Wednesday, 7.13
A dozen people hold a memorial service at the City-County Building for about 200 geese killed by the city at four city parks. The geese were to be made into burgers and donated to food pantries. "We apologize to our creator for taking the lives of these precious beings," Kathie Free says in the ceremony.
The Madison Fire Department reports that the June 30 fire that destroyed a building on the 100 block of East Mifflin Street started inside the Underground Kitchen and was accidental. The fire left 27 people homeless.
Thursday, 7.14
Lamers Bus Lines begins offering bus service from Madison to Wausau, Green Bay and Dubuque. The routes are subsidized with state and federal money.
The UW Board of Regents approves a 5.5% tuition hike for students at all campuses. For Wisconsin residents attending the UW-Madison, the increase amounts to $659 per year.
Monday, 7.18
Madison officials criticize a statewide redistricting plan being pushed by Republicans. They say the plan will require the city to modify local maps, dividing some neighborhoods into different districts and creating some very small wards. Mayor Soglin calls on Walker to stop the plan: "It's a wonderful opportunity for the governor to demonstrate he believes in good government." Apparently, the mayor doesn't know Scott Walker.
Tuesday, 7.19
State Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) easily survives a recall election challenge from Republican David VanderLeest with 66% of the vote. Hansen is the first of nine senators (six of whom are Republicans) facing recall elections this summer.
The state Senate approves the controversial redistricting plan devised by Republicans ahead of next month's recall elections. But Sen. Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee) makes a promise to Republicans: "We'll see you in court."
A state board denies parole to Bonita L. Smith, 63, who was convicted of stabbing Leona Milfred to death in 1982 during a store robbery in Richland County.
Mayor Soglin names David P. Schmiedicke the city's new finance director. Schmiedicke, who currently works for the state Department of Administration, replaces Dean Brasser, who retired on June 30. The pronunciation of Schmiedicke's name was not available at press time.
Wednesday, 7.20
Officials close five area beaches on potentially the hottest day of the year because of toxic blue-green algae. The algae thrives in the presence of phosphorus and nitrogen, which largely come from runoff of farms and untreated sewage.
The city announces it has dropped all remaining disorderly conduct charges against participants in the World Naked Bike Ride from this year and last year. City Attorney Michael May tells the Wisconsin State Journal: "We have other things of higher priority to spend city resources on."
Compiled (in part) from local media.