Tuesday 3.20
Nick Hurtgen, the onetime golden boy of the Tommy Thompson administration, shows he still has the touch, as a federal judge in Chicago throws out all seven influence-peddling charges pending against him for his dealings as an investment broker. Hurtgen was represented by Madison defense attorney Stephen Hurley.
Thursday 3.22
Five freshman girls are arrested at La Follette High School following a fight in the hallway. Six Madison police officers and 10 to 15 school officials broke up the fight, which reportedly attracted hundreds of students.
Justen Brock, 31, is sentenced to seven years in prison for the hit-and-run death of Gregory McCullick last year.
Saturday 3.24
Virginia Hart, 92, dies at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. Hart was the first woman to hold a state of Wisconsin cabinet position, becoming head of the Department of Regulation and Licensing in 1973.
Hundreds of people attend a rally protesting passage of Real ID, a federal law (with a state precursor) that will prevent illegal immigrants from getting driver's licenses. Wisconsin's law goes into effect April 1. Protesters say the new rules are discriminatory.
Monday 3.26
The Madison school board votes 5-2 against holding a June referendum to ask taxpayers for $34 million to prevent school closings and offset a projected $10 million budget shortfall. Some members say holding a referendum this spring would be too rushed.
The two candidates for state Supreme Court, Madison attorney Linda Clifford and Washington County Judge Annette Ziegler, file campaign reports that show they've spent a record-breaking $1.4 million combined so far.
The state Department of Natural Resources announces that willow trees lining the Mazomanie nude beach have been felled to prevent alleged sexual activity and provide more sun for nesting turtles.
Tuesday 3.27
The Madison Common Council rejects a proposal by Ald. Austin King to require landlords to use energy-efficient light bulbs in their properties.
By a vote of 7-1, the Fitchburg City Council passes an indoor smoking ban. The ban doesn't take effect until April 1, 2008, and exempts three local taverns and a bowling alley until 2011.
Wednesday 3.28
Former Madison Ald. Dorothy Borchardt files a complaint with City Attorney Mike May, alleging Mayor Dave Cieslewicz's election flier violated a city ordinance against using public property in campaigns. In the flier, Cieslewicz is pictured with city firefighters, standing before a fire truck at a fire station.
Jason Hicks, 22, of Cross Plains, is killed when his car crashes shortly after a high-speed chase with Madison police on the city's west side.
Compiled from local media