Good Neighbor News January 2026

Carbon Monoxide Safety This Winter

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, invisible gas that can be dangerous. Protect your household by installing CO alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas, keeping vents clear of snow, and never using grills or generators indoors. If an alarm sounds, get outside immediately, then call 911 from outside.

Smart Salt Use: Protect Our Waters

You can keep sidewalks and driveways safe while protecting local waters this winter. Shovel early to prevent ice from forming. If salt is needed, use less than you think—one coffee mug can treat a 20-foot driveway. When temperatures fall below 15°F, switch to sand or a low-temperature ice melter to reduce runoff.

Community Campus Plan: Info Sessions

The City is exploring long-term solutions through the Community Campus Plan. Residents are invited to attend upcoming information sessions in January, February, and March to learn about facility needs, planning progress, and next steps. Learn more here.

Holiday Tree Pickup Reminder

Holiday tree pickup begins the first week of January, with crews typically making two passes through the City and finishing before February. Place trees curbside with the stump end facing right, free of decorations, lights, bags, and stands, and not frozen to the ground. Keep trees clear of carts, vehicles, hydrants, and mailboxes.

Shape the Future of Middleton Parks

The City is updating its long-range plan for parks, trails, and outdoor recreation. Visit the Parks Projects page to learn more and take the CORP Survey — your ideas directly shape future improvements, amenities, and recreation opportunities. The survey closes February 16, 2026.

Middleton Police Department Promotion

The Middleton Police Department announces the promotion of Officer Slobodan Rozic to Patrol Sergeant. Sergeant Rozic brings more than a decade of law enforcement experience, including service with the Wisconsin State Capitol Police and multiple specialized roles within MPD. He will be assigned to the third shift.

January Library Programs for Adults

The Middleton Public Library offers a variety of adult programs this January, including workshops, book discussions, and creative events. From genealogy help and creative writing to hands-on crafting and history programs, there’s something for everyone. Visit midlibrary.org/events for complete details.

Tubing at Tyrol Basin

Middleton Parks & Recreation invites residents of all ages to enjoy a fun-filled tubing trip to Tyrol Basin. Spend four hours racing, spinning, and laughing with friends and family. Register by January 16. Join us on January 23 from noon to 4:00 p.m. for snowy thrills.

Welcome, Our New Officer

Please join us in welcoming Officer Zethren Zeichert to the Middleton Police Department. Officer Zeichert recently graduated from the 153rd Law Enforcement Academy at Madison College, where MPD’s Honor Guard presented the colors. He brings prior experience as a firefighter/EMT and correctional officer and will begin field training this month.

Conservancy Talks: Beavers & Streams

The 2026 Conservancy Days series begins with a presentation on Wisconsin’s ecosystem engineers—beavers. Join conservation expert Bob Boucher on January 15 at the Middleton Public Library to learn how beavers improve water quality, reduce flooding, and support biodiversity. This free program begins at 6:00 p.m.

Art Walk Middleton 2026: Save the Date

Art Walk Middleton returns Saturday, May 16, 2026, bringing original art, live demonstrations, music, and downtown energy together for a full-day celebration. Stroll the streets, meet local artists, and enjoy shopping and dining along the way. Artist applications are now open and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Sustainable Middleton Awards: Now Accepting Applications

Applications are now open for the Sustainable Middleton Awards. These awards recognize residents, businesses, and nonprofits for making a positive environmental impact. Applications are accepted January 1 through February 28. Learn more here!

Serve on a City Board or Committee

The City of Middleton has openings on several boards and committees, including the Public Safety Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Landmarks Commission. These volunteer roles help ensure resident voices are part of City decisions. Most committees meet once or twice a month. Learn more about these opportunities and apply here!

Winter Garbage Cart Placement Reminder

Proper placement of garbage carts helps ensure winter collection is safe and efficient. Place carts on a flat, cleared surface in your driveway or at the end of your driveway—never on snowbanks, sidewalks, or in the street. Allow at least two feet of clearance from vehicles, mailboxes, and obstacles. Minor adjustments make a big difference for crews.

Blood Drive at City Hall

Donate blood and help save lives at the City Hall blood drive on January 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Blood donations support patients throughout the region and are needed year-round. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are encouraged when available. Thank you for helping make a meaningful difference in our community.

Senior Center Tech Talk: Online Security

Join the Middleton Senior Center on February 12 from 1:00–2:00 p.m. for a Tech Talk on online security. Learn about passwords, multi-factor authentication, password managers, and protecting your devices. There will be time for questions and discussion. Learn more here!

Resolve to Be CPR Ready in 2026

Make 2026 the year you’re prepared to save a life. Middleton EMS encourages residents to learn CPR—a critical skill that can save lives in an emergency. Training is offered periodically through the American Red Cross and local partners. Download the PulsePoint app, which alerts trained bystanders to nearby cardiac emergencies.

Pay Your Property Taxes Online

Property tax payments in Middleton can be made conveniently online through the City’s XPress Bill Pay service, available 24/7 through January 31, 2026. Visit the City website and follow the tax payment link. Payments must be submitted by the deadline to be considered timely.