Podcasts about dane county

Here's your local news for Tuesday, March 17, 2026:We find out why concerned parents flooded the public comment session at Monday's Plan Commission meeting,Meet an incumbent supervisor who says Dane County should focus on internal hiring to save money,Explain what the war in the Middle East means for the average American farmer,Consider how wage disparities contribute to the affordability crisis,Share some fun facts about the common loon,And much more.

Here's your local news for Monday, March 9, 2026:We hear how Dane County's new ballot printing vendor is speeding up election prep,Explain the debate over a bill that would codify a controversial definition of antisemitism into state law,Meet an incumbent supervisor who says Dane County has a spending problem,Share the local government's calendar for the week ahead,Mark the anniversary of the 1952 coup in Cuba,Teach you how to mix up a Peach Bellini,Review two new movies on the small screen,And much more.

Wisconsin's dairy industry is thriving and always changing. Looking for the "next big thing". Some dairy sheep owners in western Wisconsin hope the next big thing is vodka. From sheep whey. Ben Jarboe gets the story from Scott Kring, Co-owner of Birch Point Distillery in Westby. Thanks to a grant from the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), Birch Point Distillery is producing vodka made from sheep whey. Co-owner Scott Cream said the idea came after connecting with Hidden Springs Creamery, a local sheep dairy cheese producer. Traditional distilling uses grains for fermentation, while whey distillation relies on lactose from leftover whey. The whey is first ultrafiltered to remove proteins and fats, leaving a lactose solution. That solution is then concentrated because the natural sugar levels are too low for fermentation. Lactase is added to break lactose into sugars the yeast can ferment. The DBIA grant helped pay for specialized equipment, including a filtration skid not typically used by traditional distillers. Demand for the sheep-whey vodka has grown enough that the distillery now sources whey from more than one sheep dairy. Rain gauges start coming into play beginning today with light showers. Stu Muck says the more measureable amounts will come in Friday's forecast, but temperatures remain above average.Data centers remain in the news for many rural communities in Wisconsin. Sunday, the community of Potosi will act as the gathering spot to learn more about a potential data center in nearby Cassville. Next Tuesday, citizens are asked to join the informational confirmation in Juneau about the progress of a data center in Beaver Dam. This trend is not likely to stop according to Jason Valerius, executive director, Capital Area Regional Planning Commission. He tells Stephanie Hoff that the tools most communities have in place to battle proposed data centers are weak. With population surges in areas like Dane County, the Fox Valley, Eau Claire, LaCrosse and SE WI, land is the critical element of the equation. Farms want to hang on to it, but can't fight the high prices that data centers are offering. Valerius says once that land is dedicated to a data center - it'll always be an urban form. Some communities have been able to fight back.Dairy markets are anxious like the rest of commodities over the US-Israel-Iran war. Jan Prins, dairy analyst with EverAg, joins Pam Jahnke to highlight what products are moving where. The constriction in transportation has forced some buyers to bring product forward for delivery. Will that create a vacuum in the marketplace later this year?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As cities like Madison, or counties like Dane, expand at record rates, we’re faced with a puzzle: how do we house a booming population without paving over the farmland that defines our state? Capital Area Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Jason Valerius tells Stephanie Hoff that his job is to focus on water quality and land use, which come together to require conversations about the relationship between ag and urban areas. It starts with a look at how the population is changing in Dane County. He has statistics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts: Rob Chappell, Stephanie Díaz de León, Omar Waheed Dee Star's big moment: Three major milestones for Dee Star, host of the OuttaDeeBox podcast: February 3 has been declared Dee Star Day in Sun Prairie; the Out of Dee Box podcast will be the first podcast enshrined at the Wisconsin History Museum and the Sun Prairie Historical Society; and he's receiving a legislative citation for community impact. Omar caught up with him about what it all means. Hip-hop in the classroom: Omar visited Kennedy Elementary to check out a hip-hop artist residency featuring Lex, a clean hip-hop artist, author, poet, DJ and educator. Lex spent two weeks visiting 16 MMSD schools, performing and helping kids process emotions through music — and it was anything but a corny after-school special. School funding crunch: MMSD is already laying groundwork for next year's budget, and the outlook isn't great. The hosts dig into why: a state legislature that funds only about 5% of school district budgets (compared to 60-70% in Minnesota), federal special education cuts, and a new lawsuit challenging Wisconsin's funding model as unconstitutional. Dane County's $31 million problem: Rob obtained a budget memo showing the county faces a roughly $31 million deficit heading into 2027, as post-COVID surpluses dry up and health insurance and employee costs climb. Balancing the budget could mean cutting around 241 full-time positions. Only one county supervisor responded to Rob's request for comment. County contracting review: County Executive Melissa Agard has ordered a comprehensive review of county contracting practices. Rob spoke with Agard, Human Services Director Josh Luter, and several nonprofit leaders. The recurring theme: a need for greater transparency in bidding, scoring and feedback — plus structural issues like one-year contracts for five-year projects with no built-in cost-of-living increases. On the radar: Stephanie flags the November 3 election, which will include a Republican-backed constitutional amendment that would prohibit DEI policies at any state government entity, including UW. Also coming up: spring county board elections with a few competitive races. Question of the week: How big would a worm have to be before you'd tell somebody about it? We're hiring!  

Fri, Feb 27 3:58 AM → 4:25 AM Police chase dane county 022626 Radio Systems: - DANECOM

Here's your local news for Thursday, February 26, 2026:We find out why construction on the jail consolidation project is running behind schedule,Meet an incumbent county supervisor who says NIMBYism should have consequences,Run through some transparency bills that are stuck in legislative limbo,Tell you the best spots to cast your fishing line,Get an update on Forward Madison FC's roster rebuild,And much more.

National FFA Week highlights the blue and gold for a week. It's up to Emma Slavens, National FFA Alumni & Supporter to help keep that enthusiasm bubbling year round. She visits with Jill Welke at the WI FFA Alumni's State Convention about how growing that supporter base has changed, and what messages they're offering in 2026. Warmer weather for the southern portion of Wisconsin today, while north of highway 29 can expect snow. Stu Muck says the snow will become more widespread by the weekend. Farmer led watershed groups now dot the state from corner to corner. One of the earliest groups formed was the Yahara Pride Farms watershed in south central Wisconsin. Jeff Endres is a Waunakee dairy operator and the chair of the Yahara Pride Farms group. He tells Stephanie Hoff that he's proud of how they've grown their on-farm demonstrations from 10-12 farms, to now involving close to 80 in real-world demonstrations of how conservation plans work. One troubling issue for this particular group is how big an influence the non-farm surrounding community plays in their nutrient planning. Endres acknowledges that as the population in Dane County grows, finding measurable results from their on farm practicies gets skewed. Cheese and butter prices continue to climb in Chicago, and there are a few motivators that may keep that trend in place. Pam Jahnke is joined by Matt Tranel, dairy analyst from EverAg to discuss how federal purchases through USDA, as well as a robust export market are keeping cheese and butter opportunities bright.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the government shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, something has changed in the national conversation about the Trump Administration's immigration policies. And the primary reason it's happening is not a brilliant PR campaign, Pulitzer-winning journalism, or organized political strategy. It's because of regular folks with camera phones documenting what's actually happening on the streets of Minneapolis and other cities that have been occupied by ICE. By simply recording and sharing, they have publicly and irrefutably contradicted the Trump Administration's blatant lies. And now, many people who did not want to pay attention to the issue are paying attention. Some folks who supported the aggressive immigration enforcement now don't. And citizens who were not comfortable questioning the administration's lies... question them now. Whether you want to call them “Legal Observers,” “Constitutional Observers,” or "regular folks" who record what's happening, the impact is profound. So in this episode, we discuss why these brave Minnesotans with camera phones are such a potent force in the current political environment with Scott Libin, a Senior Fellow at the University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism. And, we speak with a former law enforcement leader in the Midwest who says more people need to pick up their smartphones and serve as "legal observers." Dave Mahoney served as Dane County, Wisconsin Sheriff from 2007 to 2021, and shared an interesting encounter with Dusty in 2011 that cemented both of their appreciations for the First Amendment right to document the government's actions. For those who are interested in serving as legal observers, Libin and Mahoney will even lay out some steps for enhancing your effectiveness and bolstering your safety. Because every American has a role to play in protecting our constitutional rights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, 13% of registered voters in Dane County cast their ballots in the spring primary election, and the City Cast Madison team is here with the results. Plus, local officials to work together to address safety issues on South Park Street following a fatal crash. Host Bianca Martin is joined by executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter editor Rob Thomas to talk about the news of the week, including the closing of Porta Bella and the opening of Baked Lab.     Mentioned on the show: Closed restaurants that we loved [City Cast Madison]I'mProv ==> You'reProv Show [Big Honey] Your City Could Be Better podcast [City Cast]

Here's your local news for Thursday, February 19, 2026:We outline the Dane County Regional Airport's economic benefits and environmental drawbacks,Look forward to a software glow-up coming soon to the library system,Commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,Explore the complex politics of so-called "rare earth" elements,Meet a pair of artists that are using their craft to memorialize their friendship,And much more.

In Dane County, we have a thriving farmers market scene. We have local co-ops and community gardens. We boast about our farm-to-table restaurants. And we also have food insecurity rates as high as 15%. Parts of our food system appear to be running well, but when you dig below the surface, there are issues preventing it from being equitable and resilient. REAP Food Group, in collaboration with a number of local stakeholders, is trying to get to the root of the problems with the Dane County Food Action Plan. City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling chats with REAP Food Group interim executive director Noah Bloedorn about what is currently threatening the food system, and how it can be fixed.

Madison doesn't have a deal with surveillance technology company Flock Safety. But that doesn't mean surveillance isn't a concern in our city. There are dozens of Flock cameras installed around Dane County and yes, even some in Madison. So what's the deal here? Today, host Bianca Martin speaks with ACLU Wisconsin policy analyst Jon McCray Jones about Flock usage (and misuse) by law enforcement, and what folks can do to protect their privacy.  Mentioned on the show Police Surveillance is Ripe for Abuse [ACLU WI] Analysis of Flock use by Wisconsin cops reveals trends, raises questions [Wisconsin Examiner] Find Flock cameras in your area [Deflock]

On today's show, host Dana Pellebon is in conversation with SkyeGia Garcia and DaMontae January who work for OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center. They discuss their work and the larger issue of housing in Dane County, especially for disenfranchised youth.  OutReach works for the equity and quality of life for all LGBTQ+ people through community building, health and human services, and economic, social, and racial justice advocacy. Garcia and January work for the program, Everstrong, that provides resources for 17-24 year olds who are at risk of experiencing homelessness. January says that the program empowers young folks to find stable housing and jobs, sign up for insurance, and take on other adult responsibilities with confidence. Young people in the program should be given a second chance and they just want to be heard, says January. In addition to the Everstrong program, they talk about OutReach's food pantry, meditation sessions, and anti-colonial yoga classes where folks can “get back in touch with their sovereignty and autonomy,” says Garcia. She says that the LGBTQ+ community has a strong culture of taking care of people and has consistently led with compassion, empathy, and support.  SkyeGia Garcia has been a community organizer since 2016. Her work has focused on anti-colonial awareness that connects to Indigenous struggles and liberation. SkyeGia currently works at OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center for a project that focuses on youth empowerment and housing justice. DaMontae January comes from a background of social work and counseling and has been working for housing justice since 2020. Currently January works as Program Director for EverStrong at OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center and has been there since 2023. Featured image: of DaMonte January, Dana Pellebon, and SkyeGia Garcia. Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Everstrong Housing Program Sets Up Youth for Success appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

In September, Dane County sought proposals to renovate the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at  Alliant Energy Center. They received a single response. It's from local concert giant FPC Live, which started as a small business running the box office at the Coliseum and now is largely owned by Live Nation, the world's biggest live entertainment company.  In a piece for Tone Madison, Nick Pjevach, chair of the Madison Arts Commission, wrote “Dane County should apply strict scrutiny of its partnership proposal with FPC Live.” Host Bianca Martin chats with Nick about why he thinks the county should be careful when planning out the future of the publicly owned Coliseum. 

A Dane County village plans to reverse its decision to remove fluoride from its water. That's after one of the policy's advocates lost his seat in a recall election. we'll hear from our politics team on a busy week at the state Capitol. And, in his first year back in office, President Trump has shaken up America's education system. His push to end diversity initiatives has won praise from many conservatives in Wisconsin.

Here's your local news for Wednesday, January 21, 2026:We find out how a city initiative is defining Madison's "regional music brand,"Hear a Midwest professor's warning about the Trump regime's escalating authoritarian tactics,Check in with Dane4Dogs after their latest legal victory over Ridglan Farms,Examine UW-Madison's evolving anti-hazing policies,Broadcast the most comprehensive weather report on the airwaves,Travel back in time to 1965,And much more.

Here's your local news for Tuesday, January 20, 2026:We get Congressman Mark Pocan's take on escalating ICE activity, the impending government shutdown, and efforts to redraw Wisconsin's congressional maps,Outline the partisan debate over rising energy costs,Share an excerpt from the keynote speech at Dane County and Madison's 41st Annual MLK Day Observance,Explain why most of the American ag industry is running in the red,Celebrate the legacy of Mother Fool's Coffeehouse,Offer a novel idea to support the Dane County Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center,And much more.

On today's show host, Dana Pellebon is joined in the studio with long-time Madison leader, Anthony Cooper Sr. the CEO and Founder of Focused Interruption which provides community violence intervention and prevention in Dane County. Their work includes mentorship, trauma-informed care, and direct support to survivors of violence and individuals seeking a fresh start.  Cooper discusses how his experience of incarceration paved the way for the work that he's doing now with Focused Interruption and how he draws on his prior experience working for Nehemiah. He says that crisis intervention is important for everyone in the community, in addition to the victim and the perpetrator.  With Focused Interruption, Cooper works to address gun violence in a preventative way, though much of their work includes working with perpetrators of violence, navigating law enforcement and investigations, and community needs. This means pointing out challenges and moving toward repair in situations where “trauma is stacked on top of violence,” says Cooper. Community members are partners in this work, in helping the folks at Focused Interruption identify situations before they escalate.  They also discuss how important it is to show up in your community spaces in order to make a positive impact, what it would look like to have community rather than community policing, and how Focused Interruption takes care of its workers. Anthony Cooper Sr. is a dedicated and visionary leader, serving as the CEO and Founder of Focused Interruption, a pioneering organization specializing in community violence intervention and prevention in Dane County. His leadership is defined by a deep commitment to creating safer, more inclusive communities through innovative and compassionate approaches. Featured image of Anthony Cooper Sr. and Dana Pellebon in the WORT studio. Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Anthony Cooper Sr. Paves the Way for Local Violence Intervention appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

This week, Kent and C.J. are back at it again! This week, they talk about Hannah Dugan's resignation, protests against the shooting by ICE, Dane County's coming population boom, and the prevalence of stranded assets in the State of Wisconsin.

Today is the deadline for candidate filings in the state of Wisconsin. To break down the races in this busy election year, host Dana Pellebon speaks with three powerhouse local journalists, Christina Lieffring, Enjoyiana Nururdin, and Faye Parks.  There was a general sense of surprise and excitement at the number of contested races. Nururdin says that she's noticed more people wanting to be active at the local level, including with the school board and Dane County Board. And Parks has noticed people getting engaged on topics like housing, school referendums, and other issues that affect their daily lives. Lieffring says that when things are going well, people tend to ignore local government, but things aren't going well right now.  Change is on the horizon in the city of Madison as a number of Common Council seats are up for grabs as the city adjusts to its new staggered terms. And in Dane County there are more unopposed races. Nururdin wants to see more debate and constituent feedback about Dane County Board positions, but this is challenging because newsrooms struggle to devote a lot of time and energy to smaller races, says Lieffring. The Governor's race may be the hottest line on the ballot with a large primary field of Democratic candidates but only two Republican contenders. Nururdin says that people want to see candidates who are active in the community, not just at press opportunities. And Lieffring wants to see the candidates go beyond political slogans.  Christina Lieffring is Tone Madison's Managing Editor, a free-wheelin' freelancer, and lifelong Midwesterner. Enjoyiana Nururdin is a Madisonian and the local government reporter at the Cap Times Newspaper where she covers the ins and outs of City Hall and politics in Dane County. A graduate of UW-Madison’s School of Journalism and Columbia University in New York, Enjoyiana brings experience covering homelessness, government transparency and uplifting community voices in her work. Faye Parks is the Producer of WORT’s 6pm Local News. Featured image of a person voting via Pexels. Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Local Journalists Weigh-In on Upcoming 2026 Elections appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

In 2025, a record $60 billion was invested in building AI data centers around the world, many of them in the US and Canada. Proposals for data centers are popping up across Wisconsin, in Mount Pleasant, Menominee, Beaver Dam, Dane County and beyond. These “hyperscale” complexes use anywhere between 5-50 megawatts of power and take up hundreds of acres of land. To talk about the growing opposition to AI data centers across the nation, host Douglas Haynes is joined by three guests: Michael Greif of Midwest Environmental Advocates, Mitch Jones of Food & Water Watch, and Ed Morganroth, Jr. of the group, No Data Center DeForest. People are increasingly concerned about data centers’ energy and water consumption, land use, noise pollution, and e-waste as well as the societal impacts of AI products like deep fakes. To educate legislators about the growing opposition, Food & Water Watch organized a letter to Congress calling for the halt of construction of data centers. Jones says that the fight is happening in every state and their letter creates a national umbrella for these groups to unify their message. So far over 250 organizations have signed on.  Many are concerned that the financial benefits of these data centers are flowing to Silicon Valley and out of local communities. And the public is largely being kept in the dark about how much electricity and water these data centers would eat up. This fall, Midwest Environmental Advocates took legal action to get the city of Racine to respond to Milwaukee Riverkeepers’s record recquest for the projected water consumption of a Mount Pleasant data center.  They were at first told that water use is a “trade secret.” To date, the public doesn't know how much electricity will be used at the data center that Alliant Energy and Meta are building in Beaver Dam. Morganroth says that at a time when Wisconsin is losing agricultural land, his group would rather see new housing and job-creating business in his community rather than a data center. Our guests also talk about the active role that electric companies are playing in the construction of data centers, the tax breaks that these companies are getting from the state of Wisconsin, and the AI bubble.  Michael Greif is a Legal Fellow at Midwest Environmental Advocates, where his work has focused on legal pathways to safeguard Wisconsin's air, water, and climate, including advocating for public disclosure of the water and energy use of hyperscale data centers. Michael is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and lives in Madison. Mitch Jones is the Managing Director of Policy and Litigation at Food & Water Watch. He has worked on federal policy for over 20 years. He leads the organization's work on federal and state policy as well as their sibling organization’s political program. Ed Morganroth, Jr. is a resident of DeForest, WI and member of the No Data Center DeForest group. Featured image: aerial view of the Google Data Center in Council Bluffs, IA via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0). Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Who Bears the True Cost of So-Called Artificial Intelligence? appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Judge Jim Troupis discusses facing Dane County Kangaroo Court over 2020 dispute

On today's show, host Dana Pellebon is joined by Dane County Human Services Director, John Schlueter, to help listeners understand the breadth of the largest department in our county. Schlueter is a long-time Madison resident whose service to the community began with volunteering at Centro Guadelupe and the Dane County Humane Society. After graduating with a degree in social work, he worked in human services and the Social Security Administration before taking his new position with Dane County. He says that he sees his new role as an opportunity to give back to the community and guide the department through challenges posed by the federal government. This year, departments across Dane County faced structural deficits requiring reductions across the board. The Human Services budget looms at over $300 million and funds housing, mental health services, and so much more. Schlueter praises the work of the Needs Network and Sunshine Place and the spirit of volunteerism that they foster.  However, the uncertainty created by funding cuts by the federal government is causing real problems for local leaders. It becomes difficult to anticipate or brace for changes, as with the recent back-and-forth over SNAP benefits. Schlueter is bracing for the new federal Medicaid requirements that will roll out in 2027, which he says will make it even more difficult for people to qualify for healthcare. Despite the hardships that so many across the county are facing, the Human Services Department is able to keep serving the diverse needs of its constituents because it is currently not required to strike DEI language from its programs. John Schlueter is the recently appointed head of the Dane County Department of Human Services. He brings his experience running large organizations, commitment to volunteerism, and service to drive compassionate and responsive service delivery. Dane County Human Services provides a vast array of programs that help our community thrive from children living with disabilities, or those in foster care, to young people finding a way forward on the path to meet their own goals, to employee training, job support, and housing, and those working through behavioral health or substance abuse, to the residents at our county-run nursing home who have some of the most complex care needs for the aging population, and so much more. It takes the entire community to do this work in the best of times.  As we face challenges in the years to come, John invites the entire community to get involved, join him and the expert team, partners, and clients working daily toward a community where each person is thriving. Featured image of the Dane County Human Services logo.  Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post What Does the County's Human Services Department Do? appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

When new Dane County Executive Melissa Agard campaigned for office last year, she had big plans for how she'd lead the county. But after winning the election in 2024, Agard was faced with a new reality — Dane County is facing down the cliff of a $30 million budgetary deficit, and her big plans would have to take a backseat. It's no secret that this was a tough budget season for the county, and at the end of the day, Agard is proud of the work that the county has accomplished. But this isn't the budget she wanted. Today, executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with Agard about what she's learned from this process and digs into why no one talked about this massive deficit until now.  For more on the county budget process, listen to our conversation with Dane County Supervisor Yogesh Chawla. 

Last week, Dane County finalized and approved its 2026 budget, which includes $825.6 million in operating funds and $90.5 million in capital investments. The county was looking to cut back on spending as it's projected to face a $30 million deficit in 2027. But how did we get here? And what does the county fund anyway? City Cast Madison executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with Dane County supervisor Yogesh Chawla about the recently passed budget and the contentious items within it. 

What happens when birth becomes a full-circle moment? From being born at home yourself to bringing your own baby earthside in the same spirit of trust and peace? In today's episode, we sit down with Kasiah, a second-generation home birther, to hear her beautiful journey through loss, faith, and ultimately a redemptive and calm home birth with her third son. Kasiah opens up about: Navigating two back-to-back miscarriages and finding healing Choosing home birth again after loss Her husband's transformation from skeptic to home birth advocate The role of faith, prayer, and sisterhood in her pregnancy The moment she surrendered completely and birthed in total peace Her story is a powerful reminder that healing can follow heartbreak, and that calm, joyful birth is possible. Links From The Episode: Madison Area Midwives - Midwife Directory in Dane County: www.madisonmidwives.com Kasiah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasiahterp/ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Dr. Wholeness and Blood Vitality: https://drwholeness.myshopify.com/products/blood-vitality-1?variant=31396528062517 - use the code DIAH15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript: rmad.ac/AIAe081This week's podcast guest is Annie Heathcote. Annie is a multi-business owner, social media influencer, author, Christian and lifelong disability advocate whose life and work embody the belief that disability does not mean inability. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at just 13 months old, Annie has spent her life breaking barriers, championing accessibility, and inspiring others with her message of resilience and faith. She was crowned Miss Wheelchair Wisconsin in 2023. Using her platform, Caring is Caregiving to reach more than 100,000 people through schools, conferences, organizations, and media appearances across the state.Her advocacy took her to the Miss Wheelchair America national competition where she placed in the top five, earning second runner up and the best speech award. She has since been recognized as a woman of the year for Dane County for her leadership and community impact beyond advocacy. Annie is the founder of Annie Designs and Annie Speaks LLC, where she works as a freelance web and graphic designer and transformational speaker. She also brings creativity and joy into her everyday life through travel, art, music, and her past achievements as an elite athlete in the adaptive sport of power soccer. Annie's mission is simple but powerful. Love, serve God and others, work hard and never give up. Connect with Annie: Annie Speaks | Disability. Dignity. Destiny.Annie's Portfolio – Intentional. Impactful. Invigorating.Annie Speaks | FacebookAnnie Heathcote I Disability Advocate & Speaker (@annieheathcote) • Instagram photos and videosConnect with the Rocky Mountain ADA Center at RockyMountainADA.org or find us on social media. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Here's your local news for Thursday, November 6, 2025:We detail the debate ahead of yesterday's budget vote in the Dane County Board of Supervisors,Hear what a former drum corps instructor's accusers have to say about his recent return to the public eye,Discuss how open government cases can often be solved with a warning rather than a lawsuit,Celebrate the Madison Public Library's 150th anniversary - no invitation needed,Look ahead to Forward Madison FC's next chapter,And much more.

Here's your local news for Tuesday, November 4, 2025:We hear Superintendent Jill Underly's pitch to address teacher sexual misconduct and grooming of students,Check in on Dane County's 2026 proposed budget ahead of tomorrow's deliberations,Discuss the long fight to shut down Ridglan Farms with a local animal rights activist,Consider a pressing business dilemma for American dairy farmers,Meet a local hot sauce connoisseur,Celebrate Animal Shelter Appreciation Week,And much more.

Dane County is moving forward on water quality efforts with a new Community Manure Treatment Feasibility Study from its Land and Water Resources Department. Watershed Manager Kyle Minks says the report identifies potential sites for a community digester based on factors like proximity to farms, utilities, transportation routes, and environmentally sensitive areas. Of the seven townships studied, the Town of Vienna ranked highest. The proposed 40- to 80-acre facility could process manure from about 20,000 animals, producing renewable natural gas and nutrient-rich byproducts for resale. While construction isn’t yet planned, the county says it remains committed to working with farmers on practical, long-term manure management solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's your local news for Monday, November 3, 2025:We check in with Dane County food pantries amid the federal chaos,Hear locals' concerns about a proposal to expand a commercial dairy operation in Door County,Find out why environmental advocates are sounding the alarm on Line 5's newly-issued federal permits,Share the local government's calendar for the week ahead,Remember an abolitionist who was murdered protecting his printing press,Teach you how to make a tropical cocktail,Review a new movie and a new season of television,And much more.

Hosts: Rob Chappell, Stephanie Díaz de León, Omar Waheed Guest: Prenicia Clifton Episode Overview This week, the team covers the end of SNAP benefits and its impact on Wisconsin families and small businesses, the return of Madison Nonprofit Day, the growing threat of media capture, and a few lighter conversations to close the show — including conspiracy theories they wish were true. SNAP Benefits Ending Nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites are about to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as of November 1. Rob, Stephanie, and Omar discuss what this means for food pantries, families, and local economies. They also highlight that federal workers are unpaid during the shutdown and that the ripple effects extend to small businesses and farmers. LOUD's New Gallery Space Omar talks with Oscar Morales, founder of Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (LOUD), about opening a new gallery at Next Wave Studios on Madison's east side. The first artist in residence, La Pistola from Oaxaca, led workshops and connected with Madison's growing arts scene. Media Capture and the Importance of Local News Rob discusses a recent episode of the Question Everything podcast, focusing on "media capture" — when governments or their allies take control of the media. Starting November 1, every donation to Madison365 will be doubled through the Institute for Nonprofit News' matching fund. Donate here → madison365.org/donate Madison Nonprofit Day Returns Guest: Prenicia Clifton, organizer of Madison Nonprofit Day, joins to preview the event's return on Friday, November 7 at TruStage. She explains that it's a professional development opportunity for nonprofit professionals, board members, and community leaders — with sessions on funding, collaboration, safety, and leadership transitions. "Professional development is often the last thing invested in," Clifton says. "But we need to develop ourselves to serve our communities safely and effectively." Highlights include: Opening panel with Angela Davis (Madison Community Foundation), Angela Russell (TruStage), Renée Moe (United Way of Dane County), and Shiva Bidar-Sielaff (UW Health) Workshops on fundraising, partnership, and succession planning Clifton's keynote on preventing abuse in youth-serving spaces Social Impact Happy Hour recognizing local changemakers

Here's your local news for Thursday, October 30, 2025:We'll outline what's at stake locally as federal lawmakers weigh cuts to AmeriCorps Seniors funding,Discuss the potential flaws in the Madison Police Department's body-cam pilot study,Learn more about UW-Madison's Russian Flagship Program,Sit down with Chicago-based musician Winefred RT,Share the joy that comes from a used sewing machine,And much more.

In the last week of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Virginia Gittens Escudero discusses the role that UNIDOS plays in breaking barriers for Latinx survivors of domestic violence in Dane County through direct services and community education. The post Local Non-profit Breaks Barriers for Latinx Survivors appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

If the federal government shutdown doesn't end by the end of the month, up to 65,000 Dane County residents could go without their SNAP benefits. To understand what's at stake, host Bianca Martin talks with Ellen Carlson, Wayforward Resources executive director. Plus, executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter Rob Thomas join Bianca to break down the top stories of the week, including a massive Cap Times investigation into teacher misconduct and the death of a beloved local restaurateur.

Here's your local news for Tuesday, October 21, 2025:We hear local nonprofits' warning to the county board as they weigh proposed funding cuts in next year's budget,Consider strategies to combat the rise of white Christian nationalism,Detail the gaps in the system that make it difficult to track educators accused of sexual misconduct and grooming,Survey the trade war's impact on American soybean farmers,Celebrate the history of Madison's Mediterranean Cafe,Explain why bird banding is a valuable tool for researchers and rehabilitators,And much more.

When a handful of friends decided to turn generosity into action, they created something extraordinary.In this episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, host Josh Kosnick sits down with Charlie Wills and Jason Guttenberg, two of the founding members of 100 Men of Dane County—a collective of business leaders dedicated to helping local children and families move from survival → success → significance.Together they unpack how a small idea born on a golf course became a powerhouse of community transformation, giving away more than $2.8 million to Dane County nonprofits since 2018.You'll hear: • How HackFest and a cancer diagnosis sparked the idea. • Why simple structure and shared purpose beat red tape and perfection. • The real stories behind the grants changing kids' lives. • Lessons on faith, fatherhood, and legacy from three servant-leaders. • How you can start a giving collective in your own community.

Here's your local news for Thursday, October 2, 2025:We'll outline some of the cost-saving measures in County Executive Agard's spending plan for next year,Mark the end of a Biden-era climate initiative,Find out how PFAS chemicals from Truax Field end up in nearby waterways like Starkweather Creek,Learn what it takes to achieve fluency in Russian,Talk songwriting with a Milwaukee-based musician,Dissect the scholarly lessons in Scooby Doo,And much more.

The man in charge of a controversial beagle-breeding facility in Dane County is now prohibited from practicing veterinary medicine. That surprise decision came out of an emergency meeting of the state veterinary examining board. FOX6 Investigator Bryan Polcyn has been following the story of Ridglan Farms and in this episode of Open Record, Polcyn explains what happens next for the breeding and research farm. Hear why the story is far from over, the things we still don't know regarding Ridglan Farms, and the painful dog research you're paying for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode of 365 Amplified, hosts Stephanie Díaz de León, Omar Waheed, and Rob Chappell dive into a wide range of local and national stories — from media censorship and free speech battles to community leadership and grassroots democracy — before welcoming a special guest. Featured Interview: Huma Ahsan Madison attorney Huma Ahsan, candidate for Dane County Circuit Court Judge (Branch 1), joins the show to talk about her journey from immigration law to tribal courts, her work rebuilding a judicial system from scratch on the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa reservation, and why she believes Dane County needs a “court of resistance” in the current political climate. Ahsan shares her background, her approach to justice, and what she hopes to bring to the bench. Other Topics This Week: Wisconsin politics: Two new names join the race for governor, plus a landslide recall election in DeForest. YWCA Racial Justice Summit: A preview of this year's speakers and themes, from abolition to ecological restoration. Media and free speech: The FCC threatens ABC over Jimmy Kimmel's remarks — what it means for journalism, censorship, and corporate influence. Community leadership: A look ahead to Madison365's annual list of Wisconsin's Most Influential Latino Leaders. The most important question: Is a taco a sandwich? Connect: Full coverage at Madison365.org Support Local Journalism: If you appreciate our work, consider donating to keep 365 Amplified and Madison365 thriving. Visit madison365.org/donate to contribute. Follow Us: Stay connected for real-time news updates and discussions:

This week on 365 Amplified, the team dives into national, state, and local news—and sits down with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who has just entered the race for governor of Wisconsin. Highlights from this episode: Political violence and rhetoric: The hosts discuss the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, the responses from both the right and the left, and the broader implications for gun control, public safety, and accountability. Wisconsin politics: David Crowley joins the show to talk about his campaign for governor, his path from youth organizing to county executive, and his priorities for affordability, public schools, health care, and rural outreach. He also shares his pick for favorite Wisconsin-born celebrity. Statewide races: Former State Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa announces her run for Secretary of State, adding to the shakeup in Wisconsin's political landscape. Local reporting: Omar brings updates on Dane County rangers threatening unhoused residents near Yahara Park, and the community response to protect those living outside. Community & culture: Rasta Barista hosts Madison's first-ever Jerk and Jollof Cookoff, a celebration of Caribbean and African food that also raises funds for youth empowerment programs. Sports: This weekend, Wisconsin football has a tall order in Alabama, and it's the Henny Derby between Forward Madison and Richmond Kickers. Fun & reflections: The hosts share childhood beliefs they held onto too long (and air some pet peeves about language and punctuation). Connect: Full coverage at Madison365.org Support Local Journalism: If you appreciate our work, consider donating to keep 365 Amplified and Madison365 thriving. Visit madison365.org/donate to contribute. Follow Us: Stay connected for real-time news updates and discussions:

Data centers this, data centers that. It seems just about everyone has something to say about the new tech infrastructure that's popping up across the nation and here in Dane County. Data centers are major energy and water consumers (to put it lightly) but the new tech facilities are promising job creation and other economic benefits to the communities they're in. But what does it take to actually power one of these facilities and will everyday consumers end up footing the bills? Today, host Bianca Martin talks to executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, Tom Content, to find out just what happens when data centers come to town. 

  In July of 2021, Bart and Krista Halderson, of suburban Dane County, were said to have gone up north to their cabin in Langlade County to celebrate the July 4th Holiday with friends.  After days of no contact with their family back home in Windsor, WI, they were reported missing by their 23-year-old son, Chandler.  When they were finally found by police, the shock and awe of what happened to Bart and Krista still has not worn off the small, tight-knit community north of Madison, as the story horrified the state and left a nation in disbelief.  Scott and Mickey discuss the case of Chandler Halderson, who's name has been etched into the notorious annals of Wisconsin true crime amongst the most evil, and attempt to make sense of what happened.  In the opening banter, we discuss some exciting upcoming appearances, and a few projects we have in store. All right here, on Episode 56 of Badger Bizarre: "Chandler Halderson."   Facebook Twitter Website Email us:  badgerbizarre@outlook.com   Opening Trailer: Ed Gein Sound Byte : "Hard Copy" - Paramount Domestic/CBS Televsion Frank Lloyd Wright and Jeffery Dahmer Sound Byte - WISN 12 News - Milwaukee, WI Jeffery Dahmer Quotes: "Inside Edition"  - King World/CBS Television/CBS Media     Attribution for Music: Trailer: Composer: Adam Phillip Zwirchmayr https://www.pond5.com/ Intro: https://pixabay.com/ Outro: Composer: Viacheslav Sarancha  https://www.pond5.com/     Attribution for logo design: Red Claw Scratch Photo    Sources:    ABC-TV - Wisconsin parents murdered over college lies: How Snapchat helped uncover the truth Court TV - WI vs. Halderson Kenosha News - Archives Wisconsin State Journal - Archives WMTV - Madison   Please visit our sponsor:  FrameMakers