Doug attended Milton schools, and he graduated from Milton High School in 1973. He then attended UW-LaCrosse, UW-Whitewater, and then Mankato State University in Minnesota, from which he graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Political Science, and Mass Communications. Doug’s newspaper career started in 1983, and he worked for several local papers. “For 21 years, beginning in 1991, I wrote a weekly column titled ‘Welch’s Grapevine’ through which I attempted to highlight and feature the uniqueness, joy, and challenges of small-town life in general and the Milton community in particular,” Doug said. “It was my goal to use the column to – often light-heartedly – write about the people of Milton and acknowledge the accomplishments and charity of the community, becoming a promoter of ‘all things Milton.’”
Doug promoted the Milton 4th of July celebration through the newspaper, and he focused much of his writing on the Milton schools.
Doug has played a large part in Milton softball and baseball. He has been a member of the Milton Softball Association since its inception in 1975, and he has played and umpired in the league each year since. The highlight of each softball season for him has been the 4th of July tournament. He played every year from 1977 through 2011 when he was sidelined by a stroke the following off-season.
In 1992, Doug started playing baseball again in a Madison senior league. He recognized the opportunity to return adult “townball” to Milton through the Raptors team. Throughout the decades, Milton has had various town baseball teams, including the Milton Crescents, the Milton Merchants, the “new” Milton Crescents, and the Milton Possums. Now, thanks to Doug’s dedication and skills, the Milton Junction Raptors are representing Milton in the Rock River League and in 2012 represented Milton in a league championship game for the first time since the “new” Crescents in 1981. Doug received the Rock River League’s Manager of the Year honor.
Doug married his wife Jean in 1983, and they have a daughter named Lauren. Doug lives in the same home his grandfather, Will Costigan, built in 1913, 100 years ago.
PARADE THEME AND REGISTRATION
Registration forms to participate in the 2013 Milton Independence Day Parade, presented by Air Products, are now 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 2013 theme this year is “Fun on the Fourth”.
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. Registrations for horses need to include documentation of the current Coggins test. All motorized vehicles must be driven by a licensed driver, and a copy of their driver’s license is required with the registration form.
The Celebrate Milton Committee is also looking for volunteers to help at the parade by lining up parade participants. If you are interested, please contact Inga Jacobson at 868-6900 ext. 4 or by e-mail at ijacobson@ci.milton.wi.us.
For additional information about the parade contact City Administrator Jerry Schuetz at (608) 868-6900 ext. 4 or by e-mail at jschuetz@ci.milton.wi.us.
