Morning Update: Wednesday, Jan. 5

Happy Wednesday, y'all.

Do you still need a COVID-19 booster? Well, you're in luck. Public Health Madison and Dane County announced Tuesday several mobile vaccine clinics will be popping up around Dane County in the coming weeks.

Locations range from the Waunakee Public Library to the Hmong Legacy Market on Fish Hatchery Road, so hopefully, you'll be able to find a place and time that fits best with your schedule.

Check out this map from PHMDC with all participating locations.

On top of that, PHMDC has recently extended its hours and opened up a ton of new testing availability at its South Park Street clinic. The clinic will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through Sunday this week. Registration is required but, as someone who has gone through the process countless times, I can confidently say it is a very simple process. You can book an appointment here.

Stay healthy, friends.

— Hayley

✏️ The Madison School Board will discuss a return to in-person learning tonight. Here's how you can join the conversation.

Tonight's meeting will begin at 5 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the board's YouTube channel.
Cap Times reports there will be a public comment section of the meeting and if you wish to speak, you must fill out a registration form on the district’s website, which will open up two hours prior to the meeting.
Related: Parents rail against Madison School District 'last-minute' decision to delay return to classrooms (Wisconsin State Journal)

✅ City Council approved the blueprint for the future of Madison's South Side.

Some context: Madison's South Side is prime for development and the city has been working on a plan for the area's future for years. But, like most projects in the city, the South Madison Plan has not been without its own controversy and push back. Residents and city officials found themselves divided on the type of developments needed in the area — many South Madison residents want to see more single-family housing while some city leaders have pushed for larger-scale developments.
The council unanimously approved the South Madison Plan, which envisions more density in some areas, an expanded Penn Park, more housing and retail, up to 12-story mixed-use buildings (in some areas), and more. It will take 10 to 15 years to see this plan come to life so expect to hear more about it in the future.
Dig deeper: If you want to learn more about the history and personal stories attached to this issue, this week's Cap Times cover story is a great place to start.

❄️ Watch out for the weather today.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for southern and central Wisconsin and a winter storm warning for northern Wisconsin. The State Journal reports the advisory for southern and central Wisconsin will be in effect until 6 p.m. tonight. Expect to see snow, high winds, and potentially poor travel conditions.
Related: Here's the city's guide to protecting your water pipes this winter.

🧼 Anyone have an extra mop?

Some context: The Progress Center for Black Women in Madison has been hosting students from the Madison School District this week to help accommodate families struggling to find childcare after the district made the sudden change to delay the return to in-person instruction.
Sabrina Madison, the center's founder, put out a call on Twitter for supplies the center needs. If you have any of these items or would like to donate financially, give them a call at 608-467-6744.
- Items needed include: A twist mop, three trays for storing wet boots, disposable medical gloves, drinks for kids, single-serve snacks for kids, and a coat rack.

🥙 All hail Parthenon Gyros.

The 50-year-old State Street institution was recently listed as one of the 10 absolute best gyros in the U.S. by Mashed, a national online food outlet. Now, who's hungry?

🌶️ Penzeys Spices has closed in-store shopping because of rising COVID-19 case numbers.

The Wauwatosa-based spice retailer announced Monday they've closed their stores for in-person shopping until Wisconsin's COVID-19 hospitalization rates go down. The retailer has two shops in Madison. The owners are encouraging folks to get vaccinated during this time and, of course, shop online.

🌱 Lakeview Library's seed library is ready for your garden.

Lakeview Library's seed library now has native Wisconsin seeds available. These seeds are only available at Lakeview and quantities are limited!

🛶 Your lunchtime read: Adaptive canoe paddle from Wisconsin makes waves in major competition.

From WPR: "For almost three decades, Cindy Dillenschneider worked as an outdoor education professor at Northland College in Ashland, focused on making outdoor recreation more accessible. During a sabbatical, she spent time developing adaptive products for people of different abilities. The experience inspired the company she and her husband now run."