July 2019

Farmers Markets in Full Swing Despite Cool, Damp Weather

CROSS PLAINS/MIDDLETON–Although off to a slow start, Mother Nature will not be denied her growing season. And, thankfully, the public will not be denied their farmers’ markets, despite weather-related cancellations, wind, rain and chilly temperatures. Both Cross Plains and Middleton Farmers’ Markets, held respectively on Wednesdays 3:30-6 p.m., at the corner of Hwy. P and Main St., and Thursdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m., in Greenway Station, are proof. 

Vendors, coming from localities such as Arena, Blue Mounds, Cross Plains, Gays Mills, Highland, Oregon and Madison, expect that in July seasonal fruit and vegetables will be in abundance.

“It’s coming around,” said Natalie Ortega of Natalie’s Garden and Greenhouse, “We’re optimistic and we have our expected produce, now.” Her stall in Middleton is one of several selling herbs and flowering plants.

MADISON–It was their last chance to tell the Public Service Commission that a power line proposed to extend between the town of Middleton and Dubuque, IA wasn’t wanted or needed.

The crowd that overflowed the PSC’s largest hearing room to oppose the construction of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek (CHC) power line needed to make the arguments that would convince the commissioners, who after more than two years of study, would vote this summer on the line’s fate.

Mount Horeb Area School District Superintendent Steve Salemo was among the first to testify at the July 27 public hearing. Salemo said the need for the line is based on a false premise that energy demand is increasing, He urged caution be taken on a decision that will have profound consequences on the area. The impact on human health the electro-magnetic fields the line would create needs further study.

“The fullest impact of the lines are not yet realized,” he said.

CROSS PLAINS/VERONA–Joann Ellen (Moretti) Senn, age 71, passed away on June 15, 2019 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She was born on April 9, 1948 in Monroe, WI to parents, Jacob and Edna (Wallbaum) Senn. Joann grew up on the family farm in Browntown and was a 1966 graduate of Monroe High School. She completed her Lab Technician training in Rockford, IL then spent time working with the Red Cross Hospital in Madison. Joann met Jay Moretti through mutual friends in 1973 and they were married November 8, 1975 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Cross Plains. Together, they raised three children and ran a legal office, where Joann worked as a legal assistant. Over the span of her career, Joann specialized in the administration field and worked for DeWitt Ross & Stevens, Madison National Life, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, as well as, Farm & Fleet. 

BARNEVELD–Scott R. Ellarson, 64, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019 following complications from a stroke he suffered while turkey hunting on May 10.  He was born in Madison WI November 25, 1954, the son of Dr. Robert S. and Jean C. (Kintzele) Ellarson.