Wednesday 11.15
The Common Sense Coalition dumps its executive director, Michael Quigley, during a meeting of its executive board, citing concerns that he was too partisan. Recently, Quigley got into a dispute with Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and Ald. Tim Bruer about a potential anti-loitering ordinance. Bruer accused Quigley of pushing for the law to make Progressive Dane, which opposed the ordinance, look bad.
The Dane County Board approves a $448 million budget for 2007, raising taxes on the average Madison $239,000 home by about $16. The budget includes $4.2 million for a new alcohol and drug treatment center, $28 million for a new Badger Prairie facility and $1.5 million for land conservation.
Joseph Mercer, 31, is apprehended near Picnic Point, two days after he ran away from Sauk County deputies who were transporting him to the psychiatric ward at University Hospital. Mercer was still wearing handcuffs when he was found.
Thursday 11.16
The Madison Common Council approves a $211 million operating budget for 2007. It includes 10 new police officers and $100,000 for a downtown safety initiative. Together with the $168 million capital budget approved by the council the day before, the new budgets will raise taxes on the average $239,000 home by about $62.
Capt. Rhett Schiller, 26, of Waterford, becomes the 62nd Wisconsin soldier to die in the Iraq war.
Friday 11.17
About 100 opponents of the gay marriage amendment march down State Street to the City-County Building. Some same-sex couples were allegedly going to ask for a marriage license, but didn't after learning Dane County Clerk Bob Ohlsen was not in the office.
Saturday 11.18
Sen. Russ Feingold draws a crowd of more than 700 at Monona Terrace for a speech on terrorism and foreign policy. Feingold says that while the U.S. is mired in Iraq, terrorism threats are growing in Asia and Africa.
Monday 11.20
About a dozen eighth-graders from Wright Middle School hold signs along Fish Hatchery Road, urging motorists to slow down. Students say they've seen close calls between speeding motorists and kids trying to cross the street to school.
After 18 years on the Madison Common Council, Ald. Ken Golden announces he will not seek re-election next spring. Says Golden, "It feels like a good time for me to move on to other challenges."
Compiled from local media
