Morning Update

Digging out of the weekend's snow

Morning update: Monday, Dec. 12

In this newsletter

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Happy Monday, y'all,

The Madison area got more than five inches of snow Friday and more than a few traffic incidents as a result.

Dane County Emergency Services received 221 traffic-related calls by 1:30 p.m. Friday, according to the Cap Times. The total number of calls was actually more than 600 when you factor in people calling in about the same incidents.

With this in mind, now is a great time to dig into the transportation section of our winter survival guide. In it, we answer the following questions:

— Hayley

💸 The city has a new payment system for managing municipal bills.

Earlier this month, the City of Madison moved to a new payment system for managing municipal services bills. (Like your water bill!)
What this means for you: If you used e-billing, had auto-pay, or got high water use notifications, you'll need to create a new account and re-sign up for these features if you haven't already done so.
Check out the city's FAQ for the details and a step-by-step guide to getting set up.

🍺 Goodbye Funk Factory, hello Black Rose Blending Company.

The owner of Funk Factory Geuzeria is selling the local taproom to his long-time employee who plans to turn the space into Black Rose Blending Company next month.
According to Isthmus, Funk Factory’s lambic-style brews will still be produced at the location under the creative direction of Funk and the brand will still be offered in the taproom.
The taproom will close for at least two months at the start of next year. The new owner plans on opening the new space in March.

🚧 A look at the revised plans for a Tenney Park development.

If you'll recall: Last week developers held a meeting to give residents of the Tenney Park neighborhood a look at revamped plans for a potential major development on Sherman Avenue. Initially, a Chicago-based developer proposed a $90 million, six-story redevelopment with 445 apartments. This plan was met with major concern from neighbors.
The new proposal outlined plans for 405 market-rate units and changed the layout of the development to add more green space, a dog run, and more extensive stormwater controls.
According to the State Journal, residents provided a mix of feedback for the developers. The pros: Some commended the redesign and praised the idea of bringing more housing density to the neighborhood. The cons: Some residents raised concerns over "increased traffic and aesthetic changes to the neighborhood."

🏳️‍🌈 How one local club is taking action following the deadly shooting at Colorado's Club Q.

Some context: In November, five people were killed and many more were injured when a gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs. Club patrons were able to subdue the shooter, who has been charged with more than 300 criminal counts.
In response to the tragedy in Colorado, Five Nightclub in Madison held an active shooter training over the weekend.
The event was put on in partnership with the Madison Police Department, and according to the club, is something the community has asked for. "This is our attempt to prepare ourselves and the community we love should anything ever occur," the club wrote in an Instagram post. "We are not trying to scare anyone, but we need to be prepared and make sure everyone's safety is a priority."

🏐 The end of the road for Badger volleyball.

On Saturday, the Pit Panthers broke the Badgers’ 21-match winning streak and in the process, ended the team's chance at defending its 2021 national championship title.
The loss means Wisconsin wraps up the season with a 28-4 record. This is the fifth straight year the team has advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.
"It was as good of a match that you can hope for," Head Coach Kelly Sheffield said following the game. "Neither team refusing to lay down, give up or quit. Somebody has to win and certainly our team did not lose."

🎲 Your lunchtime read: Workers roll for solidarity at a Fitchburg game retailer.

Via Tone Madison: "Workers at a Fitchburg game store and warehouse will enjoy new protections after their employer chose to voluntarily recognize their union, following in the steps of a slew of other workforces in their industry and the Madison area.

Noble Knight Games employees were supposed to cast secret ballots on December 8 on the question of unionizing with the Communications Workers of America. But the company, which first called for the vote in the face of overwhelming support for a union within its workforce, reversed course December 1."

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