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Konkel Round Up
Local Government News
No sports, no crime, no fluff.
Corrections, press releases and articles can be sent to forwardlookout@gmail.com. Articles are added to the day they are published, however, sometimes they are added not until the following day.
Last updated September 13, 9:50 pm
Sunday, September 13, 2026
City of Madison
- Week of September 14, 2026 – Alder Joann Pritchett
- Week of September 14, 2026 – Alder Badri Lankella
- City Meetings and Updates Week of 9/14 – Alder Derek Field
Education
- Waunakee celebrates opening of new middle school – Cahnnel3000.com
Saturday, September 12, 2026
City of Madison
- “The question being asked is why you and other alders voted No on increasing the OIM budget.” – Alder Sabrina Madison
- Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of September 14, 2026 – Alder John Guequierre
Dane County
- County board receives Sierra Club award – Fitchburg Star
- County Board recognizes National Hispanic Heritage Month – Verona Press
Friday, September 11, 2026
City of Madison
- Don’t miss Sunday’s Good Neighbor Gathering @ Brittingham Park! – Alder Tag Evers
- City threatens to have Social Justice Center declared a public nuisance – State Journal
- Roots blamed for sewage overflow on Madison’s east side – WKOW Channel 27
- Reels on Wheels! -Madison Bikes
- Dane Co. Regional Airport developing new master plan – Channel3000.com
Dane County
- Dane County Board calls for review, public input on proposed transmission line -Channel3000.com
- Dane Co. Regional Airport developing new master plan – Channel3000.com
- Dane County explores Flock camera alternatives – Daily Cardinal
Education
- UW-Madison graduate releases video he says he secretly recorded inside campus facility during pig CO2 stunning – WMTV Channel 15
- UW-Madison students, staff explain what they want in a new chancellor – Cap Times
- Edgewood High School to upgrade athletic complex – WKOW Channel 27
Spring Elections
Other
- Madison Black Chamber of Commerce to present over half a million in grants to Black-owned business – Badger Herald
Thursday, September 10, 2026
City of Madison
- Upgrades outlined in Mayor’s proposed Capital Budget and Improvement Plan – Badger Herald
- Upgrades outlined in Mayor’s proposed Capital Budget and Improvement Plan – WORT 89.9 FM
- Exterior improvements approved for Madison’s Edgewater hotel – State Journal
- No landmark status for Madison’s Prohibition-era Wonder Bar – State Journal
- Social justice groups plan forum on fatal police shooting – State Journal
- UW-Madison graduate claims cruel pig practices afoot at the university – State Journal
- Madison Metro Transit cuts could affect early bird, night owl riders – Cap Times
Dane County
- Dane County urges delay in proposed Wisconsin transmission line – WKOW Channel 27
- Upgrades outlined in Mayor’s proposed Capital Budget and Improvement Plan – WMTV Channel 15
- Volunteers hand-build new Ice Age Trail at Indian Lake County Park – WMTV Channel 15
- Dane County grant helps Stoughton neighbors save Lot 3 Sunnyside – WKOWChannel 27
- DeForest to host 2026 Special Olympic Wisconsin Fall Games – WMTV Channel 15
- Village of Cambridge approves new fire, EMS agreement – Herald Independent and McFarland Thistle
- Four businesses get ‘Bike Friendly’ status – Fitchburg Star
- Estate gift closes Sun Prairie library’s Next Chapter capital campaign – Sun Prairie Star
- Dane County keeps highest-available bond rating, but outlook is negative – Channel3000.com
Education
- UW-Madison launches search for two new ombuds – State Journal
- Deerfield students go back to school for the first time in new building – Herald Independent and McFarland Thistle
- WARF announces total 2026 support for UW–Madison research – UW-Madison
- UW-Madison graduate claims cruel pig practices afoot at the university – Daily Cardinal
Spring Elections
- Madison’s Mayoral Race Grows to Seven. 77 Square Miles
- Former Dane County Sup. April Kigeya launches bid for Madison mayor – State Journal
- Former Dane County supervisor launches Madison mayoral campaign focused on housing, safety – WKOW Channel 27
- Former Dane County Board Supervisor April Kigeya joins Madison mayoral race. WMTV Channel 15
- Former Dane Co. supervisor enters race for Madison mayor – Channel3000.com
- April Kigeya, former County Board supervisor, joins race for Madison mayor – Madison365
Other
- SSM Health violated federal labor law, nurses union alleges – WORT 89.9 FM
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
City of Madison
- Willy Street businesses warn recovery far from over after Madison council rejects relief – WMTV Channel 15
- Breese Stevens Field plans upgrades for concerts and soccer – Channel3000.com
- Common Council rejects $100,000 relief fund for impacted Willy St. businesses – Badger Herald
- Milwaukee Street reconstruction leaves homeowners facing surprise bills. – WMTV Channel 15
- DNR Service Center in downtown Madison set to close at end of the month – WKOW Channel 27
- Defeated: Proposed Williamson Street Business Stabilization Program – Alder Davy Mayer
- Madison’s absentee ballot drop boxes opening on Thursday – WMTV Channel 15
- Madison mayor talks about proposed body cameras for police – WKOW Channel 27
- 4-year restraining order granted against Madison’s interim police monitor – WMTV Channel 15
- Local businesses and police oversight snubbed in city council vote – WORT 89.9 FM
- Member of Madison School Board, police oversight board may go to trial – Cap Times
- Madison’s 14 absentee ballot drop boxes open Thursday, earlier than past elections – WKOW Channel 27
- Madison officials appoint Devine Nzegwu to District 1 council seat – Channel3000.com
- Let’s Talk Budget 2027 County Meeting – Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole
- Madison Common Council appoints Devine Nzegwu to District 1 vacancy – Madison 365
- Dept. of Natural Resources: Downtown Madison Service Center will close Sept. 30 – WisPolitics
- Madison City Council rejects more money for independent police monitor – State Journal
- Madison police officer gets restraining order against city’s police monitor – State Journal
- Madison alders vote down relief funds to businesses hurt by encampment – Wisconsin Public Radio
- Madison police officer granted restraining order against independent police monitor – Channel3000.com
- TRAFFIC & SAFETY PRESENTATION / SCHROEDER ROAD – Alder Barbara Harrington McKinney
- Madison Common Council rejects Willy Street financial relief fund – Channel3000.com
- Madison Common Council rejects $28K funding boost for Office of the Independent Monitor – WKOW Channel 27
- Madison Common Council rejects $28K funding boost for Office of the Independent Monitor – WKOW Channel 27
- How Madison struck deals to build 212 lower-cost student beds – Cap Times
- Here’s where Madison residents could feel city budget pinch – Cap Times
- Madison council rejects funding tied to police oversight and business recovery after deadly shooting – WMTV Channel 15
- Madison council rejects funding tied to police oversight and business recovery after deadly shooting – WMTV Channel 15
Dane County
- McFarland approves demolition of duplex to fill in trail – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent
- City receives pair of ‘Climate Champion’ awards – Fitchburg Star
- Volunteers help create new path on Ice Age Trail in Cross Plains – WKOW Channel 27
- Ice Age Trail gains safer dedicated route at Indian Lake Park – Channel3000.com
- Agard recognizes Labor Day – Verona Press
- Dane County judge orders police monitor to avoid contact with police officer after Aug. 4 confrontation – WKOW Channel 27
- City hosts annual ‘Youth Government Week’ – Fitchburg Star
- Military Ridge State Trail Bridge Work Begins – City of Verona
- Oregon board members balk at downsizing Foxboro Golf Course – State Journal
- Prairie restoration and conservation in Middleton – State Journal
- Prairie restoration and conservation in Middleton – Sun Prairie Star
Education
- School District of Cambridge sets dates for three more community coffee breaks – Herald Independent and McFarland Thistle
- Verona teacher charged with sex assault of student – State Journal
- Criminal complaint accuses Verona teacher of assaulting former student – WMTV Channel 15
- September 2026: Chats with the (interim) Chancellor – UW Madison
- DeForest School District to host internet safety presentation on sextortion and digital red flags – Sun Prairie Star
- Madison schools adjust cooling practices to prepare for fall heat – State Journal
Other
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
City of Madison
- Madison City Week Ahead 9/8/26 – Forward Lookout
- Madison weighs Downtown Area Plan changes amid Amtrak station hopes – Cap Times
- District 20 – Weekly Events – Alder Barbara Harrington McKinney
- Council declines landmark status for Wonder Bar – WKOW Channel 27
- Madison homeowners surprised by costly road, sewer assessments – WKOW Channel 27
- Devine Nzegwu sworn in as interim Madison City Council member – State Journal
- State government moves to reduce footprint in downtown Madison – WORT 89.9 FM
- Body-worn cameras for police officers among priorities in Madison mayor’s 2027 capital budget proposal – WKOW Channel 27
- Madison mayor’s 2027 capital budget includes police body cameras – Channel3000.com
- Madison City Council president creates workgroup on police use of force – State Journal
- Questions to be asked & answered? What was expected? What happened? What needs to change? – Alder Barbara Harrington McKinney
- Madison Common Council president establishes workgroup on policing policies – WKOW Channel 27
- City of Madison Common Council President Madison: Announces workgroup on policing policies – WisPolitics
- Social media post regarding Finance Committee members – Alder Sabrina Madison
- Madison Clerk’s Office begins mailing absentee ballots for Nov. 3 election – Channel3000.com
- Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of September 7, 2026 – Alder Sean O’Brien
- IRONMAN races return to Madison this weekend – Channel3000.com
- Common Council – RECONSIDERATION ITEMS 59 & 60 – Alder Barbara Harrington McKinney
Dane County
- Sun Prairie social services hub planning to construct new building – State Journal
- Life Under the Jets and your voice matters – Safe Skies Clean Water
- Madison’s 115th Fighter Wing reportedly deploys to Middle East – Channel3000.com
- Dane County reveals AI chatbot in non-emergency phone line – Badger Herald
- Study Shows Bail Risk Assessments Don’t Work – WORT 89.9 FM
- Sun Prairie Plan Commission approves new Sunshine Place facility, heads to Common Council – WMTV Channel 15
- Learn more… (Help Migrating Birds) – City of Middleton
- Dane County sees record high homelessness – WORT 89.9 FM
- New Glarus Town Board chair ordered to pay nearly $2,000 in sign theft case – Channel3000.com
- Trash & Recycling Collection Delayed this Week Due to Labor Day – City of Monona
Education
- UW-Madison applications more than doubled in a decade. Here’s why. – Cap Times
- Madison schools block AI tools like Google Gemini on student computers – Cap Times
- Grassroots effort secures vote on restructuring Middleton-Cross Plains School Board – State Journal
- In the 608: Inside look at the new Waunakee Community Middle School – Channel3000.com
- Information/tour sessions set for upcoming Waunakee School District referendum – Waunakee Tribune
- Site plan for Waunakee High School project – Waunakee Tribune
Spring Elections
Other
- St. Mary’s nurses request federal labor charges against SSM Health – Channel3000.com
Monday, September 7, 2026
City of Madison
- Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of September 7, 2026 – Alder Bill Tishler
- At last, the Imagination Center is opening – Isthmus
- Reflecting on Willy Street – Red Madison
- Community Connections Week of September 7th 2026 – Alder Carmella Glenn
- OPINION: We asked for change peacefully. The city answered with force. – Madison365
- Week of September 7, 2026 – Alder Joann Pritchett
Dane County
- Dane County seeking public input on ‘difficult’ 2027 budget – State Journal
- Monona may buy Monona Grove School District building – State Journal
Education
- none yet
Spring Elections
- none yet
Sunday, September 6, 2026
City of Madison
- News, Events, Local News & Upcoming Meetings – Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole
- Go Solar with MadiSUN – A City Partnership – Alder Yannette Figureoa Cole
- Another JND Detour, Cheap BFF Tickets Today, Research Park Paths – Madison Bikes
- 113 Ely Place appeal this Tuesday; Water main flushing this week; Lucia Crest Park trees to be removed; Events & Announcements – Alder Regina Vidaver
- City Meetings and Updates Week of September 7th – Alder Derek Field
- Update 9/6/26: Street Construction Project on Parman Terrace – Alder Bill Tishler
- Week of September 7, 2026 – Alder Badri Lankella
Education
Saturday, September 5, 2026
City of Madison
- From Theory to Practice: Transportation, Safety, and the Future of Odana Road in District 11 – Alder Bill Tishler
- Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of September 7, 2026 – Alder John Guequierre
Dane County
- Water Main Repair on Johnson Street On Sept. 5 – City of McFarland
Education
- UW-Madison officer reprimanded for student interactions – State Journal
Friday, September 4, 2026
City of Madison
- New $27 million men’s shelter opens on Madison’s east side – WMTV Channel 15
- Madison streets to close for IRONMAN Wisconsin races Sept. 12-13 – WKOW Channel 27
- Several streets closing for IRONMAN events next weekend – Channel3000.com
- Register to join Alder Madison on Zoom for district 17 related updates – Alder Sabrina Madison
- City aid advances for Willy Street businesses, not police oversight – Cap Times
Dane County
- Lisa Lane closing at Parmenter Street in Middleton next week – Channel3000.com
- Windsor to field applications for village board vacancy – Sun Prairie Star
- Sun Prairie approves data center moratorium – State Journal
- Refuse and Recycling Delay due to Labor Day Holiday – City of Fitchburg
Education
- Edgewood High School adds wearable emergency alert badges – WMTV Channel 15
- Verona Area School District teacher arrested, placed on leave following alleged inappropriate conduct – WMTV Channel 15
Spring Elections
- “Truth and reconciliation.” Brian Benford launches Mayoral campaign focused on racial justice – Madison365
Other
Thursday, September 3, 2026
City of Madison
- Road closures ahead of Taste of Madison – WMTV Channel 15
- Multiple streets closing for annual Taste of Madison event – Channel3000.com
- Family of Corey Ruiz, Ben Crump push for body cameras – Channel3000.com
- Taste of Madison brings downtown street closures Labor Day weekend – WKOW Channel 27
- Corey Ruiz family calls for body camera mandate in Wisconsin – Cap Times
- West Mifflin apartment building opens with tribute to historic house it replaced – State Journal
- Ben Crump, Corey Ruiz family push Madison for police body camera policy – WMTV Channel 15
- State gets final OK to sell 2 downtown Madison office buildings – WisPolitics
- A new kind of men’s homeless shelter in Madison – Isthmus
- Madison Fire Department welcomes 10th ambulance to fleet – WKOW Channel 27
- 10th ambulance goes into service in Madison – State Journal
- Madison ranked 12th happiest major US city – Daily Cardinal
Dane County
- Dane County homelessness reaches highest level since 2009 – WKOW Channel 27
- Two serious crashes put new focus on Beltline safety in Monona – Channel3000.com
- Loneliness & Isolation – City of Middleton
- Temporary Road Closures – City of Fitchburg
- Hydrant Flushing – Sep 28 – City of Middleton
- Reduced Metro Transit Service on Labor Day – City of Fitchburg
- Recycling Pickup Missed for Some Homes on Sept. 2 – City of McFarland
- Sun Prairie approves one-year data center moratorium – Sun Prairie Star
Education
- Records: UW-Madison professor engaged in sex with students, exploited ‘power imbalance’ – State Journal
- UW-Madison students, records detail investigation of professor – Cap Times
- Madison school district, MSCR unveiling remodeled cabins at Madison School Forest – Channel3000.com
- Tips don’t go directly to UW-Madison’s food servers. What happens to the money? – WisPolitics
- Madison schools add ‘safety and security’ staff – Isthmus
- MMSD Board approves three Madison school name changes – Daily Cardinal
- Board of Regents approve Mosse Humanities building demolition – Daily Carcinal
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
City of Madison
- Realta Fusion, MGE look to build nuclear fusion power plant in Wisconsin – State Journal
- Realta, MGE explore building a nuclear fusion power plant in Wisconsin – Cap Times
- City of Madison Common Council set to review financial relief for Williamson “Willy” St. businesses following the fatal shooting of Corey Ruiz – Badger Herald
- Madison leaders back downsized Willy Street relief fund – WORT 89.9 FM
- Madison Public Market announces official grand opening date – WMTV Channel 15
- Madison Public Market announces grand opening date – Channel3000.com
- Madison Public Market sets official grand opening date – State Journal
- Proposed exterior upgrades to Edgewater hotel head to City Council – State Journal
- 8 updates to check out from Common Council President Sabrina Madison – Alder Sabrina Madison
- Committee picks nominee for vacant District 1 seat on Madison City Council – State Journal
- Stoughton Rd. Redesign Public Information Meeting hosted by Alder Field & Alder O’Brien – Alder Sean O’Brien
- Sale of 2 state-owned Downtown Madison buildings gets final approval – State Journal
- Madison men’s shelter opens amidst capacity concerns – Channel3000.com
- Realta Fusion, MGE look to build fusion energy power plant in Wisconsin – Channel3000.com
- Far West Side farmland eyed for numerous residential buildings, retail space – State Journal
Dane County
- Mount Horeb recreation complex moves forward as board weighs how village will pay its share – WMTV Channel 15
- Dane Co. law enforcement increasing enforcement in, around school zones – Channel3000.com
- Dane County Waste & Renewables director announces departure – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent
- County public budget hearings begin Sept. 9 – Verona Press
- Labor Day Trash & Recycling Schedule Changes – City of McFarland
- City to hire more firefighters; finalize collective bargaining – Fitchburg Star
- Traffic planning nears completion for DeForest Buc-ee’s – Sun Prairie Star
- Belleville receives $1.7 million for highway pedestrian underpass – Channel3000.com
- Henry Vilas Zoo aviary closed as motmots welcome baby – Channel3000.com
Education
- Cambridge High School ranked 19th in state by U.S. News & World Report – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent
- Cambridge School District voters approve preliminary tax levy, short-term borrowing at annual meeting – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent
- First day of classes at UW-Madison full of motion – State Journal
- Welcome to a new semester of possibility at UW-Madison – State Journal
Other
- SSM Health Dean nurses set union election dates – Channel3000.com
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
City of Madison
- In the 608: Madison area public schools return to the classroom Tuesday and Wednesday – Channel3000.com
- Corey Ruiz’s family should guide police legislation, Stubbs says – Cap Times
- City of Madison celebrates CARES turning five – WMTV Channel 15
- Madison Finance Committee rejects request to transfer $28k to OIM – WMTV Channel 15
- Madison CARES marks fifth anniversary – Channel3000.com
- 9,000 people helped in 5 years, Madison’s CARES program now faces potential budget cuts – WKOW Channel 27
- Financial relief for Williamson Street businesses hangs in balance – Channel3000.com
- Madison can’t track the outcome of some parking tickets, audit says – Cap Times
- Willy Street business relief fund advances, but for much less than first sought – State Journal
- Bicycle Film Festival is Back On October 1st – Madison Bikes
Dane County
- Cottage Grove board addresses ‘brown water’ complaints – Herald Independent and McFarland Thistle
- Register Today! (Smart Trips Challenge) – City of Middleton
- “Who’s going to pay for it?” Village of Cottage Grove seeks third-party study of discolored water – WKOW Channel 27
- 7-foot sculpture carved from fallen ash tree installed at Verona park – WKOW Channel 27
- $17M road project stands between DeForest and future Buc-ee’s – WMTV Channel 15
- Verona installs Tai Chi-inspired sculpture at Century School Park – Channel3000.com
- September Issue (Good Neighbor News) – City of Middleton
- Public Health searching for dog that bit person near downtown Madison intersection – WKOW Channel 27
- Public Health seeks info on loose dog that bit person on Yellowstone Drive – WKOW Channel 27
- Fitchburg Awarded $758,034 for Traceway and Leopold Path Project – City of Fitchburg
- Construction begins next week on Middleton’s Century and Branch project – Channel3000.com
- Labor Day Reminders – City of Verona
Education
- Edgewood University welcomes largest class of first-year students in 10 years – WMTV Channel 15
- Convocation 2026: Heeding advice, finding community and having a beginner’s mind – State Journal
- State superintendent joins Monona Grove School District to mark start of new school year – WKOW Channel 27
- Bigger enrollment decline expected as Sun Prairie School Board approves proposed ’26-’27 budget – Sun Prairie Star
- Cross Plains principal back at work after near-death experience – WMTV Channel 15
- MMSD students head back to school for 2026-2027 school year – WKOW Channel 27
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Brenda Konkel
