September 2023

MIDDLETON–The Middleton Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD) has had a robust program that protects students from harmful internet content and monitors student Internet activity on district-supplied devices, according to Brian Miles, Director of Technology Services.

Qustodio software provides parents or guardians with daily or weekly reports that show the websites their child has visited, movies they’ve watched, searches made and the amount of screen time they’ve accumulated, Miles told the MCPASD Board of Education Monday night.

“Parents have been asking me about this since last spring,” when Miles was appointed MCPASD’s IT director. “It’s important because it creates a connection between the district and families.”

MIDDLETON–The Middleton Common Council reviewed a draft report regarding parks and public facility needs in the city at their meeting on Sept. 5. As the city continues to grow in population and density, land for parks and public access is becoming more limited. The report will be given a public hearing on Oct. 3 before the council takes any action.

The city worked on the report over the last 18 months to complete a public facility needs assessment, include updates for statutory changes, and provide an analysis of current parkland and improvement needs. The report was prepared by Carla Gogin of Baker Tilly accounting firm.

MADISON–A huge electronic billboard erected along the Beltline Highway without city permits may have to come down.

According to an Aug. 7 order from Dane County Judge Nia Trammell:

In May 2022, Adams Outdoor Advertising Ltd. installed a two-sided, 48-foot-wide, 14-foot-high digital sign, mounted on a 35-foot-high pedestal just west of Beltline and south of Nursey Drive

Months before, the city declined to grant Adams a sign permit as the property, zoned Planned Development District, doesn’t allow outdoor advertising structures without a variance.

The ordinance allows signs to be displayed on buildings but not signs that aren’t an accessory to the property’s principal use.

Since the Adams’ billboard is a permanent stand-alone structure not associated with the property on which it is built, the city considers it a prohibited off-premises sign.

The Middleton Area Wrestling Club (MAWC) will induct three former wrestlers into its Hall of Fame Saturday. The second annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held at the Red Mouse in Pine Bluff beginning at 5 p.m.

This year’s Hall of Fame Class consists of Kevin Fisher, Luke Francois and Tim Root.

KEVIN FISHER

Fisher graduated from Wild Rose High School, where he qualified for the state tournament as a senior.

Fisher was an AAU USA Junior Olympics National Champion at 192 pounds in 1975. He claimed victory at the U.S. Wrestling Federal Freestyle Championship state championship in 1976 and finished in second place at the U.S. Wrestling Freestyle in the 178-pound category in 1976.

Fisher wrestled for the University of Wisconsin before his career was cut short by two knee surgeries.