International Wood Sculpture Festival Honors the Legacy of Harry Whitehorse

By Elim Eyobed, age 13

A festival in honor of Harry Whitehorse, a late Ho-Chunk sculptor from Wisconsin, brought people from all over the world to our backyard. A group of Simpson Street Free Press reporters attended the event and watched some of the world's best woodcarvers create their masterpieces in real time.

A semicircle of tents greeted guests arriving at the festival. The tents, which were designed based on traditional Ho-Chunk homes that used to be on the property, housed the artists in residence. In front of their respective work stations stood each artist’s national flag. [Read More]

How Monona’s Historic Lakefront Became San Damiano Park

By Sedona Afeworki, age 15

San Damiano is a lakefront park and historical site in Monona. A non-profit called The Friends of San Damiano, created in July of 2020, is working with the City of Monona to make the property a “one-of-a-kind Lake Monona destination.”

The San Damiano property has been passed down and exchanged several times since it was originally inhabited by indigenous communities. The Ho-Chunk Nation had been on the property since the ice ages, and in 1850, a Native American burial mound site was discovered near the San Damiano property.

Its next known occupant was Frank Allis, heir to the Allis-Chalmers farm machinery company. In 1893, Allis built a Dutch Colonial Revival house on the estate, which was 600 acres of farmland along Lake Monona. The still-standing 130-year-old house, which included a ballroom and seven fireplaces, was one of the first permanent residences along the lake outside of Madison. [Read More]

How Protests Led to the Bombing of UW's Sterling Hall

by Siheon Park, age 11

During the 1960s, many University of Wisconsin-Madison students were protesting the Vietnam War. Police broke up a student protest by using mace and clubs. The protest was about the Dow Chemical Company that produced a deadly chemical called Napalm for the U.S. military, but later on, it would lead to one of the most mysterious cases of domestic terrorism in Wisconsin history.

On Aug, 24, 1970, a group of men bombed Sterling Hall of UW-Madison, which was home to the Army Math Research Center, killing physicist Robert Fassnacht, and injuring four other researchers. The bombers were Karl and Dwight Armstrong, Leo Burt, and David Fine. The called themselves “The New Years Gang”.

The bombing of Sterling Hall wasn’t their only attack. Earlier in the year on January 1st, 1970, Karl and Dwight Armstrong attempted to bomb the Badger Army Ammunition Plant in Baraboo, but the bomb failed to go off. Later on, they were involved in bombing the ROTC offices and US draft board in the spring. [Read More]

The Driftless Historium: A Journey Through Time in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 16

There is a museum in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin that’s well worth a visit. The Driftless Historium and Mt. Horeb Historical Society are only a short drive from Madison, but inside the facility are objects and exhibits that teach history and spark the imagination.

It’s been a while since student reporters from Simpson Street have been to this fantastic museum. But we’ve seen the photos of prior visits and read the reviews from former students. So, we were excited to hit the road and visit Mt. Horeb and the Driftless Historium. Of course, we also wanted more photos of trolls. But that’s a different part of the story. [Read More]

Archeologists Make Historic Discoveries in Lake Mendota

by Dani Garduño, age 13

Lake Mendota is known for mysterious secrets and historic discoveries, and archaeologists now say that one of its oldest secrets may have just been revealed. Recently, researchers have identified nine more dugout canoes on the lake's bottom, including one estimated to be around 4,500 years old, making it the oldest known dugout canoe found in the Great Lakes region.

Archaeologists from the Wisconsin Historical Society discovered these nine additional canoes near Shorewood Hills with the help of radiocarbon dating and wood analysis. One canoe fragment, estimated to be 4,500 years old, dates back to around 2500 B.C., a time when hunters and gatherers lived in seasonal communities. This makes it the oldest dugout canoe found in the Great Lakes region.

While this ancient canoe is an important discovery, it is only one of many canoes that have been found in Lake Mendota. The canoes were categorized by archaeologists based on the types of wood used to construct them. The materials included elm, ash, cottonwood, white oak, and red oak—woods commonly used by the ancestors of the Ho-Chunk Nation and other Native peoples. The Wisconsin Historical Society continues to collaborate with the Ho-Chunk Nation to learn more about these historic watercraft and the people who built them. [Read More]

Chris McIntosh to Lead UW Athletics Through 2029

by Owen Ayite-Atayi, 16

The University of Wisconsin Madison is announcing that Chris McIntosh, UW’s athletic director, is agreeing to stay with the UW Athletics program for a few more years.

McIntosh is from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and was a former Badgers offensive lineman. He played just two seasons in the National Football League (NFL) and wanted to be an athletic director. He joined the department in 2014 as the director of development and later was promoted to the athletic director.

McIntosh’s contract increases his base salary to $1.45 million yearly with a $50,000 increase each year. With this new contract extension, he will continue to work for UW Athletics until 2029, where his contract expires. Jennifer L. Mnookin, the chancellor of UW, said in a press release, “Chris is an extremely effective leader at a time of unprecedented change across the collegiate athletics landscape. He continues to position the Badgers for long-term success in the top tier of college sports.” [Read More]

Stewart Lake County Park is a Hidden Gem in Dane County's Driftless Area

by Samuel Garduño Martínez, age 17

Just west of Madison near the village of Mt. Horeb lies one of Dane County’s hidden gems—its first official park. Nestled in the Driftless Area, Stewart Lake County Park’s bluffs and valleys are a unique piece of Wisconsin. First and foremost, the topography is breathtakingly special. Unlike other regions in the Midwest, the Driftless Area escaped the flattening effects of thousand-year-old-glaciers.

This summer, students from Simpson Street Free Press embarked on several field trips to the Driftless Area. Our plans are to visit this still-preserved treasure and study its characteristics. On one recent trip, we learned that despite going through much change, Stewart Lake County Park is beloved by the people who use it and know it.

Stewart Lake County Park, formerly known as Lake Park, has been around since the early 20th century, but the site has beautifully carved over thousands of years. The park itself has undergone several drastic transformations since it was designated a park in 1912. [Read More]

What Is an Alder?

by Daniel Li, age 16

The role of an alderman varies significantly depending on the governmental context. Historically, in Anglo-Saxon England, aldermen were high-ranking officials who often presided over shires. The term "alderman" originates from the Old English "ealdorman," meaning "elder man" or "older man."

In the United States, the term "alderman" is less common compared to titles like "councilman" or "council member," but at their core, they are equivalent. However, some municipalities still use the term. Chicago’s City Council, for instance, comprises 50 elected aldermen, each representing a district or ward. These aldermen serve under the city's mayor and are responsible for representing their constituents' interests at the city or county level. Similar to congressmen, aldermen are elected by district residents and strive to advocate for their community's needs. In some instances, a district may have multiple aldermen.

In Madison, the city is divided into 20 districts, each represented by one alderman. These districts are carefully drawn to ensure balanced representation across the city, considering population and community interests. Madison's alders serve on the Common Council, working alongside the mayor to address citywide issues and local concerns within their districts. [Read More]

New Golf Complex Proposed in Monona

By Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 14

Topgolf, a sports entertainment company, has revealed plans to build a driving range and golf center in Monona. It will be located just off the Beltline on West Broadway. The site is between WPS Health Solutions and South Towne Mall.

Topgolf is a Dallas-based company which has over 90 golf complexes across the U.S. and locations in 10 other countries. There are two located in the suburbs of Chicago and another near Minneapolis. There is also a planned golf complex in West Des Moines, Iowa. That facility will open this fall.

Finding a location was not easy. The company has been looking in the Madison market for five years. In Monona, the company plans a project worth $30 million that would replace five current buildings. The location was discussed with the city plan commission in June. The company's real estate development director Todd Waldo said, “We feel that we have found the right spot.” [Read More]

Dane County Set to Approve New Wildlife Conservation Area

by Siwoo Park, age 12

Dane County recently awarded $900,000 to the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance. The SWBA will proceed with a conservation project to preserve native wildlife species in a sanctuary near CamRock County Park in eastern Dane County. The 2,600 acres of conservation land will include public access, educational opportunities, and captivating scenery. One goal is to emphasize the importance of native species.

In addition to Dane County’s funding, SWBA was also awarded $1.4 million from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship.

The 2,600 acres that SWBA bought from David Gunnulson will be used to create and preserve habitats that are new and old. The SWBA will protect native butterflies, birds, and plants within a crucial habitat area. The location is about two miles south of CamRock County Park in the town of Christiana. [Read More]

The Greek Demigod who Became the God of Medicine

by John Agbo, age 13

In Greek mythology, the most powerful gods, known as the 12 Olympians, could not bring back the dead. Only Asclepius, the god of medicine, could. However, Asclepius wasn't always a god; he was born a demigod.

Asclepius was the son of Apollo and Koronis, the god of the sun and a mortal, respectively. In some myths, his mother abandoned him as a child and left him to be raised by a dog and a goat. His father, Apollo, raised him and taught the young demigod the secrets of medicine. Asclepius was tutored by Cheiron, a wise centaur and the teacher of many legendary heroes who lived on Mt. Pelion.

In some myths, Asclepius married Hygeia, another god of health, but in others, she was his daughter, and he married Epione instead. Asclepius had two sons and four daughters. His descendants, known as the Asclepiads, also carried on his legacy of medicine. [Read More]

How Dane County Young People Can Protect Pollinator Species

by Camila Cruz, age 16

Spring and early summer is a good time to think about helping pollinator species. And you can do this right in your own backyard.

The Dane County Land and Water Resources Department is encouraging people to act to support our local pollinators. There are several steps you can take that can help. These steps include planting native plants and providing the types of habitats that pollinators need to survive and thrive.

Student reporters from Simpson Street Free Press have been studying and writing about pollinators for several years. These species are essential to our environment because about 87% of flowering plants on Planet Earth depend on pollinators. [Read More]

Learn the History of Wisconsin's State Capitol Buildings

by Atisse Robbins, age 13

Did you know Wisconsin's first capitol was not built in Madison? The first capitol building, called the territorial capitol, was built by James Atchison in the town of Old Belmont. The capitol was built around 1836, using wooden pieces made in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Today, the territorial capitol remains in Lafayette County as one of Wisconsin's historical sites.

The first state capitol was built under the supervision of James D. Doty and John O'Neill. Construction started in 1837, but it was not finished until 1848. It was expected to cost $40,000, but after it was completed, the expenses were $60,000.

Due to the growing state, the legislature of 1857 planed for the expansion of the capitol. Soon, the construction of a second state capitol began. The legislature established the second state capitol as they believed that the first state capitol was no longer adequate for the growing state. [Read More]

Event Highlights the Dangers of Vaping

by Elim Eyobed, age 13 and Ayelen Flores, age 13

Public Health Madison Dane County recently hosted an open-house event at Warner Park Community Recreation Center. The goal of the event was to raise awareness about vaping and its risks for young people. The event focused on the medical research and useful facts about vaping.

The creativity of local high schoolers was featured, in the form of three vaping awareness posters. The posters are a product of a two-year project that was a joint effort between Public Health Madison Dane County (PHMDC), UW-Madison Extension, and Madison teens.

At the event, the posters took center-stage, but were accompanied by various educational “stations” that highlighted what the students learned during the project. The first stop was a timeline of tobacco use, advertising, and legislation, dating back to 6000 B.C. and its use in ancient Native American communities for healing and tradition. The timeline included the creation of the first widely recognized vape, the Juul, and the recent spike in vape and e-cigarette use among youth. [Read More]

City of Madison Hires Local Journalist for Newly-Created Communications Manager Position

by Jules Da Costa, age 16

Local journalist Dylan Brogan was recently named the City of Madison’s new communications manager, a newly created position.

The new position was approved by the Madison Common Council in the 2024 budget. City officials say they created the job to support and better facilitate outreach to the public. They also hope to keep residents better informed about local government.

Brogan will oversee planning, organizing, and coordinating communications and will focus on reaching underrepresented residents, according to a statement from the mayor’s office. [Read More]

Theater Review: “What the Constitution Means to Me”

By Camila Cruz, age 16

Forward Theater’s production of “What the Constitution Means to Me,” directed by Jen Uphoff Gray, captures audiences with its unique approach to considering the United States Constitution.

Leading actress Colleen Madden of American Players Theater portrays playwright and protagonist Heidi Schreck in this autobiographical play. Madden opens the play by introducing herself as Heidi Schreck and explaining her connection to the Constitution. As a high schooler, Schreck competed in constitutional speech and debate contests, for which she earned college scholarships. At age 15, Schreck loved the Constitution and its study, and she felt deeply inspired by this “living document.”

The first part of the play revolves around 50-year-old Schreck “recreating” one of her high school competitions. She acts like her polite and invigorated 15-year-old self. But she also pauses her reenactment to comment on how her understanding of amendments and clauses has deepened through time and experience. [Read More]

Wisconsin Students Could Return to School in August Under New DPI Proposal

by Jules Da Costa, age 15

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is proposing a policy shift that would allow schools to start before the traditional September 1st date. Current state regulations prevent public schools from starting classes before September 1st. The suggested rule change would modify existing legislation, enacted in 2002.

In recent years, more school districts have sought to start the academic year earlier. In 2023-24, over 100 districts asked to start the school year early. Just two years earlier, only 18 districts submitted such waiver requests.

Some exemptions already exist. School districts can start school early for things like construction projects, unexpected school closures, or transportation issues. The new exemptions proposed by DPI seek to help schools trying to improve attendance and student achievement. Schools offering special support in math and reading might also qualify for an exemption. DPI would also expand the exemption to districts looking to address mental health issues. [Read More]

When United Way’s Annual Campaign Succeeds, the Entire Community Benefits

By Desteny Alvarez and Josepha Da Costa

Earlier this year, student reporters from Simpson Street Free Press had a chance to interview several longtime change-makers and volunteers. Our interviews were part of United Way’s centennial celebration. Let’s just say we learned a lot about our community and about United Way.

The first thing we learned was that “The Power of Many, Working for All” is much more than just a slogan. Here in Dane County, our local United Way puts those words into action. For example, did you know that every dollar donated to United Way returns more than six times that amount in total community impact? That statistic alone demonstrates efficiency and solid results. And it’s worth a deeper look. [Read More]

Wisconsin Passes $125 Million Bill to Address PFAS Contamination

by Valeria Moreno Lopez, age 17

Dangerous artificial chemicals like PFAS have polluted Wisconsin’s waters and towns for decades. The Wisconsin State Assembly recently passed a $125 million bill to control and test for PFAS contamination in groundwater across the state, yet it could also exempt polluters from liability.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals in many industry and consumer items, including cookware and water-resistant products. These chemicals are difficult to remove from nature and do not fully decompose. They seep into groundwater and lakes, and ingesting them can lead to a weakened immune system, liver disease, and cancer.

The legislation would offer grants to local governments and private landowners, using $125 million from the state’s budget trust fund to remove PFAS in wells and water treatment plants. Under Wisconsin’s “Spills Law,” anyone who causes or owns a dangerous substance released into the environment must clean it up. However, Democrats say the PFAS bill protects polluters because, in some scenarios, taxpayers would have to clean up the mess. Furthermore, a legislative committee must approve the funding for the legislation before it can help Wisconsinites with contamination. [Read More]

Madison Schools and Libraries Host 2nd-annual ‘Batalla de los Libros’ Reading Competition

by Camila Cruz, age 16

Madison students in grades 4-8 recently met for a Spanish-language reading competition. The idea was to test student skills and knowledge in areas like studying, reading comprehension, and teamwork.

This event was the Madison Metropolitan School District’s second annual Batalla de los Libros. Teams of students from various elementary and middle schools in Madison gathered at Central Branch Public Library in downtown Madison. The event was sponsored by MMSD Department of Library Services.

Teams of students from four middle schools and nine elementary schools took part in the event. Parents were invited to attend. [Read More]

The Legacy of Madison's 'I Have a Dream' Scholarship Ball

by Camila Cruz, age 16

Last year was the first time I attended the Martin Luther King “I Have a Dream” Ball. Now, almost one year later, it’s the most important date on my calendar. Here’s why ….

Sponsored by Women In Focus, this annual event is a cherished Madison tradition. I had heard of it but had never been to the event. Talking with friends and siblings who had attended in the past made me excited and curious. I was looking forward to it.

I’m not here to tell you how much fun we had. We had a great time listening to music and guest speakers, talking with friends, and dancing. There was an amazing auction. The event was everything I imagined and more. But that’s not what I’m here to talk about. [Read More]

W. Jerome Frautschi Donates to new Wisconsin History Center

By Valeria Moreno Lopez, age 17

A new Wisconsin Historical Museum will replace the current museum on Capitol Square by 2027.

Philanthropist W. Jerome Frautschi recently established an additional $10 million fund, making his total donation to the project about $25 million.

Jerome Frautschi and his wife, Pleasant Rowland, are based in Madison and have a history of giving back to the city. They have donated millions to countless city projects, including the Madison Youth Arts Center, the UW Hospital, the Overture Center, Boys and Girls of Dane County, and many more. [Read More]

Public Health Officials Issue PFAS Updates for Dane County Fisheries

by Amelia Pearson, age 13

In 2023, there was an updated per-and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) warning enforced by the Dane County Public Health due to concerns about the 2023 fishing season. PFAS are harmful human-made chemicals that are used in a vast variety of products from firefighting foams to something as simple as fast-food wrapping.

One major concern centers around PFAS found in fish. Due to this, the Department of Natural Resource (DNR) and Department of Health Services (DHS) suggest a limit on the number of certain fish people should consume, such as Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, and White Bass, which was recently added to the list. The DNR and DHS recommend only one meal including any of these four types of fish a month.

Due to the outcome of the fish sampling in 2020, the DNR heavily recommended new PFAS-based fish consumption advisories for Yahara Chain waters in Dane and Rock county. There was also a raised level of perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a type of PFAS found in various species of fish collected in lakes Monona, Kegonsa and Waubesa. [Read More]

Monona Mural Is Beloved Local Example of Public Art

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 13

Wisconsin boasts a plethora of stunning and remarkable murals throughout the state, each distinguished by the unique messages they convey. One compelling illustration is the "Water, Land, and Sky" mural located in Monona.

Positioned conveniently on West Broadway, opposite South Towne Mall, this mural is accessible to the public at all times, allowing visitors to capture photographs with it. Crafted in the summer of 2017, it is the result of a collaboration between the city of Monona and Dane Arts Mural Art.

The "Water, Land, and Sky" mural serves as a tribute to the beauty of Monona and its vibrant community. Local artist Rhea Swing breathed life into this masterpiece, with the active involvement of Monona residents, including those from Winnequah Elementary, the Monona Senior Center, and members of the Ho-Chunk Nation. [Read More]

Unlocking Opportunities with a Madison Library Card

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 13

The city of Madison is home to nine public libraries, as well as a mobile library, the Dream Bus. While the Madison Public Library system still lends out books, movies, CDs, and even video games, it has grown to offer a variety of additional opportunities and resources to Madisonians. The key to accessing these opportunities within Madison libraries and the South Central Library System: is a library card.

There are multiple ways to sign up for a library card. For example, sign-up can be done online or at any Madison Public Library location. You will need an ID and proof of your current address. The first card is free and then you can request free replacement cards.

The Madison Public Library website has a list of 30 things a cardholder can do with their card, such as checking out movies, books, computers, DVDs, ebooks, current newspapers, magazines, and many more interesting things. Students and other individuals can reserve a study room to work on homework or school projects. The rooms were made for people to use as a tool to meet with friends or group work members and study. [Read More]

Follow a Simpson Street Road Trip to Wisconsin’s Driftless Area

by Samuel Garduño and Camila Cruz

A large group of student reporters from Simpson Street recently took a summer road trip to Wisconsin’s famous Driftless Area. This is an area of western Wisconsin that was never flattened or even touched by the glaciers. The region is hilly with lots of cold-water streams and beautiful scenery. For us, it was a one-day adventure meant to enhance our understanding of topics we already cover, such as pollinator species and birds of Wisconsin.

We started from our newsroom at South Towne Mall in Madison. In our caravan there were 12 students and four editors.

As we drove west through Mt. Horeb, our eyes were quickly drawn to the many trolls and troll-like sculptures that line the main street of this charming Wisconsin community. Always curious about such things, we decided to stop on the way back to take a closer look at Mt. Horeb and its trolls. [Read More]

Exploring the Artistic Depths of the James Watrous Gallery

by Camila Cruz, age 16, and Ayelen Flores, age 13

At Simpson Street Free Press, we are always on the lookout for art. Recently, student reporters from Simpson Street took a trip to see the James Watrous Gallery at the Overture Center for the Arts. Just like writing, art is a form of discipline and expression. Both of these draw out individual imagination and creativity to convey meanings that reach deeper than the surface.

So, on a bright and sunny summer day, our reporters arrived at the Overture Center at 4:30 p.m. and made our way up to the gallery. The James Watrous Gallery is located on the third floor, where one of the gallery staff greeted us at the entrance and gave us an overview of gallery highlights and ongoing exhibits.

The Watrous Gallery is a program of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters. The gallery showcases the work of local artists and, more generally, artists from Wisconsin. We had the opportunity to view featured collections by Colin Matthes and Alison Gates, which were on display from April 28 to July 23. [Read More]

Wisconsin Trade Exams Now Available in Spanish, Paving the Way for Inclusivity and Opportunity

by Sandy Flores Ruiz, age 17

Wisconsin Trade Credentialing Examinations are now offered in Spanish, as of July 11, 2023. This will allow native Spanish speakers to take all trade exams in Spanish, which will eliminate a language barrier to obtaining a credential, and help them achieve a higher earning job.

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services is investing in the expansion of the state’s workforce by creating changes like this, offering people the opportunity to be certified in a trade. The exam will help native Spanish speakers to get one of the state’s 240 professional credentials. Those include plumbing, contracting, electrical work and so much more. Many are excited about this new major advancement as it will allow more Hispanic people to be able to work in different fields.

However, people worry that this new advance will only benefit a few community members because of the following steps after the exam. In the state of Wisconsin, one in five Latinos do not speak English at all or do not speak it well. After entering those higher-level positions, many will struggle to succeed if the only language companies offer is English. Some question whether Wisconsin is creating false hope for people entering a workforce in which their native language is not spoken. [Read More]

Free Native Plants Available for Schools and Community Projects

by Camila Cruz, age 15

Is your school or community organization looking to install or expand a native plant garden? Many people these days look for ways to help the local environment, and planting native plants is a good way to start.

Well, you’re in luck. The Dane County Land & Water Resources Department is offering free native plants. The department is currently accepting applications from schools and community groups in Dane County. For more information about this program or to download the application, visit the Land & Water Resources Department website.

Native plants can help improve water quality and wildlife habitat. Plants that are native to Wisconsin tend to do better in our local growing conditions. Native plants have deep root systems, and this provides many benefits. For example, they reduce stormwater runoff and help protect nearby bodies of water. These plants are also more resistant to drought and disease. [Read More]

New Projects and Dedicated Volunteers Help Expand Dane County’s Newest Park

by Alan Cruz, age 17

On a recent summer evening, Simpson Street Free Press student reporters headed just south of Madison toward Oregon and Anderson Farm County Park. Pollinator gardens and the unveiling of public art attracted our attention to the park because we’ve been writing about those subjects this summer.

Established in 2014, Anderson Farm County Park is the newest park in the Dane County Parks system. At 310 acres, this is also one of our bigger parks. Anderson Farm Park is a mix of woodlands, agricultural fields, and a small prairie that was started in 2016. While the park is still being developed, new projects and new features are shaping up throughout this park.

We got to the park in time to see the unveiling of a new sculpture, which is located near the Union Road picnic area parking lot alongside the bike path. The sculpture honors the legacy of Gary Kalscheur, a long-time youth baseball coach and strong supporter of Anderson Farm County Park during its early days. [Read More]

Dream Ball Raises Scholarship Funds for Local Students

by Cristian Cruz

One of Madison’s signature events will take place on January 13th at The Wisconsin Masonic Center.

The goal is to raise funds for college scholarships, which are awarded each spring.

For students at Simpson Street Free Press, this annual event is a tradition. We attend every year, and we look forward to it. The “I have a Dream” Ball is widely known as a truly fun event. There is good food, lots of interesting people, and a real sense of community and purpose. We think that’s because the people who attend know they are contributing to a great cause. [Read More]

Open Meetings Violation Complaint Filed Against Belleville

by Sydney Steidl, age 16

A concerned citizen has accused the Village of Belleville of illegally meeting behind closed doors to consider and approve the sale of the Village’s former library in violation of the State’s Open Meetings Laws. The complaint, filed with the Dane County District Attorney’s office in early August, contained 10 separate allegations of open meetings violations.

The sale of the 6,300-square-foot building to a developer for $20,000 was approved as a result of closed meetings, despite the building being appraised at $210,000 only a year ago. This substantial difference has led many local residents to wonder what happened during the meetings and question the integrity of the deal.

One citizen, Jeff Larson, said he believes that other potential buyers would have offered more favorable terms for the library, and that this sale was not in the public’s best interest. “If the board believes this is such a great deal for the Village and its residents, why did it work so hard to hide information and prevent the public from sharing any input until after the decision was already made?” Larson said. [Read More]

City of Madison Continues to Make Progress in Composting Programs

by Mariama Bah, age 15

Citywide composting in Madison has had a challenging history, but supporters are still trying to make it a reality.

Compost is a mixture of decomposed organic matter typically used as fertilizer as it is high in nutrients for soil. Organic matter such as fruits and vegetables, grass clippings, and paper can be thrown into a pile and turned into compost. In turn, compost cuts methane emissions from landfills, conserves water, and reduces personal waste.

Madison has tried and failed to implement food composting programs. The city attempted to install curbside pick up services twice, but these programs quickly came to an end as food scraps were contaminated with non-organic materials like children's toys, coat hangers, and towels. [Read More]

Land Purchase in Western Dane County Provides Public Access to Morton Forest

by Hiba Al-Quraishi, age 14

A generous gift from a private landowner made 22 years ago is prompting new conservation action in Dane County.

In 1999, 120 acres of Morton Forest were deeded to Dane County by Steve Morton, a retired chemist, and environmentalist. The land is about 2.5 miles south of the Town of Mazomanie. To create better access to Morton Forest, Dane County now plans to purchase 65 acres of land in the Village of Black Earth.

Similar to Morton Forest, this new piece of land in Black Earth has amazing vistas, as well as small farmlands, a stone quarry, and rock outcroppings. [Read More]

When Exploring Dane County’s Sugar River, Keep and Eye Out for Invasive Species

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 14

The Sugar River, also known as The Upper Sugar River Watershed, is located in Dane County and flows all the way down to the Rock River.

The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association works to protect the river from invasive species that can harm or push out native species and damage the ecosystem. Many rare and endangered native plants found in the river and its nearby wetlands are threatened. Most wetland animals depend on these native plants for food and shelter.

Some native species can disappear if a watershed loses its healthy wetlands. Recreational uses of wetlands include trapping, fishing, bird watching, and nature study. Healthy wetlands can help with keeping the water clean and safe for wildlife. Healthy wetlands also help control and prevent floods. [Read More]

Martin Luther King, Jr “I Have a Dream”
Event Supports Local Scholarships

by Josepha Da Costa, age 16

The annual “I Have a Dream” Ball is scheduled for January 15, 2022. This year’s event will again take place virtually. As always, the I Have Dream Ball will raise money to fund scholarships for local high school seniors and college students. And, as always, this cherished Madison tradition is organized and sponsored by the dedicated volunteers of Women in Focus.

My name is Josepha Da Costa and I am a junior at La Follette High School. I am also a teen editor at Simpson Street Free Press. I have attended the Women in Focus Ball with my Simpson Street colleagues several times over the years going back to when I was in 6th grade. [Read More]