Forward Lookout

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Have a burning local government question?  Something that’s bothering you that we should look into?  Let us know!  And we’ll air the answers on our Monday evening segment on WORT 89.9 FM News or on the extended version you’ll find online here and at wortfm.org.

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Local Government News

No sports, no crime, no fluff.

is there anything left in local news?

Corrections, press releases and articles can be sent to forwardlookout@gmail.com.  Articles are added on the day they are published, however, sometimes they are added following day.

Last updated Oct 16, 2024 –  7:24 am

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

City of Madison

• Overture Center recently certified as a sensory inclusive space – WMTV Channel 15
• Who will really pay the cost of Madison’s budget referendum? – Tone Madison

Education

• Madison College will restart search for new president after finalist drops out – Madison365
• Boost in state aid has big implications for Madison School District’s $100 million referendum – State Journal

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

City of Madison

• Madison Public Library’s Teejop & Beyond program series will celebrate Native Nations this fall – Madison365
• West Washington Avenue Street Closure – Alder Mike Verveer
• ‘Choked by the state’: Madison city workers back referendum, blame lawmakers for budget shortfall – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison recognizes October 15 as White Cane Safety Day – Madison Reporter
• District 20 Weekly Updates – Week of October 14-18, 2024 – Alder Barbara Harrington McKinney
• Why I Am Voting No On Madison’s $22 Million Funding Referendum  – Caffeinated Politics
• Alder Marsha Rummel of District 6 Invites Residents to District 6: Budget Outlook for 2025 – City News
• Voter Registration “Closes” Tomorrow – City News

Dane County

• Dane County committee seeks $50K for felony warrant campaign – State Journal
• ‘Chad Vader’ returns to make PSA on election integrity – WKOW Channel 27
• Dane County executive candidate Q&A: Melissa Agard vs. Dana Pellebon – Cap Times
• District 19 alder hosts third budget exploration session – Madison Reporter
• Absentee voting begins in Madison care facilities ahead of upcoming election – Madison Reporter
• Anonymous texts warning of “prison” time for improperly voting are reported to Dane County DA – Isthmus
• McFarland School District sees state aid increase – Herald-Independent and McFarland Thistle
• Cottage Grove chooses new waste disposal firm – Herald-Independent and McFarland Thistle
• Faced with opposite challenges, Monona and Fitchburg seek same solution – State Journal
• Deerfield continues search for permanent administrator, clerk – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent

Education

• Madison College to restart search for school’s next president – WKOW Channel 27

Monday, October 14, 2024

City of Madison

• Public or Private? Questions circulate around access to lakefront land on Madison’s east side – WMTV Channel 15
• City of Madison workers urge passage of budget referendum – Isthmus
• Madison library celebrates Native Nations with fall program series – Madison Reporter
• Road closures announced for bridge work on Highway 30 and Commercial Avenue – Madison Reporter
• District 19 Alder John Guequierre Hosts Third Budget Exploration Session – City News
• Absentee Voting Begins Today in Care Facilities – City News
• October 15 is White Cane Safety Day in Madison – City News
• Updates on the Election, City Referendum, and More. – Alder Tag Evers
• City Budget Process Clear As Mud – Forward Lookout
• Celebrate Native Nations during the Teejop & Beyond Program Series at Madison Public Library this Fall – City News
• Run-up to a referendum: How Madison’s longtime budget gap became unsustainable – State Journal

Dane County

• Everything you need to know about the Dane County executive candidates – Daily Cardinal
• Public health officials urge community vaccination against COVID-19 and flu – Madison Reporter

Education

• Landlords’ lobbyist tried to delay UW-Madison’s new dorm, letter shows – State Journal
• Sun Prairie Community Schools hosts a new event to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day – WMTV Channel 15
• How Madison schools would use referendum millions is lacking details – Cap Times
• Search closes in for next Madison College president – WMTV Channel 15
• SJP continues calls for university divestment, shares updates on meeting with Regents representative – Daily Cardinal

Sunday, October 13, 2024

City of Madison

• D6 Items of Interest Week of October 14, 2024 – Alder Marsha Rummel
• Second Public Information Meeting (Hill Valley Neighborhood) – Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM – Alder John Duncan
• Portion of W. Washington Ave. closed Wednesday for paving – WMTV Channel 15
• City of Madison Week Ahead 10/14/24 – Forward Lookout
• Progress vs. Rosy Memories is a False Choice: The Rhodes-Conway Property Tax Referendum and Fiscally Responsible Growth. – 77 Square Miles
• Budget Presentation 10/17/24 @6:30p – with corrected registration link – Alder Marsha Rummel
• Segoe Celebration, UW is Platinum, and More – Madison Bikes

Dane County

• Dane County Week Ahead 10/14/24 – Forward Lookout

Saturday, October 12, 2024

City of Madison

• Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of October 14, 2024 – Alder John Guequirre

Dane County 

• Monona Parks & Recreation hosts Fall Festival – WKOW Channel 27
• Get your updated vaccines this flu season – WMTV Channel 15

Education

• ‘They [UW] go after students like myself’: SJP holds protest Friday morning – Badger Herald
• UW removes race eligibility criteria from BIPOC program following legal complaint – Badge Herald
• What will the Madison School District cut if its $100 million operating referendum fails? – State Journal

Friday, October 11, 2024

City of Madison

• Madison’s new electric trash trucks support environmental efforts – WMTV Channel 15
• District 6 Budget Presentation October 17, 2024 @ 6:30p – Alder Marsha Rummel
• HR Report On Our Workforce and Potential Cuts – Alder Dina Nina Martinez Rutherford
• Darbo, Worthington, Eken Park – Alder Dina Nina Martinez Rutherford
• Premature and Unjustified: Madison’s Referendum to Permanently Increase Property Taxes. – 77 Square Miles
• BizReady launches to support local businesses with training and mentorship – Madison Reporter
• Imagination Center at Reindahl Park receives $4.25M funding boost – Madison Reporter
• Detours planned for major road closures in Madison on Oct 22 and 23 – Channel3000.com
• Madison mayor’s proposed budget cut shocks police oversight monitor – Cap Times
• Road Closures – Commercial Avenue and Highway 30 – Madison News

Dane County

• Agard and Pellebon candidate Q&A for Dane County executive – Cap Times
• McFarland officials urge Dane County Board to reconsider dog license fee hike – WKOW Channel 27
• Alliant Energy Center unveils new outdoor plaza – WKOW Channel 27
• Wisconsin regulators file complaint against judge who left court to arrest a hospitalized defendant – Channel3000.com
• Sun Prairie library partners in national project to improve children’s play areas – Sun Prairie Star
• Patrick McIlheran: Hot demand for houses runs into Dane County’s Land of No – Wis Politics

Education

• Intimidation, retaliation has worsened at Southside Elementary School, new complaint alleges – State Journal
• Guest Editorial: Waunakee Area Chamber of Commerce endorses school district referendum – Waunakee Tribune
• Students for Justice in Palestine continue ‘Week of Rage’ at UW’s Library Mall – Madison365

Thursday, October 10, 2024

City of Madison

• Ho-Chunk Nation flag raised over City-County Building in Madison – WKOW Channel 27
• Ho-Chunk flag raised at downtown Madison’s City-County building WMTV Channel 15
• Imagination Center at Reindahl Park gets $4.25 million grant – WKOW Channel 27
• DISTRICT 20 Common Council UPDATES – Alder Barbara Harrington McKinney
• Imagination Center at Reindahl Park Project to Receive $4.25 Million in Flexible Facilities Program Funding – City News
• Washington Avenue to close for paving on October 16 – Madison Reporter
• City ensures security measures for handling absentee ballots – Madison Reporter
• Conversation with Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford – WORT 89.9 FM
• Ballot Buddies Provide Ballot Security – City News
• Reminder: Library Board meets today, October 10th at 5pm at Sandburg Elementary School – Alder Sabrina Madison
• Street Closure – W Washington Avenue – City News

Dane County

• Dane County judge faces potential discipline for courtroom behavior – WKOW Channel 27
• RoundTrip Smart Trips Challenge sees major participation in Dane County – Channel3000.com
• Scott McDonell Has Faith in Wisconsin’s County Clerks – WORT 89.9 FM
• Dane County residents log over 5k eco-friendly trips in September – Madison Reporter

Education

• UW-Madison engineering building faces more steps before construction – Cap Times

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

City of Madison

• Madison homeowner taxes may rise next year, regardless of referendum – Cap Times
• Madison’s Library Hours and the Misleading Politics of the Upcoming Referendum – 77 Square Miles
• Madison Police Department to launch Family Justice/Sensitive Crime Unit – WKOW Channel 27
• Mayor announces two plans for city’s operating budgets ahead of Nov. referendum – Badger Herald
• 2025 Executive Operating Budget Proposal (and Cuts) Now Available – Alder Derek Field
• Madison mayor presents budget amid revenue constraints; referendum proposed – Madison Reporter
• Guidance offered for college students preparing to vote in upcoming elections – Madison Reporter
• Dane County Residents Log Over 5,000 Car-Free and Car-Light Trips, Making Significant Environmental Impact – City News
• How Absentees Get Counted – City News

Dane County

• Dane Co. food banks could face funding cuts after COVID-19 relief ends – WKOW Channel 27
• Village of McFarland opens its first inclusive park – WMTV Channel 15
• ‘This court will not forget’: Dane County Judge Ellen Berz subject of misconduct complaint – State Journal
• Former County Supervisor candidate doubles down on unsubstantiated claims after losing April election – Daily Cardinal
• McFarland to host public hearing for water rate increase – Herald-Independent/McFarland Thistle

Education

• Texts, emails show UW leaders’ reaction to pro-Palestinian encampment – Cap Times
• Deforest Area High School students talk school safety with administration, lawmakers – WMTV Channel 15
• UWPD: Alcohol-related incidents decrease at Camp Randall with alcohol sales underway – WKOW Channel 27
• ‘Which door is going to lock from the outside, which classroom has the most windows’: WI officials, students discuss school safety – WKOW Channel 27

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

City of Madison

• The Hub, other Madison apartments may be using software to collude on students’ rent pricing – Daily Cardinal
• Madison Mayor unveils two versions of 2025 executive operating budget – Fox 47
• Madison mayor releases 2025 Executive Operating Budget – WMTV Channel 15
• Madison’s 2025 budget: Transit, library hours and more on chopping block if referendum fails – State Journal
• Mayor Rhodes-Conway Releases 2025 Executive Operating Budget – City News
• Madison City Clerk promotes National Voter Education Week activities – Madison Reporter
• Fire prevention week underscores critical role of working smoke alarms – Madison Reporter
• This is what Madison plans to cut if the November referendum fails – State Journal
• Mayor to announce proposed Executive Operating Budget for Madison – WKOW Channel 27
• Alder Sabrina Madison: Vote YES on Madison’s Municipal Referendum this Nov. 5 – Madison365
• Voting as a College Student – City News

Dane County

• Budget referendums a “temporary solution,” Dane County mayors say – WORT 89.9 FM
• Dane County to offer snowmobile safety course – Waunakee Tribune
• Forward Lookout on WORT 10/7/24 – Forward Lookout

Education

• While asking voters for money, Madison School Board issues more raises – Cap Times
• Sun Prairie Area School District operational referendum could cost taxpayers more – WMTV Channel 15
• Southside Elementary school parents speak out on administrative changes – WMTV Channel 15
• Understanding the MMSD Referendum Questions – WORT 89.9 FM
• Understanding UW-Madison’s “Expressive Activity Policy&#82… – WORT 89.9 FM

Monday, October 7, 2024

City of Madison

• Fire Prevention Week Spotlights Importance of Working Smoke Alarms – City News
• Madison City Week Ahead 10/7/24 – Forward Lookout
• Madison apartments are rented quickest in the nation. Job and UW-Madison growth are underlying causes – Daily Cardinal
• Madison Fire Department shares tips during national fire prevention week – Fox 47
• Be leaf aware, No signs in terraces, Vote for electric garbage and recycling trucks, Lots of announcements and events – Alder Regina Vidaver
• Officials announce new traffic pattern for East Mifflin Street in downtown Madison – WMTV Channel 15
• Madison launches online hub during Digital Inclusion Week – Madison Reporter
• City of Madison’s SEED grants boost local food access initiatives – Madison Reporter
• Brush collection ends for Madison residents in 2024 – Madison Reporter
• Madison tests traffic diverter on E Mifflin St for bicycle boulevard improvements – Madison Reporter
• Report highlights positive impact SEED grants have had on food access – City News
• Meeting & Event Highlights for the week of October 6th – Alder Tag Evers
• City Launches Online Resource Hub in Honor of Digital Inclusion Week October 7-11 – City News
• Celebrate National Voter Education Week – City News

Dane County

• Dane County Week Ahead 10/7/24 – Forward Lookout
• Forward Lookout: Budgets, budgets, budgets – WORT 89.9 FM
• Fire and EMS commission budget discussions tense and inconclusive – Cambridge News and Deerfield Independent
• Kevin Scheibler named as new Alliant Energy Center director – Channel3000.com
• Dane Co. Sheriff’s Office to offer snowmobile safety course this month – Fox 47
• Town of Westport files petition to incorporate – Waunakee Tribune
• 115th Fighter Wing conducting nighttime F-35 training this week – WMTV Channel 15
• Dane County officials reveal new Alliant Energy Center director – WMTV Channel 15

Education

• MMSD communications confirms leadership changes at Southside Elementary School – WMTV Channel 15
• Camp Randall Coldplay concert excites business owners, tourism officials – WKOW Channel 27
• Southside Elementary principals removed after staff complaints, probe – Cap Times
• Southside leaders accused of bullying aren’t serving there ‘until further notice’, Superintendent Joe Gothard says – State Journal
• Hate crimes at UW-Madison more than doubled in 2023 – Isthmus

Sunday, October 6, 2024

City of Madison

• D19 Budget Exploration Session 2 Take-Aways – Alder John Geuquirre

Education

• Madison School District Spent $100K In Superintendent Search, Students Score Poorly In Reading And Math – Caffeinated Politics
• Superintendent search cost Madison School District more than $100K – State Journal

Saturday, October 5, 2024

City of Madison

• Arbor Hills: Liquor Lic – Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole
• D6 Items of Interest Week of October 7, 2024 – Alder Marsha Rummel
• Meetings and Updates Week of Oct 7 – Alder Derek Field

Dane County

• Public Health Madison & Dane County looking for dog accused of biting someone – WKOW Channel 27

Education

• Concert coming to Camp Randall for first time in almost 30 years – WMTV Channel 15

Friday, October 4, 2024

City of Madison

• Homeowners upset after being ordered to tear down fences or face fees – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison begins ‘Missing Middle’ housing development to boost affordable homeownership – Madison Reporter
• Madison Police Department receives pet microchip scanner from Lost Dogs of Wisconsin – Madison Reporter
• New Affordable Housing Development Breaks Ground in Madison’s Owl Cr… – WORT 89..9 FM
• Let’s Talk Budget: 2025 Referendum – Alder Yannette Figueroa Cole
• Temporary traffic diverter to be added to East Mifflin Street near Breese Stevens Field – Channel3000.com
• Brush Collection is Over for 2024 – City News
• Traffic Engineering to Install Temporary Traffic Diverter on E Mifflin St – City News

Education

• Madison College sees student enrollment increase again this fall – Cap Times
• UW-Madison SJP member faces disciplinary hearing – Daily Cardinal
• UW anti-camping rule rarely used before police raid – WORT 89.9 FM

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Madison

• Nominations sought for Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award – Madison365
• Fall Leaves and Yard Waste Collection Begins Next Week – City News
• Madison mayor, state Democrats advocate for shared revenue reform – Channel 27
• Missing Middle: New duplex development looks to combat Madison’s housing crisis, breaks ground – WKOW Channel 27
• Vote now on names for city of Madison electric garbage trucks – WKOW Channel 27
• The City of Madison breaks ground on development on Madison’s southeast side – Channel3000.com
• Madison surpasses food scrap composting goal ahead of schedule – Madison Reporter
• Voting opens for naming Wisconsin’s first fully electric collection vehicles – Madison Reporter
• Free screenings offered by Wisconsin Well Woman Program during Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Madison Reporter
• Madison announces fall yard waste collection starting October 6 – Madison Reporter
• Lawmakers urge Wisconsin Legislature for better funding of Dane County cities – Madison Reporter
• Intersection closure announced for MLK Jr Blvd and Doty St starting October 3 – Madison Reporter
• Madison seeks nominations for Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility Award – Madison Reporter
• Community Development Division presents budget outlook amid Madison’s financial challenges – Madison Reporter
• State Lawmakers Advocate for Fully Funding Dane County Cities – City News
• Madison, Dane County offer free breast cancer screenings – WKOW Channel 27
• Time to Vote for Your Electric Truck Names – City News
• Innovative partnership aims to create more homeownership opportunities – City News
• Madison Metro reports bed bug found on bus the day of BRT launch in September – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison police need body cameras, chief says after Tyreek Hill stop – Cap Times
• WATCH: Madison mayor, Dane Co. lawmakers call for more local government funding – WMTV Channel 15
• Can Monona help solve Madison’s housing crisis? – Isthmus
• MPD receives new tool to help reunite lost pets with owners – City News

Dane County

• New Dane County office aims to reduce justice system racial inequity – Cap Times
• Public Health Madison & Dane County: Free breast cancer screenings available – Wis Politics
• What could a new Dane County executive do to address the housing crisis? – Isthmus

Education

• Madison Montessori teachers’ new union might be a Wisconsin first – Cap Times
• UW-Madison updates student organization disciplinary proceedings – Daily Cardinal
• Madison College narrows presidential search to three candidates – Madison365
• Madison taxpayers will pay for school referendums for decades, no matter what happens in November – State Journal
• Students, faculty say being Black at UW-Madison isn’t easy – WPR

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Madison

• Madison paid $8,952 for resignation of firefighter charged with selling cocaine from fire station – State Journal
• Madison weighs expanding transportation mandates to schools, churches – Cap Times
• State Street Pedestrian Mall experiment to end on October 30 – Madison Reporter
• New art exhibits open across six Madison public libraries – Madison Reporter
• Making Our Streets Safer, One Step at a Time – Alder Bill Tishler
• Build Our City for the Future – Alder Charles Myadze
• 2025 Budget Explainer – Alder Marsha Rummel
• Budget Information Session – Alder Dina Nina Martinez Rutherford
• Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award – City News
• Road closure planned between Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and Doty Street – Channel3000.com
• State Street Pedestrian Mall experiment wraps up Oct. 30 – Fox 47
• The Second D19 Budget Exploration Session will Include a Presentation by the Community Development Division – City News
• Mayor Rhodes-Conway announces 2025 city budget, Capital Improvement Plan – Badger Herald
• Northbound Intersection Closure: Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and Doty Street – City News
• State Street pedestrian mall to end Oct. 30 – State Journal

Dane County

• Madison College hosts Dane County executive candidate forum – Cahnnel3000.com

Education

• McFarland School District pitches second referendum after first fail – WKOW Channel 27
• Teachers at private Madison school vote to unionize – Channel 27
• Madison College presidential search down to three finalists – WKOW Channel 27
• 3 candidates remain in Madison College’s search for president – Channel3000.com

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

City of Madison

• Q&A: ‘A fight to maintain what we have’: Alder MGR Govindarajan explains Madison’s budget shortfall – Daily Cardinal
• State Street Pedestrian Mall Experiment has one month left – WMTV Channel 15
• City of Madison participates in Week Without Driving initiative – WMTV Channel 15
• Jennifer Bastian named Thurber Park Artist-in-Residence for 2024 – Madison Reporter
• 6-story development could replace building that holds Alimentari on Near East Side – State Journal
• New Art Exhibits Going Up at Six Madison Public Library Locations – City News
• State Street Pedestrian Mall Experiment to end on October 30 – City News

Dane County

• Village of Waunakee warns of traffic delays ahead of Trump rally. – WMTV Channel 15
• Dane County’s serious crimes often taking over 9 months to prosecute – Cap Times
• Dane Co. residents can share their thoughts on budget in upcoming hearing – WMTV Channel 15
• Madison College to host Dane County Executive candidate forum – Cahannel3000.com
• Dane County invites residents to discuss 2025 budget on October 9 – Fox 47
• Dane County Board of Supervisors to hold public hearing about proposed 2025 budget – WKOW Channel 27
• Madison College to host candidate forum for Dane County executive on Wednesday – Madison365

Education

• Proposed skilled trades charter school in Madison one step closer to becoming a reality – State Journal
• Months after pro-Palestinian encampment protests, UW-Madison students face discipline – WPR
• 3 for the People: Voters lack education on MMSD referendums – Channel3000.com
• Waunakee school officials face referendum-related questions – Waunakee Tribune

PAST CONTENT

2024

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