Wednesday 1.3
State Sen. Fred Risser officially becomes the nation's longest-serving legislator, with 50 years of service, as he is sworn in to office. Risser, 79, was first elected to the state Assembly in 1956; he advanced to the senate in a special election in 1962.
Thursday 1.4
Centro Hispano places its executive director, Peter MuÃoz, on leave because of his decision to run for Madison mayor. The organization's board says the group, which will get about $80,000 in city funding this year, did not want to become political. MuÃoz, who did not ask for leave, will continue as a paid consultant for the organization.
An explosion and fire cause $150,000 in damage to the Palace Latin Club. No one is injured in the blaze. Police are investigating the fire as a possible case of arson.
Friday 1.5
Organizers cancel this year's Polar Jam, the annual Madison-based winter festival, citing a lack of cold weather and problems with city ordinances regulating outdoor cooking. The festival's organizers had planned to have ice sculptures and shoot off fireworks from the, uh, 'frozen' lakes. The Capitol Square Sprints will go on as planned.
Former Gov. Tommy Thompson raises $1 million at a fund-raiser for his potential run for president in 2008; Thompson has not yet formally announced a decision to run.
Monday 1.8
Madison schools Supt. Art Rainwater announces his plan to retire in June 2008 (see 'Talking Out of School,' this page). Rainwater was hired by the school district in 1994 and became superintendent in 1999, replacing Cheryl Wilhoyte, who was sent packing. Rainwater's chief of staff, Mary Gulbrandson, plans to leave on June 30 of this year.
nQuinn Wheaton, 24, is sentenced to 17 years in prison for shooting a man in the leg and abdomen in 2005 behind a Park Street bar. Wheaton did not give a motive for the shooting, but had purportedly been threatening the man and his family for days before the incident.
Tuesday 1.9
Overture officials announce they must cover a $735,000 shortfall in the center's 2007 budget. The center will use foundation grants, a trust fund and $440,000 from the 201 State Foundation to plug the hole. The shortfall is caused by increased salaries and benefits, and a 29% drop in ticket sales, since the center was not able to book as many Broadway shows this year.
Compiled from local media
