Milton's Thanksgiving 5K Turkey Trot (Unofficial)

MILTON'S THANKSGIVING 5K 

TURKEY TROT 

(UNOFFICIAL) 

Thursday, November 22, 2012

7:00 AM
Schilberg Park
(3.1 mile loop around town)

Start your holidays off on the right foot this Thanksgiving with Milton's Thanksgiving 5K Turkey Trot (Unofficial).

Whether you're a casual or serious runner, walker, or you're just looking for something fun to do before the busy day begins, the Milton Turkey Trot (Unofficial) is the perfect event for everyone!

Trade in your view of the hectic kitchen for scenic glimpses of Milton. Join us for a fun-filled casual morning run.

In the spirit of the Holiday, let’s help the Milton Area Youth Center.

Due to the success of the center, they are in need of teen friendly items:

• Individually canned/packaged fruit (mandarin oranges, peaches, fruit cocktail, apple sauce, etc.)
• Drink mixes (lemonade, Kool Aid, Tang, Gatorade, etc)
• Juice boxes/bottled water/iced tea/soda
• Cookies/Chips/Chex Mix
• Tortilla chips & salsa
• Paper plates & small disposable cups (7 oz are best)
• Cheez Whiz & spray cheese 
• Instant Oatmeal-individual packets
• Nutella
•  Flour, sugar, milk, & Bisquick
• Chocolate Chips, Marshmallows & Raisins 
• Canned frostings & cake mixes

 Please pass this along to anyone you know may be interested in joining us!

Time to Prepare for Winter

We received this news release from Wisconsin Emergency Management about preparing for winter and Winter Awareness Week November 5-9, 2012.

Photo by Rick Miller, Milton Courier

Are You Ready for Winter? 

“Get an emergency kit in your car. It could save your life”  

Governor Scott Walker has declared November 5-9, 2012 as Winter Awareness Week in Wisconsin. The annual campaign, sponsored by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), its ReadyWisconsin preparedness program and NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS), is to remind people to be prepared for winter conditions that could threaten their safety.

“The number one thing to do: make sure you have an emergency supply kit in your car – it could save your life,” says Tod Pritchard, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at Wisconsin Emergency Management.

ReadyWisconsin will air Television and Radio Public Service Announcements in November, urging viewers and listeners to keep an emergency kit in their vehicles. Wisconsin residents are also encouraged to sign up for a chance to win a winter survival kit on the ReadyWisconsin website: readywisconsin.wi.gov. Share your winter survival story on Facebook for another chance to win: www.facebook.com/readywisconsin.

Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. For example, in the last five years Wisconsin has averaged 56,000 motor vehicle crashes during winter months. An average of 55 people are killed and 6,000 injured on icy or snow-covered road.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is also a danger. According to the Centers for Disease Control, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States, with more than 20,000 people visiting the emergency room and nearly 500 killed each year from overexposure to the gas.

Now is the time to winterize your car and home, gather items for an emergency kit in your car, and make sure you have a NOAA Weather Radio with fresh batteries. Additional winter weather tips and how to put together a winter emergency kit are available at the ReadyWisconsin website (readywisconsin.wi.gov). In addition, there are numerous winter storm maps and a history of Wisconsin's winter weather produced by the National Weather Service. For the complete media packet - go to http://ready.wi.gov/winter/docs/Winter_Awareness_Media_Packet_2012.pdf

Press Release - Auditions for "A Christmas Carol"

Below is a press release from Milton Historical Society Executive Director regarding auditions for this year's production of "A Christmas Carol."



Creative Outlets Community Theater Group of Whitewater will be hosting auditions for this year’s production of Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol” this Sunday, November 4 at the Milton Historical Society, 18 South Janesville Street, Milton. Auditions will begin at 1 o’clock, all audition materials will be on hand. Several positions are available for this production including all ages, six years and up. This year’s performance of “A Christmas Carol” will take place December 7th to 9th at the Milton Historical Society. For further information or questions please contact the Directors: Deb and Phil Williamson at 262-473-3209.

Press Release - Halloween in Milton

Below is a press release from Milton Police Lieutenant John Conger about Halloween in Milton.




Once again, the City of Milton will be having their Trick or Treating hours on Halloween, October 31st, from 5:30pm until 7:30pm. We would ask that pedestrians and drivers alike demonstrate the utmost care to make this another successful event in our community. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind on Wednesday. We will have extra officers on patrol to monitor the activity.

S	Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
A	Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
F	Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
E	Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
H	Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house.
A	Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
L	Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
L	Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
O	Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
w	Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
E	Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
E	Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
N	Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Absentee Voting Information

Here is some information about absentee voting from City Clerk Michelle Ebbert.

 What is Absentee Voting?  

Absentee voting was created to allow voters a chance to vote that could not vote on Election Day. Some voters experienced difficulty in getting to the voting polls. Absentee voting allows a ballot be mailed to the voter’s home for convenience. Voters that were to be out of town on Election Day were also able to Absentee Voting by voting In-House, or at City Hall. 

When will my ballot be counted?  

Absentee ballots are counted on Election Day. One of the duties of Pollworkers is to process the absentee ballots. The procedure is as follows: Pollworker takes one absentee ballot to the Greeter table and collects a voter numbered card. The Pollworker presents the ballot and number card to the appropriate alphabetized table. Pollworkers states name and address on the absentee ballot and presents the voter number. Pollworker then takes the number card to the ballot table to deposit the card. Pollworker opens the envelope and inserts the ballot into the machine. Without the voter being present, if a ballot is rejected for voter error, the Pollworker is not able to communicate with the voter to determine the voters’ intent. The ballot is processed as is.  

What if my Absentee Ballot is rejected for an error?  

Without the voter being present, it cannot be made clear the voter’s intent. Voting in person on Election Day at the polls, allows the chance to correct any errors if a ballot is rejected. 

Why is it called ‘early voting’?  

That we cannot answer. Candidates are urging voters to ‘early vote’. We do not call it ‘early voting’ because the ballot is not being ran through the machine prior to Election Day. It is called Absentee Voting because the voter will be absent on Election Day. 

Do I have to Absentee Vote?  

 Absolutely not! We welcome all voters on Election Day. Staff prepares weeks in advance for Election Day, from preparing the signage, layout and printing the poll books. Pollworkers are annually trained on procedures, law changes and how to handle certain circumstances. Pollworkers are eager to serve all City of Milton voters on Election Day. 

Election Day is November 6th polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Please be sure to vote and pick up your ‘I Voted’ sticker!

Press Release - Burglary at Junction Station

Below is a press release from Milton Police Chief Dan Layber regarding a burglary at Junction Station/Cenex.



On Wednesday, October 17 at approximately 2:00 am a burglary was reported to our agency. The burglary took place at Junction Station/Cenex located at 602 W. Madison Ave. in the City of Milton. When police arrived on scene shortly thereafter, no subjects were located, however, a back door was ajar. Investigation revealed that the subject(s) forced open the rear door to the Junction Station, entered and stole an as yet undetermined amount of tobacco products. 

The incident remains under investigation.

Individuals that come forward with information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for this crime are eligible for a cash reward through Janesville Area Crimestoppers. Individuals with tips can remain anonymous. If you have information regarding this incident please contact the Milton Police Department at 757-2244 or Janesville Area Crimestoppers at 756-3636. Anonymous tips can also be sent via text to CRIMES (274637), then enter JACS, plus your message.

Information about the Upcoming Election - 11/6/12

Here is a note from City Clerk Michelle Ebbert about the upcoming election that will take place on November 6, 2012.


Anyone that has a telephone, a television, newspaper subscription, access to the internet or a multi-media page is well aware of the upcoming Presidential Election. For those of you that haven’t heard – we have an election coming up on Tuesday, November 6th. Voters in the City of Milton are welcome to cast their vote during the voting hours of 7:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Shaw Municipal Center, 430 E. High Street. Photo identification is not required on Election Day. 

Voter Registration: Voters must be registered in their municipality to vote. If you have never voted in the City before, consider registering prior to Election Day. While you are certainly welcome to register on Election Day, please keep in mind there may be delays. Past Presidential Elections experienced 250+ new voter registrations on Election Day. Voter registration can be done at any time during regular business hours at Milton City Hall, 430 E. High Street; however, voter registration is not allowed on Monday, November 5th. In order to register, you must provide proof of residence and either a Driver’s License number or the last four digits of your social security number. If you have questions on acceptable forms of identification or proof of residence, please do not hesitate to contact Milton City Hall, 868-6900 ext. 5.

Absentee Voting: If you are unable to vote on Election Day, you may consider Absentee Voting. Absentee voting begins on Monday, October 22nd at Milton City Hall during regular business hours. You do not need to bring identification. If you would rather vote in the comfort of your home, you may request an absentee ballot by mail. To receive a ballot by mail, complete an Absentee Application. City Staff will mail a ballot to your house. You are not allowed to leave Milton City Hall with a ballot. Please be sure to mail your absentee ballot to City Hall prior to Election Day so it can be counted timely.

Quick Election Notes:

• Milton City Hall, 430 E. High Street, second floor.
• Monday – Thursday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm 
• Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm 
• Milton City Hall will be open on Friday, November 2nd until 5:00 pm for Voter Registration and Absentee Voting. 
• Additional Election Information: https://myvote.wi.gov/ 
• Voting: Shaw Municipal Center, 430 E. High Street, lower level. Parking is available in the front lot on E. High Street or in the rear lot on Davis Street. 
• Absentee voting is not allowed on Monday, November 5th. Voter registration is not allowed on Monday, November 5th.

Milton Common Council Member Brett Frazier to Host Listening Session

Milton Common Council Member Brett Frazier has announced that he will be hosting a citizen listening session next week. Frazier has indicated that the purpose of the listening session is to hear from constituents any questions or concerns they have about the City’s development of their 2013 annual budget, the City’s preparation for the highway 26 bypass project or the recent purchase of the former Dean Building for a proposed new police station. The details of the listening session are found below:

WHAT: Listening Session Hosted by Milton Common Council Member Brett Frazier

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 24th, 2012

TIME: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Milton City Hall Conference Room (Upstairs in the Shaw Municipal Center, 430 E. High Street Milton WI, 53563)

Council to Purchase Former Dean Clinic Building for Police Station

At their regularly scheduled budget workshop, the City of Milton Common Council voted in open session to approve an agreement to purchase the former Dean Clinic building and an adjacent parcel of property for the purposes of relocating the Police Department. The accepted agreement provides for the city to receive the building with 1.3 acres of land as well as an adjacent parcel of .62 acres of land owned by Dean, assessed at a total of $910,500, for a purchase price of $300,000. The terms of the agreement also included the city’s payment of Dean’s annual property taxes on both properties, bringing the city’s total estimated expense to $322,000. The Council’s intention is to utilize the building and land to relocate the police department and municipal court operations.

The Milton Common Council began exploring the feasibility of the former Dean Clinic building and took a tour of the facility as it sought to address police department facility needs in August of 2012, after the results of a Burdick Building feasibility study for a joint municipal service center showed that expenses related to that project were too expensive for taxpayers to afford. The negotiation process came to a conclusion early this week, and the agreement to purchase the property was approved by the Council in open session on Tuesday night. In due diligence work done prior to making the City’s initial offer to purchase, General Engineering contractors and City staff examined the facility and determined that the project’s preliminary renovation costs for the project were estimated to be in the range of $1.2-1.8 million or approximately ½ to 2/3 the cost of building a new building. Total project cost will depend upon the size and scope of proposed renovations and will ultimately be subject to final approval by the City of Milton Common Council.

Prior to making an offer, City staff prepared financing options for the Council to consider related to the purchase of the building, which included the possible use of fund balance and/or general obligation borrowing. The Council expects to take action on those financing options for the project in upcoming budget workshops scheduled throughout the month of October.

Mayor Tom Chesmore commented on the property acquisition by stating, “I am very proud of the Common Council for once again taking action to stop throwing good taxpayer money at bad buildings. My goal as Mayor is to see us use taxpayer dollars and put them into buildings that the community can be proud of and into facilities that will serve the city for many years to come.”

Citation Payments Only Accepted at Milton Police Station

Effective October 1, 2012 payments for citations issued for the City of Milton Municipal court will only be accepted at the Municipal Court Clerk’s office located at the Milton Police Department, 120 Parkview Drive, Monday – Thursday 7:00 am to 4:30 pm and Friday 7:00 am to 12:30 pm. You may also place citation payments in the secured drop box located to the right of the front door at 120 Parkview Drive.

To pay by credit card call the toll-free number 1-800-2PayTax (800-272-9829) or visit the City of Milton website to pay by credit card. This service is safe, reliable, and in accordance with all state and government regulations. In order to process your payment, Official Payments Corporation, the credit card service provider, charges a nominal convenience fee based on the amount and/or type of the transaction.

Visit: www.officialpayments.com Or call: 1-800-2PAYTAX (1-800-272-9829)

Accepted Credit Cards:


Accepted Debit Cards:

To pay online, visit the Official Payments website and follow these easy steps:

1. Select Local Payments
2. Select from the drop list Wisconsin
3. Select from the drop list, Milton, City of
4. Select one from the drop list: Citation Payment
5. Click Make a Payment.
6. Enter the amount of the payment.
7. Select Credit Card or Debit Card.
8. Click Continue. 
9. Confirm the amount of the payment.
10. Read the terms and condition.
11. Click Accept. 
12. Enter the payer information.
13. Enter the payment option.
14. Click Continue. 
15. Confirm your payer and payment information.