Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How harsh are Madison winters really? The data may surprise you.

Also, don't miss The Little Matchstick Girl Ballet on the Madison Patch calendar

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Saturday December 20th Patch AM
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Good morning Madison! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How harsh are Madison winters really? The data may surprise you.
  • Why Madison officers won’t be charged in a 2024 in-custody death
  • How a heater turned a Madison driveway repair into a fire

Also on today's calendar: The Little Matchstick Girl Ballet and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Madisonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Madisonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: A snow shower in the morning, with a high of 38 and low of 6 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and colder, temps: high: 23, low: 21.
  • Monday: A bit of ice in the morning, with a high of 36 and low of 33 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Are winters harsh in Madison? Your weather questions answered (captimes.com) — If you’ve wondered whether Madison winters are really that harsh, this explainer breaks down decades of local data on snow, cold snaps, heat waves, and even tornado trends in Dane County. It translates climate stats into what you actually feel each season, from subzero wind chills to lengthening summers and longer bug seasons around town.
   

2. No charges for Madison police officers after suspect's 2024 death linked to cocaine toxicity (wmtv15news.com) — Dane County prosecutors have decided not to charge Madison police officers in the 2024 death of a man who became unresponsive after his arrest and jailing. Authorities say the man, arrested after a reported vehicle theft at a Best Western on Annamark Drive, died from complications of cocaine toxicity that were ruled accidental.
   

3. Madison Fire: Heater causes vehicle fire on city's east side (nbc15.com) — Madison firefighters say an open-flame propane heater sparked a vehicle fire Thursday night on the 4700 block of Femrite Drive, on the city’s east side. A person trying to thaw a truck’s radiator left briefly for a fire extinguisher and returned to find the Ford Ranger engulfed, though crews stopped the flames from spreading to the nearby home.
   

4. More than 30 events to return for beloved Winter Carnival in downtown Madison (nbc15.com) — A long-running Winter Carnival is set to bring more than 30 events to downtown Madison and the UW–Madison campus from Feb. 5–7, 2026, including skating, fireworks, and the iconic Lady Liberty on Lake Mendota. Organized by the Wisconsin Union and campus clubs, the festival offers outdoor recreation, music, art, and food, with activities subject to weather conditions.
   

📸 Around Madison

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Madison

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Madison Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hi Neighbors, our dog Zuri has gone missing.
    Rare for him to leave the yard. But has happened twice in last 3 days. Please let me know if you see him. Thanks My phone is 608-354-4649 (Nextdoor Spring Harbor)
  • Hi neighbors!
    Sharing a note of appreciation. It brings me joy to see holiday lights in the morning when walking our dog. No matter how small, it warms my heart… (Nextdoor Spring Harbor)
  • Valvoline, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Service Center Manager in Madison. Apply here.
  • Muvr posted a job opening for Mover – Flexible Schedule | Madison, in Madison. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Madison here.

Ok Madison! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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