Morning Update: Monday, Jan. 24

Meet Madison's newest celebrity

Good morning, Madison!

For better or worse, welcome to Monday.

Have y'all met Madison's newest micro-celebrity? If not, let me introduce you to the snowy owl who's taken up residence near John Nolen Drive and in the hearts of Madisonians everywhere.

Given the bird's territory, some folks have taken to calling it Nolan the Owl (I say "it" since we're still unsure of the bird's gender identity, are there any avian enthusiasts who can help out here?).

Hello, beautiful.

The owl has taken Madison Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram by storm, and you can see why — our friend Nolan is wildly photogenic.

If you manage to snap any exciting photos of our feathered friend, we'd love to see them! Tag us on Instagram or send them our way via email, maybe we'll feature it in the newsletter for kicks.

— Hayley

⛄ PSA: The city has declared a snow emergency through tonight.

The City of Madison issued a snow emergency last night that will last into the early hours of Tuesday morning, with the possibility of an extension.
How does this affect me? If you drive a car you'll need to make sure you follow alternate side parking rules or risk getting ticketed or towed. The city is encouraging residents to park off-street if able to help snowplows move through the city efficiently. Tonight, cars should be parked on the odd-house-numbered side of the street between 1 - 7 a.m.

🎓 The UW System has a new president.

The Board of Regents voted unanimously Friday to offer the job to Jay Rothman, chairman and CEO of Milwaukee law firm Foley & Lardner. His first day on the job will be June 1 and he'll earn $550,000 annually.
Unlike other recent system presidents, Rothman has no experience in higher education administration and has not attended a public university (though he does have a law degree from Harvard).

“I intend to lead by listening first, so that the experience I have gained over my lifetime in Wisconsin can help us build a great UW System together. This is not an original sentiment, but I want to say it because I believe it: the UW System is our state’s crown jewel, and a vibrant UW System builds a strong Wisconsin.” — Jay Rothman, incoming UW System president

🏈 Well...the Packers lost.

Green Bay's golden boys faced off against San Francisco 49ers in a playoff game Saturday but even a home-field advantage wasn't enough. The 49ers upset the Packers 13-10 after 45-yard field goal as time expired.
You know what else might be nearing its expiration? Aaron Rodgers' football career.

💅 Downtown nail salon Laquerus is calling it quits.

The shop recently announced it will close its doors Feb. 22 after more than three years in business.
Hope is not lost for those looking for non-toxic nail care — in announcing its closure, Laquerus' owners said the salon will reopen later this spring as Aspire Nail Institute, an affiliate of PROSE Nails. For more details on the transition and appointment information, click here.

🔮 When one door closes, another opens — meet Alobudra Spiritual Apothecary.

The shop opened earlier this month next to Velvet Waxing Studio on Johnson Street. According to their Instagram, the new spot specializes in "herbs, crystals, and a variety of spiritual supplies."

💔 A farewell to Dorothy “Dot” Williams.

Dorothy “Dot” Williams, was known as a matriarch in the Madison community for more than five decades, she's remembered for her kindness and generosity, along with her activism and empathy, Madison365 writes. She died Jan. 15 at the age of 89.
Williams, along with her husband were founders and members of The Madison Gospelaires.

“Whenever I was in the presence of Dot Williams, I felt welcomed. She invited us into her home with love and happiness. Her food was good, her conversations were engaging and she was truly a gem in the Black community." — Betty Banks, executive director of Today Not Tomorrow, Inc.

🦒 Looking for volunteer opportunities? The zoo needs help making stuffed giraffes.

From Henry Vilas Zoo: "We’re looking for volunteers to donate their time and sewing skills to create Zoo Giraffes – stuffed giraffes made from upcycled shirts that will be sold to raise money for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation for World Giraffe Day in June. Volunteers will pick up their kits in early February, and finished giraffes will be due in March."

🏐 Your lunchtime read: UW volleyball coach Sheffield earned $100k bonus for winning national championship.

From The Badger Project: "On top of his $362,000 salary, University of Wisconsin-Madison volleyball head coach Kelly Sheffield earned a bonus of about $109,000 bonus for winning the national championship in 2021, plus a bonus of about $18,000 for winning the Big Ten, according to the UW Post Season Bonus Policy."

🦠 Covid-19 Update

Source: Public Health Madison and Dane County

Wisconsin Vaccination Rate: 59%

Dane County Vaccination Rate: 76.8%

Links you can use

Here's where to find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.
Need a COVID-19 test? PHMDC has you covered.
Do you still need your flu shot? Start here.
Request an at-home testing kit from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Where to Buy N95s, KN95s, and Surgical-Style Masks in 2022 (Wirecutter)
What to Do if You are Sick or Possibly Exposed (PHMDC)

📅 Events: Monday, Jan. 24

Monday, Jan. 24

Open Mic Comedy Night at The Bur Oak. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Free.
Madison Minutes interviews UW-Madison student newspaper leaders. We'll be talking with the leaders of the Daily Cardinal and the Badger Herald about all things UW in 2022. 7 p.m. Virtual. Free.