Final Installment of Property Taxes Due July 31st

Below is a press release from the Rock County Treasurer regarding the final installment of 2012 real estate property taxes that are due on July 31st.  Final installments for 2012 City of Milton real estate property taxes must go to the Rock County Treasurer.   



The final installment of the 2012 real estate property taxes is due to the Rock County Treasurer on or before July 31. Please include the Tax Reminder Notice or a Tax ID number with all payments, whether paying in person or by mail. 

If paying in person, we are located on the second floor of the Janesville Courthouse, 51 S Main Street. Our hours are 8 AM to 5 PM weekdays. The Treasurer asks that you pay with a check, cashiers check, or money order. Paying with cash can be quite time consuming as each bill is

examined for counterfeit.

If paying by mail, the mailing address is P.O. Box 1508, Janesville, WI 53547. If you are requesting a receipt, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Payment history can be accessed online through the tax database search.

Property owners may pay via credit card or e-check at http://www.co.rock.wi.us/paying-property-taxes/payment-options.  Additional charges apply to this method of payment.

Remember to claim the Lottery and Gaming Credit if you are eligible.

Community Voices by Lt. John Conger

COMMUNITY VOICES – MILTON COURIER
July 2013
Lt. John Conger, City of Milton Police Department

Our agency would like to take a moment to thank and acknowledge all of those in the community that helped make former Police Chief Terry Hawkins’ services such a success. We would especially like to thank the Milton Fire Department, the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, the Janesville Police Department, the School District of Milton, the United States Air Force, the other various public safety agencies, Cowley’s Piggly Wiggly, and everybody that contributed items for the luncheon.

On July 11th, Milton lost part of the fabric of our community with the passing of Chief Hawkins. Those of us that worked with him will remember his ability to lead, coupled with a hearty laugh and a wonderful sense of humor. When Terry came to Milton in the early 1990’s, the buzz-phrase “Community Policing” was beginning to take hold in law enforcement. Terry was ahead of the curve, and already practicing many of the concepts of that policing philosophy. Terry was always very active in the community. One of his favorite things to do was to read to elementary school students at various schools in the district. It was that type of programming that forged a strong bond with the community that we serve. We are proud to carry on similar traditions, and it was Terry that laid the foundation to Milton’s style of proactive policing years ago.

We know Terry was proud of his family for many reasons. Not the least of which was their public service with the Fire Department and EMS. Otis and JaLayne will proudly carry on his legacy of serving our community by continuing to help all of us here in Milton. We won’t be surprised if in about 15 years we see young Thomas donning a Milton Fire Department uniform or a Milton Police Department uniform. Or, knowing that family, perhaps both.

Rest in peace, Chief.

Update on Former Chief Hawkins Services and Memorial Fund

Below is a press release from the Milton Police Department.


As we previously announced, our former Police Chief Terry L. Hawkins was killed in a traffic crash on Thursday, July 11th. 

Services and event plans have been finalized, and the family has now established a memorial fund in honor of Chief Hawkins. 

On Friday, there are services scheduled at the John C. Platts auditorium at the Milton High School. There will be a visitation held from 11am-1pm, with the funeral services to immediately follow. At the conclusion of those services, there will be a processional to the Junction Cemetery on North John Paul Road. The processional route, for those that wish to pay their respects, will be North from the high school on Hilltop Drive, West on Madison Avenue, and North on John Paul Road to the cemetery. 

Following the burial services, attendees may return to the Milton High School for a luncheon to remember Chief Hawkins. The City of Milton is providing ham sandwiches. We are asking if community members wish to contribute to the luncheon that they drop off non-perishable items at the Milton Police Department, prior to Friday. Suggested items for the luncheon would be chips, cases of water, cookies, etc. 

A memorial fund has been established in Chief Hawkins’ memory. In lieu of flowers, family members are asking that donations be made to the “Terry L. Hawkins Memorial Fund” which is being managed by First Community Bank in Milton.

Goodrich Square Splash Pad Grand Opening - July 19th at 5 p.m.

The City of Milton is proud to announce the Grand Opening celebration for the Goodrich Square Splash Pad. The Grand Opening is scheduled for Friday, July 19, 2013 at 5 p.m. The Goodrich Square Steering Committee, City of Milton Common Council, and City staff worked diligently over the past two years to bring this exciting project to life and cordially invite the public to attend this event that celebrates the grand opening of the Splash Pad and the community’s redevelopment efforts in Goodrich Square.

Mayor Brett Frazier commented on the celebration by stating, "This is a project that has only been possible because of the efforts of our entire community. From businesses, to citizens young and old, to elected and appointed officials and everyone in between, this has been an example of the strong sense of community that makes Milton special."

Frazier went on to emphasize that the excitement associated with this project will be used as a catalyst for future redevelopment efforts in Goodrich Square, stating, “This is a strong first step in the redevelopment of Goodrich Square as a focal point of recreation and commerce in the City of Milton."

The Goodrich Square Splash Pad is scheduled to be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days per week. The splash pad will generally be staffed during regular operating hours and concessions will be sold at the splash pad from the pavilion. 

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

Press Release - Services for former Police Chief Terry L. Hawkins

Below is a press release from the Milton Police Department about services for former Police Chief Terry L. Hawkins.


As reported earlier, our former Police Chief, Terry L. Hawkins, was tragically killed in a traffic crash on July 11th. Service arrangements to remember Chief Hawkins have now been finalized. 

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 18th, from 4pm-8pm at Albrecht’s Funeral Home. The funeral home is located at 828 S. Janesville Street, in the City of Milton. 

Additional services will be held on Friday, July 19th, at Milton High School. There will be an additional visitation period from 11am-1pm, with funeral services to immediately follow. The high school is located at 114 W. High Street. Following the services, there will be a processional to Junction Cemetery on N. John Paul Road for the burial. 

Following the burial service there will be a community gathering to remember Chief Hawkins. Food and refreshments will be provided. The location for this event has not yet been finalized. 

The family has asked that members of the media have respect for the services, and request only an outdoor presence at the venues, and not inside. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

2013 Milton Independence Day Parade Winners

On the 4th of July, approximately 80 parade entrants participated in the 2013 Milton Independence Day Parade, presented by Air Products. The Celebrate Milton Committee gives trophies for first, second, and third place for “Best Use of Theme.” The theme this year was Fun on the 4th!   Although the judging was very difficult, as all parade floats were once again exceptional, the parade committee is proud to announce the following best use of theme float award winners:

First Place: Milton FFA
Second Place: Milton Senior Living
Third Place: Casey’s General Store

The Celebrate Milton Committee appreciates all of the hard work from the parade volunteers and the parade entrants that made the 2013 parade a success.

Sad News - Death of Former Police Chief Terry Hawkins

Below is a press release from Milton Police Chief Dan Layber.



On Thursday, July 11th at approximately 10:33 pm, former City of Milton Police Chief, Terry L. Hawkins, was killed in an accident on I-39/90 at Avalon Road, in the City of Janesville when his vehicle was rear ended by a semi-tractor/trailer. Terry Hawkins was caught in traffic congestion on I-90 from another accident that occurred earlier in the evening north of his location when his vehicle was struck. Mr. Hawkins was declared dead on the scene by the Rock County Coroner’s Office. The Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating the traffic crash and will handle all inquiries regarding details. Vehicles have been impounded and the investigation is ongoing. 

Mr. Hawkins wife, Michelle R. Hawkins, and his son and daughter in law Otis and JaLayne Hawkins of Milton, have been notified of his death and are understandably upset about this tragic event. Mr. Hawkins was a long time City of Milton resident and was Police Chief in Milton from 1990 to 2004 when he retired from law enforcement. Mr. Hawkins was also Chief of Police in Brillion, Wisconsin before coming to Milton and had worked for the Lafayette County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office as an Undersheriff, City of Darlington as a Police Officer, U.S. Border Patrol, and was an Air Force veteran. 

Details will follow about his funeral and visitation with Albright Funeral Home in Milton identified as a potential location for these events. Mr. Hawkins will be missed and his many years of service to our country and law enforcement are greatly appreciated and will not soon be forgotten.

Press Release - MPD Investigation

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

Our agency is currently investigating an altercation that took place on July 7th at the Junction Pub, located at 130 Merchant Row. The incident occurred at approximately 1:15 AM and took place is the designated smoking area located adjacent to the front of the establishment. 

The altercation took place between two white males in their mid-twenties. The fight resulted in somewhat significant head, facial, and hand injuries to the victim who was struck with a glass object (believed to be a beer bottle or glass mug) by the suspect. 

We are asking anybody that has information about this incident to contact our agency.

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.

Milton House Evening Hours

Tunnel at the Milton House.

The Milton Historical Society will be open for Friday evening tours on July 12, 26 and August 9. Tours will be available from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Milton Historical Society/Milton House Museum is located at 18 South Janesville Street, Milton, Wisconsin.

The Milton House Museum, National Historic Landmark and a nationally recognized Underground Railroad (UGRR) location, is still the only UGRR in Wisconsin that can be toured. The Milton House is open daily during the summer 10 am to 4 pm.; fully guided tours begin every half hour. For more information please contact the Milton Historical Society at (608) 868-7772.

Milton Historical Society Membership Picnic

Photo by Rick Miller, Milton Courier

The Milton Historical Society Annual Membership Picnic will take place Thursday, July 18 starting at 6 pm. The presentation will be given by Mr. Galin Berrier. Mr. Berrier has been instrumental in the Underground Railroad history of Iowa and very active with the National Network to Freedom. This event is a FREE pot-luck dinner, open to the public. Please bring your table service and a dish to pass, drinks will be provided. The Milton Historical Society/Milton House Museum is located at 18 South Janesville Street, Milton, Wisconsin.

The Milton House Museum, National Historic Landmark and a nationally recognized Underground Railroad (UGRR) location, is still the only UGRR in Wisconsin that can be toured. The Milton House is open daily during the summer 10 am to 4 pm., tours begin every half hour. For more information please contact the Milton Historical Society at (608) 868-7772.

Section of STH 59 Closed Starting July 10th

REMINDER: State Highway 59 will be closed starting July 10, 2013 between the intersection of State Highway 26 to the east and High Street. The closure will be in effect from July 10 to July 26. State Highway 59 will be detoured using High Street (Old 59).

Lil Tikes Bike Parade - Tomorrow, July 3rd at 6 p.m.

The Lil Tikes Bike Parade will start at 6 p.m. tomorrow, July 3, 2013 at Schilberg Park in Milton. All those participating should meet at the Schilberg Park pavilion.

Kids ages 12 and under are invited to decorate their bikes and ride around the 1-mile path at Schilberg Park, the location for the Milton 4th of July Celebration. There is no cost to participate in this event, but all participants must wear a helmet.

Kids with bicycles will not be able to participate in the Milton Independence Day Parade on July 4, 2013 at 1 p.m. unless they are part of another entry with adult supervision and bicycle helmets due to safety concerns.

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

Next Historic Walking Tour - Goodrich Square on July 11th at 5:30 p.m.

The next Historic Walking Tour will take place on July 11, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. and the focus will be Goodrich Square. The tour will start at the Milton House, 18 S. Janesville Street.

The Tour Guide will be Cori Olson, Executive Director for the Milton Historical Society. During the tour, she will discuss the Ezra Goodrich and Polly Goodrich homes, area churches, the train depot and railroad, Milton East and the Milton College, early businesses, flooding, and the grout district.

The Historic Walking Tours are organized by the City of Milton's Historic Preservation Commission.

After the tour, consider attending the Concert in the Park featuring the Main Street Big Band that starts at 6:30 p.m., the same time the tour will be ending. The Concert in the Park Summer Series is organized by The Gathering Place and made possible by a grant from the Milton Fund. The concert will take place at North Goodrich Park, across the street from the Milton House. Grilled brats and hotdogs will be available for purchase and additional food vendors will be available.

 Additional Information...

T-Shirts for Sale at City Hall

The City of Milton is selling 2012 4th of July t-shirts for $3 each. They are blue with white lettering or tan with green lettering. There are also white t-shirts with red lettering that say “Milton” available for $5 each. The shirts are available at City Hall, 430 E. High Street. City Hall is open July 1st – July 3rd from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Friday, July 5th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Proceeds from the 4th of July t-shirt sales will go toward the 4th of July Celebration and proceeds from the sale of the Milton t-shirts will go toward the Goodrich Square Splash Park.