Press Release - 4th of July Celebration

Below is a press release from Milton Police Lieutenant John Conger regarding the 4th of July Celebration.  Click here for a schedule of 4th of July events in Milton.



With Milton’s annual 4th of July celebration approaching, we would like to touch on some legal and safety-related topics.

The actual 4th of July can be a long day for the entire family. It is filled with activities all day long, beginning early in the morning with the Independence Day Run and Walk. This is followed in the afternoon by the annual parade on Madison Avenue, and wraps up at sundown with the fireworks display. Mixed in with those events are generally family gatherings, picnics, and backyard BBQs. Officers with the Milton Police Department are required to work on this holiday, and we do our best to make your day safe and enjoyable. To achieve this goal we would like to ask for your cooperation in regards to a few things;

1. You need to be aware that very few fireworks are allowed to be discharged within the City, unless you have a permit. Essentially, anything other than snakes and sparklers are illegal, and discharging of them can result in a $114.00 forfeiture.
2. No fireworks of any kind are permitted on the grounds of Schilberg Park. This includes sparklers and snakes. Possession of these materials at the park can also result in citations being issued. 
3. While all children enjoy grabbing up as much candy as possible along the parade route, please keep them close to you, and out of the way of parade vehicles. Although the parade moves slowly, the danger is still very real when near moving vehicles. Only people on foot can throw candy during the parade, and it is not permissible to do so from moving vehicles. However, that does not eliminate the risk, and attention to your little ones is paramount. Due to problems in the past, we will also not be tolerating large squirt guns, water hoses, etc. along the parade route. Please leave such items at home. 
4. Be patient with traffic congestion after the fireworks. We do as much as possible to move traffic along, and out of the congested areas quickly. 
5. As always, drink responsibly. If necessary, arrange designated drivers ahead of time. 
6. Keep track of your children, especially in crowded areas. Children can disappear in crowds quickly, and you must help keep a close eye on them. 
7. We would also ask that you be respectful of others. As the night winds down, we are invariably dispatched to numerous loud music, fireworks, disorderly conduct, and alcohol related incidents. Please understand there is very little tolerance for any of this. If you are disturbing people in their own homes, at unreasonable times, citations will be issued, and if necessary, arrests will be made. 
8. Remember the legal drinking age in Wisconsin is 21. Distribution to underage persons, and consumption by underage persons will not be tolerated. This includes the beer tent at Schilberg, where Officers are assigned, as well as any other type of gathering where alcohol is provided. 
9. Respect the posted No Parking areas. These areas are not posted to be an inconvenience, but rather for safety reasons. Violators will be ticketed, and quite possibly have their vehicles towed should they park in restricted areas. There is a handicapped parking area in front of the Milton Middle School for parade attendees. That lot will be monitored by a police intern and only those vehicles with the necessary stickers will be permitted to park there. 
10. Have Fun! If you cooperate with your police department, and we all work together, this will undoubtedly be another festive and successful Independence Day celebration for our community. 

We would also like to remind you that the entire parade route will be closed at 12:30pm on the 4th. The route extends from Madison Avenue near Milton West Elementary School, to the intersection of Madison Avenue and Hilltop Drive. Please plan accordingly, and make sure to be to your desired seating location prior to that time.

Milton 4th of July Event Schedule

Click on the image below to view a full schedule of 4th of July events in Milton!

Grand Re-Opening of Veteran’s Park in Milton Rescheduled

The Grand Re-Opening of Veteran’s Park scheduled for tonight, June 27, 2013 has been RESCHEDULED for July 15, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. in front of the newly installed playground equipment.

After approvals from the City’s Park and Recreation Commission and City Council were secured as part of strategically budgeted City park upgrades for 2013, the City’s Department of Public Works installed brand new playground equipment on the east end of Veteran’s Park and in early June replaced the pillars on the park’s pavilion. The additions complimented privately donated work done on the west end of Veteran’s park in the form of a beautiful Veteran’s monument installed as a part of a local Eagle Scout project coordinated by Wesley Helmeid from Troop 471.

Mayor Frazier commented on the grand re-opening stating, “The investments made in Veteran’s Park, both public and private, signify our City’s continued commitment and on-going efforts in improving Milton, keeping our City’s parks a safe and enjoyable place for children and families to enjoy forever. We will keep making investments and more importantly improvements into our City’s parks to keep them engaging, and fun places for kids and their families.”

If you have any questions about the grand re-opening of Veteran’s Park please contact City Administrator Jerry Schuetz at (608) 868-6900 or by e-mail at jschuetz@milton-wi.gov.

Press Release - S.A.F.E. Program / Self-Defense Class for Women

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



In the City of Milton Police Department’s ongoing efforts to provide proactive and unique programming for members of our community, we have arranged to offer a very beneficial training opportunity for females.

In conjunction with instructors from the Janesville Police Department, we will be hosting a S.A.F.E. training class. S.A.F.E. is an acronym for; Self-Defense, Awareness, Familiarization and Exchange. The self-defense class is designed for females, and offers them an opportunity to learn how to protect themselves from crime and introduces physical training methods. 

The program is available only to females age 16 and up. No males may attend the event. The program could be particularly beneficial for female students that will be going off to college in the fall. 

The program cost is $5.00 to cover materials. It will be held at the Gathering Place in Milton on August 3rd from 9:00am – 11:00am. The Gathering Place is located at 715 Campus Street. Class size is limited to 15 people. 

If you have questions, or would like to register for the event, please call (608) 868-6910, Ext. 225.

Open Swim for the Public at Milton High School

News from Transform Rock County

Beginning on upcoming Sundays, Milton High School will be opening their pool to the public for open swim or lap swim, free of charge! These monthly times are to increase the opportunity for physical activity at no cost to community members. For specific dates and times, continue checking the Transform Rock County Facebook page and website.

STH 26 Bypass Project Update

Mainline paving is progressing and should be completed next week. After this, there is still ramp paving and all the tie in work to the bridges.  The contractor assumes another 3 weeks of concrete work. After that, HMA paving, beam guard, shoulders, signs, rumble strips, etc. will be worked on. Late August +/- is still the schedule to open the bypass to traffic.

Work on the STH 59 roundabouts is scheduled to begin on July 8th and go until July 26th +/-. STH 59 will be detoured utilizing High Street (Old STH 59) just like last year when work was done at the interchange. Message boards will go up as a pre-warn closer to the end of the month.

Grand Re-Opening of Veteran’s Park in Milton on June 27, 2013 at 6 p.m.

Mayor Brett J. Frazier, the City of Milton Common Council, and the City’s Park and Recreation Commission are inviting the community to celebrate the City’s grand re-opening of Veteran’s Park in the City of Milton. The grand re-opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 6 p.m. in front of the newly installed playground equipment.

After approval from the City’s Park and Recreation Commission and City Council were secured as part of strategically budgeted City park upgrades for 2013, the City’s public works department installed brand new playground equipment on the east end of Veteran’s park and in early June replaced the pillars on the Park’s pavilion. The additions complimented privately donated work done on the west end of Veteran’s park in the form of a beautiful Veteran’s monument installed as a part of a local Eagle Scout project coordinated by Wesley Helmeid from Troop 471.

Mayor Frazier commented on the grand re-opening stating, “The investments made in Veteran’s Park, both public and private, signify our City’s continued commitment and on-going efforts in improving Milton, keeping our City’s parks a safe and enjoyable place for children and families to enjoy forever. We will keep making investments and more importantly improvements into our City’s parks to keep them engaging, and fun places for kids and their families."

If you have any questions about the grand re-opening of Veteran’s Park, please contact City Administrator Jerry Schuetz at (608) 868-6900 or by e-mail at jschuetz@milton-wi.gov.

City of Milton Officials Announce 2014 Budget Breakfast Tour

In an effort to engage citizens while developing their 2014 budget and Service Plan, Mayor Brett J. Frazier, the City of Milton Common Council and staff all cordially invite you to attend listening sessions on the budget in what is being referred to as a 2014 Budget Breakfast Tour.

The purpose of the tour will be both visit with and listen to local citizens and business owners in our area restaurants over the next 6 weeks while our City’s Department Directors are in the process of developing their annual budget proposals. Elected officials and staff want to hear from residents and our business owners about what services they like and wish to prioritize in our budget, as well as hear from people as to what we could be doing better. Each budget tour stop will see be attended by City of Milton Mayor Brett Frazier and coordinated by City Administrator Jerry Schuetz, with all other elected officials attending the sessions as their schedules permit. The dates/times for each of the Budget Breakfast Tour’s stops are outlined below:

• Tour Stop #1 - Friday, June 28th: Parkview Cafe 
• Tour Stop #2 - Friday, July 12th: Charming B's Coffee and More 
• Tour Stop #3 - Friday, August 2nd: Milton Family Restaurant 

Each tour stop will begin at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 10:30 a.m. 

Our elected and appointed officials are encouraging people to stop by and enjoy some of the great food our local restaurants serve, and offer your input or suggestions as we begin to put together the 2014 City of Milton Budget and Service plan.

If you have any questions about the 2014 Budget Breakfast Tour please contact City Administrator Jerry Schuetz at (608) 868-6900 or by e-mail at jschuetz@milton-wi.gov.

Outdoor Warning System: Siren Retest Cancelled - Severe Weather Forecasted

The test of the Outdoor Warning System that was scheduled for last week was rescheduled to today; however, the test has been cancelled today due to a potentially severe storm system.  Below is a press release from the Rock County Sheriff's Office.



The Rock County Sheriff’s Office and 911 Communications Center have canceled the outdoor warning siren test that was rescheduled for today, June 12th, 2013 at 12:05 pm. 

At this time, the Rock County Sheriff’s Office is closely monitoring a potentially severe storm system that is traveling towards the Midwest, expected to reach the Rock County area tomorrow morning. The greatest concerns with this storm system are straight line winds and the increased potential for isolated tornados. Winds could exceed 75 miles per hour and the National Weather Service is watching the storm system for the increased risk of a derecho, a significantly damaging windstorm that accompanies severe thunderstorms. 

With the threat of severe weather approaching, it is advised that citizens prepare ahead of time and have resources available in the event that this storm causes power outages and damage. 

Tips for Weathering the Storm: 

• Have a NOAA Weather Radio ready. The outdoor warning sirens are intended for you to hear outside so you may not hear them indoors. 
• Charge your mobile phones and be ready in case power outages occur. 
• Have a list of emergency contacts and information available. 
• Prepare an emergency supply kit with essentials. See www.ready.wi.gov for ideas about what you could consider essential depending on your family size and members, including pets. 
• Have a safety plan in place for your family. Know where to go if severe weather threatens the area.

In the event of an actual tornado warning, the sirens will alert steadily for three to five minutes. This alert will indicate that citizens should immediately take shelter and tune in to local broadcasting stations or weather radios for further information.

Test Signal vs. Tornado Warning 

• Test signal: Steady tone lasting 1 – 2 minutes
• Tornado Warning: Steady tone lasting 3 – 5 minutes 

Citizens are reminded that they should not call the Rock County 911 Communications Center or local radio stations for weather information. Due to the potential intensity of this weather system, we will continue to monitor and provide updates if necessary.

Vacancy on Zoning Board of Appeals

The City of Milton has a vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). You are required to be 18  years of age and reside in the City of Milton.  Interested applicants are asked to complete a Committee/Commission Questionnaire at Milton City Hall, 430 E. High Street. The ZBA meets typically on Thursdays when necessary. Questions may be directed to City Clerk Michelle Ebbert at (608) 868-6900 or e-mail at mebbert@milton-wi.gov.

Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day - June 13, 2013

(MADISON) – Heat can kill. That’s why Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are reminding people of the dangers associated with extreme heat and to promote community safety and health.

In 2012, Wisconsin had confirmed 24 heat related deaths, most occurred during five days of Excessive Heat Warnings from July 2-6. The heat index rose to 105 F degrees for 48 hours with night time lows of 75 F. It was the second hottest and third longest heat wave in Wisconsin. None of the victims had air conditioning and did not seek shelter at one of the many cooling centers which opened around the state.

In 2011, excessive heat claimed five lives and injured more than 100 people in Wisconsin during the July 17-21 heat wave. Once again none of those victims had air conditioning. The combination of the warm temperatures and high humidity caused the heat index to rise between 100 F and 117 F degrees.

In 1995, two major killer heat waves affected most of Wisconsin resulting in 154 heat-related deaths and over 300 heat-related illnesses.

Summer heat waves have been the biggest weather-related killers in Wisconsin for the past 50 years, far exceeding tornadoes, severe storms and floods combined. Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. People at higher risk of a heat-related illness include:

• Older adults
• Infants and young children
• People with chronic heart or lung problems
• People with disabilities
• Overweight persons Those who work outdoors or in hot settings
• Users of some medications, especially those taken for mental disorders, movement disorder, allergies, depression, and heart or circulatory problems
• People who are socially isolated and don’t know when or how to cool off – or when to call for help

Please follow the link below for more heat awareness information and tips on how to keep you and your family safe in a heat wave.

Heat Awareness Information and Tips

Milton Independence Day Parade Registration Deadline Approaching

Photo by Rick Miller, Milton Courier

The deadline to sign up for the Milton Independence Day Parade is Friday June 21, 2013 at noon. Registration forms to participate in the 2013 Milton Independence Day Parade are available at Milton City Hall, 430 E. High Street, Suite 3, and on the City of Milton website (www.milton-wi.gov). The parade will take place on July 4, 2013 at 1 p.m. The Milton Independence Day Parade is presented by Air Products.

The 2013 parade theme is “Fun on the 4th!” First, Second, and Third Place awards for “Best Use of Theme” will be presented to parade participants.

In an effort to assist with planning for the event, participants are asked to submit completed applications to City Hall by noon on June 21, 2013. All motorized vehicles must be driven by a licensed driver, and a copy of their driver’s license is required with the registration form.

For additional information about the parade contact City Administrator Jerry Schuetz at (608) 868-6900 or by e-mail at jschuetz@milton-wi.gov.

Outdoor Warning System: Siren Testing – June 5, 2013

Below is a press release from the Rock County Sheriff's Office regarding the testing of the outdoor warning system today, June 5, 2013 at 12:05 p.m.    



Rock County tests the Outdoor Warning System sirens on a monthly basis from April through October every year. The sirens are tested at 12:05 pm on the first Wednesday of the month unless Rock County is threatened with inclement weather at the time. In the event that there is a chance of inclement weather, siren testing will be postponed until 12:05 pm on the second Wednesday of the month. 

The Rock County Outdoor Warning System will activate the monthly siren tests on June 5tht, 2013 at 12:05 pm. The test signal will be 1 -2 minutes in duration. Please tune in to your local radio stations or weather radios for all weather related information and instructions when the sirens are sounded.

Test Signal vs. Tornado Warning 

• Test signal: Steady tone lasting 1 – 2 minutes
• Tornado Warning: Steady tone lasting 3 – 5 minutes 

In the event of a tornado warning, the sirens will alert steadily for three to five minutes. This alert will indicate that citizens should immediately take shelter and tune in to local broadcasting stations or weather radios for further information.

Citizens are reminded that they should not call the Rock County 911 Communications Center or local radio stations for weather information. If residents find that the siren in their area is not working, they should contact the Rock County Sheriff’s Office – Emergency Management Division at 608-758-8440. For further information on the Outdoor Warning System, please visit http://www.co.rock.wi.us/outdoor-warning-system.