June 2020

Just about everyone has heard of Roundup (glyphosate), the herbicide made by Monsanto (now owned by Bayer), and spread generously on fields and lawns throughout the country. But, do you know about Dicamba?

When the efficacy of Roundup started to slip, and weeds grew resistant to the product, Monsanto needed a new weed killer, and the company began working to development soybeans and cotton that was resistant to Dicamba, which has been around, but not widely used, since 1959. The problem with the chemical is that it has a tendency to drift in the wind, causing the death of nearby crops that were not resistant. 

This drift caused farmers to engage in arguments with other farmers over the loss of their crops due to Dicamba drift, in some cases whole fields were destroyed by the herbicide.

MIDDLETON–The Middleton-Cross Plains School District Board of Education discussed the plans for students graduating and returning to school in the fall amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The final decision for graduation is expected on July 13 while the fall plan is to be determined on July 20.

While the final plan must be approved by Dane County and the health department, the district is planning for an in-person graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 at Breitenbach Stadium on July 25 at 7 p.m., or the same time the following day in case of rain.

Depending on the guidance from the county or the health department the district will hold either a full in-person ceremony with 500 plus graduates and up 2,600 attendees, split the ceremony into smaller groups and limit attendees, or have a drive by ceremony with accommodations made for those without vehicles. The event will be live-streamed and hosted on the district’s Youtube channel for those who cannot attend.

MADISON–The Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) approved spending $7.2 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding, including a $4.1 million block grant program to help local election officials and voters prepare for fall, 2020, elections amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

WEC will send an informational mailing to approximately 2.7 million registered voters later this summer about voting options for November, including an absentee ballot request form and a return envelope. The voter mailing is designed to inform voters who have not already requested an absentee ballot for November about their three voting options, including absentee voting by mail or in-person at the clerk’s office and voting at the polls on Election Day.

Ben White knew this day was quickly approaching.

The one where he’d have to pass the reigns of Middleton’s boys volleyball program onto somebody else. The day where he turned over one of the most successful sports in the school to another leader.

For White, that day came on June 12 — and understandably, it came with mixed emotions.

White was named Middleton’s new assistant athletic director. Due to the demands of his new job, White had to step down as the boys’ volleyball coach after a remarkably successful 19-year run.

“Middleton volleyball is something that has been part of my life for 28 years — and I'm not that old,” said White, who was also a player and an assistant coach for the Cardinals before becoming the head man in 2001. “It will always hold a special place in my heart. I am hopeful that in my new role I can help the new coach with any questions they may have and help provide any guidance they may need.”