Thursday, 1.19
Spectrum Brands announces it was close to moving its world headquarters from Madison to Florida, but instead decided to move to neighboring Middleton. The company, which makes Rayovac, Remington, Cutter and Dingo products, will construct a 210,000-square-foot building for $25 million west of the Beltline, which it will move into late next year.
Friday, 1.20
Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a UW-Madison scientist, says he'll stop controversial research on the bird flu virus for 60 days to allow for more discussion on the need for the work. The virus can spread easily in the laboratory among ferrets and potentially pass onto humans.
Overture Center Foundation president Tom Carto announces he is withdrawing as a candidate for president and CEO of the newly restructured arts center. In an email to employees, he writes: "The community needs to see significant transformation occurring at Overture and that means a set of fresh eyes, ideas and style that oversees the organization."
Monday, 1.23
The Wisconsin State Journal reports that the Madison school district, for the first time, is asking the city to do background checks on election workers in its schools. The city, which employs more than 2,000 poll workers, including roughly 250 who work in 27 schools, is considering the request.
Dane County Sheriff's deputies arrest 19-year-old Seth L. Schumacher of Marshall for allegedly threatening on Facebook to bomb a school and to go on a killing spree.
Tuesday, 1.24
The UW-Madison releases a report detailing the accusations that led John Chadima, senior associate athletic director, to resign earlier this month. Chadima allegedly made unwanted sexual advances to a student employee during a late-night Rose Bowl party in California and threatened to fire him when he was rebuffed. In a statement released through his attorney, Chadima says, "I make no excuses and have come to the realization that over the past few months, alcohol had controlled and consumed my life. I am taking steps to correct that problem in my life at this time."
Republicans targeted for recall - including Gov. Scott Walker and Sen. Scott Fitzgerald - ask a Dane County judge for more time to challenge the recall petitions, saying the 10 days allotted isn't enough. The Government Accountability Board has also asked for more time to vet the petitions.
After a year in business, New Town Pub, on Gammon Road on the west side, closes down because of recurring violence. "The night crowd is just crazy no matter what we do," owner Lori Zenz tells the State Journal.
Wednesday, 1.25
The Wisconsin State Journal reports that Gov. Walker has shattered campaign fundraising records by bringing in more than $12 million in campaign donations in a little over a year, with much of the money coming from out of state. However, another story on the paper's front page calls Walker, who gives his state-of-the-state address today, a "wounded politician" because of the pending recall battle. Poor guy.
Compiled, in part, from local media.
