MTT 13 Mgfinal

Oberle vs.
Whitney
LOCAL POLLING SITES ARE OPEN FROM 7 A.M. TO 8 P.M. ON APRIL 1
VOL. 122, NO. 13
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014
SINGLE COPY PRICE: $1.25
www.MiddletonTimes.com
Will challenger Gary Whitney take incumbent Richard Oberles seat on the Middleton Town Board?
by KEVIN MURPHY
Times-Tribune
The ruling conservative bloc on the Middleton Town Board passed a major
Three attorneys vie for a pair of school board seats

See TOWNBOARD, page 8 by CAMERON BREN
Times-Tribune
test with flying colors in last years spring election. When a batch of three highly motivated political newcomers emerged to run feisty campaigns for the seats held by town chair Milo Breunig, Seat 1 supervisor Tim Roehl and
Whitney
Oberle
Three candidates will vie for two seats on the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School Board when voters head
to the polls Tuesday, with both familiar faces and a political newcomer hoping for victory. The races are in the districts densely-populated Area IV, where Annette Ashley and Bob Hesselbein are both nearing the end of their terms. With Hesselbein deciding not to run for another term, two new candidates will running along with Ashely for the two seats. The top two vote-getters will each earn a three-year term on the board. The election may yield a higher than average turnout due to a referendum that would enact a Dane County resolution calling on state legislators to legalize marijuana. A county marijuana advisory question appeared on the November, 2010 ballot and received over 200,000 votes with more than 75 percent in favor. A contested race for Middleton Town Board could also cause turnout to spike in that particular township. The three school board hopefuls in Area IV recently outlined their similarities and their differences as elecSee SCHOOLBOARD, page 19
The Middleton Police Commission has selected captain Chuck Foulke to replace retiring chief of police Brad Keil. Im very pleased with the Commissions selection of Chuck Foulke to be our next chief of police, said Mayor Kurt Sonnentag. Chuck has served superbly over the past 30plus years at the Middleton Police
Foulke named chief

Captain Chuck Foulke, above, will take over for departing chief of police Brad Keil.
Photo contributed
Department (MIPD) in every facet of police work. He is capable and well-prepared to lead the department, and he has the perfect temperament and vision for the work necessary to keep MIPD at the forefront of law enforcement, Sonnentag added. Foulke will officially take over as chief of police on March 29.
Foulke serves currently as the Captain for Field Services at MIPD, and he has a Bachelors degree in History and Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigations NaSee CHIEF, page 19
Did city violate bidding law?

City council approved $9.4 million bid, which wasnt the lowest
by MATT GEIGER
Times-Tribune
The Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin, Inc. last week obtained a temporary restraining order in Dane County Circuit Court barring the City of Middleton from proceeding with the construction of its new Public Works Department facil-
Search for missing gun continues. Page 2
Local:
Paul Nelson poised to take over in District 9. Page 4
County Board:
ity and outbuildings to be located at 4330 Parmenter Street. Judge Rhonda L. Lanford issued the order after concluding that the City of Middleton may have improperly awarded the public contract for the construction of the new Public Works Facility to Newcomb Construction, Inc. of Madison. An attorney for the city said Lanfords decision does not explicitly say why she believes the city definitely violated bidding rules. City administrator Mike Davis said more clarity is expected after the two parties head back to court within the next two weeks. On December 12, 2013, the City
of Middleton issued a public notice that it was accepting bids for the construction of the new Public Works Facility and Outbuildings, which has an estimated cost of over $9 million. Nine different contractors submitted bids for the project, including six contractors who are members of the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin. As previously reported in the Times-Tribune, the Middleton Common Council voted unanimously on March 4 to award a $9.4 million contract for the Project to Newcomb Construction - despite the fact that
Runners have high hopes. Page 14
Sports:
Dining Guide. . . . . . . . . . 6 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Classieds . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Inside this issue:
See BID, page 7
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MIDDLETON TIMES-TRIBUNE
Search for pink lady gun continues
The Middleton Endowment Committee (MCE) is again accepting grant applications from charitable organizations located in the Middleton area for its 2014 spring cycle. The MCE Advisory Committee considers grant applications twice each year, and the next deadline is April 30. MCE handed out more than $6,000
Community foundation accepting grant requests
Times-Tribune photo by Matt Geiger
With weather conditions improving Friday, the Dane County Sheriffs Office ramped up its search for evidence in the Cheryl Gilberg Homicide investigation. Approximately 25 deputies resumed a foot search along Highway 14 between Mazomanie and Middleton. They were looking for a number of items,, including the Charter Arms Pink Lady .38 caliber revolver missing from Gilbergs home. Numerous citizens called to volunteer their help during the investigation, but the sheriffs office only permitted sworn law enforcement to take part in the search due to the sensitive nature of the evidence being sought. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the Dane County tip line at 608-284-6900.
Authorities say alcohol a factor in fatal crash

At approximately 1:43 a.m. Saturday, a Dane County Sheriffs Office deputy discovered a fatality crash off of STH 19 and Walter Drive in the Township of Westport. Waunakee Police, Fire and EMS, Madison Fire Rescue, and UW Medflight responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation indicated a 2004 Acura driven by a 26year-old male had been eastbound on STH 19 and missed the curve at Walter Drive. The Acura left the roadway striking a mailbox and large tree, coming to rest in a farm field. The driver had to be extricated from the vehicle. He was flown to the UW Hospital by Medflight with life threatening injuries. He had been wearing a seatbelt. A 28-year-old male front seat passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene. He had not been wearing a seatbelt. The vehicles airbags did deploy. STH 19 was closed between CTH I and River Rd. until approximately 6:30 a.m. Traffic was diverted north on to CTH I to Easy St. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in this crash, according to a statement issued by the Dane Count Sheriffs Office.
At approximately 7:50 a.m. Tuesday, Dane County Sheriffs deputies, along with Oregon Fire and EMS and Madison EMS, responded to CTH B at White Oak Trail in the Town of Dunn for a two-vehicle crash. A Pontiac Vibe operated by Ruth Drage, age 54 of Middleton, was traveling eastbound on CTH B. A Chevrolet Silverado operated by Danielle Waldvogel, age 18 of Oregon, was westbound when she crossed the centerline, resulting in a head-on crash. Drage had to be extricated from her vehicle by Oregon Fire. Both drivers were transported by EMS to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. Danielle Waldvogel will be cited for Operating Left of Center.
Middleton woman injured in Dunn crash

See GRANTS, page 5
About Annette Ashley: My husband, Chris, and I have three children in Middleton schools. I have a proven record of working together with teachers and providing opportunities for students and as a result, she received Middletons Good Neighbor Award in 2010 for her community service activities. I am a recognized leader, and was elected clerk of the school board for two terms. Trained as a lawyer, my professional experience working in the legislative area for a Washington DC national association provided numerous problem-solving opportunities. I am presently working with the State Bar of Wisconsin as Member Services Manager.
School board candidates answer questions

About Pete DeWind: I am 54 years old. I grew up in Whitewater and attended public schools, graduating from Whitewater High School in 1977. After two years at the United States Coast Guard Academy, I finished my undergraduate degree in Political Science at UWMadison in 1982, and my law degree, also at the UW, in 1990. In 2013, I resigned from the UW Law Schools Frank J. Remington Center, after twenty-two years there as a clinical professor and staff attorney, training law students in real world cases. In February of this year, I began a fulltime job at the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. My wife has worked as a Registered Nurse at UW Hospital since 1988. I have two children, both daughters. Both had the good fortune to do their full K-12 education in the MCPASD. My older daughter is a junior at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and my younger daughter is a freshman at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 1.) Why are you running for a seat on the board of education? Ashley: I believe strongly in supporting public schools. Long before serving as a school board member, I
S PRING E LECTION - S CHOOL B OARD

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Election Day is Tuesday, April 1; local polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
About Paul Kinne: I was raised in Mount Horeb, where I spent most of my youth on a dairy farm. I have practiced law in Madison since 1993. I have lived in Middleton since 1999. I served on the Middleton City Council from 2009 to 2013. I am married with three schoolaged children, the oldest in sixth grade, and the youngest in 4K.
co-chaired the Northside Staff Appreciation Committee for three years, and co-chaired the Northside Team Nutrition the following three years. I served the Kromrey PTA one year as president-elect and two years as president. I have been the MHS Choral Boosters Publicity Chair for the past four years, and taught a Problem Solvers class for four years providing math enrichment. I served on the citizen group advocating for the referendum to build a new Kromrey Middle School and add onto Glacier Creek Middle School. The referendum will provide Kromrey students and staff with a healthy, 21st century learning environment with technology matching other schools. This will improve working conditions at the middle schools and ease overcrowding in the elementary schools. I was elected board clerk and in that role sought improvements to nomination papers that will make the requirements clearer for nominees. My involvement with state-wide advocacy groups is an important part of my service of advocating for public schools. I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to continue my school board service.
local, some statewide, and some national. I believe I have the ability to listen carefully and respectfully to all, to evaluate with common sense each and every issue that comes before the board, to cooperate in a productive way with everyone, and to exercise sound judgment in decision-making. My daughters received an exemplary education, and exceptional support, in their journey through this marvelous district, and I want to pay it backward on their behalf, and on behalf of all children fortunate enough to be in this district in the future.
2.) Lets get this one out of the way first: The legal battle over the school districts firing of middle school teacher Andrew Harris was costly to taxpayers, lengthy, and emotionally draining for people on both sides of See ANSWERS, page 18
nally, I know that a vital part of giving our kids a first-rate education is attracting and keeping great teachers. The Board must accomplish this while competing in the same labor market as every other employer.
DeWind: There are many, many important issues facing the board, some
Kinne: I want to do all that I can to make our great schools even better. Personally, I am heavily invested. I will have at least one child in our schools for the next 13 years. I miss public service. When I was on City Council, I developed a reputation for building compromise and consensus. I want to bring those skills to the School Board. I also served on City Council during the worst financial crisis since the 1930s. I was part of a team that kept taxes low compared to our neighbors while maintaining high-quality services. I want to bring that experience to the School Board, as well. Additionally, in a knowledge economy, well-educated kids are our greatest resource. I understand that everyone benefits from well-educated kids. Fi-
the issue. Ultimately, the school CHURCH board lost in every NOTES court that took
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Paul Nelson: After 28 years of living in Dane County and a long career in public service, I feel well-positioned to be an effective representative for the 9th District. I know the community well, and I believe that government has an important role to play in improving the quality of life for everyone. 2.) Balancing property rights with
1.) Why are you running for election to the Dane County Board?
Paul Nelson is only name on the ballot for county board seat being vacated by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Former library director unopposed for 9th District seat

Nelson: Smart land use planning is the best tool to protect property rights. By planning well, the property values of each individual parcel is protected and valued for the long term. In other words, smart land use planning is in everyones best interest. smart land use planning is always a delicate process. How would you do it? members, city and county officials, school district staff, library colleagues, members of the business community to provide award-winning library service. Continuing this emphasis on working collaboratively will best serve the needs of residents of the 9th District. 4.) Voters in Dane County will weigh in on marijuana legalization on the spring ballot. What is your position on legalization? Nelson: A recent planning survey of Dane County residents indicated that land use, water resources, and economic development are areas where more attention is needed and where government should play an active role. In conversations with 9th District residents, Ive heard concerns expressed about managing growth, preserving green spaces and protecting our environment, and helping to create conditions that provide quality educational and employment opportunities for everyone. These will be among 5.) What issues do you feel are most important and/or unique to your district? sands of other Dane County voters, I plan to vote yes. (In 2010, a medical cannabis advisory referendum was approved by 75 percent of the voters.)
S PRING E LECTION - C OUNTY B OARD

Nelson: The most important lesson I learned is the importance of collaboration. During the 22 years I served as Director of the Middleton Public Library, I worked together with staff, library trustees, Friends of the Library
3.) Did you learn anything during your time as director of the Middleton Public Library that you would use as a county supervisor?
Nelson: The following question will be put to Dane County voters on April 1st: Should the state government enact legislation legalizing marijuana. Since this is an advisory referendum, the results are not legally binding. It is simply a gauge of public opinion in 1 of Wisconsins 72 counties. Along with the 31 supervisors who approved this ballot question and thou-
Nelson: Dane County needs to continue this important work, including such programs as the Working Land Initiative, which preserves farmland for future generations, and the Partners for Recreation & Conservation (PARC) program. Dane County recently formed a Climate Change Action Council to identify and plan the impacts of weather extremes on the countys operations. These and many environmental initiatives as the best economic tools Dane County has to ensure effective use of our natural resources for the long term. 7.) What is Dane County governSee NELSON, page 7
6.) Under the leadership of county executive Joe Parisi and the current board of supervisors, the county has pursued a vast array of environmental initiatives, including multiple manure digesters intended to clean up area lakes and create renewable energy for the local grid. What environmental work, if any, do you believe the county should pursue in the future?
my priorities while serving on the board.
The Middleton Police Department has advised that on the evening of Monday, March 24, a vehicle launched into Tiedeman Pond from GamShannon mon Road. Patterson The good news, according to a statement issued by the City of Middleton, is that the driver actually cleared the walkway and rolled over on the ice multiples times. He was subsequently taken into custody.
Fleeing cops, man drives into Tiedeman Pond

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The bad news is that the Fire Department had to remove the vehicle and the only way they could do that is to remove a couple of the sections of the walkway. It was damaged in the process. The city is hoping the boardwalk is easily repairable when the weather is better. In the meantime, city workers have put up barricades on the walkway showing which section is closed. Channel3000.com reported that the driver, a Janesville man named Shannon Patterson, was fleeing from police when he launched the vehicle into the water body. continued from page 2
to seven organizations in 2013, including the Dean Foundation, Friends of the Performing Arts, Kromrey Middle School, Growing Food and Sustainability, Middleton Historical Society, Middleton Outreach Ministry and the Madison Drum & Bugle Corps. MCE typically awards grants in the $250 to $1,000 range. MCE officials expect to have approximately $7,000 to hand out in grants in 2014. Since 2009, MCE has handed out almost $25,000 in grants to nearly 30 organizations. MCE is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Middleton area for present and future generations.Application materials for grant requests can be found at: www.madisoncommuintyfoundation.org/MCE. As residents we consume services provided in Middleton. We use things like parks, law enforcement, the airports, roads, schools, and bike paths. The Middleton Community Endowment provides me with a venue for giv-
GRANTS
ing back to the community and supporting our many charitable organizations, former MCE advisory committee chair Andy Lewis said. MCE is an affiliate fund of Madison Community Foundation. Since its inception in 2009, MCE has raised more than $150,000 for its endowment fund and has established a goal of raising an additional $100,000 over the next four years. The Middleton area is very fortunate to have the MCE, chair Ray Riddle said. With a biannual, multi-grant approach, the MCE is focused on supporting the non-profit needs of the Middleton area. I am quite proud of the past accomplishments and grants of the MCE, and support it both personally and through my business. Besides Riddle and Lewis, other members of the advisory committee include vice chair Dan Loichinger, secretary Cecile Druzba, Jack Hemb, Adrianne Machina, Perry Hibner and Tom Stitgen.
This Trombone Party is headed to the state solo/ensemble festival in Platteville. From left to right: (back row) Macs Mahal, Connor Kooistra, Derek Gomer, Derek Kalvin, Genaro Sarmiento, Michael Kjentvet, Kristie Ash, Tammy Zhong, Teddy Williams; (front row) Nick Taylor, Jon Hutson. Not pictured is Ryan Shaw.
The sound of success!

Photo contributed
Hundreds of Middleton High School music students performed at the WSMA Solo/Ensemble Music Festival on Saturday, March 1 in Middleton. Congratulations to all of the Middleton High School performers for their hard work, individual music learning and performance! The MHS bands and orchestras are at their peak this spring due to
all of the individual practice hours and increased musicianship through the solo/ensemble experience. Steve Kurr, MHS Orchestra Teacher, said about the student participation in solo/ensembles, The skills gained during the Solo & Ensemble preparation process help students as they become independent musicians. Students always grow the most musically this time
of year. 149 of 369 MHS music events are headed to state the state WSMA contest at UW Platteville on April 26. That is 40 percent of all solo/ensemble events from MHS this year. Congratulations to all students, parents, teachers and coaches who helped make this possible!
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The Middleton Public Library is pleased to announce a special performance of Kristin Hammargrens one-woman show, Discovering Austen, on Wednesday, April 16 at 7 p.m. The performance will take place in the Archer Room on the librarys lower level. The performance is free and open to the public. Discovering Austen takes place in the dressing room of an actor who has been cast in the role of Jane Austen. Still searching for the essence of her character only hours from opening, she explores Austens writing in an attempt to find the author in the pages of her novels and letters. Discovering Austen is a wonderful opportunity to see Austens characters and the author herself come to life. Discovering Austen premiered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in January of 2012 and is written and performed by UW-Madison MFA acting student Kristin Hammargren. The performance is directed by Frank Honts. Before the performance, enjoy a spot of tea or a cup of coffee as you browse the Friends of the Middleton Public Librarys book sale, located in the rooms across the hall from the Archer Room, from 37 p.m. Funding for this special performance has been provided by the Friends of the Middleton Public Library and by Beyond the Page, an endowment funding humanities programs at Dane County Libraries.
Photo contributed
Discovering Austen brings live theater to public library

When something is slow-moving, we often describe it as being like mo-
Like molasses in March?
lasses in January. This winter has lasted so long, though, that we could change the saying to like molasses in March. I havent tried pouring molasses outdoors lately, but Id be willing to bet it would move pretty slowlyif at all! If you need a few books to keep you company during these last (I hope!) days of winter, take a peek at these books involving molasses, winters poky sweetener. Pirateria: The Wonderful Plunderful Pirate Emporium by Calef Brown is a
picture book introducing readers to Pirateria, a one-stop shop for all things pirate. Looking for a new treasure chest? How about a fresh peg leg? Perhaps a plank, an eye patch, or a pair of pantaloons is on your shopping list. Look no further than Pirateria! Told in rhyme and full of nonsense, this book is nonstop fun, especially for pirate fans, but also for grown-ups. Kids will long to visit the imaginary pirate shop, and theyll have fun thinking up new wares that might be carried there. But where does the molasses come in? Turns out you can buy more than physical objects at Pirateria; the emporium also offers classes in topics such as smuggling molasses. Plenty of pirate jargon is thrown in throughout the story. While this is a picture book, it is best suited for older children, who can appreciate the details and swashbuckling details. The Great Molasses Flood: Boston,
1919 by Deborah Kops is a nonfiction book chronicling one of the stickiest disasters in our countrys history. The morning of January 15, 1919, started off like any other day in Boston. No one expected that a large tank of molasses in the citys North End neighborhood would explode that afternoon. Metal shards were sent flying, buildings were pushed off their foundations, and the entire neighborhood was covered in a layer of molasses so deep that some people were actually buried in it. Train track supports crumpled and engineers had to move quickly to stop approaching trains. Thorough text details the event, the clean-up, and surrounding circumstances. Sepia-toned historical photographs show the tank and the aftermath. Readers who didnt think they were interested in history will find themselves immersed in the event, particularly in the personal stories woven into the text, such as the story of the ba-
nana peddler whose secret box, containing over $4,000 and hidden between bunches of bananas, was lost in the flood. Looking for an informational picture book about molasses? Try Molasses Man by Kathy L. May, which tells the story of a boy whose family makes molasses each summer. Readers see the process step by step through the eyes of the boy, whose grandfather is the Molasses Man with the perfect touch for creating the sweet substance. After canning the molasses, the boys family sells it at a roadside stand. Children who are familiar with molasses as a baking ingredient will be interested to find out the complicated process behind each bottle (though the process described in the book is much smaller in scale than a factory method). This book weaves a sweet family story together with substantial information.
Nelson: An example of one area where Dane County government has excelled is employee relations. Last year, the County Board amended the Civil Service ordinance and approved a Employee Benefit Handbook, a new standard for developing and creating positive employee relationships as Supervisor Nick Zweifel described it. In light of the passage of Act 10, which prohibits collective bargaining, the Countys action serve to show how much the work of its employees is valued and appreciated and that moving forward with the business of government is a collaborative effort. Nelson: Better communication among and with local governments: county, city, village, and township. It all goes back to the lessons I have learned about the value of collaboration and cooperation. Its much easier to improve the quality of life in Dane County when we work together and have a shared agenda. 8.) What can it do better?
ment currently doing right?
NELSON
9.) The annual county operating budget includes more than half a billion dollars in expenditures. Where would you like to see more funding? Where would you like to see cuts?
Nelson: For me, the first questions that need to be answered in a basic discussion of county budget funding is (1) where does the money come from and (2) where does it go? In the area of revenues, the three largest sources, nearly 80% of the total, include intergovernmental (primarily federal and state aid, at 39%), property taxes (29%), and fees for service. (12%). As for expenditures, two activity areas comprise more than 70% of the Dane County Budget: Health and Human Services (51%) and Public Safety and Criminal Justice (20%). The remainder of the countys expenditures are divided among Public Works (8.5%); General Government (7.9%); Debt Service (4.9%); Culture, Education & Recreation (4.6%); and Conservation & Economic Development (3.5%). At this point, I am more interested in learning the answers to two more questions. What additional sources of revenue might be available to the county? Are Dane County residents getting the best value for the services they receive? Its premature for me to consider where to add and where to cut funding, decisions that need to be made with the input of the constituents I serve. 10.) The county is considering building a new jail, and early indica-
Newcomb was not the lowest bidder. Newcomb also failed to comply with the citys advertised bid requirements, according to the complaint. The Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin argued to Lanford that the City of Middleton had violated its own ordinances and Wisconsin law by awarding the contract to Newcomb Construction. The Associated is seeking to the have the City of Middleton rebid the project and/or award the contract for construction to the lowest responsible bidder. We are pleased with the courts decision, said Robert Barker, the executive vice president of the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin. Fairness and transparency in public contracting is critical for the industry. The city must abide by the rules so that all bidders are given a fair shake. Matthew Fleming, and attorney for the City of Middleton, contended that Lansfords decision might not be as decisive as the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin said it was. We dont yet know when we can get a final determination from Judge Anderson, the assigned judge who is on vacation through next week, Flem-
BID
Nelson: Dane County operates three jail facilities: a maximum-security unit on the 6th and 7th floors of the City County Building, a minimum- and medium-security unit in the neighboring Public Safety Building, and a work release facility on Rimrock Road. As a result of a electronic monitoring program, the jail population has declined during the past 10 years. Both Dane County Executive Joe Parisi and Sheriff David Mahoney have stated that a new jail is about facilities consolidation, not increasing capacity. As the Sheriff explained to me during a tour of the downtown jail facilities last summer, there are needs for improvement in the areas of inmate supervision and inmate and staff safety, as well as a critical need to deal more effectively with mental health and addiction issues among the jail population. Its clear that this project is not currently on a fast track; its not going to be built now. Current supervisors, though sympathetic to its goals, are questioning the cost at a time when county finances are tight. And I suspect that a significant amount of discussion will take place during my first term on the board. [did] not let the contract to the lowest responsible bidder as required by Wis. Stats. s. 62.15(1). But Fleming said it remains unclear from Lanfords decision why Middleton could not award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder under what is known as the alternative option. Under Wis. Stats. s. 62.15(8), and Supreme Court precedent interpreting similar alternative bidding language, the city may choose the lowest respon-
tions are that it would come with a price tag in the $100 million range. Should the county build a new jail now, and how much would you be willing to spend to get it done?
continued from page 4
Voting information for city residents

Elections Polling Places
PAGE 7
The city clerk serves as the chief election official for the City of Middleton, prepares city election ballots, publishes election notices, prepares and distributes absentee ballots, provides information on polling place accessibility to state/federal, and maintains current voter registration files and lists. Wards 1 - 5, 8 - 9, and 19 vote at St. Bernards Perish Center, 7436 University Avenue Wards 6 - 7, 14 - 18 vote in Friendship Hall at St. Lukes Lutheran Church, 7337 Hubbard Avenue The polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 1. To determine what Ward you are in, just visit the City of Middleton website and click on the ward finder link. Poll workers will ask you to sign the poll list. If you are unable to sign because of a physical disability, you are exempt from this requirement. Wards 10 - 13 vote at the Middleton Courthouse / Police Station 7341 Donna Drive
Ward Determination Sign and Vote
ing said last week. We are hoping to get before him the week he returns. Fleming said the temporary restraining order did not mean Middleton did, in fact, violate the law. Instead, the court determined AGC demonstrated the likelihood that it could establish Middleton had violated the bidding law, Fleming said. Judge Lanford determined that because Middleton did not let the contract to CD Smith, the overall lowest responsible bidder, it was likely that Middleton
sible bidder under an alternative category even if lower bids exist for different alternative categories, said Fleming. In other words, it is up to the city council whether sufficient value exists to justify paying more for a con-
crete building than a steel building. It is only required to pay the lowest price for the type of building it chooses to build.
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About Richard J. Oberle (*incumbent): Middleton-Madison area resident since 1990; Bachelors of Science in Technical Careers (computer programmer); Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Data Processing; Associate of Arts in Engineering Technology; Employed by CUNA Mutual Group to provide technical support primarily for IBM mainframe computers and Windows based servers; Town of Middleton Board member; Prior member of Town of Middleton Plan Commission; Prior board liaison to the Town of Middleton Park, Plan, and Finance commissions; Dane County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Commission member; The Prairie Enthusiasts Board member; Prairie Home Estates Conservancy and Homeowners Association Officer (current President). What difference would you make as a town board supervisor?
About Gary Whitney: Age: 64; Family: Married Wife Debra; Town resident for how long: 17 years; Education: Bachelor of Science degree, member of National Association of Tax; Occupation: tax preparation, accounting and bookkeeping; Prior public experience: Middleton Town Board supervisor, Plan Commission, Town Trails Team Committee.
seat 2 Supervisor Bill Kolar all held off their opponents in convincing fashion. In fact, every sitting board members managed to gain more than 60 percent of the vote. While the board is technically nonpartisan, the April 1, 2014 election will provide a similar test for incumbent Seat 4 supervisor Richard Oberle, the only current member of the town board who sometimes leans left. He is challenged by Gary Whitney, who previously served on the board but was defeated by Tim Roehl in 2009.
TOWNBOARD
Last year I thought it was absurd to see that the town chair spent close to $4.50 for each vote and together the team of three spent about $10 in total per vote. For me that is just nuts and you will not see that from me. The best help I can get is for you and your friends to get out and spread the word and to vote. If you want to know me better please call me at home 608-826-0559, I am happy to listen to your views and answer your questions. Whitney: I will bring a productive participation attitude to the table. I will listen to the issues presented, engage in polite, respectful and spirited debate, and advocate for decisions that best serve the overall community. I intend to lift and strengthen the board by being an addition and not a hindrance. I bring experience from more than a decade in service to the town as noted above, engagement as I attend virtually all town meetings, and Im excited to continue to serve our community. The town is in a great position and I want to help make it even better. We need to spend more time looking at the future of our town. What is your position on the town becoming an intervener in the Badger-Coulee power line case before the Public Service Commission?
Oberle: This election is not about me. It is about the different voices of the people who I represent. Long ago I read an article about the importance of just being involved, to be the voice were no voice would otherwise be and the difference that lone voice can make. In many ways the other four town board members are likeminded. Do we really need a fifth board member who thinks the same as the others? Does this provide any additional value and balance? For me this election is about maintaining our township in a manner that people appreciate, it is about fostering our bedroom community with minimal commercial development and additional nuance. I support parks and open space while the current board would prefer development. Countless times I have said, if people want to live in the city then the city is just down the street. I am making a conscious decision to minimize spending for my re-election.
Whitney: The town should, and I understand that it is now engaged in the process, register as an intervener in the Badger-Coulee Public Service Commission case. This will position the town to be able to participate in the decision-making process on any issues where we can reasonably expect to have some influence. Unlike my opponent, I am against spending hundreds of thousands of our tax dollars on litigation in a futile attempt to influence the preferred route as presented by American Transmission Company. This would result in a reduction of the services currently provided by the town, and more town residents would be impacted in the next several years when the third 345Kv line comes from Dubuque, Iowa to the Cardinal substation located on SH 14. Oberle: Being an intervener makes complete sense, this is a standard practice to allow the town to proceed with any future interaction in the process should it be required. I am in the minority of board members who feel we have not done enough regarding the ATC power lines issues. The majority of the board feels individuals of the community should take individual action. When there are four lines coming into Middleton, it will be too late to change or vote out those who would not do more. What is your position on selling
Oberle: I am the only board member who has gone on record opposing the sale of Pioneer Lands. Both the Parks and Plan commission agree the land should not be sold. Selling this property is not going to lower taxes. I cant predict future needs. I do know that the town has continued to grow in what we need. The original logic of purchasing this land based on location has not changed. The purchase had an immediate benefit to the town by providing a site for Fire Station #2. Recently there has been much discussion on the need for additional parking at the town hall and about a new larger salt shed. Why were these items were not discussed when the town prepared the 2014 budget? These two projects appeared only after discussions began about the sale of the land. This clearly demonstrates that less than a few months ago the board had not given thought to the towns future needs and how quickly a need may appear. Apparently these projects became urgent as a means to justify the sale of Pioneer lands and to pay for these unbudgeted projects that suddenly appear as emergencies. I understand the needs, I feel they are valid needs, again what disturbs me is how they came into play. The parking issue is not new, what is new is that the town chair announced at a town meeting that he sold his business across the street and the new landowner is unwilling to accept additional risk associated with the town using his parking space. If anyone on the board had an idea this parking would be going away, it would have been our town chair. Yes, there is a potential safety issue, that issue has existed for years by allowing families to cross and park on Old Sauk Road, but suddenly most of the board is using this reason as their battle cry to justify the sale of town lands. In a few years, the debt on this land will completely be paid off and a few years later our overall current debt obligation substantially drops. I feel we have other options than the sale of this land. I have not been in favor of the money the board is spending on preparations to develop the land without first having the voters decide if the land should be sold. There has been a risk of the town spending money on a project that goes nowhere as the town did when exploring a road along the Refuse Hideaway Landfill and getting nothing for our effort. We sank nearly $100,000 into that road project that also had opposition and I would hope we learned a lesson. One last thought, the Town has previously investigated locations for a Town off leash Dog Park, perhaps we ignored the most obvious location. Should we at least consider this concept until a better need is determined? Of all the places suggested for an off leash dog park this location appeals to me. If you agree with me, please attend the Town Annual meeting on April 15th to vote against the sale of Pioneer Lands. Discussion regarding additional parking or the salt shed should not be considered as those are actually completely board decisions that are independent from your voice to sell or not sell the land. However, some board
Pioneer Lands?
members will attempt to couple it all together. Whitney: I am not in favor of selling any portion of the Pioneer Lands parcel at this time. I do support addressing the public safety issues regarding the need for additional parking for Pioneer Park and the Town Hall as well as the need for additional road salt and equipment storage. I fully support the recent guidance and recommendation from the Town Finance Committee on how to plan and expedite these priorities. I also support the suggestions that we continue to look at the Pioneer Lands as most potentially valuable as the area for the Town Campus to grow into and to accommodate likely needs such as expanded facilities for the Dane County Sheriffs Office and some type of community center.
Whitney: Im going to emphasize thoroughness and the avoidance of reacting to sound-bite presentations. I want to see all sides of an issue vetted so the best decision can be made based on being well-informed. I intend to take initiative to further encourage and support the Finance Committees excellent work and help better communicate their views and recommendations to the board and community. Im also interested in helping improve our communication channels by expanding, improving, and strengthening tools like our website, newsletter, and e-mail connections. I also wish to advocate for more planning effort from the Plan and Parks commissions on several fronts that can make us smarter in balancing land development and land preservation. The town has a significant asset in the 80acre Eastwood property located in Madison. We have recently arranged for it to go through the Capital Area
Oberle: From experience I have learned that the most important issues will not be predicted, many of the important issues appear with little warning. Here is an example; my opponent has been preparing my tax returns for several years. When he started attending town board meetings I asked him straight out if he planned to run again for a town board position, he declined to give me a direct answer. Ironically that last time he talked to me about town issues was last year when we met to prepare my taxes returns. Over my lifetime I have witnessed many reorganizations that have done nothing more than disrupt a well-oiled machine. I am in favor of gradual improvements over time as we have been doing in the past 10 years. The improvements cumulatively have been substantial and beneficial. In these days where we know how little our children are getting outside I have grown tired of hearing the board preach about how parks are expensive. Sure parks come with a price tag but when it comes to expenses, the number one expense is roads, so why not spend more time and energy on trying to reduce the costs for roads?
What would you like to accomplish during the 2013-15 term on the board?
Whitney: Our budget is in excellent shape, having been majorly re-tooled over the past few years and proven so by the recent announcement of an upgrade in our credit rating from AA+ to AAA by Standard & Poors. I believe no other town in Wisconsin has as high a rating and I suspect very few cities or villages can match this as well. We are balanced and directing excess revenues into reserve accounts in a prudent and sensible way. We are spending less than we take in, allowing us to save and plan ahead for periodic large expenditures, as well as an unexpected event, and maintaining a high level of services which in turn allows us to enjoy a high quality of life. At the same time we must always maintain some retrospect and review our financial history to spot rising trends or anomalies requiring attention. Oberle: Lower taxes! Everyone loves lower taxes! This is probably one issue I can easily concur with all five of my fellow town board members. The reality is that only around 15% of your real estate taxes are a product of the town budget. The town as a whole is and has been fiscally responsible. The improvements in our budget and spending process have continued to improve year after year. Our financial strength as town has become so good that we are the only township in Wisconsin to have a AAA rating (the best possible) by Standards and Poors. That being said, sitting on the board I still see projects in our current budget that I will vote against. A current example, in the budget is money to be spent on an Emergency Power Generator, most likely some type of diesel engine. I would like to propose another option, how about solar panels with a battery backup system? I prefer this option, because why spend money on a piece of equipment that usually sits idle losing value when we can have something actually producing income when it is not needed.
What areas of the next town budget would you like to see reduced, and what areas would you like to see increased?
Regional Planning Commission planning process, a necessary step to position it for development as part of the Elderberry Neighborhood Madison has on the drawing boards. Within a few years this parcel will bring an excellent sale price that can help mitigate future tax increases. A real issue for our town is stopping the cities of Madison and Middleton from annexing more and more town land, thus reducing our tax base and threatening our longevity. Long term we will need to incorporate as a village. We recently lost some 160 acres to Middleton with the Erdman project and others are looking at petitioning for annexation, too. The Town of Middleton used to be 6 miles by 6 miles and stretch the length of Old Sauk Road. Now the City of Madison is across the street from our Town Hall on Pioneer Road. If we are to preserve the town this needs to stop. Funds from the Eastwood property can support this, along with forward thinking people on the board, and we need to start soon.
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I am writing to support Annette Ashley in the upcoming school board election on April 1. Annette has demonstrated her commitment to our community and to the Middleton Cross Plains School District. Annettes dedication first became apparent to me when I filled in on an interim basis for Principal Roz Craney at Northside Elementary School. As an active parent she was involved in the parent organization, worked with classroom teachers to enable enrichment classes and championed good nutrition. Annette was a positive force in the Northside Elementary School community. She and I were both recognized for our community service by being selected as 2010 Good Neighbors and through that experience, I learned a great deal more about Annettes contributions to our community. Developing positive relationships has been her emphasis in volunteer activities. Annette has demonstrated this gift of developing positive relationships through open communications in her work on the MCPASD Board of Education. She doesnt take her responsibilities lightly and she supports the hard work of our educators. She studies the issues before the Board and supported the implementation of unique programs to reach students who learn differently such as (STEMEngineering, Science,Technology, Mathematics) and (STEAM-Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics). She also supported the expansion of these programs into the middle and elementary school levels, programming that attracts girls into the engineering and science professions. Her skills, knowledge, expertise, and leadership continue to be needed on the Board. Annette is an outstanding, caring citizen who deserves our vote on April 1st. Please join me in voting to return Ms. Ashley to the MCPASD Board of Education.
Former MHS principal endorses Ashley
I am writing to enthusiastically support Annette Ashley in her re-election campaign for the MCPASD School Board. I have known Annette for many years and had the pleasure of serving with her on the 2012YESreferendum committee, on which Annette served as a parent member. It is clear to me that Annette and myfamilysharethe same set of values, including a commitment to public education and keeping Middletona wonderful place to live. Throughout the time the committee worked together, Annettedisplayed the leadershipneeded to illustrate why the referendum was critical to our districts future andtomarshalthepublic support needed for its successful passage. Annette and the committee worked hard to pass the middle school referendum because we believedit would provide a 21st Century, first-class educational environment for our kids as well as better working conditions for our exceptional educators and staff. Not onlywillthe referendum provide our middle schools with the same facilities and technology available at other schools in the area, it will
Ashley will work for bright future

To the editor,
Tom Vandervest Retired Middleton High School Principal
I am writing to support Annette Ashley for the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School Board Area IV. Annette has a passion for children and for education. She thinks first about doing the right thing for kids, while considering the impacts on the citizens and staff of the District. I served on the School Board with Annette. She was always prepared and asked good questions. Annette impressed me with her seeking to understand, and consider both sides of issues before arriving at a decision. I believe that she is a leader who can bring people together. Annette has been involved in the school system at every level. She has chaired committees at the elementary level, served as president of the Kromrey PTA, and served as the Publicity Chair of the high schools Choral Boosters. In addition, she volunteers in classrooms including teaching a problem solvers class. These are challenging times for education and for our school district. We need the experience, commitment and passion of Annette Ashley.
Former school board member backs Ashley

To the editor,
provide much needed space to addressovercrowding inourelementary schools. As an experienced leader on the School Board, Annette understandsthat preserving the reputation of our district depends upon developing and retaining high quality teachers. Annette has consistently advocated for teacher inputin board mattersand has sought opportunities for feedbackand collaboration with teachers and staff. Annette supports teacher involvement in curriculum development, teacher-to-teacher training and continued professional developmentopportunities. These initiatives, and others like them, will keep our schools vibrant and strong into the future. Annette and her family moved to Middleton for the same reason my family moved here several years ago because the school district stood out from the other options in Dane County. As a result, I am certain Annette is committed to maintaining our districts excellent reputation for highachieving academics, enriching arts programs, competitive sports programs and numerous extracurricular options accessible to all students. Please join me in supporting Annette for abrightfuture for our schools! Todd G. Smith
lots on this acreage before receiving voter approval to sell the land. Richard was the only supervisor to express disapproval of the plan to plot this property and sell lots. The town is expected to grow and this land may be needed for town purposes. Kind of foolish to sell land adjacent to the town hall that may be needed for future needs. If necessary to raise funds, the town has land that will be in the City of Madison that could be sold. Richard was on the town board when the town received a AAA bond rating. Richard, a civic minded Supervisor, has participated on the Finance, Plan and Parks Committees. Please join me and re-elect Richard Oberle, Town of Middleton Board Supervisor. Vote April 1. Thank you.
veloped, it is gone for good. As a citizen of the Town, I have been pleased with the performance of our government. They have kept taxes low while maintaining services and an excellent financial condition. We have a wonderful park system. However, I believe this land sale is penny-wise and pound-foolish. Sure, it may add a few dollars to the Town coffers, but at the cost of flexibility and potential services in the future. I urge you to attend to the Town Annual Meeting the evening of April 15 and vote against the sale of Pioneer Lands.
We need Richard Oberle as our representative on the Middleton Town Board. Richard is not afraid to express his opinion on town issues even if he differs from the majority. When Richard is in the minority on an issue, he speaks up putting the interest of the town citizens first. Differing opinions can lead to better quality decisions. On April 15, the town folks will also be asked to cast another important vote - to sell or not to sell the acreage in back of the fire station on Pioneer Road. The town has already spent funds to layout the road and proposed
Middleton needs Oberle on board
Tim Statz Cross Plains
On April 15, at the Towns Annual Meeting, there will be a vote regarding the sale of land known as Pioneer Lands. This land is approximately 9 acres that is behind the Town Hall and the fire station. In order to sell Townowned lands, the Town Board needs approval from its citizens. I do not believe it is in the Towns best interest to sell this piece of land. In fact, both the Plan Commission and Parks Commission have recommended against the sale. Arguably, the only reason the Finance Committee did not recommend against the sale is that it will very likely be cash flow positive for the Town. Collectively, the vote of these bodies was 10 to 4, against the sale, with one individual, serving on two bodies, voting in favor of the sale twice. Frankly, with this input, as well as citizen input that seems to be generally against the sale, it is debatable this should even go to a vote. The location abutting Pioneer Park and other Town buildings makes it convenient and valuable for the Town in the event of future expansion of government services or additional recreational services. It is not hard to envision these needs given the population growth of the Town. The budgetary cost to the Town to own this land is minimal. The debt added when it was purchased is nearly paid off. Some have argued the opportunity cost (such as forgone property taxes) of not selling the land is meaningful. By that logic, big cities would be rolling in the dough due to all the property taxes. More residents add to the cost of governmental services. In the end, whether the land is sold or retained, there will be a minimal impact on your property tax bill. At this point, it appears the Town Board is interested in developing the land for residential purposes. Based on my attendance at recent Plan Commission and Finance Committee meetings, there was a perception that funds from the sale of this land could be used to fund a nearby salt/storage shed and a parking lot. The Finance Committee did an excellent job of disentangling these projects and requested they be put in the budget. The Town has ample reserves to fund these projects. No land sale is needed. Reserves can be replenished in future years. The Town also has the option to borrow to fund these projects if it desires. Given the funding options available to the Town, I believe it would be a mistake to sell this land, especially for funding these projects. Once it is de-
Vote against towns Pioneer Lands sale

Dear editor,
Carrol A. Schiller
I would like to endorse Rob Conhaim as alderperson for my district District 2. I have known Rob and his family since I first ran for the City Council unsuccessfully in the mid1990s. I have also known Gurdip Brar for many years. He has done a good job and has devoted much energy to represent our district, but I also strongly support term limits and change among our elected officials. Change is healthy for representative government. That is why I didnt run for a third term as Mayor. Change is good. We are very fortunate to have such a well qualified and experienced challenger. With Rob will come new ideas and energy. Rob will invest the time to attend committee meetings on issues that are important to our district and City. F or the last two years our taxes have increased much faster than tax payers income. Roads are in terrible shape. Brush collection is less frequent than most of us would like and expect. I think its time for a new perspective and new ideas. Rob will provide that. Dont just vote for an incumbent because he is the incumbent. Look at his record. Look at the issues. Talk to your friends and neighbors and then vote for Rob Conhaim on Tuesday April 1!
Former mayor endorses Rob Conhaim

Letter to the editor,
Joel Kurth Town of Middleton
Were writing in support of our district 2 alder Gurdip Brar. Gurdip has tirelessly canvassed his district asking two things, what needs attention here in the district and what needs attention citywide. In the campaign literature thus far the most significant difference appears to be the challengers willingness to get along with rest of the council. That seems to us a strange reason to change our alder, especially in light of both Wisconsins and Middletons long tradition of supporting independent thinkers e.g. Proxmire and Feingold. It is Gurdips willingness to go against the grain, ask the tough questions, to uncover better alternatives that so appeals to us. We think good government comprised of representatives willing to explore issues thoroughly, and go out on a limb, sometimes alone, trumps just getting along every time. Please join in voting to re-elect Gurdip Brar.
Scotts support Brar for alder
I am writing to urge voters to reelect Gurdip Brar to the Middleton City Council. Not only does Gurdip actively reach out to his constituents to hear their ideas and concerns, but he has a proven track record of getting things done. When residents complained that some of our streets were in dire need of repair, Gurdip made sure that Middleton St., Voss Pkwy, etc. were repaired. Cars driving too fast down Westfield? Gurdip worked with neighbors and the city to get traffic calming installed. A confusing traffic light at the intersection of High Point and Greenway Blvd? Fixed. Gurdip gets things done, improves our community, and watches the budget while doing so. I believe that Gurdip is the best candidate for District 2. I urge you to vote for Gurdip Brar on April 1. Robert Burck
Gurdip Brar listens to citizens

To the editor,
Doug Zwank Mayor from 2003 -2007
On April 1, this community will have an opportunity to elect representatives to the MCPASD Board of Education, and as an experienced, committed board member, I ask for your support. I believe in opportunities for every student. Whether provided through programming or extracurricular activities, I am committed to making learning opportunities available for every student. The combination of classroom work and outside activities to enhance learning experiences is crucial to all students, especially those where opportunity gaps have resulted in learning challenges. I believe in public education. In addition to advocating for the students of my own district, I have been involved in outreach efforts to the outer lying areas of this state to ensure that all school board members know the impact of the historically high public education cuts and the private school voucher system. As a part of my outreach involvement, I encouraged board members in thirteen districts to contact their Assembly and Senate members, and to pass resolutions opposing the public education cuts contained in last years budget. I am committed to maintaining the high-quality reputation of the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District and to keeping this community attractive for families and our employees. It was clear to me and my family that both this district and this community stood out from the rest in Dane County. I know the importance of sustaining the quality of our schools and maintaining the viability of our community. I have been recognized for my leadership by twice being elected clerk by my fellow board members. I have taken my responsibilities over the last three years very seriously, and I ask you to vote for me on April 1. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Annette Ashley
Ashley asks for your vote...

Dear editor,
Tom & Suzanne Scott
Thanks,
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A memorial service for Mr. Vernie F. Vern Larson, 88, of Anniston, AL, will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014 in the Acker Chapel of Anniston First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Peter Hawker and the Reverend Amy DeWitte officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church. Mr. Larson passed away on March 19, 2014 at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center. Mr. Larson was born and grew up in Stoddard, Wisconsin, and graduated from La Crosse Central High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army Air
Corps, attended flight school and became a pilot. After his initial enlistment, he remained in the United States Air Force Reserves for 30 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his time in the Reserves, he served as a pilot, became a helicopter pilot, and later worked in Military Intelligence and Security Police. He opened his own restaurant, Larsons Restaurant, in Middleton, Wisconsin. He continued to own, operate, or manage several restaurants in the Madison, Wisconsin area. He was eventually transferred to Rockford, Illinois where he also managed several restaurants and later became a licensed real estate agent and broker. After 9 years in Rockford, Mr.
Vernie F. Larson
Larson moved to Huntsville, Alabama. He was a realtor and broker in Huntsville for a short time. He moved to Anniston, Alabama in 1988 and continued in the real estate business for a short time, then retired and spent more time as a pilot and flight instructor, which he had done throughout his entire career. Mr. Larson was a member of Anniston First United Methodist Church, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Lodge 189 and the American
O BITUARY
Legion, as well as a being Shriner. He is remembered for his constant sense of humor and down-to-earth common sense. He was a good musician with a natural gift for music. He played in bands in high school, at his parents tavern, in a small combo, and later in a local orchestra. He could quickly and naturally play almost any instrument he picked up. He also had a beautiful voice for singing. He also enjoyed woodworking, a skill he learned from his father. Mr. Larson is survived by his wife, Mary Larson, of Anniston, AL; his former wife and mother of his children, Marian Schmale of Middleton, Wisconsin; daughters, Janet Larson Teeple and her husband, Bill, of Fairfield,
Iowa and Jeanne Larson Brooks of Greeley, Colorado; sons, Jeffrey Larson and his wife, Diana, of Middleton, Wisconsin and James Larson of Madison, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Jesse Giovale, Cassandra Larson and her husband, John Stucki, and Courtney Larson; a brother-in-law, Theodore Ikeler and his wife, Barbara, of Clark, New Jersey, their two sons, Steven and David; and two nieces, Sherry Siegel of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin and Patsy Olson of Crystal Falls, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Anniston First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1789, Anniston, Alabama 36202; the Elks National Foundation, 2750 North Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614-2256 (www.elks.org); or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607( www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org). Online condolences may be made to the family at www.klbrownmemorychapel.com. K.L. Brown Memory Chapel 620 Golden Springs Road Anniston, AL 36207 (256) 231-2334
The Meals on Wheels Association of America established the National March for Meals campaign in 2002 to recognize the importance of Older Americans Act-related senior nutrition programs and to raise awareness about senior hunger in America. The Middleton Senior Center offers Meals on Wheels and a congregate meal program, which serves seniors healthy, nutritious meal on site and through home delivery. The local center has 51 Meals on Wheels drivers who trekked 8,370 miles and logged 923 hours in 2013. The Middleton Senior Center delivers a meal at noon and Independent Living offers an
Senior center highlights Meals on Wheels work

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 MIDDLETON TIMES-TRIBUNE
PAGE 11
evening meal. This program is a success because of our volunteers, stated Jill Kranz, director of the Middleton Senior Center. Linda Kessenich has been delivering MOWs for the Senior Center for 12 years. She is part of a Middleton Police Department rotation. It is a good feeling to deliver to everyone as they are so appreciative, not everyone is happy to see the Police Department at your door, she said. In addition to the Police Department, there are several organizations that share routes, including Middleton City Hall and BMO Bank.
From left: Linda Kessenich, Lucille Taylor and Phyllis Bennett. Linda is a Meals on Wheels driver and Phyllis and Lucille are kitchen volunteers. For more information about Meals on Wheels contact the Middleton Senior Center at 608-831-2373 or Independent Living at 608-274-7900.
Photo contributed
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Ready for a second helping

Boys track and field team looks to build on last years success
by ROB REISCHEL
Times-Tribune
Follow Rob Reischel on Twitter at @robreischel
It was the programs most memorable year in nearly a decade. And now, the goal is to continue the fun. Middletons boys track and field team won the Big Eight Conference last spring for the first time since 2004. The Cardinals then won a regional championship, finished second at sectionals and were 19th at state. The Cardinals began their 2014 campaign last Saturday at the UWWhitewater Invite, and their mission is quite simple. I told them that I didnt want last year to be a one and done thing, Middleton coach Isaac Mezera said. They agreed that our goal should be to make Middleton track a program that continues last years success for years to come. Im so impressed with our senior leadership so far this season. The guys are more focused than ever. Last season gave them all a taste of success, and Im proud that they realize the success came from hard work. We have the potential to repeat and I hope we can turn that potential into reality. The odds of that appear pretty good. Middleton returns several key cogs from last years breakthrough team. See BOYS TRACK, page 19
Ernest Winters and Middletons boys track team are gunning for another big season.
High hopes
Girls track and field team is thinking big
by ROB REISCHEL
Times-Tribune
Times-Tribune photo by Mary Langenfeld
Bobbi Patrick and Middletons girls track and field team will be aiming high this spring.
Tara Franklin has assembled one of the top girls track and field programs in the state. Middletons head coach has her Cardinals at or near the top of the Big Eight every season. And Middleton is always threat at the state meet, as well. So when Franklin says the following, you do an E.F. Hutton and immediately listen. I think this is one of the strongest teams we have had in years, Franklin said. We have great strengths in many of our returners, and lots of depth in distance and sprints/relays. I see us in the top of our conference and performing very well in the bigger invites as well as the postseason. Middleton is coming off a season in which it finished second in the
Big Eight Conference, second at regionals and second at sectionals. In all three instances, Middleton was edged by Sun Prairie. Middleton also finished in 23rd place at state, and brings back several key contributors from that team. Im looking forward to seeing how many of the girls will reach their personal goals of being at state and making the podium, Franklin said. Middleton certainly has a head start, bringing back several individuals that played a role in last years success. Senior Kayla Bauhs, junior Emily Zeker and junior Bobbi Patrick were all part of Middletons 1,600 meter relay team that finished third at state a year ago. And Patrick, junior Rachel Wians and sophomore Sam Valentine were part of Middletons 3,200 meter relay team that was fourth at state. Bauhs also qualified for state last year in the 300 meter hurdles, and Patrick made it to state in the 800 meter run. Middletons distance runners See GIRLS TRACK, page 18
All-Big Eight Conference Hockey

Pos. G D D F F F Name Alex Jones Jack Andringa Philippe Fromberger Cole Paskus Charlie Parker Ty Pelton-Byce
PAGE 15
First Team
Yr. 10 10 12 11 12 11
Pos. G D D F F F Pos. G D D D D F F F F
Name Henry Cutting Harry Henschler Davis Bunz Riley Karns Brogan Baker Connor Perkins
Second Team
Yr. 11 11 10 11 12 11 Yr. 12 12 12 12 11 12 11 9 9 11
School Verona Madison Memorial Verona Madison West Verona Madison Memorial
Double trouble
Times-Tribune photos by Mary Langenfeld
Name Michael MacDougall Griffin Epping Pat Stevens Patrick Whalen Kyle Joswiak Jordan Carey Max Lentz Nick Messner Tyler Jensen
Honorable Mention
School Madison West Janesville Middleton Madison Memorial Verona Janesville School Janesville Madison West Verona Beloit Memorial Madison West Middleton Madison West Madison West Beloit Memorial Madison Memorial
Two Middleton hockey players recently received all-Big Eight Conference honors. Sophomore defenseman Davis Bunz (top) was named secondteam all-league, while senior forward Jordan Carey (left) was named honorable-mention allconference. Bunz finished third on the team with 23 points, an impressive total for a defenseman. Bunz was third in goals (seven) and second in assists (16). Carey led Middleton in goals (17) and total points (32). Carey also finished third on the team in assists (15).
Coach of the Year Joel Marshall, Verona
Player of the Year F Ty Pelton-Byce
Girls track team opens with a bang

PAGE 16
by ROB REISCHEL
Times-Tribune
Middletons girls track and field team got its season off to a roaring start and finished in third place at the Nelson-Daniel Classic at UWWhitewater last Saturday. Middletons 1,600 meter relay team of Kayla Bauhs, Emily Zeker, Jenny Phillips and Bobbi Patrick finished first in 4:17.02. The Cardinals 3,200 meter relay team of Patrick, Phillips, Wians and Sam Valentine was second in 10:15.51. Valentine was third in the 3,200 meter run (11:43.9) and Mangas was ninth (12:35). Wians finished third in the 800 meter run (2:30.53) and Phillips was ninth in the same race (2:35.25). Freshman Alyssa Lemirande was fourth in the 400 meter dash
(1:05.66), while Emily Bergum was sixth in the long jump (15-10 ). Cole Jordee was fifth in the shot put (32-8 ) and Kiara Cruz was sixth in the same event (32-7 ). Middletons 800 meter relay team of Bergum, Hailee Milton, Hanne Andersen-Smith and Zeker was also eighth (1:54.92). Bauhs also finished in ninth place in the triple jump (32-4 ). Our distance team worked very hard in the offseason, Middleton coach Tara Franklin said. They had such a successful cross country run. I am not surprised with their results. Our goal is to keep building on their strengths, keep them healthy, and help them achieve their goals. We have some great additions to our coaching staff this year and we are all very hopeful and excited with putting all of the pieces of the puzzle together.
The Middleton youth flag rugby league runs from June 23Aug. 2. The six-week program includes 16 sessions. The program is for boys and girls entering grades 3-8 beginning in the fall of 2014. For more information, contact Bruce Hill at brucehill52@hotmail.com.
Youth flag rugby
Sports
briefs
Middletons Kayla Bauhs was part of the Cardinals 1,600-meter relay team that finished first at last Saturdays Nelson-Daniel Classic.
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 576-3426 or (608) kburghy@gmail.com.
Soccer fundraiser
Youth lacrosse registration
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.
PAGE 17
R.J. Pertzborn is part of Middletons gifted senior class that hopes to lead the Cardinals to a second straight Big Eight Conference title thi spring.
Boys track team starts strong

Times-Tribune
Off and running

guys who love competing. It is going to be another strong year for the team. Despite missing a few of its top athletes, the Cardinals certainly started strong. Middleton senior Parker Johnson finished third in the pole vault, clearing 13-feet. Junior Noah Meeteer also tied his personal best from last year (10-6) and finished in 11th place. I think we're going to put up quite a few points in pole vault this season, Mezera said. Noah and Parker are testaments to off-season dedication reaping rewards. Junior Nnamdi Okoli finished fourth in the long jump (19-7 ). That was a remarkable accomplishment considering Okoli hadnt tried the event since middle school. Nnamdi asked me if he could jump, and I figured it couldn't hurt anything, Mezera said. So, he got a little coaching last week and put up a big jump. I have a feeling he'll be doing even more long jump as the season goes on.
by ROB REISCHEL
Middleton was shorthanded, down a few key athletes. Thats what spring break will do. But the Cardinals boys track team kicked off their season in style last Saturday, finishing eighth at the 24team Nelson-Daniel Classic held at UW-Whitewater. Oconomowoc won the event with 56 points, while Brookfield East (51), Racine Park (50), Arrowhead (36) and Waukesha South (36) rounded out the top five. Middleton finished with 25.50 points. All in all, a strong first showing for the boys, Middleton coach Isaac Mezera said. After only two weeks of practice, I'm excited about what I see: a group of confident and determined
Middletons 1,600-meter relay team of junior Alex Leahy, senior R.J. Pertzborn, junior Zach Easton and junior Travis Zander was fourth (3:37.93). Travis is now the anchor of the 4x4, a position of high esteem in the track world, Mezera said. I know he'll serve us well there and he will be fun to watch all season. Middletons 800 meter relay team of Okoli, senior Noah Kern, senior James Moreland and senior Ernest Winters finished fifth (1:37.22). The Cardinals 3,200-meter relay team of senior Kyle Buechner, junior Roger Wallefe, Pertzborn and junior Zach Shoemaker-Allen was also fifth (8:39.63). Shoemaker-Allen was sixth in the 3,200 meter run (10:18.34), while Winters was also seventh in the 55meter dash (6.84) and senior Hans Kunsch was ninth in the 400 meter dash (55.50). Senior Noah Kern was ninth in the high jump (5-6), while sophomore Jack Jesse was 10th (5-6).
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continued from page 14 should be a huge strength again. The Cardinals welcome back several runners such as Valentine, Wians, Patrick, Delaney Foster, Jenny Phillips and Jenny Mangas that helped Middletons cross country team finish fourth at state last fall. Other key returnees include seniors Kelly Roach, Ciera Clay, Emily Douglas and Maddy Matush, juniors Emily Zeker, Emily Bergum, Cole Jordee, Hanna Docter and Anna Garen, and sophomores Kiara Cruz, Lauren Smith, Loren Skibba, Hailey Milton, Celia Mayne, Hanne Andersen-Smith and Abbey Webber. Jordee, Clay and Cruz will anchor Middletons throws, while Bauhs, Bergum and Roach will spearhead the jumps. Bauhs, Skibba and Smith will also lead Middletons hurdlers. Newcomers such as freshmen Carlee Lemirande and Alyssa Lemirande, and junior Elizabeth Norregaard are all expected to give Middleton a boost, too. There are some newcomers that show promise, Franklin said. Which should help the Cardinals have another big year.
n GIRLS TRACK
Middletons Rachel Wians (6) was part of the Cardinals 3,200-meter relay team that finished fourth at state last year.
Seniors: Ashley Aegerter, Kayla Bauhs, Payton Bills, Cierra Clay, Emily Douglas, Shannon Dugan, Delaney Foster, Emorie Harty, Tamshika Hereford, Madelyn Kolz, Kristin Kravik, Madeline Mack, Maddy Matush, Ariana McCallum, Kelly Roach, Naomi Smith, Hailey Thompson, Meta Williams, Taylor Ziegler. Juniors: Jayde Babler, Emily Bergum, Isabel Bernauer, Kayleigh Dietz, Alyson Dietz, Hanna Docter, JoHanna Funk, Kenyairra Gaelson, Anna Garren, Maggie Garren, Stef Graser, K.J. Hong, Cole Jordee, Jenny Launder, Marie Lawton, Melia Leighty, Jenny Mangas, Maria McMahon, Erin McShane, Josie Meinholz, Carley Meyers, Maygan Neisius, Elizabeth Norregaard, Bobbi Patrick, Jenny Phillips, Grace Pierstorff, Paige Prestigiacomo, Tara Roach, Olivia Roberts, Emily Walther, Rachel Wians, Emily Zeker. Sophomores: Hanne AndersenSmith, Zoe Brandner, Maddie Clark, Kiara Cruz, Sara Gaab, Autumn Grim, Jordyn Hellenbrand, Greta Hevesi, Emma Larson, Kimberly Livingood, Milena Martin, Celia Mayne, Hailee Milton, Maritza Quechol, Starr Rios, Morgan Roberts, Sam Roll, Katie Schmidt, Loren Skibba, Kaisey Skibba, Lauren Smith, Allison Thompson, Sarah Thornton, Victoria Trantow, Sheyenne Tung, Sam Valentine, Brook Walser, Abbey Webber, Anna Welton, Molly Zeinemann. Freshmen: Madeline Ace, Emma Addington-White, Andrea Aranda Sanchez, Elizabeth Boettinger, Jane Buck, Laly Cadenillas, Lilly Chairo, Anna Clark, Anna Clear, Courtney Conroy, Morgan Eder, Annika Edmundson, Sarah Engle, Audrey Evert, Katie Fink, Courtney Florin, Jahnavi Gali, Maya Gibson, Maggie Go, Betsy Hathaway, Neeloufar Hematti, Molly Hoferle, Emma Hoffmann, Elise Hokanson, Ally Hujanen, Talia Joseph, Katie Kolden, Paola Lara, Carlee Lemirande, Alyssa Lemirande, Allison Libert, Christina Martin, Taylor McDonald, Mimi McMurray, Morgan Narowetz, Maddy Phillips, Anitha Quintin, Tiana RichmondLee, Dana Rotert, Kallie Stafford, Rachel Steiner, Shanna Wiegand, Clare Marie Williams, Ana Xelhua, Rachel Zander, Karolina Zawadzki.
MIDDLETON GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD ROSTER
And the Cardinals fully expect to have another big year. Middletons top returnee is senior Andy Keeler, who was third in the state high jump with a mark of 6 feet, 6 inches. Keeler is also a solid triple jumper, and should be poised for a big senior season. I think his expectation is to continue the success in the high jump, Mezera said of Keeler.He is also an exceptional role model for the younger athletes, as he is extremely modest and down to earth. Senior Ernest Winters is one of the premier sprinters in the Big Eight. Last year, Winters ran the anchor leg of Middletons 400 meter state relay team. His expectation is to help us get both the 400 and 800 (relay teams) to state as well as making it individually, Mezera said of Winters. He will also be a major contributor to the conference team. Junior Travis Zander has already been to state twice as part of Middletons 1,600-meter relay teams. Last year, Zander ran the lead leg of the 1,600 that finished eighth at state. Zander is also a standout in the 400 and will compete from time to time in the 200. Senior Noah Kern was the only Cardinal to compete in four events at the Big Eight Conference meet last year. Kern is a standout sprinter, competes in the high jump, as well as Middletons sprint relays. Senior R.J. Pertzborn is one of the Cardinals more versatile performers and contributes anywhere from the 200 to the 800. Pertzborn also competes in the pole vault. RJs goal is to run on the red track in La Crosse, Mezera said. In attempting to attain that goal, RJ will contribute greatly to our 800, 1,600 and 3,200 (relay) teams, while getting the chance to run quite a few open 400s. Senior Tanner Rahmen qualified for state last year in the discus. And senior James Moreland is another sprinter who should be a major contributor. Other seniors such as Hans Kunsch
n BOYS TRACK
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(hurdles), Parker Johnson (pole vault), Blake Clyce (long jump, sprints), Jackson Rock (middle distance), Kyle Beuchner (middle distance) and Andrew Torressani (throws) will all be looking for big seasons. The junior class is led by Alex Leahy, who was part of Middletons state qualifying 400-meter relay team last year. The class also includes Nnamdi Okoli (sprints, long jump), Nick Maes (triple jump), Zach Easton (200, 400), Andrew Plumb (1,600 and 3,200), Hayden Johnston (1,600 and 3,200), Zach Shoemaker-Allen (800), Noah Meeteer (sprints, pole vault), Brett Joers (field events) and Calvin Geppert (field events). Middletons sophomore class is led by Perrin Hagge (800), Jack Jesse (long jump and high jump), David Marrone (1,600 and 3,200), Will Funk (400), Griffin Gussel (sprints), Jordan Futch (400) and Max Westhoff (hurdles). Among the Cardinals top newcomers are seniors Derek Rongstad (middle distance) and Hayden Acker
(shot put), juniors Kellan Schulz (100 and 200), Roger Waffele (middle distance) and Alex Wood (100 and 200), sophomore Christian Lindblom (long distance), and freshmen Gus Newcomb (middle distance), Ryan Madoch (long distance) and Trevaun Turner (sprints). Middletons strength figures to be in the sprints and field events, while the hurdles are still a work in progress. When its all said and done, though, these Cardinals expect to have just as much success as the 2013 bunch. We did have a breakout season last season, and I give those seniors from last years team a lot of credit for making that happen, Mezera said. This years group seems equally confident that we can repeat as conference and regional champions. I also know that winning sectionals is important to the guys. Seniors: Hayden Acker, Jack Bemauer, Kyle Buechner, Blake
MIDDLETON BOYS TRACK AND FIELD ROSTER
Clyce, Andy Emmons, Lars Haskins, Parker Johnson, Andy Keeler, Noah Kern, Hans Kunsch, James Moreland, Will Myrland, Javier Peralta, R.J. Pertzborn, Tanner Rahman, Caleb Reynolds, Jackson Rock, Derek Rongstad, Chance Stein, Evan Swain, Alex Tanke, Andrew Torresani, Cody Van Haren, Ernest Winters, Troy Zueske. Juniors: Mariano Anteaga, Alex Bermea, Nicholas Bilodeau, Bobby Brill, Andrew Collier, Jack Donley, Zach Easton, Calvin Geppert, Nick Holman, Walker Jervon, Brett Joers, Hayden Johnston, Alex Keller, Evan Kivolowitz, Alex Leahy, Nick Maes, Noah Meeteer, Connor Mickelson, Joel Norriega, Nnamdi Okoli, Mitchell Oswald, Andrew Plumb, Josh Reddemann, Jarrett Rotert, Kellan Schulz, Zach ShoemakerAllen, Alec Smith, Max Stenklyft, Roger Waleffe, Alexander Wood, Travis Zander, Will Zocher. Sophomores: Josh Arandia, Pace
Balster, Evan Birschbach, Cole Conklin, Chase Cunniff, Kamon Ennis, Will Funk, Jordan Futch, Andrew Geng, Them Gjilkdhima, Garret Griffin, Griffin Gussel, Perrin Hagge, Evan Handowski, Frank Hessel, Jack Jesse, Edward Larson, Sam Lauenstein, Daewon Lee, Ethan Lengfeld, Drew Levy, Christian Lindblom, David Marrone, Kyle Puchalski, Jordan Schulenberg, Sebastian So, Owen Thompson, Matthew Wakai, Arick Waldinger, Max Westhoff, Zach Whritenour, Jack Zocher. Freshmen: Sergio Aviles, Moon Braydon, Austin Delaney, Anthony Gatlin, Isaac Hanson, Ben Harris, Adam Hunter, Daniel Ledin, Matthew Leifeman, Ryan Madoch, Elliot Max, Sean Morrison, Declan Mulkerin, Tom Myrland, Gus Newcomb, Giovanni Perez, Caleb Randall, Zach Straus, James Thomas, Jack Toennies, Trevaun Turner, Quinten Wollner, Nick Zeinemann.
PAGE 20
Kinne: Instead of looking backward, I want to look forward. For the first time in memory, because of Act 10, the Board, the administration and the teachers are going to be working together without a meaningful collective bargaining agreement. This will be challenging. I intend to go out of my way to ensure that teachers are heard and respected under this new system. I have faith that the MCPASD can have a workplace where high quality work is mandated and costs are kept in check while simultaneously making teachers and other district employees feel appreciated and fairly paid. I want to be part of forging a new, positive relationship between the Board, the administration and district employees in an Act 10 environment. DeWind: If I had been on the board these last few years, I would have voted to accept and implement the decision of the arbitrator, rather than taking the matter to court.
on the dispute because judges saw disparate treatment of teachers. What, if anything, should the school board have done differently?
ANSWERS
Kinne: My experience on City Council taught me that long term planning is at the whim of unexpected events. With that said, on-line education is going to be a very big part of the future. As a complement to expanded on-line education, the Board should begin thinking about how to make a laptop computer available to all students over a certain age. DeWind: I have no specifics in mind. In general, though, I believe whats next in long-term planning to maintain the excellence of our district is the careful attention and wise decision-making of the board and administration, soliciting and taking to heart (and head) the input of teachers and para-educators, always striving to exercise judgment with the eye toward not resting on our accomplishments, but increasing them.
referendum behind the district, whats next in terms of long-term planning for local schools?
the DPIs website, adopting the Fair Funding approach would have led to an increase in state aid to the MCPASD for the 2012 2013 school year.
Kinne: The details of how best to use technology in classrooms is better left to teachers and administrators who know a lot more than I do. Broadly speaking, technology should be widely used in classrooms. In a decade or so, nearly all commerce and communication are going to be performed on smart phones and laptops. To be competitive, our students need to know how to use this technology. Technology can also be used to teach at a lower cost. One laptop could theoretically replace all of a students textbooks.
6.) How should technology be used (or not used) in the classroom in the coming years?
Newsweek ranked our high school third in the state among public schools. That is awesome. Plus, the improvements to Kromrey and Glacier Middle Schools put our facilities in great shape for the foreseeable future.
Ashley: Hindsight is always 20/20. Rehashing details isnt good for students, parents, and above all, our community. The focus needs to turn toward helping our community heal. The board and the administration is committed to providing the smoothest transition possible for students and their parents, a concern whenever there is a change in staff under any circumstances. It is essential that we focus on our relationship with our teachers and staff, by providing more opportunities for input and inclusivity. This case divided our community, teachers, parents and students alike. Its time to come together and move forward. 3.) What is your position on Act 10? Should it be overturned? Do you interpret it to mean the school board may not bargain with the teachers union on anything expect base salary?
Ashley: With major facilities issues addressed, its time to focus on programs that will meet the needs of all students to ensure that everyone graduates ready for jobs or post secondary education. At the high school level, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and STEAM (STEM + art) programs have proven successful in preparing students for both jobs and post-secondary education. Expanding these areas to middle and elementary schools attracts students to professions with promising future opportunities. We also need to continue to attract and retain high quality employees by providing a supportive work environment and attractive salary/benefits. Whatever is implemented needs to be done effectively and efficiently with accountability to local and state taxpayers in mind. 5.) Is the state funding formula broken? If so, how would you like to see it fixed?
Ashley: Our students use technology in their daily lives and should learn to use it productively in our schools. Delivering education without incorporating technology into the classroom would be a disservice to students, and would not prepare them for jobs or higher education. With technology comes the need for appropriate rules, policies, and training to make sure that it is truly incorporated into classroom learning rather than being a distraction. I dont believe technology can ever replace effective teachers, but it can be used to enhance the curriculum and bring the world to our students. Ashley: The high academic achievement and excellent reputation we have in the MCPASD is well known. Our high school students have consistently scored in the top three districts statewide for the past two years on the ACT. We have also seen record-setting numbers of high school merit scholars for the past three years. These results are due to our great teachers at all levels, and strong community support for our schools. They are also a product of our curriculum renewal process, which unlike many other districts, relies on teachers to evaluate, choose and refine curriculum that lines up with standards. Its also due to consistency in grade levels across the district so students are provided with what they need to learn and achieve. Our district is taking the achievement/opportunity gap very seriously, and has put professional development, programs and personnel behind our commitment to close the gap. 7.) For what does the district deserve praise?
DeWind: Technology is our societys future, let alone its present, and though it is no substitute for the in-person work of teachers and para-educators, we should use it to help maximize the achievement of all students, and to meet the needs, as best we can determine them, of our nations and worlds future.
DeWind: Though wonderful in most ways, I believe the district should re-dedicate itself to honoring, through deed as well as word, the awe-inspiring and incredible work that our districts teachers, para-educators, and all other staff do every single school day (and many non-school days as well). All these people deserve a district that does everything within its power to maximize the morale of these true heroes, who play a huge role in transforming our districts five-year olds into worldclass adults.
Kinne: Like most school districts in Wisconsin, the MCPASD has to close the achievement gap. The Isthmus recently ran an article about how local community groups can help to reduce the achievement gap at little to no cost to a school district. (See thedailypage.com/isthmus/article.php?article=41905). Reaching out to the community could really help, as could district-guided peer-to-peer tutoring. Additionally, the School Board and administration care very much about the well-being of our teachers. The Board and the administration know how vital good teachers are to the Districts mission. The recent pay increase proves it. At the same time, I know that many teachers feel unappreciated. They feel overworked. They feel they have no voice, and they fear retaliation if they speak up. Studies have shown that poor teacher morale has a negative impact on student achievement. I want to be a fresh voice and new set of ears on the Board. I want our teachers to feel reassured. Given my experience and skills, I can help to mend the rift that has developed.
8.) In what areas does the district need to improve?
DeWind: I would try to do what the district and board already seem to be doing, which is that very thing, balancing. I would always be inclined to err, though, in close cases, toward maintaining the district as the outstanding one that it has become.
benefit from the multi-generational approach to learning, and seniors would receive an incentive for their involvement.
10.) Administrators at Middleton High School recently re-administered a test after accusations of widespread cheating surfaced. How should the district respond?
Kinne: I cant give a specific answer to this question because every year brings a different set of variables. However, given my four years on the City Council, I bring a wealth of experience striking balances to maintain excellent service while keeping taxes as low as possible. Great schools increase property values, which is good for all propertyowning citizens in the District.
Kinne: I spoke against Act 10 when I was on City Council, and I maintain my opposition to it. It robs school boards and municipalities of local control. However, I expect that Act 10 will be the law of the land: the composition of Wisconsins Supreme Court almost guarantees it. In that case, the only issues open for collective bargaining will be cost-of-living wage increases. 4.) With a big, successful building
DeWind: I believe Act 10, particularly its virtual elimination of collective bargaining for most school employees, should be overturned. If the Wisconsin Supreme Court does not do that, I believe our next governor and/or legislature should. Whether or not it is indeed overturned, I would strive to interpret it, and whatever related court decision/s, to favor the interests, as they themselves deem them, of teachers, para-educators, and all other staff.
Ashley: As a school board member I must follow state law, including Act 10. If the pending Wisconsin Supreme Court case should change the status of the law, only then can I support something other than whats required in Act 10. In its present form, the only item that can be negotiated with a teachers union is base wages. We have already received notice from the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty that we will be subject to litigation if we dont comply with Act 10 language. This group brought lawsuits in Madison and Kenosha when they entered into a contract with their teachers union.
DeWind: I plead virtual ignorance of the states current funding formula. I believe I am correct in my understanding, though, that state aid to local school districts has declined significantly in the last several years and/or decades. I believe the best funding formulas would be ones that maximize state aid, and equalize funding between rich and poor school districts, to foster as much equal opportunity, i.e., equal resources, as possible. I believe this is the best systemic way to address our states significant so-called achievement gap, which is, in many ways, an opportunity gap.
Ashley: With headlines that read Wisconsin Budget Surplus Nears $1 Billion, its time to reinvest in public education. Tax cuts are not enough to attract businesses to relocate to Wisconsin; we need a strong education system. Our school funding formula has been re-examined by many groups, and change is overdue. Tony Evers Fair Funding for our Future Plan should be implemented as a first step. We need a formula that isnt tied to property taxes alone but is sustainable, consistent from year to year, and allows districts to deliver quality education across the state. Lastly, end private school voucher s that siphon money away from public schools to fund a second system without taxpayer accountability or evidence of comparable student performance.
DeWind: The district deserves praise for having made our district one of the states finest, by virtually all measures. Teachers, para-educators, all other school staff, board members and district administrators, past and present, together with our districts families, have performed educational magic that is the envy of many.
Kinne: Yes, it is broken. I support Fair Funding for Our Future. The details can be found at fairfunding.dpi.wi.gov/. According to
Kinne: If my older kids are any guide, absolutely every school day has either been good or fine, so by that measure, things look fantastic. Seriously, the MCPASD deserves a mountain of praise. According to the June, 2013, issue of School-Community Connection, MCPASD students did very well on standardized tests. The high school saw a record number of National Merit Scholars. And
Ashley: There is no question about it. Building a school district with a reputation that attracts families requires resources. Rather than focus only on the costs involved, it is important to look at the benefits that investing in a strong school district provides to a community. A strong public school system makes a community more desirable to live in. Property values remain higher when a community makes education a priority, and the ability to attract businesses through relocation/expansion is linked to having strong schools. For those with financial challenges, I would support a volunteer program geared toward providing senior citizens who volunteer property tax relief. Students would
9.) It is local taxpayers who must provide the majority of funding for schools. How would you balance the needs of the district with the desire to avoid overtaxing residents who may be having trouble making ends meet?
Ashley: I support the implementation of a supplemental pay system for our staff. We are an exceptional district because we attract and retain excellent teachers and staff. To maintain the high level staff we have attracted, I would support incentives for teachers tied to factors such as participation in curriculum renewal committees or other district-wide improvement focuses, certifications obtained for advanced training such as technology, serving as a mentor/peer coach, or implement tuition and student loan reimbursement as a means of maintaining high quality staff. Given the constraints provided in Act 10, its time to begin looking at other options.
Ashley: Its unfortunate that students resort to cheating as a means to achieve. But its not the first time that this issue has surfaced at a high school, and most likely not the last. Technology is useful for students on a daily basis, but in testing situations, I support the administrations policy to collect these devices until testing is completed. What the high school administration now enforces is no different than what students experience when they sit for a proctored exam such as the ACT or SAT. Its best to use this last episode as a teaching moment to improve policies and educate students on how cheating ultimately hurts only them.
DeWind: The district should continue to do what it has already begun to do, taking all reasonable steps to try to eliminate cheating. That said, cheating will probably always continue to occur, just as it always has in the past. I think the district should investigate the culture that leads to cheating, and try to determine its extent, and should consider having students and teachers work together to create and administer surveys of all students in the district, so we can all learn what we can about the issue.
Kinne: School kids have been cheating on exams since exams have been given, and schools have rightfully been punishing cheaters and making it difficult to cheat. What makes the recent incident noteworthy is that cell phones were (allegedly) used to cheat. There should be a zero tolerance of cell phone usage during exams and restrictions on their use overall in the schools.
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tion day draws near. While all three candidates have law degrees, they dont see eye-to eye on every issue. Not surprisingly as the incumbent, Ashley it touting her experience as an asset. She said she decided to get involved in school board politics after spending time on a local PTA and other groups. Ive been involved with staff appreciation committees, and Ive also been involved with PTA leadership and building offices, specifically at Kromrey, I was a president elect for one year and a president for two years, Ashley said. That is how I made my segue into getting more involved. As a board member and as a parent I was very involved with the referendum to build a new middle school here in Middleton and expand the middle school in Glacier Creek, Ashley noted. I really spent an incredible amount of time making sure the approach was right, that it would be supported by the community, and that it was worded right. Ashley said she wants to help spearhead a philosophical shift during the upcoming term. Part of the emphasis now needs to shift from our physical structures to our programming, Ashley said. Realizing that education is not a one size fits all, there has to be some different programs to address how different kids learn in styles and manners. She said STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and now STEAM (adding arts to the mix), are a good start to the needed shift. She also said she views Clark Street, the districts charter school, as a source of new and innovative approaches to education and a way to tailor teaching methods to unique learners. Ashley said she appreciates teachers, acknowledging that the district must offer competitive pay and benefits to maintain a high level of performance of teachers. Ashley, like other school board members, is still grappling with Act 10, which has led to increasingly tense relations between the current school board and local teachers. Given the way Act 10 is written and that were held to only be able to address wages in a certain ways I believe that we need to take a look at other things, Ashley said. For instance, supplemental pay compensation systems that would set up criteria for teachers that sought certifications to be able to teach more to students, and for teachers who took on additional responsibilities, like curriculum renewal committees. She also notes student loan repayment incentives should be considered. Ashley lastly pointed to where she sees growth to be made as a board of education. I would like to see more communication from the board whether its to the general public or teachers, she said. I would also like more interaction with teachers and more opportunities to talk about things. While Paul Kinne would be a new addition to the school board, the former Middleton City Council alderman is no stranger to local politics. He pointed to his background in law, his time on city council, an interest in education policy, and three children in the district as his distinguishing qualifications for the position. I was on city council for four years, I love public service and I kind of miss it, Kinne professed. The school board gives me a chance to get back to a point where I can actively give back to my community. Kinne said he has nerdy affinity for education policy. I am kind of a geek in that I just like education policy, he said. It has always been something that I have followed and kept up on ... because it has
SCHOOLBOARD
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such a profound effect on so many different aspects of our society. Regarding his time on city council, Kinne said he developed a reputation as being a conciliator, a good listener, and a consensus builder. We are going to need people like that on the board as we transition from a collective bargaining relationship between the staff and teachers and the board to more of an employee/employer type relationship, Kinne added. Kinne said he is operating under the assumption Act 10 will be upheld. That being the case, he said every school employee will continue to be governed by a handbook rather than a contract. I want to make sure that teachers have an active voice and meaningful input into the provisions of that human resources handbook, Kinne stated. That way they feel invested in the system going forward an they feel they have as much protection as they can get under the law with respect to their job security. Kinne asserted that teacher pay would be a top priority for him as a board member. Middleton is competing in the same labor market with other school districts and private employers, Kinne pointed out. I would be going to the board looking for ways to maximize teacher pay. Kinne said narrowing the disparity in achievement among racial groups would also be a major priority. I would like to see the achievement gap in the district close, he said. I know the district already has plans in place to do that and I would be a strong supporter of those efforts.
Kinne said voters should recognize his role in keeping tax rates lower than neighboring cities during an economic recession while maintaining quality services. While I was on council, while we were cutting spending, our public services were still receiving accolades, he notes. I want to bring that experience, to reach that proper balance, to the school board. Our children are our communitys and our nations greatest resource, and a vital ingredient is a well compensated, highly qualified teaching staff, Kinne concluded. Candidate Peter DeWind is certainly the newest face in the race. He has not seen as much public recognition as the other candidates, but he is, as he explained, essentially the reason voters will have a decision at all. My sense is that most people like a seat to be contested because then they talk about things. They might say to a friend or neighbor, hey, I see three people are running for two seats, what do you know about these three? DeWind said. It engages things a little bit more than if there were two people running for two seats. DeWind said he is keeping his campaign pretty low key. I am sort of philosophically opposed to yard signs and leaflets. I figure its metal, its paper, I am going to run a green campaign, DeWind details. I figure word of mouth and that sort of thing. DeWind described his time coming to nearly every board meeting since December as a fruitful learning experience. He also underlined what he views to be low morale among teach-
ers. He said the current school boards handling of the an expensive, long-running and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to fire middle school teacher Andrew Harris hasnt helped. People can vary about what they thought on the issue, but the board consistently voted not to accept the arbitrators decision, well within their rights, DeWind said. My sense is that is a factor that led a lot of teachers tional Academy, accredited through the University of Virginia, in 2007. With MIPD, Foulke has performed in the profession from the bottom moving up first as an officer for Patrol, School Resource, Juvenile, Detective, Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, and Lieutenant, and over the past several years as Captain for Field Services. In heading the Field Services of MPD, he has prepared the annual Field Services operating budget of about $3.7 million (75 percent of the entire police department budget). Furthermore, he has worked on the collective bargaining team, staffed the License & Ordinance Committee and has served in numerous liaison positions with the community at large. Foulke is active in the community as President of the Middleton Kiwanis Club, as a citizen member of the
CHIEF
viewing the administration and the board as using the issue to make the union look bad. DeWind is confident he could bring critical thinking to the board. I like the idea of being part of a body that listens to different viewpoints on things, are faced with issues, he added. I would like to help the district continue to be as wonderful as it is and make it even better. continued from page 1
Commission on Youth, and he even finds time to deliver lunches for Meals on Wheels through the Senior Center. Keil recently announced his retirement from law enforcement in order to take a position as Manager of Corporate Facilities Security for WPS in Monona. Keil has been chief of the MIPD for 10 years, leading its initiatives for proactive community policing and programs; strategic planning; state accreditation with very high marks and in reduction of crime. We wish chief Keil a healthy and successful retirement from law enforcement, and we welcome with great anticipation Chuck Foulke to this critical leadership position in the community, said city administrator Mike Davis.
PAGE 22
CHILD CARE VEHICLES
LAWN & GARDEN
LAWN & GARDEN
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
NEED TO SELL OR BUY? Do it ALL in the Classifieds!!
SERVICES
PAGE 23
REAL ESTATE
RENTALS
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
COMMERCIAL RENTALS
RENTALS
Stamm House vandalized

PAGE 24
by MATT GEIGER
Times-Tribune
Troy Rost and his team have been working doggedly throughout the winter in an attempt to rehabilitate and reopen a cherished Middleton landmark that had fallen into disrepair. Thats why Rost, who is president Lake Effect Properties, was particularly saddened to find that vandals had broken into the former Stamm House restaurant and marked the walls with a variety of graffiti. Its especially disappointing for me because Ive spent the winter in this cold building removing all the parging - the concrete/plaster layer over the stone - and sandblasting it, said Rost. I have been waiting for the building to get above freezing so that I can put a sealer on it that will protect it as well as enhance the stone.
Rost estimates he removed eight tons of material between the months of November and January. Weare getting our final plans reviewed and hopefully approved on April 3 with the State of Wisconsin, he said. After that, we will be ready to start getting the building put back together asquickly as possible. In light of the recent break-in and vandalism, Rost is asking the community to help keep an eye on the old building, located at 6625 Century Ave. We are so close to opening it up again, he said. While the graffiti is terrible, Im relieved that fires werent started or more damage done. I believe we will be able to get the graffiti off and Im experimenting with different options to try and limit damage to the stone. Anyone with information about the culprits is asked to contact the Middleton Police Department.
Time had already ravaged much of the old Stamm House, and recent vandalism only added to the problem.
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Oberle vs.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

SINGLE COPY PRICE: $1.25

Three attorneys vie for a pair of school board seats

Foulke named chief

Did city violate bidding law?

Search for missing gun continues. Page 2

Paul Nelson poised to take over in District 9. Page 4

Runners have high hopes. Page 14

Dining Guide. . . . . . . . . . 6 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Classieds . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Inside this issue:

See BID, page 7

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Search for pink lady gun continues

Community foundation accepting grant requests

Times-Tribune photo by Matt Geiger

Authorities say alcohol a factor in fatal crash

Middleton woman injured in Dunn crash

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

School board candidates answer questions

S PRING E LECTION - S CHOOL B OARD

Former library director unopposed for 9th District seat

S PRING E LECTION - C OUNTY B OARD

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

my priorities while serving on the board.

Fleeing cops, man drives into Tiedeman Pond

The sound of success!

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Discovering Austen brings live theater to public library

Like molasses in March?

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

ment currently doing right?

continued from page 4

Voting information for city residents

Ward Determination Sign and Vote

continued from page 1

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

continued from page 1

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Former MHS principal endorses Ashley

Ashley will work for bright future

Tom Vandervest Retired Middleton High School Principal

Former school board member backs Ashley

Middleton needs Oberle on board

Tim Statz Cross Plains

Vote against towns Pioneer Lands sale

Former mayor endorses Rob Conhaim

Joel Kurth Town of Middleton

Scotts support Brar for alder

Gurdip Brar listens to citizens

Doug Zwank Mayor from 2003 -2007

Ashley asks for your vote...

Tom & Suzanne Scott

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Senior center highlights Meals on Wheels work

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Ready for a second helping

Follow Rob Reischel on Twitter at @robreischel

Times-Tribune photo by Mary Langenfeld

Times-Tribune photo by Mary Langenfeld

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014