural Samoan women in efforts to end domestic abuse. Duncan said domestic abuse wasnt on her radar in 1980, but her current involvement in Zonta is all about the cause now. For Weiler, the draw to become a Zontian, as members are called, was completely because of domestic abuse. As a social work student in North Carolina in the mid-70s, she had viewed a documentary about womens shelters in England, and studied rural domestic abuse. We were very distressed to learn that women were being admitted to hospitals eight to 10 times annually around Chapel Hill, and no doctor was asking why, Weiler observed. I never forgot that. The shocking facts lay dormant for decades until she was invited by a friend to join Zonta and witnessed the groups support of local women in abusive situations. My friend said to me, What can a small group of women do? Weiler said. As it turns out, they can do a lot. Weiler has been involved with the life-sized silhouette project: a total of 11 sets of four plywood figures representing victims of domestic abuse. All but one is painted purple, to indicate that one victim has died from abuse. Erected on church lawns throughout the domestic abuse awareness month of October, one tableau can still be seen in Madison. Outside the Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS) on Fordem Avenue, it promotes the new womens shelter. One set even has a dog silhouette, to illustrate that abuse affects everyone in the family, Weiler explained. A lot of women wont leave because of the family pet. Zonta is currently trying to address that barrier by exploring respite care for pets when a woman has left the home with her kids, Weiler said. While the main focus of the local Zonta chapter is continuing to raise awareness of domestic abuse, local literacy projects are also important. Another attraction for Weiler is that Zonta has a voice at the UN, she said. Ac-
cording to the website, Zonta International partners with various United Nations agencies in supporting the 70% of 1.3 billion poor on the planet who are female. Zonta Club of Madison President Sandy Peterson explained the groups core beliefs. We believe that every woman deserves a safe, healthy, economically viable, and productive life. We seek to empower women through advocacy, service and financial support of Dane County organizations that are involved in the areas of domestic violence, human trafficking, literacy, and health. Of course, realizing those goals take time, energy and money. Decades ago, rummage sales reigned supreme as fundraisers, Duncan said. These days, Zontas primary fundraiser is the popular Zonta Zing, to be held on March 1 this year. As in the past, the majority of the proceeds will benefit DAIS, Peterson said. We are also pledging $50,000 toward a room (at the shelter) in our name, Peterson stated. The Zonta Zing has brought in an average of $8,000 annually during its seven year run, she said. Zonta (a Native American word meaning honest and trustworthy) clubs span 66 countries with 30,000 members. Some, like Duncan, have been Zontians for much of their adult lives. Duncans devotion to women far and near is still a priority. I dont drive at night anymore except for to the Zonta meetings, she said. Were a small group, so you know your contribution counts, Weiler concluded, adding, but were always recruiting new members! For more information contact Sandy Peterson, president, at www.zontamadison.org.
New Frac Sand bill still divides

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 MIDDLETON TIMES-TRIBUNE
PAGE 3
Mining companies, towns clash at sevenhour Capitol hearing over measure affecting regulation of existing mines
by ALISON DIRR
WI Center for Investigative Journalism
A legislative hearing Monday on a revised attempt to limit local governments authority to regulate nonmetallic mining, including existing frac sand mines, drew support from mining representatives but opposition from town leaders. About 50 people, including residents affected by frac sand mines, attended the hearing, which stretched for seven hours and reflected tensions over the expansion of frac sand mining in Wisconsin communities. We are not opposed to regulation, said Brian Nodolf, an Eau Claire-based attorney who has represented industrial sand mines, at the hearing before state Senate and Assembly committees charged with overseeing mining. We are opposed to not knowing what those regulations are going to be. Others, including the Wisconsin Towns Association, opposed the measure a reversal of its position last week, when it expressed neutrality. The new legislation, SB 632 and companion AB 816, is a narrower version of legislation introduced last year. That earlier bill, SB 349, would have barred local governments from regulat-
ing some aspects of nonmetallic mining, including its impacts on air quality, water, road use and reclamation. The concern is there may be new issues that could come up in the future that local governments would no longer be able to address, said Rick Stadelman, executive director of the Wisconsin Towns Association. The leading proponent of the legislation, state Sen. Tom Tiffany, RHazelhurst, said his goal is to prevent local governments from changing regulations in ways that hurt existing and permitted nonmetallic mines. This is a significant paring down of SB 349, Tiffany, the sponsor of both Senate bills, said at the hearing. It would exempt existing nonmetallic mines from new local regulations but not prevent local governments from passing new regulations for future mines. A 2012 Wisconsin Supreme Court case, Zwiefelhofer v. Town of Cooks
State Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, said at a Monday legislative hearing that he wants to prevent local governments from changing regulations in ways that hurt existing and permitted nonmetallic mines. Valley, was the catalyst for the legislation. The court found that local governments could use police powers, which protect the health, safety and welfare of residents, instead of zoning to regulate nonmetallic mining. The courts ruling opened the door for some municipalities to change the rules of the game on legally operating businesses and in some instances threatening basic property rights and putting jobs at risk, Tiffany said in a statement issued Feb. 26. The original bill was criticized by local governments and environmental groups, including the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters and Clean Wisconsin. Opponents rallied outside the Capitol during an October hearing. The new legislation has attracted support from nine groups, including mining companies and railroads, and opposition from four groups, including environmental and local government
Photo by Alison Dirr/Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism
organizations. The Wisconsin Counties Association remained neutral. At Mondays hearing, the legislation was praised by representatives of the states burgeoning frac sand industry. Wisconsin is the nations No. 1 producer of sand used in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, a process to extract oil and natural gas. There are at least 124 permitted or operational frac sand mines, processing plants and rail loading facilities in the state, according to a tally by the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism. In a proper way, this bill prevents municipalities from changing the rules of the game for lawfully permitted and operating businesses, said Rich Budinger, president of the Wisconsin Industrial Sand Association, a group of four industrial sand mining companies. Budinger, in an interview, denied the
The nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism (www.WisconsinWatch.org) collaborates with Wisconsin Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Television, other news media and the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication. All works created, published, posted or disseminated by the Center do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of UW-Madison or any of its affiliates.
bill will have a negative impact on local governments. It doesnt take any of their power away, he said. But Glenn Stoddard, an Eau Clairebased attorney who drafted a Cooks Valley town ordinance that regulates mines through police powers, said in his written testimony to the committee that the new bill should still be rejected. These bills would place significant new limitations on counties and towns that would greatly reduce their ability to regulate existing and future nonmetallic mining and processing operations in order to reasonably protect public health and safety, Stoddard wrote, calling the new legislation SB 349 in a new dress. State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, DAlma, who has pushed for stronger regulation of frac sand mines, warned in her testimony that the new bill would create legal chaos for sand mine regulation. The bill creates a huge legal gray area on exactly which ordinance sand mines would have to follow, she said. Vinehout, in an interview, added that there is a great deal of confusion about what the bill actually does. She does not think the bill is ready to move forward but noted that it appears to be on the fast track.
Springfield board talks blasting, Foxfire Trail

PAGE 4 MIDDLETON TIMES-TRIBUNE
by ERIN VANDER WEELE

Times-Tribune
The Springfield Town Board agreed unanimously Tuesday, Feb. 18 to hold a public hearing about the Foxfire Trail culvert replacements. The board also agreed to take a step toward setting up a blasting ordinance. The board wants to hold a public hearing before creating a policy that will determine whether the city or the property owners should cover the costs of the culvert replacements needed on the Foxfire Trail subdivision. Although this is the first subdivision
Kingsley Cemeterys future, finances disby MIKE DREW

Times-Tribune
with this issue, the board would like to set a town policy on this matter for the future. I imagine were going to have this issue come up in more developments, said Supervisor Dan Dresen. Joe DeYoung, the engineer of the Foxfire Trail road work, has been planning the project. The current estimate is about an average of 1,500 dollars per corrugated metal culvert. The board is requesting an estimate on the cost for Polyvnyl Chloride (PVC) culverts from DeYoung because they believe the material would last longer and could save on costs.
Supervisor Jim Pulvermacher said he thinks the town should only cover the cost of the culverts if the replacements are needed due to size or necessary changes. Roadway culverts should never be assessed to the homeowners. However, personal culverts that are deteriorating that need to be replaced because they are no longer functioning have always been a cost of the landlord, said Pulvermacher. Pulvermacher confirmed with DeYoung over phone during the meeting that the culverts are being replaced because theyre either non-existent or ob-
solete (damaged), but there are culverts in the subdivision that are fine. Pulvermacher said he would like to hear from the property owners before setting a policy. In fairness to our residents, we need to have a public hearing, said Pulvermacher. The board planned to have the public hearing sometime this month. Also discussed was the ordinance regulating blasting for mineral extraction sites. Dane County Town Association (DCTA) wants to remove the Ordinance Amendment 26 and create
an Ordinance for the towns affected that could be adopted. When you start setting off dynamite, people like to know about it, said Dresen. Later adding, I would think that we should have a blasting ordinance. The board unanimously agreed to send a letter to the DCTA requesting information on setting up a blasting ordinance. We should help work with these towns in creating a model ordinance so that were all using the same one, said Pulvermacher.
The Springfield Town Board met for its first monthly meeting of the month on the night of Tuesday, Feb. 4.
The boards main topic of discussion was the Kingsley Cemetery, and as such the board heard several updates on the cemeterys financial situation and potential expenditures should the board decide to bring the cemetery up
The Middleton Senior Center Wii Bowling Team won the 2013 Fall/Winter Bowling League. Team members include Ken Lejsek, Dan Haglund, Ginger Rodgers, Annie Wong, Daniel Lau and Dot Miller. The league is set up with weekly games at seven Senior Centers throughout Dane County.
Wii did it!
to active status. The board also discussed and voted to contribute to the 2014 Fly Dane project slated to begin in early spring. The Springfield town board was missing Supervisor Art Meinholz due to an excused absence from the meeting, though discussions and votes progressed as planned. Discussions regarding the future and finances of Kingsley Cemetery were central to Springfields 2/4/14 board meeting, as the board hosted financial adviser Randal Halford, who hosts Springfields Kingsley account. Annual dividends and interest income is $3,061.00, advised Halford, so youre going to get that over the course of 12 months. Halfords presence was planned to update board on the health of the Kingsley fund, the interest of which is used to help maintain the Cemetery.
Photo contributed
New Public Works facility moves ahead in Westport

by MIKE DREW
Times-Tribune
Discussion regarding potential pricing and costs associated with reopening and selling lots in the Kingsley cemetery in the future arose later in the meeting, and ensured that this issue will remain on the boards docket for at least the immediate future. Discussion on reopening sales on lots at the Kingsley Cemetery was spurned on by demand for gravesites at that cemetery. Im really skeptical really to start selling any of these plots to be honest... commented board supervisor Jim Pulvermacher, We could spent a lot of money just to try and sell a few lots. The board decided to table making the decision until the 2nd board meeting in March, to allow time for further research as to what pricing would be set for gravesites at the cemetery and exactly what work would be needed to make sites salable.
The Springfield town board voted to financially contribute between $800$900 to the 2014 Fly Dane Project on 2/4/14 after discussing potential uses for the township-wide photography. Fly Dane representative Fred Iausly joined the board for the discussion to advise the board on the benefits and costs of the project. We leverage this imagery quite a bit for a lot of other data sets, commented Fly Dane representative Fred Iausly, were going to be using it now for the new 911 system, Iausly advised the board that since the last Fly Dane project completed, the resolution of cameras has increased from 1 to 6, and the new imagery can be used to accurately assist in applications ranging from assisting in land conservation concerns to updating street center lines.
The Westport Town Board met for its first board meeting of February on the night of Monday, Feb. 3. The meeting was brief, but focused heavily on the upcoming town Public
Works Facility construction project, along with reviewing potential operators for licenses and approval of town bills. The board was short Supervisor Bill von Rutenberg, who was absent from discussions and voting for the meeting. Discussion regarding construction of
a new Public Works Facility that will cost an estimated $840,000 took the spotlight at the meeting, with discussions regarding the layout, tentative planning schedule, and construction photography. The potential timeline for the towns planning process was laid out at the meeting revealed the towns hopes to have the majority of the planning and plans for the building ready for review by March, so bidding can begin in April. Discussions about the layout were short, but indicated plans are similar to other buildings in Dane County. The layout weve looked at so far, commented Board Administrator Tom Wilson, is similar to what they have in Vienna. Bordering and colors have not yet been decided, though board Supervisor Wilson indicated those were items being researched. The Town of Westport also received a proposal for photographing the construction process for the new Public Works Building. Itd be nice I think, advised Westport Administrator Wilson, to have at least some kind of professional pictures taken of what the site looks [like] now. Board discussions on the topic concluded that professional photos would have additional practical value as documentation of work thats being done. I dont want to spend any money commented Westport Board Supervisor Brad Robinson, that you dont know where youre getting for sure. The board voted to seek information and portfolios from photographers before committing funding to such a cause.
City plan commission finds third party consultant for septic proposal
MIDDLETON TIMES-TRIBUNE
PAGE 5
by CAMERON BREN
Times-Tribune
The plan commission has selected a consultant to weigh in on a proposed conservation subdivision using private septic and well systems. Developer Erdman Holdings, Inc. will be responsible for paying the consultant to examine the use of septic tank systems in the proposed Pleasant View Ridge subdivision. The consul-
Monday, Feb. 24 11:14 a.m. Theft, 1900 block of Branch St. 11:37 a.m. Fraud, 3600 block of
Saturday, Feb. 22 1:18 a.m. Theft, 1900 block of Branch St. 1:19 a.m. Fire, 1700 block of Aurora St. 8:52 a.m. Theft, 7300 block of Donna Dr. 10:05 p.m. Battery, 7700 block of Elmwood Ave. 10:25 p.m. Theft, 2500 block of Allen Blvd.
Friday, Feb. 21 9:14 a.m. - Uniform control substance, 2100 block of Bristol St. 10:31 a.m. - Uniform control substance, 2100 block of Bristol St. 11:45 a.m. - Uniform control substance, 2100 block of Bristol St. 3:53 p.m. Fraud, 6600 block of Elmwood Ave. 3:54 p.m. Theft retail, 700 block of S. Park St.
Thursday, Feb. 20 3:07 a.m. Domestic disturbance, 3500 block of Parmenter St. 12:53 p.m. Uniform control substance, 2100 block of Bristol St.
Wednesday, Feb. 19 10:01 a.m. Theft, 6600 block of Elmwood Ave. 7:44 p.m. Theft retail, 2100 block of Deming Way.
Tuesday, Feb. 18 8:13 p.m. Domestic disturbance, 7300 block of Century Ave. 10:03 p.m. Fire, 5300 block of Jonquil Ct.
Monday, Feb. 17 10:01 a.m. Theft from auto, 7100 block of Maywood Ave.
Police Beat
tants report will influence the city council on whether or not to approve the development. At a previous meeting the plan commission deliberated they would look for three proposals from third party consultants to determine the environmental impacts of the development on Pleasant View Road adjacent to the golf course. The city will hire someone to look at 12 items we have listed, City Plan-
ning Director Eileen Kelley stated. We are talking about a reasonable review of the literature, the situation, the permitting, somebody that knows what the ramifications and implications of septic and well are and the safeguards we would need. The commission received letters from the three consultants they reached out to. AECOM, an international firm with an office in Middleton, was willSee SEPTIC, page 8
Thursday, Feb. 27 10:02 a.m. Fraud, 3000 block of Old Creek Rd. 12:27 p.m. Theft, 2500 block of Allen Blvd. 1:20 p.m. Fraud, 2300 block of Pinehurst Dr. 4:23 p.m. Domestic disturbance, 6900 block of Hubbard Ave.
Wednesday, Feb. 26 8:50 a.m. Fraud, 5200 block of Brindisi Ct. 11:43 a.m. Theft, 2500 block of Allen Blvd. 3:56 p.m. Animal bite, 6200 block of Maywood Ave. 7:21 p.m. 911 disconnect, 6900 block of Hubbard Ave. 8:44 p.m. Domestic disturbance, 6900 block of Hubbard Ave.
Tuesday, Feb. 25 7:20 a.m. Theft, 3100 block of Creek View Dr. 8:40 a.m. Theft, 2100 block of Bristol St. 3:49 p.m. 911 misdial, 7400 block of Franklin Ave. 4:45 p.m. Damage to property, 6600 block of University Ave.
Napoli Ln. 7:25 p.m. Theft, 8800 block of Timberwolf Trl.
Monday, March 3 12:09 a.m. Domestic disturbance, 6700 block of Century Ave.
Sunday, March 2 1:31 p.m. Animal bite, 1600 block of N. High Point Rd. 2:07 p.m. Fraud, 3100 block of Ravine Dr. 4:00 p.m. Theft, 2500 block of Allen Blvd. 4:49 p.m. Fraud, 5200 block of Brindisi Ct. 7:36 p.m. Domestic disturbance, 3700 block of Pheasant Branch Rd.
Saturday, March 1 1:14 p.m. Domestic disturbance, 7300 block of Donna Dr. 7:50 p.m. Fraud, 7400 block of Century Pl.
Friday, Feb. 28 10:54 a.m. Domestic disturbance, 7100 block of Park Shores Ct. 1:09 p.m. Uniform control substance, 7400 block of Donna Dr. 6:06 p.m. Damage to property, 6300 block of Pheasant Ln.
5:33 p.m. Theft, 1000 block of N. Gammon Rd.
QR Lending, a division of First Federal Bank of Florida (QRL) with its principal office located in Madison, recently donated $1,040 to Middleton Outreach Ministry. QRL employees generously shared their hard-earned income with Middleton Outreach Ministry to help prevent homelessness and end hunger, and the QRL Board of Directors authorized a match of employees charitable contributions. Pictured above, Denyse Behnk, right, hands the check to Al Ripp, MOMs executive director. QRL processes, underwrites, closes and funds residential mortgage loans referred by credit unions and community banks on a wholesale, retail or correspondent basis.
Lender gives gift
Photo contributed
CHURCH NOTES
PAGE 6
A NNIVERSARY
Gabrielle Hinahara spoke at the Middleton Kiwanis meeting Thursday night, highlighting the first month of the newly re-opened Middleton Youth Center at Clark Street Community School. The Youth Center is for students from grade 5 to 8 and is free. Attendance has been good and the programming options are increasing. Club president Chuck Foulke, right, presented Hinahara with a donation of $500. Also pictured are vice president Kathy Nieber Lathrop, far left, and Kiwanis WI/UM Governor Gurdip Brar.
Kiwanis gets glimpse of re-opened Youth Center

Correction
Photo contributed
Salary increase will go to Captains replacement

Last weeks city council report indictated that Captain Noel Kakuske will be receiving a bump in pay. The pay increase was actually requested as a salary to be set for the person who is promoted into his position after Kakuske retires in June. The replacement will be subject to
WRS contributions and the increase was made to counter the overall reduction in take home pay for whoever fills Kakuskes position.
Norman and Karen Esser, along with their children and grandchildren, have announced their upcoming celebration of 50 years of marriage. Norman Esser and Karen (LaBelle) were united in marriage April 15, 1964 at St. Norberts Catholic Church in Roxbury. They bought their first home together in Cross Plains. There they raised their ten children, Dawn (Dan) Fargen, Tammy (Mike) Diebold, Wendy (Steve) Martig, Gail (Mark) Rettenmund, Lori (Troy) Hellenbrand, Gordie (Amy) Esser, Annette (Mark) Geisler, Norm Jr. (Anne) Esser, Janelle (Darrin) Zimmerman and Kelly (Jason) Klock. They are also proud grandparents to 31 grandchildren. There is a definite science to family gatherings, but they would have it no other way. Norm works for the Village of Cross Plains, and after 30-plus years of inhome childcare, Karen is now retired. The Essers enjoy traveling, bowling, card playing and attending sports activities for their children and grandchildren. Each Sunday evening, the Esser family gathers at their home for Sunday supper, a tradition started years ago. To share well wishes and congratulations, friends and relatives are invited to join Norman and Karen Esser as they celebrate their 50 years of marriage on Sunday, April 6, 2014 with a blessing of their marriage during 10:30 a.m. Mass at Saint Francis Xavier in Cross Plains, followed by an open house at the American Legion Hall in Cross Plains from noon to 4 p.m.
Norman and Karen Esser reach 50-year marriage milestone
This month's free Middleton Green Thursday features the documentary For the Price of Sand, an exploration of the issues surrounding frac sand mining in Wisconsin and Minnesota from both pro and anti-mining perspectives. The
Green Thus. looks at mining

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 MIDDLETON TIMES-TRIBUNE
property uses lose their grandfathered status to continue if there are inactive for one year, mining sites are exempt and can re-open without review no matter how long they have been dormant. OA #26 would remove the exemption for inactive mining sites, forcing them to operate according to the same rules as other businesses. Those wishing to resume mining those sites would have to apply for a conditional use permit the same as other non conforming land use, Roger Lane, the countys zoning administrator said Tuesday. But the town doesnt want more county control over those mines. Unregulated just isnt true, said board supervisor Tim Roehl. In the Town of Middleton we have [mining sites] which have agreements with the town, the county, the state. The term essentially unregulated was used in a Dane County Planning Department document, which was quoted and clearly atrributed in the MTT article. Town officials said mining sites are regulated for blasting, dust, erosion, storm water and hours of operation, and Parisis argument that dormant mines could reopen without regulation is just a scare tactic employed to get a new ordinance amendment passed. Parisi said Tuesday there are two different sets of regulations that apply to two different types of mining sites. New mines need to go through the conditional use permit process to get local and county approval and be regulated for noise, dust and other issues. Dormant mines currently dont have
MINING
This free event is sponsored by the City of Middleton Sustainability Comto go through the conditional use permit process and those mines would open up with the least amount of input from neighboring residents, he said. We feel its in the best interests of the town residents to have input on these mining sites, Parisi said of his support for OA #26. Aggregate producers have access to maps that show mining sites subject to OA #26 and Parisi said he met with producers months ago but they never suggested any alternative plan. We [are] saying that mining sites that have been grandfathered in for decades and havent been mined in that time, while residential neighborhoods have grown up around them since, need to go through the same process any other nonconforming property use would, Parisi said. But board members and aggregate producers present on Monday night said they did not trust county zoning authorities to fairly interpret what is active when a conditional use permit is requested. Breunig called Patrick Miles, a county board supervisor who chairs the Zoning Land Regulation Committee, a dictator, someone who doesnt follow the rules, and pre-determines his decisions before listening to a zoning applicant. Miles said Tuesday that he was surprised by Breunigs comments since no one else has said anything like that to me in his eight years on the county board. When it comes to zoning decisions, applicants and staff tend to work out differences beforehand, which gives
film will be shown in the Willy West Co-op Community Room at 7pm on Thursday, March 6.
mittee and The Natural Step Monona with support from Willy Street Co-op, Madison Gas & Electric and Richard and Judy Fritz. Free refreshments are provided. Willy West is located at 6825 University Ave in Middleton.
Come join the Middleton Jaycees on Sunday, April 13 at Lakeview Park for their annual Easter Egg Hunt! Enjoy a free, fun-filled, family afternoon. The egg hunt will be for ages 4 & Under at 11:30am, ages 5-8 at noon,
Details set for Jaycees Easter egg hunt
PAGE 7
and ages 9 & up at 12:30pm. There will be live bunnies courtesy of Pet World Bring at least one Non-Perishable food item to be donated to the Middleton Outreach Ministry Food Pantry. continued from page 1
more efficient and consistent customer service, he said. Miles couldnt remember denying any mining site applications in the town in recent years. He noted that the county changed an ordinance to give a say in the conditional use permit approval process and CUPs are not issued unless both the town and county agree. Lane said that land use decisions bring out strong feelings on both sides. Miles is like a referee who is not liked by someone when a call goes against them, Lane said. Mining sites are not like setting up a stand by the road to sell apples. These are intense land uses and are subject to regulation, said Lane. The Town of Middleton rejected OA #26 last month by a 4-0 vote. (Board Supervisor Richard Oberle abstained.) Ten towns approved it, including Cross Plains and Black Earth. More than half of the countys townships would need to vote against the amendment in order to kill OA #26. Tim Geoghegan, superintendent of Yahara Materials, a Waunakee-based aggregate supplier, acknowledged at Mondays meeting that some inactive mining sites should remain permanently closed. However, instead of OA #26 Geoghegan wants a stakeholder group formed from industry, town and county representatives to address regulation of inactive mining sites. We feel weve been shut out of the process, Geoghegan told a reporter after the meeting. Its been frustrating. Roehl suggested the county give a
stakeholder taskforce six months to produce an alternative solution to OA #26. Bill Kaul, a Middleton-area aggregate producer, said his industry opens and reopens quarries based on where construction activity occurs. Its most efficient to work one quarry at a time but OA #26 would require more quarries to be used regardless of efficiency concerns, he said. OA #26 would require 40 of the approximately 150 inactive nonconforming mining sites in the county to reapply for a conditional use permit, said Lane. However, Geoghegan claimed neither Parisis office nor zoning administrators have made that list available. (A map showing mining sites in Dane County was released to the public several weeks ago.) People from the zoning staff have
Editors note: The Middleton TimesTribunes editorial staff stands by the accuracy and impartiality of its Feb. 20 report on Ordinance Amendement 26. The full article is available, free of charge, at MiddletonTimes.com.
been very good but they work for the politicians, Geoghegan said. Lane notes that the county has issued about 12 conditional use permits for mining sites in the past three years and denied only one, a request by Madison Block & Stone for a pit near US 51 north of Dane County Regional Airport. The board ended discussion by directing town administrator David Shaw to draft a letter to the Times-Tribune editor rebutting Geigers story and Parisis column.
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In January, the American Library Association announced its award recipients, including the winners of the well-known Newbery and Caldecott Medals as well as lesser-known awards, such as the Sibert Medal, given to the author and illustrator of the most distinguished informational book of the year, and the Theodore Seuss Geisel Award for the years most outstanding book for beginning readers. The awards are announced each year to great fanfare, many librarians and book lovers having made predictions throughout the year. Here are a few highlights from the 2014 awards list: The prestigious Newbery Award, given to the years most distinguished
Award Winning Books
contribution to American literature for children, was named for eighteenthcentury British bookseller John Newbery. When community members at the library ask the difference between the Caldecott and the Newbery Awards, I often explain that the Newbery is for text, while the Caldecott is for illustrations. Books for children up to age 14 are considered for both the Caldecott and the Newbery. This years Newbery Award was given to Kate DiCamillo for Flora and Ulysses. When Ulysses the squirrel gets sucked into 10-year-old Floras neighbors vacuum cleaner and emerges with flying and poetry writing abilities, Flora decides that Ulysses is a superhero. The girl takes it upon herself to protect the squirrel from people, such as her mother, who dont appreciate the might of Ulysses. This illustrated story is simultaneously hilarious and heartwarming. Many readers will relate to lovable Flora as she navigates her twohousehold family and struggles to make her voice heard by adults. After reading Flora and Ulysses, children
will pine to find squirrel superheroes in vacuum cleaners near them. The Caldecott Award, given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children, was named for nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. The 2014 Caldecott Award was given to Brian Floca for Locomotive. Set in 1869, when the Transcontinental Railroad was brand new, this large format picture book follows a family that boards a train for an unforgettable journey from Omaha to Sacramento. Flocas words and pictures work seamlessly together to deliver an engaging tale and a substantial amount of information. Whether readers are seeking a story or technical information on train travel, theyll find it in Locomotive. The Geisel Award, named for none other than Dr. Seuss, was given to The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli. In this beginning reader, a crocodile who loves watermelon accidentally swallows a seed. He immediately becomes worried, convinced that the seed will grow inside of him. What will the crocodile do? Will he give up watermelon forever? Readers will giggle and also likely relate to the main characters worries. Illustrations in just three colors add character and charm to the story. Newly independent readers will also want to check out the Geisel Honor Books, Ball by Mary Sullivan, A Big Guy Took My Ball! by Mo Willems, and Penny and Her Marble by Madisons own Kevin Henkes.
The Wisconsin Womens Business Initiative Corporation will present a program entitled Insurance for Your Business at the Middleton Public Library on Thursday, March 13th at 6 p.m. This free workshop is aimed at small business owners as well as those who may be planning to start a business. Participants will learn will learn why their business needs insurance, what it covers, and where to purchase it. Types of coverage discussed include: General liability, Property, Auto liability,
Learn about small business insurance
This will be a search across Dane County for amateur performers of all types and ages to fill out a gala talent revue in September as part of the arts centers 10th anniversary celebration. Regional auditions at sites across Dane County will begin in March and run through August, with a callback audition scheduled for September 6. The final performance will take place in Capitol Theater later in Sep-
Overture Center hosts auditions for Rising Stars program at Full Compass on Saturday, March 22
Worker Compensation, Umbrella, and Professional liability. The Wisconsin Womens Business Initiative Corporation was incorporated over 25 years ago with the mission to improve the economic well-being of our fellow residents through business loans, classes, coaching, and money management tools. This class is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To reserve a spot in this class, call the WWBIC directly at 608-257-5450 or register online at www.wwbic.org.
tember. The best acts at the final performance will receive cash prizes to further their performance careers. Already, most of the performances here at Overture are local artists, said Overture Center vice president of programming Tim Sauers. We have an incredible wealth of talent here in this community. I am sure there are more very talented people around here who arent on our radar, but who need to be. We want to find them and bring them here and put them on our stage. They deserve it. And you really never know where that kind of exposure could lead for a performer, no matter how young or old they are. Registration is open at overturecenter.com/RisingStars. The first 60 registrations for each audition will be accepted. Each audition will run from 10 am to 4 pm. All ages are welcome, though anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardians permission. Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wisconsin features seven state-of-the-art performance spaces and five galleries where national and international touring artists, ten resident companies, and hundreds of local artists engage nearly half a million people in educational and artistic experiences each year.
ing to take on the project yet offered no proposal to the city. The letter instead offered one brief paragraph describing their history with the city of Middleton. Strand Associates of Madison declined to make a proposal at all, claiming ...our overall relative experience wasnt at a level that would that would allow us to provide meaningful contributions to this effort. SAA Design Group of Madison replied with an almost 20 page letter documenting similar experience, team members rsums, scope of services and pre-collected data on conservation subdivisions not served by public sanitary sewer in Southeastern Wisconsin. Relative to the others, SAA offered a comprehensive response making them preferable to the commission. I was surprised it ended up it was really only one [consultant] that was qualified, commissioner Edward Elskamp said after the meeting, though he also noted I would say the consensus was everybody felt confident based on the people [SAA] brought on board to evaluate [the septic systems]. The plan commission recommends to the common council to negotiate and enter into a contract with SAA contingent on an escrow agreement with Erdman Holdings. The commission also noted the council should have an understanding that the escrow funds will not exceed $10,000.
SEPTIC
from page 5
PAGE 9
GEIGER
Parents shouldnt be permitted to vote. Thats my latest theory. It occurred to me the other day when I was in the kitchen, marveling at all the dangerous items, most of them either sharp or electrical, some of them both, strewn about the room. The sausage grinder in particular caught my eye. They shouldnt make knives or blades anymore, I thought earnestly to myself. They should just stop. With no knives in the world, kids would be a lot safer. By they I meant everyone. In the world. Every smith on the planet.
Cutting Edge
Counter
by Matt Geiger, Editor
And by kids I meant the one for whom Ill soon be responsible. Keep in mind Im a college-educated adult. And Im not even technically a parent yet. Im just really close to being one, and apparently the prospect has turned my brain to some kind of mush. Its a mush that sees the world in a bright new light. Specifically, its a light that shines, glaringly and constantly, on all the hazards that have apparently been here all along. The tangled knot of mildly frayed, piping hot electrical cords, which until recently was only an aesthetic concern in my house, suddenly seems like the type of thing that might electrocute a small person. The fact that every large piece of furniture in my home is one stiff breeze away from toppling over, and each piece of said furniture has something
My last three articles have been heavy ones. Even though the topics are important to pay attention to, there has to be a balance, for me anyway, of focussing on lighter subjects along with them. Right now, Im trying to be a lighter subject. Seriously. Ive started a diet. If youve ever tried one, you know the adjustment and the willpower that it takes to make the shift to a new eating pattern and youll relate. If you havent - well, I hope this will be entertaining anyway. I try not to think about the fact that Im missing chocolate or salty chips, but rather on the fact that there are some great summer dresses hanging in my closet that Id like to wear again this year. They are more like old friends who I pair up with for favorite
On the Lighter Side
Im sure I could come up with a long list of issues where the Middleton Education Association and I are in substantial disagreement. One thing I am in total agreement with the MEA on, though, is that lynching is not an appropriate punishment for shoplifting. I read in the NSA that there are still some folks appearing before the Middleton-Cross Plains School Board to in effect contend that it is. Apparently they feel that since the court system has precluded them from exacting punishment in extremis on
ENOUGH ALREADY, SAYS PFRANG ON HARRIS CASE
Letter to the Editor
activities. These dresses will be wasted unless I am waisted once again. And, so I rally on. Truth be told, though, Im a lot like Frasier in the episode where he learns to ride a bike. He is horrible at steering it. Someone jokingly tells him not to hit the mailbox. The road is wide open with plenty of room to avoid the mailbox. Its way off to the side of the road, on the sidewalk. But, now that its been mentioned, he cant stop thinking about the mailbox. He steers right into it and falls over. For the last week, Ive been on the low carb, NO SUGAR, portion of the diet. Thus, Im fixated on the tantalizingly smooth Belgium dark chocolate chips that are sold in bulk at the Willy Street Co-op. Ive steered myself into them twice this week. It was only a small dent each time, but still. Maybe I should lock them in my fourth floor storage closet, the little flirts! Its not at all a matter of being hun-
gry. The high protein volume of this diet gives me enough fuel to workout and stay evenly energized throughout the day. Just one week on this diet has revealed ways that I use food besides to fuel my body and stave off hunger. First off, food has not only helped me to gain weight but to gain wait! I eat to procrastinate. Its hard to admit, but there it is. You dont know how many times Ive decided to eat just a little something before starting my article, my taxes, my meditation, etc. My waistline could also be referred to, when its out of proportion, as my waste-mytime line. Food became one of my favorite forms of entertainment during this long cold winter. I got out to ski and snowshoe when weather and conditions permitted. But during those long indoor periods, I often walked to the kitchen instead of to my bag of knitting, etc. I could have finished knitting the purple sweater, that Ive been working on for the last ten years, several times over, if my hands hadnt been so busy reaching for a snack. Movies are like the Pavlovs dog experiment when it comes to eating. Since I live alone, I too often turn on the television while having lunch or dinner. So, anytime I decide to watch a movie, I start salivating.
the approximate weight of an anvil on top. The pile of gasoline canisters, old newspapers and firewood in the garage. And of course, the knives. So many knives. What have I been cutting in the kitchen all these years? I have a fairly normal diet, so how did this zealous arsenal come to be? And why so many? Couldnt I just own a couple knives, cutting, as I so often do, one thing at a time? In what scenario, outside vaudeville or a circus sideshow, would I require 40 sharp blades all at once? In the rare moments that I forget Ill soon be a dad, I see the world once again as I always did before. An innocuous place filled with fun activities and cool, admittedly somewhat jagged, objects. But something about the prospect of parenthood drops my IQ its like booze, but this doesnt have the pleasant side of effect of making me feel smarter and more attractive. The closer I get to parenthood, the more I draw imminently illogical or exaggerated conclusions based on observable facts. I looked around the other day and wondered if it would be possible to abolish cars. At least for my childs first 30 years on this planet. Theyre
When I was a girl, I was very skinny. My mother constantly worried that I was too skinny. My idea of a great meal was downing two glasses of milk, then going back outside to play. My parents often had arguments about whether or not I should be forced to eat more, especially at our big Sunday dinners. I remember my father saying forcefully one day, More people die by the fork than by the bottle. Just leave her be. When I wasnt out riding my bike, playing rocket ship in my friend Karens willow tree, looking for fools gold from the neighbors driveway, etc., I often had my nose in a book. My mother took this inert state as an opportunity to get me to eat. Without saying anything, shed set a bowl of orange slices or a tablespoon of peanut butter or a Snickers bar, sliced into little bite-sized pieces, within reach. Needless to say, its the Pavlovs dog
just too dangerous, I decided somberly. And Im the same guy who once tried to buy a Jeep that had no fuel tank only a rubber hose duct taped into the mouth of a red, plastic gas canister sitting, like a combustible little fat man, on the passenger seat. Just a few feet from the ashtray. How much do you want for this? I asked the owner. I dont think I should sell it, he replied. The man, judging by his clothing, odor and single eyeball, was not the overly cautious type. Why? I asked. Because I think its going to blow up Well yeah, I suppose if you got in a bad enough accident No, he interjected. I mean, stand back. I think its going to blow up right now. Thats what that sound means. So its blown up before? I asked, getting an idea. Well, in that case would you take $20 off the asking price? I must be careful not to forget how much I wanted that Jeep, because I figure my kid will want to get to know me. The real me. Not some wimpier, more neurotic version of me. The me who has ridden an elephant and likes to undercook meats and eggs.
The me who leaves a machete in the living room because it has literally thousands of domestic applications, from peeling an orange to opening a bottle of beer. But soon Ill be responsible for someone else. And while I know shes just one of 7 billion people, Im clearly fated to lose my grip on reality. I keep catching my brain thinking that the entire world should be structured in a way that makes her life safer, easier and more comfortable. Its basically greed, but I rationalize it by thinking its someone else for whom I want everything catered. Not me specifically. Im going to try to fight this urge. Not completely, though. Ill simply compromise. I wont get rid of all the knives in the house, but the machete can probably be placed somewhere a little less accessible than the couch, and the sausage grinder and all its sharp little pieces should probably go on a higher shelf. But Ill try to remember, for my childs sake and mine, that the whole reason I decided to have a kid is that I think, as Ernest Hemingway so aptly put it, that the world is a fine place. Knives and all. thing all over again when I read. After writing the article yesterday, about Venezuela and the riots that are being caused by high food prices around the world, Ive had to admit that Ive been one of the worlds overforagers lately. I know that my article reference was to the wealthy elite who have greater resources than most of the world. But, really, everything is relative. A few weeks ago Middleton Outreach Ministries (MOM) sent me a magnet as a thank you for the fact that I was a garden mentor in 2013. It reads Ending Hunger Starts Here. I hung it on the front of my refrigerator. Now when I see it, Ill use it as a prompt to ask myself, Am I really hungry? If Im not, then I know its just a bad habit that Im feeding. Thanks MOM!
middle school teacher Andrew Harris for a workplace misdemeanor, they should string up his union for assisting in his defense. These folks are beginning to sound like the chronically umbrageous tea people, whose rancor is all out of proportion with their grievance, whose noise is out of proportion with their numbers, and whose response is scorched earth outrage when they dont get their way. If anybody still has a beef with the Andrew Harris decision, it is not with him or the MEA, but with our court system which supported his claim of incommensurate treatment, at multiple levels within the legal process. If these same folks truly have a problem living under a government that operates by
the rule of law, then there are places where they might be more comfortable. Egypt, North Korea, Syria and Ukraine come quickly to mind as places then where they might be more comfortable with the indigenous system of jurisprudence. As long as they remain here, however, I can only suggest that at least to me it seems like it is incredibly dimwitted to establish an antagonistic relationship with the professionals responsible for the education of our kids. Any first semester freshman at Middleton High School should be able to figure out where that would lead. Cant we be done with this business? Mike Pfrang, Town of Cross Plains
PAGE 10
ing or office buildings, Bishops Bay is so big and eclectic that he likes to call it a community within a community. That development, which is now free from the auspices of T. Wall Properties and operating as its own corporation, encompasses 750 acres. Located partially in the City of Middleton, partially in the Town of Westport,and entirely within the Waunakee Area School District, it is now entering its second phase as constructions crews get to work building new single-family homes in the Back Nine neighborhood bordering an already existing golf course. When the 10-year development plan is complete, says Wall, those homes will be part of a thriving community including a church, a school, housing for nearly every demographic, an organic CSA farm and parks and trails galore. I like to say the only things you cant do at Bishops Bay are be born and be buried, he says. Everything in between, you can do. The master plan has already received approval from city leaders, but there are still obstacles to overcome. Each new phase will require the city to approve its own PLAT, for example. And serious questions remain about the cost and extent of the regional infrastructure the development will require. Most important among those questions is how much of the tab Wall will pick up, and if the City of Middleton will pitch in.
WALL
PAGE 11
But Wall says the real life Bishops Bay will look strikingly similar to the vision he first presented, half a decade ago, to the Middleton City Council. Its a plan that won the National Association of Home Builders Gold award. Bishops Bay was originally pursued by T. Wall Properties, a company run by Wall for years before the board, including influential New York-based investors, took the business in a different direction and removed Wall from his position as president. Wall regrouped, however, and is now back in charge of Bishops Bay, which operates today as a stand-alone company. On September 16 of 2013, through a mutual agreement the ownership of The Community of Bishops Bay was distributed out from T. Wall Properties L.L.C. to its primary shareholders, who formed a new independent company managed by Wall. Bishops Bay is now supported by local investors and a six-person governing board. According to Wall and his supporters, that means its back on track. Hes someone we feel comfortable dealing with, comments Middleton Mayor Kurt Sonnentag. He has always delivered on what he promised, and hes someone I trust. The vision hasnt changed, Wall says of Bishops Bay. Its like a small town that will grow up over a 10-year period. A place where people can live, shop and play.
And the fact that its back under local control is huge, because its our reputations at stake, he says. Located between highways Q and M on the north side of Lake Mendota, the finished development would contain seven distinct neighborhoods that include 1,300 single-family home lots and 1,600 multi-family units. The proposal incorporates an elementary school, numerous parks, a place of worship, a lake, woods, and in the town center and various shops. The community may house up to 6,000 residents over the next ten years, according to Wall. The first phase included 39 home sites and a few multifamily development sites. Phase 2 includes 45 single-family lots including three home types: village, the smallest; manor, which are larger; and golf, which are the most expansive and expensive. Wall promises the finished product will bring people together. Subdivisions are usually very demographically similar, he says. They are places where people go to sleep, and these neighborhoods go through down periods, when all those people age and move on, before they re-gentrify. This is different because it will have a broad range of residents. Some concessions, such as a small sliver of the existing Bishops Bay Golf Course that will no longer be developed, and total acreage dropping from 780 to 750, have occurred.
continued from page 1
Developer Terrence Wall calls Bishops Bay a community within a community. We had a lot of challenges to overcome, Wall states. But were back on the course we originally set. Wall predicts that in the coming years, three or four phases could be under construction simultaneously. The town center, which he says will evolve for years to come, will break ground in 2015 or 2016, according to Wall. We talk about this idea of a community growing organically, he says. The town center will grow a little bit each year. We wanted it eclectic. Wall grew up in Maple Bluff. He says he remembers summer days during his childhood when a diverse range of people would mingle for community events. Thats what Im trying to duplicate here, he explains. As usual, his goals are anything but modest. This will stand the test of time, says Wall. This will be around for 500 years.
Image contributed
PAGE 12
Boulevard of broken dreams

Boys basketball team falls in regional final
by GREGG HAMMILL
For the Times-Tribune
Follow Rob Reischel on Twitter at @robreischel
SUN PRAIRIE Up one moment. Down the next. Much like its season, inconsistency plagued Middletons boys basketball team in a season-ending 52-44 loss to Sun Prairie in a WIAA Division 1 regional final last Saturday. There were times during the game where Middleton looked to be on the verge of pulling away. However, Sun Prairie stayed close and then outscored Middleton 15-3 in the fourth quarter. There were so many instances where we were right on the edge of
Swinging back to state

WIAA GIRLS STATE GYMNASTICS MEET
See BOYS BB, page 24
pushing it out of reach, Middleton coach Kevin Bavery said. All we needed was one of almost anything to happen our way and clearly nothing did. Middleton finished its season with a 13-11 overall record. (At the team banquet) we talked very openly about how we expected our record to be a lot better this year than it was, but we didnt have a game all season, other than the Verona game, that wasnt like the game here tonight where every game we play is down to the wire, Bavery said. Now you leave it open to chance. With Middleton struggling to get anything going on offense, Sun Prairie pulled away down the stretch. After Middletons Demond Hill converted a free throw to tie the game at 44, Sun Prairies Nick Noskowiak missed a shot, but Shane Waldon was there for the putback with two minutes, 15 sec-
Chris Little (22), Luke Schafer (10) and Max Oelerich (12) were broken up after Middletons loss to Sun Prairie.
Times-Tribune photo by Mary Langenfeld
Gymnasts win sectional title

by ROB REISCHEL
Times-Tribune
Skibba aiming high at state

MADISON It may have been the longest 10 weeks of Aryn Skibbas young life. The devoted, passionate, remarkably gifted Middleton gymnast went from standout to spectator. And watching her teammates compete hurt immensely. Perhaps even more than the back injury that had sidelined Skibba. It was awful, Skibba said. Just awful. Today, Skibba is making up for lost time. Skibba set a school record in the all-around competition with her score of 38.10 at last Saturdays Madison Memorial Sectional. Not only did Skibba win the all-around title, she posted the second-highest all-around score from any sectional in the state. Now, Skibba and the Cardinals head to the WIAA Division 1 state meet at Wisconsin Rapids High School full of confidence. The team competition begins Friday at 2 p.m. and the individual competition starts Saturday at 11 a.m. Shes amazing, Middleton coach Kari Steck said of Skibba. She couldnt do any conditioning with the girls when the year started. For November, December and half of January she was not allowed to do See STATE, page 18 by ROB REISCHEL
Times-Tribune
MADISON The numbers had been tabulated. The results had been conveyed to Middleton girls gymnastics coach Kari Steck. Steck paused momentarily, then let loose an extremely enthusiastic Woo Hoo. Woo Hoo was right. In a memorable performance, the Cardinals rolled to the championship at last Saturdays Madison Memorial Sectional. Middleton posted a team score of 143.5250 and toppled runner-up Madison Memorial (142.750) for the title. Thats believed to be the secondbest postseason score in school history. Middletons 2001 team scored a 144.2167 at the state meet. Im really happy, said Cardinals senior Aryn Skibba, who won the allaround championship. I think we just came in today and needed to be a team and have fun. And I think that really showed. Middleton now advances to the WIAA Division 1 state meet at Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School for the 18th time in school history. This also marks the Cardinals third straight trip to state and their seventh in eight years. The team competition is Friday beginning at 2 p.m., while the individual competition is Saturday starting at 11 a.m. See SECTIONALS, page 17
Middletons Aryn Skibba won the all-around championship at last Saturdays Madison Memorial Sectional.
Girls basketball teams sits alone atop the Big 8

by ROB REISCHEL
Times-Tribune
Undisputed champions
PAGE 13
B I G 8
League Overall W L W L Middleton .......... 17 1 19 3 Verona .............. 16 2 20 2 Jnsville Craig ...... 14 4 18 4 Mad. La Follette .. 11 7 11 11 Jnsville Parker ..... 10 8 11 11 Sun Prairie .......... 9 9 9 13 Mad. Memorial ..... 6 12 6 15 Madison West ...... 4 14 5 16 Madison East ....... 2 16 3 18 Beloit Memorial .... 1 17 4 18
standings
Outright conference champions. Sectional favorites. Pursuers of a WIAA Division 1 state title. Middletons girls basketball team wears all of those titles following another exciting week. The Cardinals defeated Madison Memorial, 58-41, last Thursday and claimed sole possession of the Big Eight Conference title. Middleton finished the year 17-1 in the league and edged Verona (16-2) by one game for the conference crown. It was Middletons seventh conference title in eight years with the only hiccup coming last season. We were all thrilled to win conference outright, Middleton senior forward Liz McMahon said. It gives us confidence going into playoffs, and its something were all proud of. As a senior, winning conference was awesome. In our conference, there are a lot of good basketball players, and not many of them have the
honor of saying they were conference champs. Winning conference just shows how balanced and strong our team is. I was very happy with the way we were able to finish up the regular season this year. Cardinals senior guard Darby Raffel agreed. Winning conference was a huge team accomplishment, Raffel said. Everyone worked really hard and made our conference season a great success. As a senior, I couldnt have asked for anything more. Playing my last conference game ever, being honored
on Senior Night and taking home a Big Eight title was undoubtedly a night to remember. Middletons win over Memorial on Senior Night was quick and painless at least from the Cardinals perspective. Middleton raced to a 14-8 lead after the first quarter, then used a
Alexis Thomas (40) and Middletons girls basketball team finished alone atop the Big Eight Conference. memorable 27-4 second quarter to stretch its advantage to 41-12 by halftime. Middleton took off its vaunted full court press in the second half, and the Spartans outscored the Cardinals, 2917. By that point, though, the outcome had been decided. We played very well the first half
against Memorial and dropped out of our press in the second half and seemed to lose our edge both defensively and offensively, Middleton coach Jeff Kind said. But its hard to justify keeping the press on up by 29. But that pressure is so much a part of See GIRLS BB, page 23
Haase shines
PAGE 14
Places sixth at state meet

by DENNIS SEMRAU
For the Times-Tribune
Shay Haase finished on the podium at the WIAA Division 1 individual state wrestling tournament at the Kohl Center last Saturday night. That accomplished one of the goals for Middletons 152-pound junior this season.
However, Haase was dealt a bitter reminder that there is still a lot of work remaining to accomplish his goal of becoming the Cardinals next state champion after he got off to a stellar start in his second straight state tournament appearance. It felt good to be on the podium, but at the same time I was disappointed because I knew I could have done better and placed higher in the tournament, said Haase, who placed sixth this season after losing his only match a year ago. Next year Im planning See HAASE, page 15
Middleton junior Shay Haase finished sixth at state at 152 pounds.
all offseason to be on top of the stage. Haase won his first two matches on Thursday, earning a 3-2 decision over Cedarburg sophomore Ryder Sigler in the preliminary round and pinning Pulaski sophomore Matt May in 3 minutes, 51 seconds in a quarterfinal match. That set the stage for a rematch with Sun Prairie nemesis Jared Scharenbrock, who had prevailed in their two previous matches this season. But Scharenbrock, who was the defending champion at 145 pounds, took exception to how he performed in his first two state matches and took out his frustration on Haase Friday night in their semifinal match. Scharenbrock got out to a commanding lead and recorded a technical fall (17-0) in 4:32 en route to winning his second straight state title on Saturday. He was beatable as you saw in the finals, Haase said of Scharenbrock, who was caught in a cradle, but escaped to win his state championship match. But once he scored, it spiraled downwards. I wasnt going to be able to catch him at that point. That loss sent Haase to the wrestleback round where he hoped to finish in third place. However, Haase was pinned by Mukwonago senior Tommy Kolasinski in 2:59 in his next match. I was wrestling terribly at that point and I walked right into it and he got me to my back, Haase said of Kolasinski.
n HAASE
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That sent Haase to fifth-place match against River Falls senior Darius Wright, who recorded a 13-2 major decision to end Haases season. I learned there is always someone out there better who can push you to perform to the best of your abilities, said Haase, who finished with a 27-5 record. It will push me to be better. It makes me want to be better. Haase finished second in the Big Eight Conference behind Scharenbrock, a four-time champion, and won regional and sectional titles. But Middleton coach Kent Weiler said an early-season groin injury that caused Haase to start slowly came back to haunt him in the state tournament. He ran into a couple of different buzz saws, but the expectation is that they get better and improve from the beginning of the year and he definitely did that, Weiler said. Early on in the season he didnt get some of the level of competition from our schedule. He missed Bi-State and a few others. He didnt have that grind from competing in a lot of matches. When you get to the state tournament, thats what you see. Weiler, though, was still pleased that Haase is returning next season as a state place-winner who can make a major impact in the practice room. He needs to work on his strength, thats one big thing, Weiler said. But its just the basics when it comes to wrestling. Its pretty fundamental when it comes to it. You need a good ride and a good turn and a good
escape. Haase said he also plans to take a larger leadership role next season. I need to be in the weight room daily and in the practice room weekly. I need to improve my strength, said Haase, who also trains at the Advance School of Wrestling. We have a great chance of winning conference and going to state next year. I want the underclassmen to look up to me as a role model and a leader and as someone they can rely on. Middleton 160-pound senior Nathan Dresen also made his state debut, but it was a relatively short experience. I was excited for him to make it to
Middletons Nathan Dresen made his state debut last week at 160 pounds, but lost his opening match. state. He worked hard and had wrestled since he was young through our youth program, Weiler said after Dresen lost a 6-4 decision to Hortonville senior Nate Rynish in preliminary round. When Rynish then lost in the quarterfinals Dresen was eliminated. It was a really tight match. We had a game plan, Weiler said. Nathan did what we were looking for, but just ran out of time. He didnt have an opportunity to have another match. Despite the disappointment, Dresen said his short-lived berth was a great experience. It has always been my goal to make it to the state tournament since I
was a little kid, said Dresen, who finished third at conference and second at regionals and sectionals. I made it to state for youth and really wanted to make it to state in high school so bad. That made it a good year. The best part was getting there and feeling the atmosphere knowing that youre in the top 16 in the state. Dresen credited Haase with helping him achieve a life-time goal. I was fortunate to be his practice partner. That helped me make it to state, just having him with experience from going before, Dresen said. Hopefully he and his brother and some other guys can go next year.
Hill powers Cards in regional semis

by ROB REISCHEL
Times-Tribune
Middleton rallies past La Follette

PAGE 16
Their season hung in the balance. And the way Middletons year had gone, it would have been very easy to count the Cardinals out. Visiting Madison La Follette opened the fourth quarter of last Fridays WIAA Division 1 regional semifinal on a 7-0 burst. That gave the Lancers their first lead of the second half at 38-36. We had adversity all year, Middleton senior forward Demond Hill said. This was just the latest. On this night, though, Middleton navigated through the difficulty with aplomb. The Cardinals smacked the Lancers with a 14-4 run, reclaimed a 50-42 lead, and went on to an impressive 57-49 win. Middleton fell the next night in a regional final at Sun Prairie. But in a year laced with inconsistency, the Cardinals came up big in their final home game of the season. Six minutes left and we knew what we can do and what we had to do, Cardinals senior guard Luke Schafer said. We just had to limit the defensive mistakes, make crisp passes and play the way we can. Middleton improved to 13-10, while La Follette ended the year 1013. Hill led the Cardinals with a season-high 18 points, while Schafer added 13. La Follette junior guard Darold Thomas had 18 points, while junior forward Cortez McCree and senior center Keahn Dunn both added 10. This group is one of the most fun Ive been around, Middleton coach Kevin Bavery said afterwards. None of us wanted it to end. That appeared to be a 50-50 proposition, though, early in the fourth quarter. Middleton led, 36-31, at the start of the fourth quarter. But on Lancers first three possessions of the final peri-
od, Kian OBrien got free for a layup, Thomas drained a three-pointer and Dunn scored inside. That gave the Lancers a 38-36 lead with 6:40 left in the game, and put the Cardinals squarely on the ropes. Its the playoffs, Hill said. You know its going to go back and forth like that. Hill stopped the bleeding with a basket off an assist from Schafer. Then senior forward Max Oelerich converted an old-fashioned three-point play for a 41-38 Middleton lead, one it wouldnt relinquish. Derek Rongstad who was limited by flu-like symptoms and Schafer both knocked down threepointers. Hill then made two free throws and Middletons lead ballooned to 50-42 with 3:38 left. From there, the Lancers went to their full court press, tried to force a turnover, then foul if that plan failed. For the most part, it did. Middleton had two turnovers in the final four minutes. But overall, the Cardinals handled the pressure well and made 9-of-13 free throws down the stretch. They were going to get a steal or foul us, Bavery said. And our guys handled it pretty well. Added Hill: It helps a lot to have two point guards like we do with Luke and Doc. Its hard for teams to get us out of our rhythm. Neither team could find the rhythm early. Both teams came out tentative and sloppy, and 6 minutes into the contest, the Cardinals held a 4-2 lead. We werent running any offense, Bavery said. You could tell guys were definitely nervous. Hill was one of the few exceptions, though. He made all three of his shots and scored six points in the first quarter as the Cardinals led, 8-4, after one. Hill also knocked down a threepointer late in the first half as Middleton grabbed a 21-18 halftime lead. I thought it was one of Demonds best games, Bavery said. Middleton led, 12-6, early in the second quarter, when La Follette went on a 10-2 run to take a 16-14 lead. The
Middletons Demond Hill (0) had a team-high 18 points in the Cardinals win over Madison La Follette. Lancers spread the floor and scored on five straight possessions and took their first lead since 2-0. But after Hills three-pointer gave Middleton a 19-18 lead, Schafer drilled an off-balance 16-footer at the horn as the Cardinals closed the half on a 5-0 run. Schafer had missed his first four shots. But he made his final four, highlighted by his halftime buzzerbeater. That was big for me, Schafer said. I knew time was winding down and I had to get up a shot. I got my elbow square and just had good fundamentals. Baskets by Rongstad and Derek Rogeberg helped the Cardinals stretch their lead to 25-18 at the start of the third quarter. Middletons lead reached as many as eight midway through the third quarter, before the Lancers closed within 36-31 through three periods. That set the stage for La Follettes fourth quarter surge, Middletons impressive counter punch, and a Cardinals victory. We have a lot of seniors and I think that helps us, Schafer said. We have some maturity and we dont want this to end yet. Hill agreed. Were not ready for this all to end, Hill said. This is too much fun.
Feb. 28 Middleton 57, Madison La Follette 49 Madison La Follette ... 4 14 13 18 49 Middleton .... 8 13 15 21 57 MADISON LA FOLLETTE Darold Thomas 6-16 3-7 18, Kian OBrien 1-2 0-0 2, Maurice Ewing 3-7 1-4 7, Quinten Shere 1-3 0-0 2, Cortez McCree 3-6 4-8 10, Keahn Dunn 4-7 22 10, Jordan Carlson 0-2 0-0 0, Travell Ewing 01 0-0 0, Montrell Hannah 0-2 0-0 0. Totals: 18-43 10-21 49. MIDDLETON Demond Hill 5-8 7-10 18, Luke Schafer 4-8 3-4 13, Derek Rogeberg 2-5 00 4, Max Oelerich 1-8 5-5 7, Derek Rongstad 26 4-6 9, Ian Hokanson 0-4 0-0 0, C.J. Fermanich 2-2 0-0 4, Chris Little 0-4 2-2 2, Brett Joers 0-1 0-0 0. Totals: 16-47 21-27 57. Three-point goals: MLF 3 (Thomas 3,); Mi 4 (Schafer 2, Rongstad, Hill). Total fouls: MLF 24, Mi 19.
Middleton girls gymnastics coach Kari Steck (left) was thrilled after her team won the Madison Memorial Sectional last Saturday.
The Middleton Cardinal Baseball team will have their 22nd annual Instructional Clinic on March 24-25 from 6-8 p.m. at the Middleton High School Fieldhouse. Registration forms can be downloaded from the MBSC website (www.mbscwi.com) or from Elementary and Middle School physical education teachers in the school district. The clinic includes instruction from Middleton coaches and players.
Baseball clinic
Sports briefs
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Madison Memorial had won the Big Eight Conferences dual meet title, as well as the conference tournament. But in their biggest battle of the year, the Cardinals got the better of the Spartans. Im really happy, Middleton freshman Madeline PflastererJennerjohn said. I know we all worked really hard this year and I think we had a really good meet. That would be a major understatement. Skibba was Middletons brightest star, winning the all-around competition with a personal-best score of 38.10. Skibba took first place on the balance beam (9.475) and the vault (9.625), and was second on the floor (9.525) and uneven bars (9.475). After missing the first 2 months of the year with a back injury, Skibba is clearly in peak form. Shes amazing and shes been through so much this year, Steck said of Skibba. This is a huge part of her life and as a former gymnast I know the emotions that go into a sectional meet, which could be your last meet, ever. Skibba had plenty of help during Middletons unforgettable afternoon. Pflasterer-Jennerjohn was fifth in the all-around (35.80) and earned a trip to state. Pflasterer-Jennerjohn was fourth on the bars (9.10) and vault (9.375), fifth on the floor (8.70) and 10th on the beam (8.625). Gabby Aranda was sixth in the allaround. Arandas top finishes included a sixth place showing on the bars (8.975) and a ninth on the floor (8.575). Lauren Ace had a fifth place finish
n SECTIONALS
A fundraising effort is underway to build a pavilion for the soccer stadium at Firefighters Park. The preliminary plans call for a concession stand, ticket window, restrooms and space to display the accomplishments of our distinguished boys and girls soccer programs. Preliminary drawings are done and our fundraising efforts are moving forward. The goal is to raise $250,000 by May of 2014. One way to help is by purchasing an Engraved Brick to be placed in the new pavilion at Firefighters Soccer Stadium. There are three sizes available at corresponding levels of donation. The first is an 4x8 inch brick that accommodates three lines of text with a maximum of 12 characters per line. That costs $125. The second size is an 8x8 inch brick that accommodates six lines with a maximum of 12 characters per line. That costs $250. The third size is a 16x16 inch brick that accommodates eight lines with a maximum of 24 characters per line. That costs $500. For all general questions, or to purchase an engraved paver (brick), contact Ken Burghy at (608) 576-3426 or kburghy@gmail.com. The Middleton Lacrosse Club has teams for boys and girls, ages 7 to 15.Registration is open until March 30 for the spring season. For registration and additional information, go to www.middletonlacrosse.com.
Soccer fundraiser
on the beam (9.0) and qualified for individual state, while Lucy Bergenthal was sixth on the vault (9.20) and ninth on the uneven bars (8.625). Middleton finished with the highest score in the vault (136.80) and beam (36.175), and was second on the bars (35.60) and floor (34.950). I think our biggest goal was just to make it to state, so states going to be just like a fun meet, PflastererJennerjohn said. Were going to try and do well, but its more about having fun. This was our biggest accomplishment. And theres no doubt, this accomplishment was huge. Just seven days earlier in the same gym Middleton counted three falls on the beam and narrowly lost to the Spartans at the conference meet. One week later, the teams swapped positions. I told the girls, OK, if we can put up a 141 with three beam falls, then what are we capable of with no falls? said Steck, whose team had one fall on the beam. So that was kind of motivational. We definitely knew we could pass them. It was just getting everybody together.
The Cardinals are clearly together now and excited to see what they can do at state. I think we can get in the top five for sure, Skibba said. I think thats really doable.
Middleton Youth Lacrosse Registration
Middleton results: Balance beam (35.60): 1. Aryn Skibba 9.475; 5. Lauren Ace 9.0; 10. Madeline Pflasterer- Jennerjohn 8.625; 13. Gabby Aranda 8.50. Floor exercise (34.950): 2. Aryn Skibba 9.525; 5. Madeline Pflasterer- Jennerjohn 8.70; 9. Gabby Aranda 8.575; 20. Katherine Marshall 8.150. Uneven bars (36.175): 2. Aryn Skibba 9.475; 4. Madeline Pflasterer- Jennerjohn 9.10; 6. Gabby Aranda 8.975; 9. Lucy Bergenthal 8.625. Vault (36.80): 1. Aryn Skibba 9.625; 4. Madeline Pflasterer- Jennerjohn 9.375; 6. Lucy Bergenthal 9.20; 11. Gabby Aranda 8.60. All-around: 1. Aryn Skibba 38.10; 5. Madeline Pflasterer- Jennerjohn 35.80; 6. Gabby Aranda 34.650.
March 1 WIAA Division 1 Madison Memorial Sectional Team scores: 1. Middleton 143.5250; 2. Madison Memorial 142.750; 3. Madison West 135.8750; 4. Sun Prairie 135.325; 5. Verona/Madison Edgewood 133.1250; 6. Waunakee/DeForest 123.0250; 7. La Crosse Central/Logan 120.60; 8. Madison United 118.150.
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anything. Shes always been doing something, and I think that was very, very hard for her. So for her to overcome all of that is amazing. Thats for sure. Skibba is one of the most gifted gymnasts to ever pass through Middletons program. As a sophomore in 2012, Skibba finished fourth at state in the allaround competition with a 36.416. Last season Skibba improved her score to 37.317, which was good for sixth place. Skibba was excited to have a big senior year. But a lower back injury kept her on the bench for more than half of the year. Despite the frustrations that came with waiting and watching, Skibba always stayed positive. She always had a really good attitude, Middleton freshman Madeline Pflasterer-Jennerjohn said of Skibba. Shes always positive, even when things arent perfect like when she was out. But shes really tough. I love watching her. Shes a really good gymnast. If anyone in the state had forgotten that, Skibba gave them a not-sosubtle reminder at sectionals. In the process, Skibba edged Madison Memorials Caroline Smith (37.90) her primary competitor in the area for the all-around title. Skibba says she still has some pain in her back, and takes a daily anti-inflammatory. For the most part, though, Skibba is about as healthy as shes going to be. Its tolerable, Skibba said. Theres a little pain there but its not too bad. What Skibba feels bad about is this weekend will mark the end of her gymnastics career. Skibba will give up the brutal sport after the state meet. So Skibba hopes to make her final meet her best one yet. I think if I do as good as I did (at sectionals), I can do really well, Skibba said. Its really bittersweet. Im going to miss the atmosphere and things like that. But Im sure my body will thank me. Middleton also heads to state as a definite threat to crack the top-five. The Cardinals were seventh at state last year, and sixth in 2012. But Middletons score at sectionals was the fourth best in the state. If the Cardinals can have a similar performance or even better Steck believes the Cardinals can
n STATE
have an extraordinary weekend at state. Everybody did really well (at sectionals), but I dont even think thats the best we can do, Steck said. I dont want to put pressure on
Middleton freshman Madeline Pflasterer-Jennerjohn and the Cardinals have high hopes at state this weekend. the girls, but I think we can still be even better. Were really coming together right now. Thanks in large part to the return of Skibba.
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Park nominated for Green Ribbon

by PERRY HIBNER It wouldnt be surprising to find out schools around the state are green with envy for Park Elementary in Cross Plains. Park and District officials learned last week that the school has been nominated by State Superintendent Tony Evers for the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award. Park is one of four schools and one school district nominated by Evers. Its not like we just decided to become a Green Ribbon school, said Park kindergarten teacher Amy Callies, who helped write the narrative for the application. Were just a regular school and this is just what we do. Everyone is on board. Were role-modeling. To earn recognition, schools must save energy and water, improve indoor environmental quality, promote health and well-being for students and staff, and offer robust environmental education curriculum and programs to boost student academic achievement and community engagement. Callies and principal Monica Schommer said Park students and staff, along with parents and other community members, have been doing all of those things for quite some time. This has been going on before I came to Park, said Callies, who started at the school in 1991. I have pictures of trail work and other things from the 1970s. Some of the people who volunteer to work on our trail are the same people who worked on it in the 1970s. My mind was spinning this morning thinking of all the people who helped us. The application was 30 pages, Schommer said. Besides Callies, other Park staff members who played significant roles in the application were Brenda Autz, Jodi Klare and Luke Kramer. Custodian Rod Peanuts Esser, who has worked for the District for nearly 50 years, also played a huge role. Finally some of that hard work has been captured, Schommer said. We are standing on the shoulders of so many people. It creates a history. Hopefully, we are building a legacy. Callies said the team went to Pewaukee last fall to meet with state officials to learn more about the process. When they returned, she felt good that the school could meet five of the nine pillars that are evaluated. Esser disagreed. They didnt think we would ever make this high of level and I said we have this in the bag, said Esser, who had knee replacement surgery in early February, and plans to return to work by mid-April. I told them, I have stuff to document this. We would really be missing this if we dont move forward. And Amy just took it from there. It turned out to be quite an honor. Added Callies: Peanuts said go for all nine. Park staff also praised Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Tom Wohlleber, Facilities Services manager Bill Eberhardt and Energy manager Neal Bickler for their support. I cant say enough for Bill EberMiddleton-Cross Plains Area School Dist.
hardt, Esser said. I can tell him a problem and together we come up with a solution. He has been so supportive. Esser said much has changed at Park since the 1960s. The school has addressed mold and water damage. Air quality has improved. Instead of a furnace, the school now uses twin boilers and a hot water system. Energy conservation and recycling are part of the culture now, he said. Lots of people spearheaded this, he said. Im not sure there is whole lot more that we can do. Park is about as healthy a school as it can get. But even if Park wins the award, Callies said their work isnt done. Besides recycling and saving energy, Callies also hopes students move toward healthy habits, including better nutritional food choices, growing healthy foods in school gardens and developing better exercise habits that they can use throughout their lifetime. Just because we received the nomination doesnt mean there arent things we cant work on, she said. We have lots of things going on that werent even provided as evidence in the application. There are definitely places where we can grow. Our real end-goal is for students to change their habits and a sustainable shift in the culture at Park. We want them to appreciate the resources available to them right here at Park. The nominees were tops in the state in demonstrating progress to reduce a schools environmental impact and cost, improve the health and wellness of students and staff and provide effective environmental and sustainability education. It takes school-wide collaboration by teachers, administration, faculty managers and students to become a nominee for the Green Ribbon Schools program, Evers said in a news release on Feb. 26. I commend these schools for focusing on ways to make their schools safe and healthy with an effective environment to support student learning. The other schools nominated include Hurley K-12 School, Tomorrow River Community Charter School and the Conserve School in Land O Lakes. The Greendale School District was nominated for a District Sustainability Award. Winners in the national program will be announced on Earth Day, April 22. Im having a big celebration either way to recognize the 100-plus people in the Park community who made this nomination a reality, Callies said. Middleton High School was recognized as a Green Ribbon school in 2012. Since the program began that year, seven schools and one school district in Wisconsin have been named Green Ribbon winners. More than 140 schools have been honored nationwide. You have clearly demonstrated significant achievement in all three pillars: working toward reducing environmental impact and costs, improving health and wellness and increasing environmental and sustainability literacy, Evers said in a letter to Schommer on Feb. 3. If Park is selected for the award, two school representatives will be invited to attend an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. in July. In addition, Evers said Park has
achieved Sugar Maple certification for Green & Healthy Schools in Wisconsin along with being a certified Project Learning Tree Green School. More than 125 schools in the state are registered as Green & Healthy Schools. To learn more about what Park has done, please read the schools profile
Principal Monica Schommer (left) and kindergarten teacher Amy Callies (right). on the Wisconsin Environmental Eduwebsite: cation http://eeinwisconsin.org/net/org/info.as px?s=111945.0.0.2209 This nomination was years in the making from Mr. Peanuts, who is are energy-miser and cleaning wizard to
Photo contributed
some passionate staff members who are no longer at Park, Callies said. Their legacy lives on in the current work we are moving forward with to offer our students, staff and families a Green and Healthy Park school.
Northsiders visit the State Capitol
Photo contributed
Students, teachers and chaperones from Middletons Northside Elementary toured the State Capitol on February 13th. In addition to learning about how state government works, they had a chance to meet with State Representative Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton).
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new tax base has been created to date. TIF District (TID) 3 was created was largely due to a vast urbanizing floodplain identified by state DNR in the late 1980s. This meant that an area that had been annexed for growth, and that was adjacent to two major highway corridors and capable of being served by urban services, was unbuildable unless a funding mechanism could be found
TIF
that would facilitate a multi-million dollar floodplain improvement project, Kelley said. The floodplain project was too expensive for individual property owners to absorb on their own, even if the city specially assessed for the costs. Another focus of TID 3 was the continued redevelopment and restoration of the downtown. There have been eight amendments
since the creation of TID 3 that reflect additional projects and costs undertaken that are in alignment with original goals. TID 5 was created in 2009 to take on similar projects but also focus on quality of life and desired city planning. Though TID 3 has proven to be economically productive, TID 5 is currently facing challenges. On Saturday, city staff put the question to the committee and commission, should TID #3 be the banker for TID #5 rather than borrow and take on future interest costs? Finance Director John Lehman thinks so and made his case in front of the committee and commission. We would much rather take the dollars that are in TID 3 and give them over to the developers through their developer requests, expand TID rather than paying interest costs, Lehman stated. This is a great environment for low interest costs if we are going to borrow, but when you look at the end-
As the Middleton Area Historical Society (MAHS) looks forward to the spring opening of the Rowley House Museum, members are in need of volunteers to keep the door open on Tuesdays and Saturdays, mid-April through early October. Over the past few years the society has run into a shortage of help at the Rowley House. To try remedying this situation, they will be hosting an informational meeting for prospective volunteers on Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. at the Museum at the Depot,
History needs help

which is located in the Middleton Depot on Parmenter Street at the railroad tracks. Please enter through the Tourism Center in the front of the building. The society is asking volunteers to donate one afternoon a month to help keep the museum open. There is a need for volunteer greeters who will be stationed at the front desk to welcome guests courteouslyas they arrive. If questions arise that cant be answered, the society asks the volunteer to record the
ing balances in TID 3, we really dont need to. Lehman acknowledged this is not generally how TIF is used and asked city attorney Larry Bechler if recent changes in the state legislature may be of concern. Old style TIF districts ... people congratulated themselves when they payed off the initial debt and it ended, Bechler said. Middleton is not unique given the success of it and I am not sure the legislation is designed to deal with a hyper-successful TIF district like Middletons TID 3. Some concerns came up regarding the use of funds from one district to supply another. My caution I guess is really that as a council we need to continue on this movement to stop relying on TID as an additional source of funds, noted Ald. Mark Sullivan, and later added, My take on it is that this is a no brainer that we should use the funds we have to advance the TID 5, I think we just need
to be careful that we dont get ourselves in a situation where we are overcommitted to 5 to the detriment of 3. Ald. Jim Wexler (Dist. 4) asked Lehman how long it would take to get the engine warmed up, referring to how long it may take before TID 5 would produce increment. As far as the engine goes Meriter is basically going to be rocket fuel,Lehman exclaimed. The city has approved a project for Meriter that consists of over 250,000 sq. ft. of ambulatory care facilities with a projected value of $80 million. The city currently has seven new TIF projects in the pipeline and claims, with the exception of a couple, the proposed developments will increase tax values anywhere from 5 to 30 times the current property value while providing for a more sustainable compact development with housing accessible to jobs.
question(s) and to refer guests to the Middleton Area Historical Society website and contact information. Volunteers over the age of 16 are preferred. Volunteering at the Rowley House can be a fulfilling andeducational experience, and it can be a great way to help your community, according to the societys board of directors. Middletons history is a living thing that needs volunteers to nurture it and keep it alive and fresh forsucceeding generations.
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Bria Lemirande (35) and Middletons girls basketball team clinched sole possession of the Big Eight Conference title last Thursday. our makeup its hard to go away from it. Raffel led a balanced scoring attack with 11 points, including two threepoint shots. Junior guard Elizabeth Norregaard added nine points, while McMahon had eight. And afterwards, the Cardinals had another conference championship this one all to themselves. Winning conference is indicative of maintaining a consistently high level of performance, Kind said. We talk about winning championships in terms of playing each game as if it is the championship game. To go 17-1 in our conference means we were able to do that to a great extent. It means a great deal to the players. Preseason predictions had us third or fourth, so we exceeded the expectations of others, though not necessarily our own. Now, with the postseason here, Middletons expectations are sky high. The top-seeded Cardinals had a first round bye, then host either eighth-seeded Madison East or ninthseeded Watertown Friday at 7 p.m. in a regional semifinal. Middleton then hosts either No. 4 Sun Prairie or No. 5 Oconomowoc in a regional final Saturday at 7 p.m. The sectional semifinals are March 13 at Madison Memorial, while the sectional finals are March 15 in Sun Prairie. We need to stay focused on each game if we want to make a run, McMahon said. We cant take any games for granted because other teams will want to knock us out. Its great that we went 17-1 in conference, but were at one and done time now. We have to be dialed in and continue to play as a team each game. Middleton reached the state tournament five consecutive years between 2008-12, before falling in a regional final last year. This years group has the talent, drive and focus to make a return trip to state. We know coming into the postseason we are now 0-0, Raffel said. Crazy things happen this time of year, so we need to stay focused, composed and hungry. The biggest key is to give it everything we have. We are going to practice like someone is evaluating us and play every game like its a state championship. This time of year you cant afford to give anything less than 110%. Another big key for us is staying consistent with our defense and to not let up a lot of points. Defense wins games. No one understands that better than Kind, who has led Middleton to all eight of its state tournament appear-
n GIRLS BB
continued from page 13 ances in school history. Over the next two weeks, Kind would love to increase that number to nine, but knows his gifted group cant get ahead of itself. Heading into the tournament everybody is 0-0, Kind said. Its clich, but we take it one game at a time. Each game is playing for the championship that night and earning the right to play one more time. It takes focus and consistent play and a little good fortune to get through, but hopefully our schedule has prepared us well.
Feb. 27 Middleton 58, Madison Memorial 41 Madison Memorial ... 8 4 18 11 41 Middleton .... 14 27 10 7 58 MADISON MEMORIAL Helle 5, Johnson 6, Keita 5, Ortega-Flowers 4, Stroud 9, Ward 10, Worman 2. Totals: 12 17-20 41. MIDDLETON Blair 5, Bunyan 6, Douglas 2, Jordee 6, Lemirande 5, McMahon 8, Norregaard 9, Raffel 11, Roach 4, Thomas 2. Totals: 16 14-17 58. Three-point goals: Raffel 2, Blair, Lemirande. Total fouls MM 19, Mi 13.
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onds remaining. Middleton missed its final two shots and committed a pair of turnovers as Sun Prairie converted 6-of-8 free throws to put it away. Theyre a good team and defensively they really buckled down and sometimes the ball just doesnt roll your way, said Middleton senior Derek Rongstad. They seemed to hit every shot, and credit to them, they made their free throws down the stretch. We just didnt make enough plays to make it go our way. Rongstad, who was unable to practice all week due to flu-like symptoms, held Noskowiak a Marquette recruit to 16 points on 3-for-12 shooting from the field. Robinson added 16 points for Sun Prairie. Senior guard Luke Schafer paced Middleton with 14 points. Senior forward Demond Hill added 11 points, including 8-of-9 shooting from the free throw line, and Rongstad and Little chipped in seven points apiece. You hope you can make every shot, but when you start missing, its about how you respond and we just couldnt get anything to fall, Schafer said. We had a lot of shots. It just didnt bounce our way at the end. Middleton missed all eight of its field goal attempts and managed just three free throws in the final quarter. To go 3-for-7 (from the free-throw line) and not hit a shot from the field youre not going to win many of those games no matter what your lead is, no matter who youre playing, Bavery said. Sun Prairie (16-8 overall) led 12-8 after the first quarter and led throughout the second quarter until a late run by Middleton. Three free throws by Chris Little pulled Middleton to within 19-16, then Hill drilled a 3-pointer
n BOYS BB
to knot it at 19 apiece. After Noskowiak converted a pair of free throws, Sun Prairie was holding for the last shot when Rongstad knocked the ball away from Noskowiak. Middleton freshman C.J. Fermanich pounced on the loose ball and drove for a layup with three seconds remaining to tie it at 21 apiece. It felt like we had all the momentum, Rongstad said. We had just hit a three before that and not letting them get the last shot and getting two points of our own was huge. Middleton carried that momentum into the third quarter. After Noskowiak converted a four-point play to erase a 30-26 Sun Prairie deficit, Middleton responded with a 70 run. Schafer drilled a three-pointer, Rongstad followed with a driving basket and then stole Noskowiaks ensuing inbounds pass with a perfectly timed leap and scored. Seconds later, Middleton had a chance to go up nine after Noskowiak fouled Little, but Little came up empty. The four-point play was kind of a killer, but I thought we responded well, Schafer said. Thats about as resilient as you can get in that situation. We ran our stuff, they stayed in their zone and we moved the ball well, got some good looks and they were falling at that point. We were getting deep into the zone, making them decide who they have to guard and getting to the rim and drawing some contact. We got a lot of free throws at that time which was huge for us. Malik Robinson broke Middletons run with a pair of free throws, but Max Oelerich answered with a layup for Middleton. Walden and Hill each made two free throws and then JT
Middletons D e r e k Rongstad (left) battles for a loose ball during the Cardinals loss to Sun Prairie last in Saturdays regional final.
Ruffin hit a 3-pointer to pull Sun Prairie within 41-37 after three quarters. Middleton held onto the lead until Robinson hit a pull-up jumper to give Sun Prairie a 43-42 lead at the 4:05 mark. Noskowiak picked up his fourth foul with 6:03 remaining in the game, but Middleton was unable to draw his fifth foul. The loss was an emotional one, especially for Middletons seniors. Its pretty emotional, said Schafer, one of eight seniors on the team. Theres some great teammates and guys Ive been around my whole life. You think about the basketball part, but right now, thats probably the last thing to think about. The reason everyone is so sad
right now is because were not going to practice with this great group of guys, added Rongstad, who will be playing for UW-Milwaukee next season. In addition to Rongstad, Schafer, Hill, Little, and Oelerich other seniors on the roster were Derek Rogeberg, Cole Zillner and Nick Revord. An emotional Bavery was fond of the group. The biggest thing is that we had a really special senior group. It truly does become a family every year and this is one of the most special families weve ever had because of such great kids these seniors were, Bavery said. We talk a lot about when it ends it hurts. Thats always hard to deal with because its not about looking forward
to playing next Thursday, its about walking into the gym on Monday and hanging out with all your buddies. For most of these kids that ends.
March 1 Sun Prairie 52, Middleton 44 Middleton ................ 8 13 20 3 44 Sun Prairie .... 12 9 16 15 52 MIDDLETON Derek Rongstad 3-9 0-0 7, Derek Rogeberg 0-1 1-2 1, Demond Hill 1-3 8-9 11, Max Oelerich 1-5 0-0 2, Luke Schafer 5-11 22 14, CJ Fermanich 1-4 0-0 2, Chris Little 1-3 48 7, Andrew Gardner 0-0 0-0 0, Ian Hokanson 01 0-1 0. Totals 12-37 15-21 44. SUN PRAIRIE Malik Robinson 6-7 4-4 16, JT Ruffin 3-8 3-4 10, Michael Marchese 1-4 1-2 3, Nick Noskowiak 3-12 9-11 16, Shane Waldon 2-2 0-0 4, Sam Kerr 1-4 0-0 3, Ben Hauser 0-0 0-2 0, Nate Verstegen 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 16-37 17-23 52. 3-point goals M 5 (Schafer 2, Hill, Little, Rongstad); SP 3 (Noskowiak, Kerr, Ruffin). Total fouls M 16, SP 15.

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Back at the helm of his most ambitious development yet, Terrence Wall says the project is poised to live

up to even the loftiest expectations

Is Bishops Bay back?

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

Town board and mining interests team up to blast MTT article

SINGLE COPY PRICE: $1.25

COW talks TIF

Times-Tribune photo by Matt Geiger

Geiger wins award

New frac sand bill still divides. Page 3

Local seniors show their Wii bowling skills. Page 4

See TIF, page 20

Basketball boys fall short. Page 12

Dining Guide. . . . . . . . . . 6 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Classieds . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Inside this issue:

Zonta works to advance status of women

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

Times-Tribune photo by Katherine Perreth

New Frac Sand bill still divides

Photo by Alison Dirr/Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism

Springfield board talks blasting, Foxfire Trail

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

by ERIN VANDER WEELE

Kingsley Cemeterys future, finances disby MIKE DREW

Wii did it!

New Public Works facility moves ahead in Westport

Napoli Ln. 7:25 p.m. Theft, 8800 block of Timberwolf Trl.

5:33 p.m. Theft, 1000 block of N. Gammon Rd.

Lender gives gift

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

Kiwanis gets glimpse of re-opened Youth Center

Salary increase will go to Captains replacement

Norman and Karen Esser reach 50-year marriage milestone

Green Thus. looks at mining

Details set for Jaycees Easter egg hunt

Award Winning Books

Learn about small business insurance

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

by Matt Geiger, Editor

On the Lighter Side

ENOUGH ALREADY, SAYS PFRANG ON HARRIS CASE

Letter to the Editor

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

continued from page 1

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

Boulevard of broken dreams

Follow Rob Reischel on Twitter at @robreischel

Swinging back to state

Times-Tribune photo by Mary Langenfeld

Gymnasts win sectional title

Skibba aiming high at state

Times-Tribune photo by Mary Langenfeld

Girls basketball teams sits alone atop the Big 8

Times-Tribune photo by Mary Langenfeld

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

Places sixth at state meet