January 2013

Images that appeared in the Middleton Times-Tribune last year ranged from joyous celebrations to solemn remembrances.

Clockwise from top left: performers at the Middleton Chamber of Commerce’s annual celebration; Ann Romney, wife of GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney, with supporters in front of the Middleton Public Library; educators cut the ribbon at the opening of a new Montessori school in the Town of Middleton; local firefighters help track down a thief in Mexico; a candlelight vigil at the Sikh temple on Century Avenue; police officer Nick Stroik is given a medal of valor for shooting an armed intruder; a photographer gets photographed during the Middleton High School Homecoming Parade; Dianne Hesselbein celebrates her victory in the race for the 79th State Assembly seat (center photo).

Pick up a copy of this week's print edition, or purchase the e-edition, for a full rundown of the year's top stories.

FRANKLIN — I’ll be the first to admit, I’m jaded.

Twenty-plus years in this business will do that to even the most pie-in-sky optimists.

For every great kid and terrific story, there’s another one — and maybe more — to muck things up.

But every now and again comes a story that restores your faith in, well, really everything that’s good about people and life.

In this case, that story bleeds into the sporting world, as well.

Meet Natalie Staples, a remarkably determined, strong-minded, and resolute member of Middleton’s girls basketball team. If ever there was a poster child for perseverance, it’s Staples.

By now many of you likely know Staples’ incredible story.

In Aug., 2010, Staples and a group of six friends went for an ATV ride on the family’s 16-acre property in Cross Plains. They hit a patch of gravel and the vehicle flipped.

They were shorthanded, under the weather and sluggish most of the night.

Still, Middleton’s boys basketball team rallied from an 18-point deficit against Madison Edgewood last Friday.

Down the stretch, though, the Crusaders made more big plays and pulled out a hard fought, 50-49 non-conference win.

“We looked like we were sick,” Middleton coach Kevin Bavery said. “Guys were trying to run but looked like they were in quicksand.”

Middleton played without four of its top 10 players, including standout guard Derek Rongstad (hand) and starting forward Chris Little (flu). Still, the Cardinals battled back from a huge hole to make the final moments thrilling.

Kenji Passini, who led Middleton with 12 points, scored five straight points late to put the Cardinals ahead, 49-48. First, Passini drilled a three-pointer. Then Passini made two free throws with 28 seconds remaining to give Middleton the lead.

From a Dane County Sheriff's Office Press Release:

Shortly after 3:00 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 1, Dane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a snowmobile vs. car crash on Lavina Road in the town of Dane. 

A snowmobile operated by Brett A. Roesslein, age 52, unexpectedly entered the roadway.  An approaching vehicle operated by Nick J. Ballweg, age 29, was unable to stop due to the snow covered and slippery road.  The snowmobile and car collided, resulting in Roesslein being injured.  His injuries were not life threatening and he was transported to Meriter Hospital for treatment.

The incident was forwarded to Marine and Trail Enforcement deputies and the DNR for follow-up.