10.31 Friday
Craig Severson, 45, is shot to death in his apartment in Cross Plains. His fiancée, 27-year-old Lisa Morgan, is seriously injured. Police say Severson was killed by Charles Witzel, 42, of Loganville, who was angry about an affair Severson had with his ex-girlfriend. Police are still hunting for Witzel.
Madison Schools Superintendent Dan Nerad announces that fifth-graders at Leopold Elementary will stay there next year, instead of being sent to other schools. The district had proposed moving the students to ease overcrowding.
Phoenix Consulting files a second lawsuit against Madison's Catholic Diocese. The firm alleges Bishop Robert Morlino violated a confidentiality agreement by sending a letter to priests explaining the terms of the settlement for its first lawsuit. It says part of the bishop's letter is "completely false." The firm originally sued Morlino over nonpayment for a survey.
11.1 Saturday
More than 38,000 revelers attend Freakfest, Madison's annual Halloween on State Street event. Police arrest only 77 people on Friday and Saturday nights, a record low.
11.2 Sunday
The Madison City Clerk's Office opens for the first time on a Sunday, to accommodate early voters. The city ultimately has 32,012 early voters, nearly 7,000 more than in 2004.
11.3 Monday
Madison police find the body of 37-year-old Mark Johnson in Lake Edge Park on the east side. Police later arrest Michael Voltz, 46, saying it appears the two men argued over a woman. Johnson had been beaten to death. It later emerges that the county's 911 Center failed to dispatch officers in response to reports about an escalating confrontation.
Summit Credit Union merges with Great Wisconsin Credit Union, creating one of the largest credit unions in Wisconsin, with $1 billion in assets. The companies, both based in Madison, will operate under Summit's name.
11.4 Tuesday
Voters head to the polls. Wisconsin chooses Barack Obama over John McCain for president, 55.9 % to 42.8%, with 99% of precincts reporting. Dane County votes 72% for Obama, 205,885 to 73,047. U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D) easily defeats her Republican challenger, Peter Theron, 69.4% to 30.6%, with all precincts reporting. State Democrats also take control of the Assembly for the first time in 14 years, winning at least four new seats. Democrats now control both the office of governor and the state Legislature.
In a special election for the Dane County Board's Dist. 10, Jeremy Levin defeats Brad Wolbert, 3,011 to 2,599. Levin replaces Dave Worzala, who was appointed county treasurer earlier this year.
A 16-year-old boy is arrested for allegedly calling in a bomb threat to Middleton High School. The school, also a polling place, is evacuated.
Compiled from local media