Post Messenger Recorder -

May

Belleville Solo Ensemble State Results 1 Rating: Lauren O'Connor, Lauren Severson, Sadie Pattinson, Grace Przybyl, Bridget Olig, Treise Langhammer, Megan Campbell, Kira Elmer, Leah Blask, Triple Trio; Megan Campbell, Musical Theater Solo; Cole Martin, Musical Theater Solo. 2 Rating: Casey Russell, Trumpet Solo; Treise Langhammer, Solo; Miguel Santos Braceros, Solo; Grace Przybyl, Solo; Eve Palmer, Piano Solo; Lauren O'Connor, Musical Theater Solo; Connor DeLorme, Mili Julian, Duet; Miguel Santos Braceros, Musical Theater Solo; Mili Julian, Musical Theater Solo; Bridget Olig, Musical Theater Solo; Mikaela Steckelis, Musical Theater Solo; Cole Martin, Lauren O'Connor, Duet; Grace Przybyl, Musical Theater Solo; Mili Julian, Mikaela Steckelis, Duet; Emma Veeneman, Solo.

The Kiwanis Club of Belleville recently honored five Middle School students, celebrating their outstanding academic work.  These students were nominated by their teachers as showing special talents in a specific area of study:  Jenna Shrader, daughter of Eric and Lynda, for Science; Hansi Bartle, daughter of Rob and Reyna, for Fine Arts; Emma Veeneman, daughter of Johan and Michelle, for Language Arts; Bryson Jelle, son of Tricia Ferguson and Jason Jelle, for Math; and Matteo Latorre, son of Bonni Gronli, for Social Studies.  This was the 32nd annual banquet. 

Belleville Prom Royalty were Queen Krista Diaz and King Joey Sokol. The Belleville Junior Class at the their Prom on Saturday, May 7th. The theme was "Space."

The Belleville School District, along with the Belleville Police Department, Fire Department and EMS, presented a "Scared Straight Demonstration" on Thursday May 5, at the Belleville High School to help students understand the dangers of drinking and driving.

"Bookworms" is a program in Belleville encouraging small children to become excited about books.  Volunteer readers, from Belleville Kiwanis and the Econo-misers Homemakers Club, visit the 4K Kindergarten classes monthly to read them a book selected by the teachers.  Each child receives a copy of this book, so by the end of the school year they have collected seven colorful and fun books to ask their family to read to them at home.

On Thursday, May 12, 2016, a fire was reported at home on Vista Lane, south of Belleville. Belleville Fire and EMS responded, along with personnel and equipment from New Glarus, Brooklyn, Monticello, Verona, Albany and Mount Horeb Fire Departments, as well as the Green County Sheriff's Department. Unfortunately the home was a total loss.

Belleville EMS held a celebration of 40 years of dedicated service to the community on Saturday, May 14. Past and current members of the Belleville EMS gathered at the EMS station to celebrate the EMS's 40 years of dedicated service to the community. While not everyone could attend, everyone who was there enjoyed getting together again.

Sunburst Dairy Participated in Wisconsin Farm to Table Dinner Fundraiser. This elegant dining experience was designed to bring consumers and farmers together to explore the world of agriculture, focusing on animal care, environmental practices and the safe and pure food products we consume at our dinner tables throughout the year.

Belleville EMS held their annual Open House on Wednesday, May 18th. Several area agencies participated including Belleville EMS, UW MedFlight, Green County Sheriff's Dept., Dane County Sheriff's Dept., Belleville Police Dept., Belleville Fire Dept., and Wisconsin State Patrol. People enjoyed demonstrations, food, Culver's frozen custard, face painting, finger casts and some even got pseudo-wounds.

The Belleville Fire Department held their 20th Annual Door County Style Fish Boil on Saturday, May 21st. There was a large turnout of people to enjoy the delicious, all-you-can-eat fish, potatoes, onions, coleslaw, rolls and desserts. 2015-2016 Belleville Dairy Queen Denise Rankin and 2015-2016 Albany Dairy Queen Brittany Janes were on hand to serve cheese from local Green County cheese producers.

June

Belleville Middle School students took part in Red Nose Day, a campaign dedicated to helping children and having fun. Proceeds benefit children and young people in the US and some of the poorest communities in the world. Belleville students raised over $200 in the fundraiser.

The Belleville Fire Department elected new leadership with the retirement of Ron Babler, after 44 years of service with the Department. Brian Hollis was elected Chief, and began his new role in February under dual Chiefs, and as of Monday night, May 23rd, he took on sole leadership.

The Sugar River track team members headed to state are: Landon Zimmerman in the Discus and Shot Put events. Zimmerman's 54-10 at Regionals set a new school record. Krista Diaz, in the 100m Hurdles and 4x100 Relay. Diaz also set a new school record at Regionals, with her final time of 15.19 in the 100m Hurdles.

The 4x100 Relay team consisting of Krista Diaz, Madalena Macht, Logan Fahey and Kiara Donnell also headed to state, after setting a new school record at Sectionals with their time of 51.14. Noelle Maire competed in two events at State, the 1600-Meter run and the 3200-Meter run.

The Belleville High School Graduation Ceremony was held on Sunday, June 5, in the High School Gym. Speakers included Valedictorian Nicole Sanders and Salutatorian Andrew DeLorme

The Belleville Police Department hosted a Bike Rodeo on June 4th. Participants learned about bicycle safety, received t-shirts and bike helmets and there was a professional on hand to inspect their bicycles. The Belleville Police Department's Mounted Patrol horses Monty and Taser appeared as well, simulating traffic on one of the courses.

The Sugar River Raiders girls soccer team were crowned Regional Champions. Outscoring their opponents 36-3, they have a record of 21-2-2 and recorded 15 shutouts for the season.

Landon Zimmerman placed fourth in Discus and sixth in Shot Put at the State Track Meet.   Krista Diaz placed fourth in the 100m Hurdles. Noelle Maire placed seventh in the 3200-Meter Run and ninth in the 1600-Meter Run. The team of Kiara Donnell, Krista Diaz, Madalena Macht and Logan Fahey finished in eighth place in the 4x100 Meter Relay, with a time of 50.54 – which is a new school record.

The Belleville Police Department and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources joined together to put on "Cops n' Bobbers." The event was held on June 11th, with over 110 people in attendance at the Belleville Community Park.

Clarice Loeffelholz was crowned the 2016-2017 Belleville Dairy Queen by the 2015-2016 Belleville Dairy Queen, Denise Rankin.

The Capitol Conference has announced their 2016 Softball South Division All Conference, Player and Pitcher of the Year selections. Tara Hanna, Belleville, and Grace Moen, New Glarus, were named as 1st Team Selections in the Capitol Conference Softball – South Division. Other selections included Dany Gumz, Samira Arvin, Amber Schoenicke and Bailey DeForest, all of Marshall, Macenzie Kraemer and Kaela Kraemer of Wisconsin Heights, Ashley Kniesel and Kaitlyn Filter of Waterloo, and Sierra Freeland and Emma Hanisko of Cambridge. Ryley Helwig and Alli Kowalski of Belleville and Lydia Sprecher of New Glarus were named as 2nd Team Selections in the Capitol Conference Softball – South Division. Other selections included Taylor Frey, Harlie Jordan and Bailey Neuberger of Marshall, Mackenzie Doherty, Emily Vils and Tayler Kraemer of Wisconsin Heights, Cassie Renforth, Miranda Dorn and Megan Springer of Waterloo, and Gabby Learman and Rachel Kelter of Cambridge. Dany Gumz, Marshall, was named Capitol Conference Softball South Division – Player of the Year and South Division – Pitcher of the Year. Kelly Fredrickson, New Glarus, was named an Honorable Mention Selection.

Sugar River Raiders Brought Home Silver in State Tournament. The Sugar River Raiders competed in the State Championship Game in Milwaukee. Before leaving for the game, their coach John Ziperski posted on Facebook: "Here we go! Today, I am fortunate to lead a unique team onto a soccer field for 90 minutes. Yes, it's a game, and believe me, perspective will never allow me to forget the gravity of the moment. But it is also a transition point, the end of a story, and abruptly the beginning of 10 new stories for our seniors. In 18 years, we have never known when the end of the season would come, today, that will come regardless of results. I am incredibly proud, as I always am, of what we achieved in the season. We talk about a journey, mostly in context of memories, but the secret is that it is a journey is about growth and relationships with each other, and in our community. This group is faced with a task that they knowingly and willingly approach with wide smiles, one last amazing 90 minutes together-along with two communities that so graciously have rallied behind them. Thank you, for the notes, the pictures, the pep assemblies, the cheers. This is the Raider nation's day-enjoy the experience, remember the moments, the good and bad, and celebrate."

The Wildcats Gridiron Club contributed approximately $8,700 to the football team, $2,900 for tackling rings and $5,800 for an HD camera and monitors, at the Monday, June 13th, school board meeting.  The donation will provide the Belleville High School football coaching staff with tools to better prepare our student athletes for competition. 

Union Bank & Trust Company contributed $14,226 toward the purchase of two new LED Nevco scoreboards for the high school gymnasium at the Monday, June 13th, school board meeting.

The Friends of the Belleville Public Library were pleased to announce the receipt of a generous gift from ProAssurance in Madison. ProAssurance's Charitable Contributions Committee awarded the Friends $3,000.00. Crystal Fahrenkrug, a Friends member and ProAssurance employee, made the application to the Committee.

Capitol Conference All Conference Selections - The Capitol Conference has announced their 2016 South Division Baseball All Conference and Player of the Year selections. Jesse McNamar, Belleville, was named as 1st Team Outfielder. Jared Carney, New Glarus, was named as 2nd Team Pitcher. Drew Shrader and Cash Hoffman, Belleville, were named as 2nd Team Infielders. John Chenoweth, New Glarus, was named as 2nd Team Outfielder.

Belleville Area EMS held their Pork Chop Dinner on Sunday, June 19, 2016, at the EMS Building. Belleville Area EMS has been providing 24-hour coverage year round for over 40 years to Belleville and the surrounding townships.

Green County Dairy Days was held in Belleville 2016-2017. Green County Dairy Queens include Sierra Helfvogt, Browntown; Madeline Halverson, Brooklyn; Erin Lehr, Monticello; Clarice Loeffelholz, Belleville; Stephanie James, Argyle; Sharlene Swedlund, Juda; Green County Dairy Queen Libby Beck (Albany); Green County Dairy Princess Emily Streiff (New Glarus); Liz McGuire, Brodhead; Samantha Holmstrom, Blanchardville; and Brielle Hayden, Monroe.

Sandra Lacy, Dale Yurs, Linda Kuhlman, Russ Cazier, Ross Hampton and Connie Jameson all participated in the Belleville/Brooklyn Police Citizen's Academy, receiving their plaques on June 1st.

Three members of Belleville High School's Class of 2017 spent a week on the Ripon College campus with nearly 900 other young men from around the state. The Badger Boys State program is sponsored by the American Legion and teaches students about leadership and the role of government by simulating the creation of a 51st state and all that goes along with it. Belleville was represented by Cash Hoffman, Patrick Schwoegler and Joey Sokol.

The Belleville Cub Scouts Pack 61 delivered the fliers and the Belleville Boy Scout Troop 61 collected food for the annual spring food drive, in which approximately 650 items were collected for Belleville food pantry.

The U12 Belleville Bulldogs capped off an undefeated season by taking First Place in the Hew Holstein Soccer tournament on June 18, 2016.

July

Congratulations to the two Belleville winners of the Green County Barn Photo contest. Cameron Lewis won the youth category for his photo of a barn at W4965 Wood Creek Lane. Marian Viney's photo of a barn at Sugar River Dairy near Albany won the adult category. Their photos and the winners from other Green County Library photo contests advanced to county-wide judging and were displayed at the Green County Fair. This photo contest was a cooperative effort by the Green County Libraries and the Green County Historical Society to promote the Green County Barn Inventory Project

Belleville FFA members attended the 87th State FFA Convention at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison on June 14th and 15th. Those students included Devin Brown, Nick Fahey, Denise Rankin and Adam Laufenberg.

John Ziperski, Head Soccer Coach for the Sugar River Raiders Girls Soccer Team for the past 18 years, received some impressive awards and well deserved recognition this past week. The WSCA (Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association) selected Coach Ziperski as Coach of the Year for public, small division schools and the Wisconsin State Journal selected him as All-Area Coach of the Year.

Visitors to the "For the Love of Quilts" (Pour l'amour des couvre-pieds) Quilt Show at Belleville High School Gymnasium in Belleville on July 15th and 16th were treated with 200 examples of quilter's art, from traditional bed quilts to contemporary wall hangings. The show, presented by the Belleville Chamber of Commerce and Patches and Petals quilt shop, was a delight of color and design. Special exhibits included "Kindergarten Quilts" by Belleville Kindergarten classes.

On Wednesday, July 13, 2016, DNA Genetics welcomed visitors to the opening of Wisconsin Gene Transfer Center. The new Wisconsin Gene Transfer Center will have a main barn with 472 spaces, as well as an isolation barn with 100 spaces. They plan to serve customers within a 250-mile radius with a full production capacity of 16,000 doses per week. Production is planned to begin in September.

August

Monona Bankshares, Inc., the holding company for Monona State Bank, has announced that it is expanding its bank and team of bankers by acquiring the holding company for Middleton Community Bank. It will merge the two banks under the name Monona State Bank. After the banks merge, Monona State Bank will employ more than 150 associates in nine locations.

It will operate the Middleton Community Bank locations in Middleton, Cross Plains, Belleville, Sauk City and Brooklyn. The combined banks will have $775 million in assets, giving them more opportunities to compete and grow. 

Belleville Prom Royalty were Queen Krista Diaz and King Joey Sokol. The Belleville Junior Class held their Prom on Saturday, May 7th. The theme was "Space."

Belleville Community Picnic was held on August 11-14, 2016, and offered fun for all ages! Although Friday night's rain sent people rushing for cover, the fireworks went on. The rest of the weekend was warm and sunny and many people came out to enjoy the Community Picnic.

Lake Belle View was celebrated at the Fifth Annual Belleville Lakefest on Sunday, August 28, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., in Belleville's Community Park. Free, family-friendly activities included canoe rides, t'ai chi, fur trade re-enactors, nature hikes, music, and a hands-on presentation by nature educator David Stokes and his live lake critters.

The Belleville Wildcats played their first football game of the year at home on Friday, August 19th, winning against the Deerfield Demons, 31-6. The game was called with just over four minutes to play, due to lightning in the area.