Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Ald. Anissa Welch to Host a Listening Session

Alderperson Anissa Welch will be hosting a listening session on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 1 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 715 Campus Street.  All City of Milton residents are invited to attend.

Those interested in connecting with other Council members as well are welcome to contact them directly. Follow this link for a listing of all Council members and their contact information: http://www.ci.milton.wi.us/CityInformation/CityCouncil.aspx.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Press Release - Citizens Are Warned of Telephone Scam

Below is a press release from the Rock County Sheriff's Office regarding a telephone scam.



The Rock County Sheriff’s Office has investigated a complaint of a telephone scam. The reporting person told the Sheriff’s Office he received a cell phone call with an automated voice message asking for a credit/debit card number. The call showed a caller ID coming from “2000”. The call directed the reporting person to enter his credit/debit card and security card numbers because of a “security issue."

Investigation has revealed that this activity is not a single incident but has occurred to more than one person.

Citizens are warned to be extremely careful when giving out any personal information. You should not give out financial card or account information unless you are absolutely sure of the source.

Press Release - Felony OWI Arrest

Below is a press release from Milton Police Lieutenant John Conger regarding a recent Felony OWI Arrest.



On Saturday, May 26th, the City of Milton Police Department arrested Alfonso Carlos Loayza, 47, for Operating Under The Influence, 9th Offense, a felony. Mr. Loayza resides at 29 E. Wilson St, in the city of Elkhorn.

Mr. Loayza had been stopped for a speeding violation on STH 26, and further investigation revealed that he was under the influence of intoxicants.

Mr. Loayza was transported to the Rock County Jail where he was held on the Felony OWI charge, as well as a probation violation.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Press Release - Car Crash Simulation on May 24, 2012

Below is a press release about a simulated deadly car crash that will take place at Milton High School on May 24, 2012.



The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) estimates teen drivers are now 23 times more likely to be in an accident due to distracted driving. Nationally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports regardless of states with a no texting law, 45% of drivers ages 18 to 24 still text and drive. 

To recognize this growing problem in our community, Mercy Health System is joining Milton Police, Fire and EMS, Milton School District, Rock County 911 Communications and Students Against Destructive Decisions to simulate a deadly car crash on May 24. Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center staff, ThinkFirst program instructors and local emergency response crews, will come together at 1:00 pm, to demonstrate to nearly 1,000 students what happens when a teen driver decides to drive drunk or distracted. The demonstration will be held at Milton High School, behind the school in the parking lot near Municipal Drive. The crash will be narrated by the Milton Fire Department and use real teen and adult actors. A short presentation will follow by a local woman whose mother was killed in a texting and driving accident and Mercy’s lead trauma surgeon who sees vehicle accidents involving teens. 

About Mercy’s ThinkFirst Program: The ThinkFirst Program is a national, award-winning, evidence-based program aimed at helping young people learn to reduce their risk for injury. Mercy implemented the ThinkFirst Program in 2008 to educate young people about their personal vulnerability and the importance of making safe choices. The program is geared towards educational outreach for school-aged children in Janesville and the surrounding area. Mercy health educators visit schools and teach kids about the importance of thinking first to stay safe before participating in an activity. Mercy’s curriculum includes: brain and spinal cord safety, vehicle and pedestrian safety, bike safety, weapons and problem solving, playground, recreation, and sports and water safety. 

For more information about Mercy, visit MercyHealthSystem.org.

Press Release - Liberty Park Grand Opening


Chevrolet Hits Home Run at Milton's Liberty Park

Local leaders to host community event on June 2 to dedicate newly renovated field.

What began as local resident Jamie Lee’s participation in a simple online promotion became a boon for local baseball teams when a City of Milton baseball field was chosen to be refurbished as part of Chevrolet’s “Diamonds and Dreams” program.

Now, the community is invited to see what Lee helped win for his community when Milton Mayor Thomas H. Chesmore commemorates the refurbished field at a ceremony Saturday, June 2 at noon at Liberty Park, 230 S. Clear Lake Ave., Milton, Wis.

In addition to the dedication ceremony, the Milton Thunder Baseball Association will play a game at 10 a.m. on the field as part of its weekend tournament, followed by another game at 12:30 p.m. by the School District of Milton Recreation Department. Lunch will also be included.

Lee entered the online “Diamonds and Dreams” contest last season, naming the Milton Thunder Baseball Association as the beneficiary organization should he win. Liberty Park is the home field for the Milton Thunder, the School District of Milton Recreation Department, the Milton Maverixx baseball team and other children in Milton.

Chevrolet’s “Diamonds and Dreams” program, which continues this year through July 22, is an online promotion where fans of local youth baseball teams enter their community for a chance to win a baseball field makeover. Since 2010, Chevrolet has refurbished more than 25 fields across the United States.

Refurbishments focus on the esthetics and playability of the field using major league-quality materials. For Liberty Park, the makeover included squaring the infield, smoothing a dip in the outfield and improving the infield grass. Renovations were completed in October 2011 by Ripken Design, the sports design and consulting firm owned by National Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. and 12-year Major League Baseball veteran Bill Ripken.

"Every young person wants and deserves a 'dream' baseball diamond, and we offer them a chance to get one," said Phil Caruso, Chevrolet national promotions manager. "From the back yards to the big leagues, Chevrolet is committed to community and youth baseball and giving back to where our customers live, work, and play."

Chevrolet is proud to be the “Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball.” Through the Chevrolet Youth Baseball program, Chevrolet supports youth baseball leagues in communities across the country. Since its beginning in 2006, Chevrolet Youth Baseball has benefited nearly 3 million young baseball players and their families. For a chance to win a field makeover for your community and find out more information about the 2012 Diamonds and Dreams program visit www.chevybaseball.com

Scotts, the Official Lawn Care Company of MLB, continues to partner with Chevrolet and MLB on multiple field refurbishments. Scotts believes it is important to offer youth a safe, reliable field and playing area. In addition to helping reduce injuries, a strong foundation of thick and lush grass helps to create a beautiful outdoor environment that encourages children to spend time outdoors.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About Scotts Miracle-Gro
With approximately $3 billion in worldwide sales, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Scotts Company LLC, is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company's brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts®, Miracle-Gro® and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand, which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In the U.S., the Company operates Scotts LawnService®, the second largest residential lawn care service business. In Europe, the Company's brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligène® and Substral®. For additional information, visit us at www.scotts.com.

Historic Neighborhood Walking Tour - May 26, 2012

The first Historic Neighborhood Walking Tour will take place on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 10 a.m.  The tour will start at Milton Family Restaurant, 541 Vernal Avenue. 

The tour will focus on Milton Junction.  The discussions will center around a variety of themes including early area history, the founding of Milton Junction, the Morgan Addition, early hotels and railroad, education corner, West Madison Avenue businesses, Merchant Row early days, and Vernal Avenue.  To the left is a map of the route the tour will take. 

The tour guides will be Rod and Nancy Hilton.

This event is coordinated by the City of Milton Historic Preservation Commission and sponsored by Extreme Fitness, 525 College Street. 

Open Book - June 6th and 7th

The City of Milton will hold open book sessions on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, June 7, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located on the lowest level of the Shaw Municipal Building, 430 E. High Street.

The open book sessions provide an opportunity to property owners to discuss their assessments with the assessors from Accurate Appraisal, the city's contracted assessment company.

City of Milton residents can view the tax assessment rolls at the Milton Public Library and Milton City Hall beginning Friday, June 1, 2012 during regular business hours.

Appointments for Open Book must be made directly with Accurate Appraisal.  Property owners can call 1-800-770-3927 or log on to their website (www.accurateassessor.com) to select an appointment time.  When registering online, you will need the City of Milton's password, which is CM10.

For more information about the open book process, please contact City Hall at (608) 868-6900 ext. 5.

Milton Mud Challenge - August 4, 2012

The Milton Mud Challenge is returning for another year on August 4, 2012 at 8 a.m. The run is a 5K, or about 3.1 miles. The obstacle course is designed for athletes of all skill levels, and you can skip obstacles if you want. You will get dirty, have a great time, and help a great cause! The profits from the registrations of the Milton Mud Challenge will go directly to the Wisconsin chapter of the MS Society. There will also be a live band, DJ, barbeque, and a party on the day of the event.

Anyone 14 years or older can participate in the event. The cost is currently $40 to register, and that will increase on June 1st. Also there is a small kids course for kids of ALL ages for $20 which they can run as many times as they want during the day.  All kids get a prize. Register online (www.miltonmudchallenge.com).

For more information about the Milton Mud Challenge, log on to the website www.miltonmudchallenge.com. Sign up for heats online as soon as possible. Many are already full. The Milton Mud Challenge is also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/miltonmudchallenge

Friday, May 18, 2012

Farmer's & Art Market on May 20, 2012

The first Farmer's & Art Market will take place on the Chapel Specialties grounds, 819 E. High Street, on May 20, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The market will feature local produce, honey, jams and jellies, naturally made items, handcrafted artwork, and more! 

The market will be open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. all season.

City of Milton Meeting Notifications - Week of May 21 – May 25, 2012


The following official City meetings will take place this coming week. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held in the Common Council Chambers (lower level of City Hall, 430 E. High St.)
  • Monday, May 21st
    • Historic Preservation Commission @ 6:30 p.m.
    • Common Council @ 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 23rd
    • Library Board @ 7:00 p.m., City Hall Conference Room, Second Floor
Agendas for these meetings will be posted at all three official posting places by 5:00 pm at the end of this work week. Those locations include City Hall (430 E. High St.), Piggly Wiggly (727 S. Janesville St.) and Dave's Ace Hardware (430 S. John Paul Rd.).

In addition, the agendas and most meeting packets (which include related memos and other supporting materials) will be posted on the City's website by the end of this work week. Click here to access those materials.

You are welcome to contact City Hall with any questions about these meetings at info@ci.milton.wi.us or call (608) 868-6900 ext. 5.

Update - State Highway 26 Bypass

Here are a few updates that the city recently received from one of the contractors for the State Highway 26 Bypass project:
  • Townline Road west of State Highway 26 will be closing on May 24, 2012 from State Highway 26 to Goodger Road. Parkview Drive will also be closing from the intersection of Townline Road to the north for about 1,500 feet. These closures will be in effect until October 15, 2012. 
  • Construction will also be taking place on the State Highway 26 realignment starting at Klug Road and proceeding to the north toward County Highway N. Next week work will progress from Klug Road to the south between Klug Road and Bowers Lake Road. Both Klug Road and Bowers Lake Road will remain open at this time. County Highway N is scheduled to close on July 5, 2012 from State Highway 26 to the east. 
Click here to read an additional update from the contractors regarding work closer to Janesville. 
 As the city receives updates on the project, staff will continue to post the information on the city website (www.ci.milton.wi.us), the city's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/miltonwi), the city's Twitter page (www.twitter.com/miltonwi), and on this blog.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Press Release from MPD - Burglary

Read the press release below from Milton Police Lieutenant John Conger about a burglary that was reported to the City of Milton Police Department.




On May 16, 2012 at approximately 10:30 a.m. a burglary was reported to the City of Milton Police Department. The burglary occurred at the Beverage Mart, located at 136 Merchant Row. The initial investigation leads investigators to believe that the incident occurred between approximately 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. Stolen in the burglary was an undetermined amount of cash. The suspects gained entry through the rear of the business. 

Anybody with information on this crime that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward from Janesville Area Crimestoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous. Those with information are encouraged to call the Milton Police Department at 757-2244, the Janesville Area Crimestoppers at 756-3636 or text tips to 274637, then JACS, plus your message.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Fire Hydrant Flushing Notice

The Milton Water Utility started flushing all fire hydrants in the City of Milton on Monday, May 14th to make sure they are in good working order and to help flush sediment out of the distribution system.  The process will continue through Friday, June 1st.

If you notice flushing in your area, you may see discoloration in your faucet water.  Let it run for a few minutes, preferably from your outside hose connection, and it will clear up.  The water is safe to drink.  You may not want to do laundry on the day hydrants are flushed in your area.

If you have any questions, please call the City of Milton Water Department at (608) 868-6905 or City of Milton Department of Public Works at (608) 868-6914.

Monday, May 14, 2012

City of Milton Meeting Notifications - Week of May 14 – May 18, 2012

The following official City meetings will take place this week. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held in the Common Council Chambers (lower level of City Hall, 430 E. High St.)
  • Monday, May 14th
    • Plan Commission @ 5:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 15th
    • Personnel & Finance Committee @ 6:00 p.m.
    • Board of Review @ 6:55 p.m.
    • Joint Common Council and Community Development Authority @ 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 16th
    • Public Safety Committee @ 5:15 p.m.
    • Police Commission @ 6:00 p.m.
    • Joint Fire Commission @ 7:00 p.m.
The public information meeting about the State Highway 26 Bypass project will also take place on May 15th at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers located on the lowest level of the Shaw Municipal Building, 430 E. High Street.  

Agendas for these meetings are posted at all three official posting places. Those locations include City Hall (430 E. High St.), Piggly Wiggly (727 S. Janesville St.) and Dave's Ace Hardware (430 S. John Paul Rd.).

In addition, the agendas and most meeting packets (which include related memos and other supporting materials) are posted on the City's website. Click here to access those materials.

You are welcome to contact City Hall with any questions about these meetings at info@ci.milton.wi.us or call (608) 868-6900 ext. 5.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Business Pitch Competition Announced

Rock County 5.0 with other regional economic and workforce development organizations will be hosting a business idea contest on August 8, 2012 where contestants will be competing for prizes valued up to $5,000. 

Read this recent press release for more information: Business Pitch Competition Announced

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Update - State Highway 26 Bypass

Click here to access the latest update on the State Highway 26 Bypass Project.

If you have any questions about the project, there will be a public information meeting on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located on the lowest level of the Shaw Municipal Building, 430 E. High Street.

Friday, May 4, 2012

City of Milton Meeting Notifications - Week of May 7 – May 11, 2012


The following official City meeting will take place this coming week. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held in the Common Council Chambers (lower level of City Hall, 430 E. High St.).
  • Monday, May 7th
    • Parks & Recreation Commission @ 6:00 p.m., City Hall Breakroom, Lower Level 
The agenda for this meeting will be posted at all three official posting places by 5:00 pm at the end of this work week. Those locations include City Hall (430 E. High St.), Piggly Wiggly (727 S. Janesville St.) and Dave's Ace Hardware (430 S. John Paul Rd.).

In addition, the agenda will be posted on the City's website by the end of this work week. Click here to access those materials.

You are welcome to contact City Hall with any questions about these meetings at info@ci.milton.wi.us or call (608) 868-6900 ext. 5.

Reminder - Public Safety Fair is Tomorrow

The Public Safety Fair will be taking place tomorrow, May 5, 2012 at Northside Intermediate School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Read this recent Milton Matters blog post to see the press release: Public Safety Fair - May 5, 2012

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Update - State Highway 26 Bypass

Click on the image below to view a memo about the State Highway 26 bypass project.  One item to note is that they are planning on closing Harmony Town Hall Road at STH 26 on Monday, May 7, 2012 until October 1, 2012.

Click here to access a pdf version.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Public Safety Fair - May 5, 2012

Below is a press release from Milton Police Lieutenant John Conger regarding the upcoming Public Safety Fair on May 5, 2012.




On Saturday, May 5th, we will be hosting our second annual Public Safety Fair at Northside Intermediate School. The Fair is an opportunity for community members to familiarize themselves with many facets of public safety, and related professions. Participating in the event are the City of Milton Police Department, Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Janesville Area Crimestoppers, Rock County Health Department, Mercy Health Systems ThinkFirst program, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Milton Fire Department and EMS, University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, and the Milton Public Library.

The event runs from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. 


The Fair will feature the following live demonstrations:
  • 10:30 a.m.: Taser
  • 11:30 a.m.: Rock County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team 
  • 12:00 p.m.: Rock County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit 
The University of Wisconsin Med-Flight Helicopter is scheduled to land at the event; however, it is unknown at what time. A DNR Warden will also be on hand to educate those attending about invasive species, and how to decontaminate watercraft.

STH 26 Bypass Public Information Meeting May 15, 2012

The City of Milton and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) will be holding a public information meeting about the State Highway 26 Bypass project on May 15, 2012 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to provide residents and business an opportunity to discuss the project with city officials and representatives from the DOT. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers located on the lowest level of the Shaw Municipal Building, 430 E. High Street, Milton, WI 53563.

Updates about the project from the DOT will be posted as they become available on the City’s website (www.ci.milton.wi.us), the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/miltonwi), the City’s Twitter page (www.twitter.com/miltonwi), and this blog.

If you are unable to attend and have a question about the project, contact City Administrator Jerry Schuetz at (608) 868-6900 ext. 4 or by e-mail at jschuetz@ci.milton.wi.us.