Carnival Confusion???

I've heard from several people wondering if there will be a carnival as part of the 4th of July festivities at Schilberg Park. The answer is "no". I'm sure this probably disappoints many Milton children who love to stir up their stomachs on the Tilt-a-Whirl, eat cotton candy and throw darts at balloons (kind of sounds like a dangerous combination, doesn't it?).

Your next question is probably "why not?". I did contact a representative from the Milton FFA Alumni (the group that coordinates the whole event) to get an explanation. Here's his response:

"The carnival we had last year found a "better" opportunity some where in Iowa. We found out about 5 months ago and could not find a replacement carnival. If anyone knows of another carnival for next year let us know."

So, I'm sorry to say that the carnival is a no-go in 2010. I hope everyone is able to enjoy the other activities that are happening throughout the weekend. Click on this link for more information: http://miltonmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/milton-fourth-of-july-celebration.html.

Milton Fourth of July Celebration!

The Milton Fourth of July Celebration will take place Friday, July 2nd through Sunday, July 4th at Schillberg Park. The schedule of events is below:

Friday, July 2nd - Open 4 pm-11pm

• Softball & Baseball
• Beer Tent - Food (Captain's)
• Entertainment (Rainbow Bridge 7-11 pm)

Saturday, July 3rd - Open 8:30 am - 11:30 pm

• 3 on 3 basketball 8:00am
• Softball - Baseball - Volleyball
• Beer Tent - Food (Captain's)
• Entertainment (HK - Thundernut - EFS)

Sunday, July 4th - Open 9:00 am - 11:00 pm

• 7am Fun Run @ MHS - Softball - Baseball (click here for details)
• Beer Tent - Food (Captain's) - Parade 1:00 pm
• Entertainment (Rainbow Bridge 7-11 pm)
• Entertainment (Joe Roberts & The Country Classics @ Lamar Park 3-5 pm)
• FIREWORKS AT DUSK

Fun, Food and Entertainment for the entire family!

June 21st Storm Damage Collection

While the June 21st storms didn't do any major widespread damage in the City of Milton, we are aware that quite a few tree branches and limbs came down. For City residents who have limbs and branches down on your property, please place them at the curb as soon as possible. City DPW crews will be coming around throughout the rest of this week to chip and remove that debris. If you have particularly large limbs down, please contact the DPW office at 868-6914 or by e-mail at miltondpw@charter.net for special instructions.

DATE CHANGE - Ald. Brett Frazier to Hold Office Hours - June 29th, 6:30 - 7:30 PM

***NOTE DATE CHANGE FROM JUNE 28TH TO THE 29TH***

DATE: Tuesday, June 29th
TIME: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Milton Public Library, Heritage Room (just to the left of the library circulation desk)

Ald. Frazier welcomes any citizens to visit with him during his office hours. Citizens with questions or concerns about City business may meet with Ald. Frazier for an informal, face-to-face conversation during this time.

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/Mayor--City-Council.aspx.

"What's That???" Winner!

The new "What's That???" winner is Debbie Nelson. The photo was the snout of the pig featured in the Piggly Wiggly logo.

Piggly Wiggly is located at 727 S. Janesville Street. Click here to see a map.

Piggly Wiggly is a grocery store that provides all of the essentials, and it has a great deli, bakery, and meat department.

Fourth of July is quickly approaching, and many families are starting to think about what to prepare for the festivities. Consider ordering a food tray from the deli at Piggly Wiggly. There are a wide variety of trays available from veggie trays to sandwich trays. Family gatherings are also a perfect time to try something from the bakery.

Stop in at Piggly Wiggly to see all they have to offer. Log on to the Piggly Wiggly website (http://www.shopthepig.com/) to sign up to receive Piggly Wiggly's weekly ad. Be sure to also sign up for a Pig Card to save even more when you "shop the pig."

Thanks to everyone who participated, and watch for another installment of "What's That???" coming soon.

Goodrich Square Open House

The City of Milton and the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MACCIT) are hosting an Open House at the Community House on July 1st from 6pm to 8pm to unveil preliminary ideas from the Goodrich Square Master Plan. The area dubbed “Goodrich Square” is the historic district centered by Goodrich Park and includes the surrounding streets, businesses, historic sites, and public spaces.

Over the last several months, the City of Milton and consultants from Vandewalle & Associates have been developing a Master Plan for the future of this area. The Open House will be an opportunity for community residents, business owners, property owners, and any other interested parties to review the preliminary vision and strategies for this important part of the community.

Some of the topics and strategies addressed in the Plan include:

• Strengthening the business environment for existing and new businesses in the area
• Celebrating, highlighting, and marketing the area’s historic significance
• Improving parking and circulation patterns
• Creating a concept for a redesigned Goodrich Park

The Open House format will give people the opportunity to drop-in anytime between 6pm and 8pm to review the key recommendations and design concepts, which will be displayed around the room. Consultants and city staff will be on hand to answer any questions and take any suggestions.

Tails n Trails Park Donation Bins

The next time you take your dog to the Tails n Trails Dog Park, consider placing a contribution in the donation bins that are now located at the park. Any amount you can donate is appreciated. The money received will go toward improvements and maintenance at the park.

I would like to offer a special thanks to Print Max for the donation of the signs for the donation bins.

The Tails n Trails Dog Park has fenced areas for large dogs and small dogs to play with their owners. All dogs must be licensed by their municipality in order to use the park. Contact City Hall at 608-868-6900 or by e-mail for more information.

What's That??? - June 16, 2010

Today is the second installment of "What's That???". Click here to read more information about the blog series.

Pictured to the left is a photo taken at a Milton business. The first correct response received will win a $10 gift certificate to the business featured.

Please submit your answer to the City’s Intern, Inga Jacobson, by e-mail at ijacobson@ci.milton.wi.us or by phone at (608) 868-6900 ext. 4.

Good luck and thanks for participating!

Community Garden Update

Plants are starting to grow at the Milton Community Garden. A total of 14 plots have been rented this year. For more information about the community garden, click here. As the growing season continues, be sure to check back for more photos of the Community Garden. If you're still interested in renting a plot, contact the Public Works Department at (608) 868-6914.

City Now Participating in the National Flood Insurance Program

The City of Milton has now joined over 21,000 communities that now participate in the federally backed flood insurance program. This availability follows the community’s adoption and enforcement of ordinances to reduce flood losses and acceptance by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The City is a participant in the NFIP effective May 26, 2010. Residents of the City of Milton will be able to purchase flood insurance through participating insurance carriers up to specified program limits. However, there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage goes into effect. For single-family dwellings, the building coverage limit is $250,000, and the contents coverage limit is $100,000. Renters can also protect their belongings by purchasing contents coverage. For commercial properties, the building and contents coverage limits are both $500,000. Lenders must require borrowers whose properties are located in a designated flood hazard area to purchase flood insurance as a condition of receiving a federally backed mortgage loan in accordance with the Federal Disaster Protection Act of 1973.

The NFIP is implemented through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There are over 5.5 million flood insurance policies in more than 21,000 participating communities nationwide.

Click here to access more information on the City's website. For specific information on the overall NFIP program, click here for the official site of the NFIP. You can also find an agent by visiting this website.

July 4th Independence Run/Walk Information

The Milton Optimist Club Independence Run/Walk will take place on Sunday, July 4th. Registration is 7:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. There are staggered start times for the three races - the 10K, the 1 Mile Run, and the Fun Run. Click here to access additional information and the registration form.

What's That??? on Wednesday

Watch for another "What's That???" blog on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 9 a.m.

Click here for more information about the "What's That???" Blog Series.

June City Departmental Report Available

The City's Monthly Departmental Report for June is now up on the City Website. Check it out by following this link: http://ci.milton.wi.us/document_detail.aspx?document_id=3288.

MACCIT Business After Hours

The Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism will be hosting Business After Hours at Anytime Fitness, 237 Parkview Drive, on Wednesday, June 9th from 5 - 7 p.m. Business After Hours is an opportunity to visit Anytime Fitness and network with other MACCIT members and the public. Light refreshments will be provided and the general public is welcome to attend. If you have any questions, contact MACCIT Executive Director Christina Slaback at (608) 868-6222 or by e-mail at christina@maccit.com.

Wisconsin's New Insured Motorist Laws

Effective June 1st, 2010 the State of Wisconsin began requiring drivers operating a motor vehicle to have auto insurance and to carry with them proof of that insurance. What this means for our drivers is that should you have the opportunity to meet one of our police officers via either a traffic stop or at a motor vehicle accident, the Officer will be asking to see not only your driver’s license, but will now also be asking to see, as required by law, proof of auto insurance.

The following is a brief overview of new laws and their respective fine amounts associated with violations:

• Statute 344.62(1) - Operating a motor vehicle w/out insurance - $114.00*
• Statute 344.62(2) - Operating a motor vehicle w/out proof of insurance - $10.00*

*Note: Fine amounts listed are for Milton Municipal Court and may be higher if stopped in another jurisdiction.

The Milton Police Department is asking drivers to please note that these new laws require BOTH insurance when operating a motor vehicle AND proof of automobile insurance. Failure to do either may result in a citation being issued. If any of you has questions about the new law and what is required, please contact the Milton Police Department at 808-6910 or by e-mail at miltonpd@charter.net.

High St. Public Meeting This Tuesday

A public meeting will take place tomorrow at 7 p.m. at City Hall (Council Chambers, Lower Level) to discuss the High Street construction project that will be completed this summer. Click here for more information about the project. Citizens with questions about property access, vehicular access, project timing, and other related issues are encouraged to attend. City staff, the City engineer, and engineers assigned by the State of Wisconsin will be at the meeting to answer your questions.

Adopt-A-Basket Campaign Underway

Every year, the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MACCIT) raises money to fund the hanging baskets which you now see in Milton's two downtown areas. The program was started four years ago to beautify the City and to benefit the downtown business districts. The flowers are up from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

MACCIT’s 2010 Adopt-A-Basket Campaign is well underway, but it’s still not too late to adopt a basket. Adopting a basket costs $95 to cover the cost of the flowers and maintenance. However, any contribution you would like to make to the program would be appreciated. Donations can be placed in canisters at various locations in Milton, or you can send donations to MACCIT at PO Box 222, Milton, WI.

If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact MACCIT Executive Director Christina Slaback at (608) 868-6222 or by e-mail at christina@maccit.com.

MACCIT Connections

Make sure you know all about upcoming Milton community events and business functions by signing up for "MACCIT Connections". This is an e-mail notification system that allows you to stay connected to the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MACCIT), which is bound to benefit you whether you are a resident or business owner. MACCIT Connections provides information about community events, business specials, lists upcoming MACCIT meetings, and provides information about MACCIT programs. To sign up just log on to MACCIT’s website: www.maccit.com. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click on “Get Email Updates", enter your e-mail address, and you'll be connected.

Holiday Week Forgetfulness

Quick note... I saw many people put out their trash and recycling on Wednesday this week. However, being a holiday week the collection is bumped back to Thursday. So, you may want to pull your trash bags back in the garage tonight so the crows and raccoons don't get to them.

Also, this is the first collection of the month, which means the bulky trash can also be put out for disposal. Residents can set out an unlimited amount of trash for collection each week, as long as each item is less than 50 pounds, and is no larger than 36 inches wide by 40 inches high. Larger items could be broken or cut into smaller sizes for weekly collection. If the items are larger than these specifications, you need to set them out on the bulky trash pick up day, which is the first pickup day of every month.

What's That??? Winner!

The first winner of the “What’s That???” contest is Dan Bekta. The correct response was Oak Ridge Golf Course. The photo was the bottom of a golf cup. Now, Dan has informed me that he plans to win all of these. So, let that stand as a challenge to the rest of you!

Oak Ridge Golf Course is an 18 hole course located right here in Milton. Click here for a map.

Rates range from $12 to $40 depending on how many holes you want to play, the day you’re golfing, and whether you want to walk or ride in a golf cart. All summer long on Friday mornings, you can golf 9 holes for only $5.

Do you need a little work on your golf swing? Never golfed before, but you want to start? Oak Ridge Golf Course offers 30 minute lessons for $30.

For more information about Oak Ridge Golf Course, log on to their website at www.oakridgegolfcourse.net or call (608) 868-4353.